Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

In the same respects/aspects, we can say it's right.

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote accepted

In this context, a 'respect' is a way in which we approach something, and an 'aspect' is a way in which something presents itself to us, or is presented to us. So you can see that the difference is subtle. As JSBangs has said, the phrase "in some/all respects" is idiomatic, but you can see that the meaning is "in whatever way we approach the issue..."

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote

"Respects". There are similar things you might say where "aspects" would be appropriate ("some aspects of it are right"), but in the sentence you give, "respects" is the conventional idiom.

share|improve this answer
I don't want chaos! :-) could you make it clear when to use which? what's the difference ? – lovespring Feb 6 '11 at 21:09
@lovespring, language is chaos! Embrace disorder! Flee systematics! ... But seriously, the phrase in some/all respects is idiomatic, but it's the only phrase I can think of where the word respects is used in this manner. Most of the time aspects is more appropriate. – JSBձոգչ Feb 6 '11 at 21:34
@JSBangs I see, thank you. – lovespring Feb 6 '11 at 22:00

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.