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

Consider:

"The identity process is culturally embedded."

Is the following then possible?

"Cosmopolitanism constitutes the cultural bed of this identity process."

share|improve this question
I've never heard "bed" used in this sense. The closest I can think of which can be used figuratively is "cradle", but I'm not certain it expresses what you want to say. The sentence you give with "bed" has a meaning unclear to me. – Irene Jan 4 '12 at 10:59
I think it works; in the sense of a flowerbed, or bedrock. – slim Jan 4 '12 at 11:12
1  
... or "bedded in" – slim Jan 4 '12 at 15:22

2 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

I like the formulation you are using. It's a rather artistic way for expressing something like

Cosmopolitanism is the cultural foundation of this identity process.

The question is whether being artistic is ok in the context of your writing. I wouldn't use it in science though.

share|improve this answer
up vote 3 down vote

No. It would probably be understood, but it is not a standard usage, and many readers would question why you are using such an unusual metaphor. "Matrix" or "substrate" are better words.

share|improve this answer
and I am questioning it myself! :) – Benjamin Jan 4 '12 at 11:32

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.