User:KarlHallowell

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I'm a math grad student specializing in mathematical physics, particularly quantum field theory, string theory, etc. I have many interests including economics, space development, and geology. I also am a somewhat active participant in the Foresight Exchange, a reputation-based betting market on future possibilities in business and finance, law and politics, and science.

[edit] Purge "greater or lesser" from your vocabulary

I have noticed to a greater or lesser extent that some people use the phrase "greater or lesser" in a context that doesn't mean anything. For example,

From ancient times grain has been stored in greater or lesser bulk.

becomes

From ancient times grain has been stored in bulk.

and makes just as much sense as it originally did. I shall purge this grevious error (at least in the cases where I see fit and as time and energy allow) from Wikipedia using the cleansing might of my holy editorial powers. If someone disagrees with my plan, please tell me so we can work something out. -- KarlHallowell 20:01, 19 August 2006 (UTC)

Here's a good use of the term in the intimidate article (I'm linking to a particular version).

Like all behavioral traits it exists in greater or lesser manifestation in each individual person over time, but may be a more significant compensatory behavior for some as opposed to others.

Note that here, the term is used to say that a particular trait manifests variably. My key test question is does the overall sentence remain the same when the phrase is removed? If yes, then I delete it. Here, the phrase modifies the sentence nontrivially and thus, I retain it. -- KarlHallowell 20:16, 19 August 2006 (UTC)

I'll stop for now and see if there are complaints before I resume. -- KarlHallowell 20:34, 19 August 2006 (UTC)