Using "the exception proves the rule"
I get very cross about misuse of English and certain phrases in particular. "The exception proves the rule" is one such. Prove has two meanings: 1. To demonstrate something is correct and 2. To test something, like when you prove a cake. The people who get it wrong clearly don't understand that it's meaning 2 we're talking about here - using meaning 1 is nonsense. Example:-
I have a theory that all cats are black.
I see a grey cat.
They say the exception proves the rule: that means that this exception demonstrates the rule is true.
Therefore all cats are indeed black.
Daft, isn't it? Yet I've heard people say something very similar. This is how it should work.
I have a theory that all cats are black.
I see a grey cat.
They say the exception proves the rule: that means that this exception tests whether the rule is true.
Therefore all cats are not black.
If you use this saying wrongly, I forgive you. Just don't do it again, eh?
I have a theory that all cats are black.
I see a grey cat.
They say the exception proves the rule: that means that this exception demonstrates the rule is true.
Therefore all cats are indeed black.
Daft, isn't it? Yet I've heard people say something very similar. This is how it should work.
I have a theory that all cats are black.
I see a grey cat.
They say the exception proves the rule: that means that this exception tests whether the rule is true.
Therefore all cats are not black.
If you use this saying wrongly, I forgive you. Just don't do it again, eh?