You can't make this stuff up.

[Britva415]

On accident is a parallel to 'on purpose'. It makes sense to use the same preposition for both.

According to this, "by purpose" would be common. It's not just uncommon, it's completely unheard of.

I'd be interested to see if there's a subtle difference in meaning between say 'Im going to try to do ten pull-ups' (I will attempt to do it) and 'im going to try and do ten pull-ups' (I will try, and I will do it).

You answered your own question. With that level of confidence, why say "try" at all. Why not just say "gonna do." (Obligatory Yoda quote here)

And, no, people don't use these two expressions to indicate varying levels of confidence. They use one expression or the other, exclusively, according to their backgrounds.

 

[HordHolm]

This thread has reminded me of another personal fave, although IIRC it was in the Sunday Sport, so British denizens of the AH will know to treat its veracity with caution...

 

[TheLobster]

This thread has reminded me of another personal fave, although IIRC it was in the Sunday Sport, so British denizens of the AH will know to treat its veracity with caution...

This is what you get for being on the naughty list.

 

[HordHolm]

This is what you get for being on the naughty list.

Yes, but it's meant to be coal....

 

[NuclearFairy]

Yes, but it's meant to be coal....

Give it a few million years.

 

[HordHolm]

A friend just sent me this one, and there are just so...many...questions...

 

[MrPixel]

This thread has reminded me of another personal fave, although IIRC it was in the Sunday Sport, so British denizens of the AH will know to treat its veracity with caution...

I've seen a Christmas card with that theme, Santa being the culprit. Don't know which was first, the usual British tabloid silliness, or the warped mind of a greeting cards illustrator.

 

[HordHolm]

I've seen a Christmas card with that theme, Santa being the culprit. Don't know which was first, the usual British tabloid silliness, or the warped mind of a greeting cards illustrator.

I know a greetings card illustrator (who has found himself rather out of work over the last three years - another victim of the technical renaissance), and having drunk with him for many years... I blame him, personally.