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The usage of the word 'ad hoc'

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ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms

Pronouncing "Daerr" | meaning of "to be transferred"

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#1 (permalink) Wed Feb 21, 2007 2:59 am The usage of the word 'ad hoc'

Hi,

Could you help me with the word 'ad hoc' as in:

Quote:

The figurative meaning of "play by ear" is really more closely related to the skill mentioned in the last paragraph above. You make your responses ad hoc to the unfolding situation, for which you are not exactly prepared, since it hasn't occurred before.

I was feeling that 'ad hoc' here should mean 'impromptu'. But my problem is, when it takes up the meaning of 'impromptu', shouldn't it be only used as an adjective? Such as:

Quote:

On an ad hoc basis, Congress has . . . placed . . . ceilings on military aid to specific countries (New York Times)

On the other hand, when it acts as an adverb, shouldn't it be limited to the meaning of 'for the special purpose or end presently under consideration'? Such as:

Quote:

A committee formed ad hoc to deal with the issue.

So, could the usage in the first quotation not be perfectly right? Thank you.

Haihao

Haihao
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Joined: 26 Oct 2006
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#2 (permalink) Wed Feb 21, 2007 6:43 am The usage of the word 'ad hoc'

. It looks like an adverb to me, Haihao-- a committee formed ad hoc; responses made ad hoc. . _________________ Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

Mister Micawber
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#3 (permalink) Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:51 am The usage of the word 'ad hoc'

...or an ad hoc committee has solved the problem... _________________ Learning is a sacred engagement.

Ahmadov
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Joined: 23 Dec 2005
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Pronouncing "Daerr" | meaning of "to be transferred"

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