Trial has not been able to come to a verdict?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi, on the BBC I’ve just heard this phrase:

… the trial has not been able to come to a verdict.

Now, how can a trial be able to do anything? Shouldn’t be able to be used only in connection with persons or organizations? I mean, a trial is an event, not a person. Maybe I’m wrong?
Thank you,
Nicole

2

Hi Nicole, You asked:

I agree that this sounds a bit odd and is, as we say, pushing it somewhat. The only explanation I can put on it is perhaps laziness or to give it dignity, it could be construed as a sort of figure of speech whereby the whole stands for the part. This is called synecdoche. On the whole however I’m inclined to think it’s sloppy.

Alan

3

Hi Alan, thank you very much for your explanation, I have learned yet another new word: synecdoche.

Here is another strange phrase I have just seen on BBC:

From April 18 analogue satellite transmission of BBC Europe will end.

To me this sounds strange because in my opinion something ends on a day not from a day on. So, I would substitute from with on:

On April 18 …

Maybe, I’m missing something here?
Have a good Sunday,
Nicole

4

Hi Nicole,

This is really a difference in meaning.

If you say Charlie is 17 on Tuesday, you are referring to that day and nothing after that. You could then say: From Tuesday (as he will be 17) he will be able to take a driving test.

This is the case in your example because although the transmission will end on April 18th, it will no longer be in existence after that date/from that date.

Alan