Train Station or Railway Station?

[Nym]

There is a clear difference between Aerodrome and Airport though, the same as there is between a Harbour or Marina and a (Sea)Port.

Places like Woodford or Barton are sod all like Ringway, in the same wasy that Bridlington is sod all like Dover!

 

[Bungle73]

I've heard the argument that's it a "railway station" not a "train station" because it's the railway that's stationed there, and not the trains.

Here's a little fact:
The term aerodrome was taken out of the dictionary a little while ago.

What do you mean "taken out"? The OED (the accepted authority on the English language) never remove a word. I see no reason for its removal anyway

 

[WestCoast]

There is a clear difference between Aerodrome and Airport though, the same as there is between a Harbour or Marina and a (Sea)Port.

Well, yes there is now. Historically an aerodrome covered anywhere that a plane could take off or land. Aerodrome nowadays sounds more appropriate for a General Aviation airfield (another term!) or a military base. Names aren't always logical.

I suppose it's possible that in 50 years from now, 'train station' might be used for large stations and 'rail(way) stations' to describe small stations with just a 1 or 2 platforms and a shelter. Or vice versa. Who knows!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Oh, I have heard "rail station" quite a bit, I think that's a compromise that's quick to say. What about this version?

 

[tsr]

Ahem. Thought I'd leave my employers out of it

Although renaming it "Rheilffordd Arriva Railways" would sort out the stupid situation of the word Arriva appearing twice in the logo.



Absolutely, but it's all about semantics, semiotics and aesthetics. I like to consider the machine and the track as one single entity - one can't exist without the other - the train can't run without tracks, and without a train to run on it, the track serves no other purpose. OK - in this post-privatisation world two separate legal entities may look after the two sides of the coin, but in the end, they're two halves of a whole.

I think you also might add "symbiosis" - a system where there are various parts, all of which must be present for their relationship: trains, infrastructure, personnel, administration, cargo/pax, etc. You can't have a railway without trains, nor personnel, etc.

 

[fairysdad]

I tend to say 'Rail Station' myself...

Although perhaps...

Terminal stations should be Train Stations (like bus stations)...
Regular stations should be Train Stops (like bus stops)...

/runs away quickly and hides/

 

[43021HST]

I've heard the argument that's it a "railway station" not a "train station" because it's the railway that's stationed there, and not the trains.


What do you mean "taken out"? The OED (the accepted authority on the English language) never remove a word. I see no reason for its removal anyway

I read it in the Metro and I cant remember the full paragraph.

 

[Nym]

I read it in the Metro and I cant remember the full paragraph.

Remember though, anything you read in the Metro is utter B*****s...

Including an article posted by interviewing a certain Ben Mills who since fled the country...

 

[timstours]

its been a railway station for the last 100 years ,more slang talk i think

 

[Eagle]

its been a railway station for the last 100 years ,more slang talk i think

Language evolves - get used to it

 

[Mojo]

The great Ken Bruce and the lovely Lynn Bowles just had this discussion on Radio 2!

 

[Minilad]

its been a railway station for the last 100 years ,more slang talk i think

So I take it then you talk as someone would have in the late 1800s, early 1900s then. Unlikely I think

 

[43021HST]

The great Ken Bruce and the lovely Lynn Bowles just had this discussion on Radio 2!

What were the results of the discussion?

 

[HST Power]

Life's too short for this nonsense. Language changes over time as new words and usages come into mainstream use and push out older ones. There is no right or wrong on this, merely a choice of phrase. When it comes to names logic and reason go out of the window. Why is it a bus stop? an airport? a taxi rank? It's just what people call them. Whether it is "logical" or "reasonable" makes not one jot of difference.

What I will say, however, is that I am saddened by the level of literacy displayed, even on official documents and notifications. This is not limited to the railway either, with lots of badly spelled and phrased notices almost everywhere you go.

O L Leigh

I think that's the best post I've seen yet this year.

 

[aspierail]

I prefer the term railway station however i never say train station as that sounds rather amateurish.