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I would like to write an informal email:

Sorry for not throwing a farewell party

Is throwing the right word here?

Michael
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    15. To arrange or give (a party, for example). http://www.thefreedictionary.com/throw However, see usage note in Barrie England's answer. – Kris Dec 01 '13 at 08:10

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We can certainly speak of throwing a party, but we normally do so when there is actually to be a party. It strikes rather the wrong note when you’re apologising for there not having been one. It would be better to use a more neutral term, and write something like ‘I’m sorry I didn’t give a farewell party, but . . .’ and then give whatever excuse you’ve got.

Barrie England
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  • Now I gave you an upvote, I like your contributions here, unfortunately your site here has one user that runs around downvoting people (>2000 downvotes) it just makes people feel like not bothering. –  Dec 01 '13 at 09:24
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    It isn't my site, and I don't myself downvote. Vexatious downvoters should be dealt with by the admins. – Barrie England Dec 01 '13 at 09:31
  • I know you don't downvote, I was meaning your site, as in being a regular user here, I feel ownerships on some of the [se] sites. It was just my last two posts were downvoted and commented on and when I looked at the user, a high rep user, they have over made over 2000 downvotes. I just don't understand people like this, is all, just a passing comment, and they don't make people feel comfortable or welcome to come back –  Dec 01 '13 at 09:42
  • I thought downvotes were anonymous. – Barrie England Dec 01 '13 at 09:55
  • Oh yes. I see that I have actually downvoted 25 times, but that was early on. – Barrie England Dec 01 '13 at 10:03
  • Barrie most of us downvote at some time or other, but most people are like you and I and make far more upvotes than downvotes :) –  Dec 01 '13 at 10:12
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    Anyway I like your answers here, you have a lot of knowledge, must be the surname :) –  Dec 01 '13 at 10:13
  • Kind of you to say so. – Barrie England Dec 01 '13 at 10:27
  • @Skippy - I believe downvotes serve a useful function, in that they fend off mediocrity on the site. Some use it more than others, and perhaps some use it more than we would like, but, looking at your allegation, I not convinced these downvotes are unjustified. Your answer to this question, e.g., doesn't really answer the O.P.'s question (the O.P. didn't ask for an alternative wording). I don't think your comma advice here is on the mark, either. If you want fewer downvotes, be more careful when you answer. – J.R. Dec 01 '13 at 11:29
  • @J.R. you have bothered to go through my posts, so you can ping me and offer me criticism on a sunday. Bravo. Really excited to be here. thanks for that helpful bit of info –  Dec 01 '13 at 15:08