Why does the headline read "Boy fractures skull after hit.." Shouldn't it be "Boy's skull fractured after hit"

Question

The whole thing is : "Boy fractures skull after hit by ball at Cubs game"

But doesn't that make it seem like he did it on purpose? I can understand "Boy fractures skull on wall"

Answer 1

your way shows what on the boy was hurt

Answer 2

It can be said either way. The meaning is the same.

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Answer 3

Yes becuase the way the worded it makes you think he fratured his own skull after being hit by the ball.

Answer 4

your right...

the last one makes most sense...

Answer 5

true true

Answer 6

Or perhaps better still "Ball fractures boys skull".  The fracturing took place at the point of impact, not after.

Answer 7

I caught that too, and I wondered about it.

Answer 8

LOL I just read that and that is exactly what I thought. "Boy fractures skull."  No, he didn't. The ball fractured his skull. They make it sound like he fractured his own skull and the ball just happened to be there.

Answer 9

It's just how news headlines are...

Answer 10

In my opinion, you are half right.  The way they put it, it sounds like the boy fractured his own skull after being hit.  Your other version, "Boy fractures skull on wall," still gives the impression that the boy did it to himself.  However, that version is correct in the way that it is stated.  

Confused?  Ok.  Try this,"Boy suffers fractured skull WHEN hit..."  Think about it.  Does his skull crack when the ball hits him?  Or after the ball hits him?  And if it's after, then how long after it hits does the skull fracture?  If you really want to use the word 'after', try this, "Boy's head is fractured after being hit...."  By using the word 'is', you're saying that's the way it presently is after being hit.

I hope you agree with me.  Have a nice day and watch out for flying balls.

Answer 11

I am sure the doctors will tell him "You fractured your skull" or "Your skull is fractured"....either way it is the same result.