In my book, "East Hampton - a Town and its People". which I wrote in 
the present tense, I addressed the worn out phrase this way:
"After (Adriaen) Block spends the winter far up Hudson's river, he 
discovers that Manhattoes is on an island, and that the land to its 
east is an island, too. He names that one Lange Eylandt, and gives his 
name to a smaller island near by.'

Nancy Hyden Woodward

On Mar 30, 2007, at 12:07 PM, David Allen wrote:

>
> I am also bothered by this phrase, even though I have been known to 
> use it.  The problem for writers is that there are not many 
> alternatives.  You can ignore the connection between the place and the 
> name on the assumption that it is obvious.  Phrases like "explored the 
> lake that is now named after him" are more awkward.  "Eponymous river" 
> sounds phony.  None of the choices sound very good to me, although I 
> agree that it time to give name bearing a rest.
>  
> David Allen
>
>
>
> See what's free at AOL.com.



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