📚｜english-questions

[lean plinth]

citizenship is different, as it is the legal documenting structure and such which relates to where you can or cannot be (eg; travel to, immigrate to, emigrate from, live in, etc). nationality on the other hand has several social meanings, but i would say if going on literal standard meaning, that it is more of how you identify. for example, i hold canadian citizenship and was born in canada, meaning i am by citizenry Canadian, but i can chose to nationally identify separately. Even if you identify with the country you’re born in (such as Canada in my example), it would still be separate from citizenship, which is more for legal documenting purpose and population stats etc

hopefully i did a decent job at explaining, sorry if i didnt 😅

[weary hare]

U did.

[left lance]

I have a question !

[ancient socket]

what’s your question

[rancid bone]

“I want someone to give me a plan to improve my English. I am lost due to the many methods.”

[warm sentinel]

Read as much as you can. Listen to lectures, videos, watch movies, anything. Take your time in doing so, and stick to the plan.

[void bobcat]

please whar hub mean ?

[tulip skiff]

the effective centre of an activity, region, or network.

(oxford language dictionary)

[void bobcat]

ohh okay thanks

[tulip skiff]

<3

[tulip skiff]

@onyx helm i summon you

[void bobcat]

you're so kind

[bronze osprey]

There is no url at the top

[verbal heron]

@tulip skiff omg, Elfie is back!

[native flare]

@mortal quail

[tulip skiff]

[verbal heron]

[tulip skiff]

how u doinggg?

[verbal heron]

Doing fine ig, wbu

[tulip skiff]

meh a bit tired

[verbal heron]

Tired? Didn't you just wake up?

[tulip skiff]

yeaa

[verbal heron]

Oh that feeling yeah

[verbal heron]

[boreal ingot]

What exactly is the difference between 'purpose' and 'aim'?

I imagine 'purpose' is the reason something exists, while 'aim' is something that someone or -thing wishes to attain in the future?

[stuck sorrel]

Purpose would be reason- example 'he found his purpose in life'.
Aim would be the direction you move toward a goal or thing you wish to obtain/achieve- example 'her aim was to achieve her New Year's resolution within three months'. Aim can also mean to point or direct an object like a weapon or camera at a target.

[tall anchor]

Expiring leaves parted ancient trees, swaying in a downward** descent**.

what that

[stuck sorrel]

A descent is to move in a downward motion.

[tall anchor]

@stuck sorrel pspspsps

it cant be upward?

[stuck sorrel]

No, descent is down, ascent is up

[tall anchor]

hmmmm i see

ty kitty

[stuck sorrel]

No probs

[regal kayak]

.

[signal shell]

I agree with this. Though this does create a weird unintended overlap, where someone perceives a purpose for themselves which could be attributed to some other power or force. Like if I discover I have a natural talent in some particular area, I might perceive that my existence was "purposed" for using that talent, out of my control. Others might decide that they set their "aim" on using their talent to good use. Depending on your worldview, you might use "purpose" or "aim" to describe what is happening here.

[valid mirage]

hello there

[valid mirage]

I'm not a native speaker
So my question is how to understand the words/phrases like "give up" , "give out" ?
I know what these words themselves mean, but how can i understand the logic of these phrases?
there are similar more phrases and words like these

and also I know what they mean, but it looks like cramming

How you guys as native speaker understand?

[tall anchor]

word power made easy by lewis norman really helps with this kind of words

i think u pick up those phrases over time

@valid mirage

[opaque crane]

Hi

[valid mirage]

thank you so much

[tall anchor]

@valid mirage yw

[boreal ingot]

Ohh, thank you so much!

[boreal ingot]

Yeah, it's either picking them up as you see them or trying to memorise them

No real logic behind many of them

[radiant nimbus]

give out is distributive like to give out things "At the event they gave out free items" ...if you are using it as give out to fail or break down its used for machines body parts "the runners legs gave out and he lost the race" the cars engine gave out .... Give up is to quit and stop trying "he gave up on learning how to cook" ....to abandon a habit "he will give up alcohol as a new year's resolution" also used to surrender>while playing a game or attempting to convinvce someone someone could throw up their hands or shrug shoulders and say "uhg, I give up!"

[stuck sorrel]

It is 'give up' because it evokes a feeling of surrender. The 'up' in the phrase is a metaphor for a higher or superior position (where trying would be considered superior to not trying to do something). Even when that position is harmful (example, smoking cigarettes), to give up smoking would be to surrender the act of smoking.

[ashen tide]

Does saying "In the city, you meet individuals from all walks of life" imply not only different socioeconomic backgrounds but also different ethnicities?

Btw, as an aside, does saying "I felt beckoned in her house" make sense and also mean you felt welcomed during your stay there?

Btw, as a 2nd aside, does saying "what do you mean you cant read it? the letters are razor-sharp" make sense meaning that the letters can be clearly seen/read?

[boreal ingot]

I think 'walks of life' is strictly about lifestyles, occupations, and classes. The group may have or may not have been of different ethnicities, but the focus is that they were varied in terms of, as you aptly put it, socioeconomic backgrounds

[boreal ingot]

I can sort of see your logic regarding 'feel beckoned' there, but it doesn't mean 'inviting' in that sense. It's more that something calls upon you and asks that you go thither. Fame beckons you because it attracts you and makes you seek it, not because it's inviting. You can still phrase that as 'I have always felt beckoned by fame' or 'I have always felt beckoned to become famous'. It's basically like 'urged by' or 'allured by' a prospect

Remember the literal meaning of 'beckon': to make a gesture of the body in order to urge someone or something to approach. This sense is merely a metaphorical expansion of the original

[boreal ingot]

As for this, I hope elsewho can answer you. I find myself uncertain

[torn plume]

Hi 👋
I’m learning English and I’m new here.
Can you help me practice?

[valid mirage]

Hello again

what's difference between?:

1. Define what you actually want
2. Define what it's that you actually want

how non-native can understand the differ?

[latent reef]

1. isnt correct, you would need it to say "define what you actually want".
   The difference is more to do phrasing, 2) seems to be asking for something more speific, while 1 is more general

[valid mirage]

I don't understand why need "it's that"?

[latent reef]

you dont need it as "define what you actually want" still works
but it just reinforces the specific nature of the question

[stuck sorrel]

Generally speaking, the second one would be written and spoken as 'Define what it is that you actually want'. Contractions are painful and annoying creatures even for us native speakers. Also, both statements are asking the same thing, because the key word is define, which is to detail or explain specifically. So they are the same statement, but the second statement specifies explicitly that the want be singular, where the first only implies it.

[valid mirage]

it seems I need 10-20 years to understand subtleties like these😅

[stuck sorrel]

Don't worry, you're already doing very well.

[tall anchor]

“What do you mean it’s a secret? You want me to go somewhere I’ve heard nothing about but horror stories, yet you won’t tell me what we’ll be doing there?” yet is used as a fancy "and" here?

[dreamy kindle]

What is WH-noun clauses?

[tall anchor]

[valid mirage]

I wanna feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel

[dense oasis]

I would not say it is "fancy" in any way. It just means "and" with this slight contradictory nuance like "but"

there is even "and yet"

it's not a normal "and", though. it carries this contradictory nuance

[boreal ingot]

It's a fancy 'but'

I'd say it's closest in meaning to 'and despite that'

[boreal ingot]

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/parts-of-speech/noun-clause/

[rancid stone]

hi

[ashen tide]

Hello. Is it ok to use like so in this manner: "You must follow every step like so: [here you write the actual steps]"

[sacred mirage]

yes

[tall anchor]

"come to think of it" has the same meaning as "now that i think of it"?

or is "now that i think of it" just plain wrong

[pearl lion]

Good evening and happy New Year! It’s my first message in this server. I’d like to know how can I improve my speaking and mainly listening skills! My English level is B1/B2, I also think that I need to increase vocabulary and I have 100% of certain you can help me with this topics.

[tall anchor]

@pearl lion whut new years eve

[pearl lion]

Sorry

[tall anchor]

@pearl lion i feel bad now im sorry

[tall anchor]

best of luck

for speaking read books aloud it really helped me for listening try podcasts

and movies with english subtitles

[pearl lion]

Ty @tall anchor

[deft siren]

hi guys, i need a help with my sentence and it sounds like that: "I have came up with idea to remain silent along with my clasmates' shouts to show interest myself to the teacher" -is the word "myself" used correctly?

and if you see other mistakes- freely tell my I'll appreciate ur help

[tall anchor]

with the idea , and no

i dont really knows tbh ask chatgpt

[halcyon wigeon]

Hi !
I am just new here want to improve my English how it can help me ? I don't use this app tbh

[prisma elbow]

Does anyone know what stagnation means?

[tall anchor]

no helpers today we all on our own

[prisma elbow]

always has been

[obsidian fulcrum]

stagnation means a state of not growing, not changing, or not progressing. u know it’s everything feels stuck.

[lofty fulcrum]

@copper flare

[novel creek]

heyy, guys!

[prisma elbow]

sounds good , thanks

[stuck sorrel]

Both are correct, and pretty much mean the same thing- a state of epiphany, or remembering something relevant or important to the current topic.

[stuck sorrel]

I'm not 100% sure what you are trying to say here, is it like 'wanting to stay quiet when your classmates are loud, so that the teacher knows you are interested in learning'?

[deft siren]

It isn’t my situation, I just made this sentence to make sure I know how to use the word “myself” in this condition, you understood right

[plain rain]

do you have other source

[boreal ingot]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_clause

[boreal ingot]

Your sentence has a lot of mistakes, and I think that trying to correct all of them would not actually answer your question about 'myself'. If I corrected it, the final product wouldn't have the word 'myself' at all. So I'll explain reflexive and intensive pronouns to you. In English, both of them look the same. They end in either '-self' or '-selves'.

A reflexive pronoun is used as the object of the verb when the subject referent and object referent of said verb are the same. In simpler terms, when the subject and object are the same person or thing.

I kill me.

This is wrong. The subject refers to the same person as the object, so you have to use a reflexive pronoun as the object:

I kill myself.

And this is true for every other person and verb.

He kills himself.
She washes herself.
They eat themself.
They see themselves.
One tells oneself that [x].

This is even true when the subject of the verb is not a pronoun. If Jess does something to Jess (same person), Jess does something to herself. When the actor and the acted-upon are the same person, we will use a reflexive pronoun:

Jess helped herself.
Adam behaved himself.
Scella explained herself.
DeeDee told themself [x].

As for intensive pronouns, they take on the same form as reflexive pronouns but act differently:

Intensive pronouns are used for emphasis. They emphasise who the actor or acted-upon was. You can typically elide them without changing the meaning of the sentence:

He won the game himself.
He himself won the game.

Jess objected to the decision herself.
Jess herself objected to the decision.

This typically carries a connotation of either 'I'm surprised this person did that' or 'I want to make the fact that this person did it all alone very prominent'.

I did it myself! Without your help.
^ All alone

Jess herself objected to the decision. And you know how reserved and placid she is.
^ Of all people, Jess did. Focusing on who did because it's surprising

[deft siren]

Thanks. Dayuum, so many mistakes…

[weary hare]

Do natives use my man for their partners?

[ashen tide]

It seems like even British English uses the flap t in connected speech, ie, when connecting a t (or d?) of a word to the initial vowel of another word, eg "what is it", "but I don't", "that applies", but extremely unlikely in "British"

Any brit here knows more about this??

[static sorrel]

Yes

[ashen tide]

[static sorrel]

It depends where you're from, for me personally I don't pronounce the t like a t, it's more like very light d sound

[ashen tide]

Hmm, I appreciate it so much. May I ask, even in the word "British"?

[static sorrel]

"whad Is iə" " Bu' I don'T" "tha' applies"

[boreal ingot]

Yeah, some British English speakers do it. I'm not sure where the notion that they never do comes from. However, they do it much less readily than Americans. I can't comment on whether they do it in the word 'British'

[static sorrel]

That's usually not pronounced unless you're using RP

[ashen tide]

Is it both a flapped t and a glottal stop you're using to pronounce those words?

[static sorrel]

or are from Scotland

[ashen tide]

I thought so (I thought maybe you were from there. Just making sure)

[static sorrel]

I can say them in a vc if it is easier (I can't use voice notes on here unfortunately)

[ashen tide]

Alright. There's also the website https://vocaroo.com/ that allows you to record and share the link of your recording for what it's worth

[static sorrel]

It's okay, I'll use the vc instead

[ashen tide]

Alright, we're on "pronunciation"

[weary hare]

Makes sense.

An Indian guy called my colitis “gender dysmorphia” on another server; betrothal has made him annoyed from gender chatting.

When he called me my man, I finally got why he did it. Since it has flirting connotations, as fluent speakers normally just say Girl or Man.
If his Eng wife knew, she’d break up.

That reminds me of Grell Sutcliff from the Black Butler, what’s his archetype called in English?

Also, the proper grammatical terms are:
Gender dysphoria or sexual malformation depending in the context.

[boreal ingot]

'my man' can not be flirtatious

Particularly when it's used as a vocative, as opposed to referring to someone not present/a third party

My man, what are you up to?

This is very typical of informal American speech

It's friendly

He's my man.

In this case, it implies a romantic relationship

It's very context dependent

@weary hare

[dense oasis]

you're so wise my man

[boreal ingot]

I'd prefer not being referred to so

[tall anchor]

Imogen "dishes out a heaping dose of side-eye"what does that mean

[weary hare]

Me neither.

[dense oasis]

"heaping" comes from "a heap" which is a lot of items next to each other/on each other. Kinda like a stack of items
"a dose" just means "some amount", in medical contexts it's usually a very specific amount of medicine taken at one time

"to dish something out"

[dense oasis]

so I would understand the entire thing as "looks at someone with a lot of suspicion"

or contempt

[tall anchor]

😭 fits the rest of the passage thanks a lot

[dense oasis]

Sorry Scella, I was just being silly. Meow meow

[boreal ingot]

Meow

[boreal ingot]

Do natives pronounce 'wrong direction' and 'wronged erection' the same? (when they say 'direction' with 'di' not with 'dai')

And before someone makes a stupid joke, I'm using 'erection' in the sense of 'that which has been erected; a building'

[boreal ingot]

What is the difference between 'equivalent to' (wherewith I am familiar) and 'equivalent with' (which I have not seen before now)?

If the empty element in (2) is equivalent with the relative pronoun, it could be that it is raised, too.

[stuck sorrel]

It depends where you're from, what accent you speak in, and how articulate you are, but careful listening will usually show the difference

[static sorrel]

I think it depends where you're from, for me it would be i-rection and di-rection sometimes I pronounce it as dai-rection as "It was that dai-rection" so for me they wouldn't

[boreal ingot]

Thank you both

[stuck sorrel]

Equivalent is the same as equal, so grammatically speaking you're more likely to find it as 'equivalent to' rather than 'with'. Although the latter is not incorrect, it is less common

[boreal ingot]

Semantically, are the two identical?

[stuck sorrel]

I was about to mention that, yes they are

[boreal ingot]

Ah, understood. My many thanks!

[stuck sorrel]

No worries at all. Just as an aside, it looks more polished and correct to use 'equivalent to'. But there's nothing wrong with using it the other way

[static sorrel]

I agree, I've never actually seen used 'equivalent with' either

[static sorrel]

Are there any other similar words to 'upheld' as in "He upheld the rules in his classroom"?

I can only think of maintained

[tall anchor]

does i'd wager has the same meaning as i'd say?

[boreal ingot]

'To wager' originally meant 'to bet (something, on an outcome)'. A quote from 1676:

The Commander or Corporal of the Souldiers and I fell at Dispute concerning his Men, that they could not shoot at a Mark; whereupon he told me, That I could not shoot so well with a great Gun, as any of them did with their Musquet; at last I wagered with him that I would shoot as near with a great Gun, as he himself with a Musquet; whereupon we agreed, (the Wager was two Rix Dollars)

(It was then intransitive but nowadays is typically transitive: 'I'll wager 30 dollars that he loses the race', 'I won't be wagering on that game'.)

Nowadays, however, it's rarely ever, likely never, used to pronounce an actual bet. Most use it to signify a high level of confidence in a prediction/guess. It's also resultantly almost exclusively used with 'would', now, as it's used to express that one is so confident they are hypothetically willing to invest money into their prediction.

'I'd wager' signifies a high degree of confidence but conveys a less flippant or defiant tone than 'I bet' does. It's not exactly the same as 'I'd say'. 'I'd say' carries a much more appraising or tentative tone. 'I'd say' has the feeling of careful estimation, as opposed to confident proclamation. It's almost like one is hedging when one says 'I'd say', as it indicates to the listener that the speaker is only basing their judgement upon the scope of their knowledge. When one says 'I bet', one is rudely expressing one's certainty. One is attempting to show that one views other outcomes as inconceivable. Likewise, 'I'd wager' expresses confidence, but it has a tone of formality to it. This is because of the distance the modal of hypothetical situations, 'would', provides, and because of the modal's past tense as, in English, we often use the past tense for politeness (e.g., 'Would you help me?' 'Might I ask ...?' 'If you could ....' 'I wanted to ask you for ....' 'I thought you might ....').

This was a slightly rambling answer, I fear, but I hope it's conveyed sufficiently the nuance of 'I'd wager'

[tall anchor]

i think ive heard** i'd bet that** too are they synonyms?

i mean roughly

[boreal ingot]

Roughly, yeah, they're synonymous

'I'd bet that' and 'I'd wager that'

[verbal heron]

"that" is optional tho

[tall anchor]

thank youuu

[tall anchor]

yea i know

[verbal heron]

Btw you don't need to use "I'd wager," just know that it's a thing and has the same meaning as "I'd bet"

[tall anchor]

ive read it somewhere and wanted to know id prob use i bet in practice

[verbal heron]

Administered maybe?

Ngl maintained sounds way better

[verbal heron]

That's totally fine

[tall anchor]

@verbal heron u def not beginner lol why choose that flair

[boreal ingot]

Just remember the nuance that I mentioned regarding politeness

[verbal heron]

I like the colour lol

[tall anchor]

okeii ill keep that in mind

[tall anchor]

😭 fairs

[boreal ingot]

'That' as a subordinator may be elided in almost all positions. Only in the subject position is it never elided:

[That you chose to go to America and leave me here] saddened me.

However, typically the phrase is extraposed and 'it' replaces it. In which case, 'that' is still present, but may be elided in some cases (I'm not sure what governs the acceptability of the elision in such sentences):

It saddened me (that) you chose to go to America and leave me here.

It's nothing special to the expression 'I bet that'

[boreal ingot]

This stage began with the separation of a distinct speech, perhaps while it was still forming part of the Proto-Indo-European dialect continuum. It contained many innovations that were shared with other Indo-European branches to various degrees, probably through areal contacts, and mutual intelligibility with other dialects would have remained for some time. It was nevertheless on its own path, whether dialect or language.

Ought this not to be 'would remain', not 'would have remained'?

[dense oasis]

at first I thought it is just a conditional, but it is not really that tho. I think they used "would have remained for some time" because it's just future perfect moved into the past. Like "I will have gotten 5 new cats by the end of the year", but in the past. The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that future perfect is usually used with "by" some period. So idk...

maybe it's just about nuance

"would remain" sounds more hypothetical than very past oriented

[verbal heron]

Maybe the first sentence is highly literary or idk. It's just that "that" as a subordinator at the beginning of a sentence sounds odd to me. I'd probably phrase it like this,
"The fact that you chose to go to America and leave me here saddened me," or probably like, "Your choosing to go to America and leave me here saddened me." The second one doesn't sound that good to me tho, maybe. For the elision part, one general rule of thumb is that if the elision of "that" creates ambiguity or the clause that is following "that" is a bit long, keep it, and if it sounds good without "that," then you can avoid it, no? For instance, if you omit "that" from your second sentence, it becomes " It saddened me you chose to go to America and leave me here." Sounds a bit weird to me. Here, I'd rather break the sentence into two parts than omit the subordinator that. For short sentences and short subordinate clauses, we sometimes drop it, especially during fast speech and in informal settings. About the elision, part it's more of an intuitive logic tho. Not sure if it (the rule of thumb) will be useful everywhere.

[verbal heron]

This might help:
meaning - "Would have" in texts describing history - English Language Learners Stack Exchange https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/180481/would-have-in-texts-describing-history

[stuck sorrel]

Not at all. Within the context of that sentence, 'would have remained' is entirely correct because it is talking about a past event- in this case, the formation of a dialect, and how despite meaning drift it continued to be understood due to it not developing in isolation from other language/dialects in the same area.

[tawny saffron]

In everyday American English, do Americans often use the simple past even if it's still early in the morning, like "Did you eat breakfast yet?" or "Did you have breakfast yet?" instead of "Have you had breakfast yet?" or "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"?

[stuck sorrel]

Yes. I would go further and say most places where English is the dominant language, native speakers will more often use the less formal 'did you eat' versus 'have you eaten'. Especially with family or friends.

Although they're pretty interchangeable, and at least in my personal experience, it's often whichever version comes to mind first.

[signal magnet]

Hey

[tawny saffron]

Appreciate it 👍

[ashen tide]

When reading a date out loud, eg 10 may 2025 like so:

The tenth of may (of) twenty twenty-five
May tenth (of) twenty twenty-five

is it wrong or just wordy to add/say the preposition (of) there?

[lyric parcel]

what's this word that describes the impatience of wanting things now - like a study shows that more people have less attention span due to how fast the webpage loads and if it takes more than 2 seconds, they get impatient or stop. it completely escaped my brain.

[boreal ingot]

I mean, it doesn't sound entirely wrong. It's logical. But it sounds very weird

Especially the second one

[robust gulch]

That’s called (instant gratification) — people expect things immediately, and even a few seconds of delay feels too long now

[red igloo]

The tenth of May, 2025

[lyric parcel]

yes yes thank you

[sacred mirage]

both sound fine

i would say the bottom is more american but i could be wrong

but remove the second of from both

[robust gulch]

You’re welcome.

[weary hare]

“Kindly pray for me!” or “Kindly, pray for me!”

[vague pebble]

Hello, I was doing an exercise about converting sentences from Active to Passive Voice, and I got the following sentences as incorrect:

A judge should divorce my mother and father. -> My mother and father should be divorced by a judge.

Her cousin had researched retirement homes for their grandparents. -> Retirement homes had been researched by her cousin for their grandparents.

Are they really incorrect? Thanks for the help.

[boreal ingot]

The first seems correct. The second should be:

Retirement homes for their grandparents had been researched by her cousin.

[flat rune]

Hello!
I’m looking for a Discord text chat job.
B1 English | Beginner | Text only
You can message me anytime 🌸

[cunning saffron]

how can i benefit from server to learn english can anyone help me ?

[tall anchor]

what does that even mean

[flat rune]

, I'm new here Astar

[stoic smelt]

I am Anton, I want to learn English in this channel.

[flat rune]

How i can i help u?

[stiff kernel]

I need help to learn English

[deep zealot]

Hi

[static sorrel]

The first one is a older way of saying it. They would say (if one were to be alive today) "The 13th day of January, in the eighty-ninth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Victoria." that's like an older Victorian, British way to say it but nobody writes like that anymore. In modern day people would write "The tenth of May twenty twenty-five" unless a person was from the USA, they'd use the second one without (of)

[fathom finch]

hello sorry i have a question… i’have an evaluation tomorrow in english and the theme is « past ireal » and there are 3 types of hypothese but i don’t very understand… can someone can help me ?… sorry my english is bad

[sage walrus]

I think kindly pray for me is the correct way to put it.
Adding a comma makes it sound weird and a little bit confusing

[north yarrow]

hello everyone ，i just started to learn English，do you have any tips or suggestions for practice?

[weary hare]

Thanks.

[sage walrus]

Anytime

[tall anchor]

"giving them the series of inoculations that has done so much to decrease infant mortality"" like killing them?

[signal shell]

Mortality doesn't necessarily imply killing. It could just be any type of death

I guess you could say in this case that it's the diseases that are killing the infants

[tall anchor]

istg i didnt understand anything

the passage was talking about pediatricians do they kill babies

[signal shell]

No, they don't

[tall anchor]

i hope not

[signal shell]

They are preventing the death of babies

Reducing the death of babies

Babies unfortunately die. But thanks to the series of inoculations, fewer of them are dying.

[tall anchor]

@signal shell i thought mortality meant living

mb

[signal shell]

Ah I see. Quite the opposite lol

[tall anchor]

[tall anchor]

ive read about immortals call humans mortals in books and i thought it meant the living one

now i need to reread 10+ books

[signal shell]

Mortals are people who can die

Immortals are people who cannot die

[tall anchor]

i knew that but my brain didnt made the connection

[signal shell]

Yeah, it's not the most straightforward thing tbh

[tall anchor]

[wary phoenix]

Is it essential to learn english grammar for English fluency

?

[static sorrel]

Yes

[dense oasis]

yeah. but at the end what matters the most is whether or not you can apply this practically

[static sorrel]

Isn't that the case for any language to become fluent?

True

[wary phoenix]

Yea but the teacher teaches the English grammar in a very bookish way which I don't even understand and I often forget about it

[dense oasis]

in my case what helped me the most is seeing it all on examples

because you can study a lot of theory but like, when you see an example, and many of them, you actually see the same pattern

like many beginners say stuff like

"I didn't drank anything today"

or "I didn't flew to Canada"

but that's just a simple pattern, you always do "did" + infinitive verb

so "I didn't drink"

"I didn't fly"

very simple, just keep the verb the same, unchanged. Just eat, not ate. Just drink, not drank. Just take, not took

and even with more complex topics, this strategy works too, you just have to take a looooooot of time and many examples to see what the heck is going on

[static sorrel]

There are a few that use the same spelling for both but I can only think of one

[dense oasis]

yeah like "I read" can mean you either idk read every week, or you read something in the past. Like I read a book yesterday. But I read books every week

Then there's even "I've read"

again, just read. Nothing changed

Or "put" lol. The same problem

or hit. But there's a limited amount of these

[dense oasis]

I think there's one specific topic that many people are extremely confused about when they try to learn it. This sorta thing:

"If I had not bought a cat, I would have lived alone at that time".
and people get confused because why would you even need all these word salad words like "would have", many languages have none of this. But for me that's just a pattern. I can see a lot of examples with this and hey, at the end I can replicate them myself right. No need to always understand theory or always seek logic. Just seek patterns

[static sorrel]

yeaa

[wary phoenix]

Oh ok ty

[dense oasis]

we all believe in you Allegra, you're the ultimate warrior. you can win against all these issues

It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight

rising up to the challenge of your rivaaaaaaal. and the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night, and he's watching us all with the eyeeeeeeeee... of the tiiiiger

[valid mirage]

practice makes perfect

[boreal ingot]

Beating a Loli within an Inch of Her Cringe Little Life

Ignoring the content, should this not have been 'to within an inch'? The beating is happening until/to a point where the loli is within an inch (within the small area/bit that remains) of her life, no? So I imagine that should be 'to within'. Or is 'within' jus idiomatic? If that's the case, is 'to within' wrong?

[stuck sorrel]

Both ways are correct, and will be understood by anyone fluent in English. However, 'to within' is more correct grammatically. So if you want to be precise, you would insert the 'to' in there.

But as a native speaker myself, this is one of those places where if you insist on precision, it's a little pedantic when the slightly more casual way is just as understandable.

[ashen tide]

in casual speech, iirc, it's ok to pronounce "around" as simply "round", no? I'd appreciate y'all's input

[alpine oracle]

How to use word "what" as a statement

[stuck sorrel]

Yeah, round these parts that's acceptable English

[stuck sorrel]

You can use the word what as a statement, when you talk about what a word means. It stops being a query there and becomes a place holder for the meaning. It is used to refer to the whole of an amount- in this case, the whole of the meaning becomes what we use it for.

[alpine oracle]

Can you show examples of them?

I think it can help better

[stuck sorrel]

My whole paragraph can be used as an example of using what as a statement

[alpine oracle]

It would be good

[wary phoenix]

Oh my gah

[dense oasis]

🔥

[wanton prism]

English class ?

[strange bloom]

Class !?

[valid mirage]

thank you guys in this chat for helping people learn English

they will thank you

[strange bloom]

Since everybody knows eng well—y this gc thou !?

[static sorrel]

This is what it's used for haha

[strange bloom]

🥲🥲

[static sorrel]

What had you in mind?

[hollow night]

Question. Can a "relic" be a place or must it be an object?

[dense oasis]

interesting, because I didn't even know that it can mean a person or someone's body

But no, seems like it can not mean a place

from my experience I have never ever seen it being used to mean a place

[vestal nimbus]

hello everybody i am new here and i want to improve my english but i am still know how to deal with application

[ashen tide]

Hello, can you describe a device as a bust meaning it doesn't work/it's a dud? Or is the expression only used for events?

[kindred steppe]

Hi, I have an English assignment, but I'm not sure if it's done correctly, could someone please check it?

[lament agate]

Do u want to send it here

[kindred steppe]

Read the following text and find 10 grammar mistakes with it, list down the 10 mistakes you find:

Last weekend, our class decide to organize a community clean-up event in a park near our school. The idea came from one of the students who care a lot about the environment and wanted to help. On Saturday morning, more than twenty volunteers arrived early, even though the weather were cloudy and cold.

Before we started, the teacher gave us a information about safety rules and explained how to separate recyclable materials from normal trash. Some students were responsible for clean the playground area, while others focused in collecting plastic bottles. There was many pieces of trash under the benches, which surprised everyone.

During the activity, we talked about how pollution affects animals and how small actions can make a big difference. One student said that if more people takes care of public spaces, cities would be cleaner and safer. After two hours of work, the park looked much better, and everyone felt proud of what we have achieve together.

At the end of the day, the teacher said it was one of the more successful activities our class had done.

answer:
decide - decided
who care - who cares
were cloudy - was cloudy
a information - information
for clean - for cleaning
focused in - focused on
There was many - There were many
takes care - take care
what we have achieve - what we had achieved
one of the more successful - one of the most successful

[stuck sorrel]

You made two mistakes. The last sentence is grammatically correct as it was originally written.

[kindred steppe]

Thank you so much

[stuck sorrel]

I think the last one was meant to be corrected as you did, but technically speaking it is also correct if they wanted to say that it was one of several activities that was more successful than others

You could also correct done to completed to be more precise

It's a little tricky even for me as a native speaker

[kindred steppe]

is took-takes?

[stuck sorrel]

YES. Thankyou. I knew that third paragraph still looked odd

[kindred steppe]

Okay, thank you very much for your support, the Mexican government appreciates it.

[stuck sorrel]

Yes, replace takes with took, it's a past tense

[remote vale]

Hello,
I've got a question about something we studied in english class. It's for highschool (not advanced) and i just simply doubt the teacher was correct—but maybe I'm wrong! So i want a third or even fourth opinion.
Sorry for the long intro.
So, the lesson was "expressing purpose." It was all going good, we got introduced to the tools such as to, in order to, so that, in order that... etc.
So i have some questions questions please.

1. in a task was the phrase:
   "People use reusable bags, save environment. (Use 'so that' and modal verb.)"
   I answered "people use reusable bags so that the environment is saved" (i wasn't sure where to put the modal verb😅)
   She said it was incorrect, and that the correct answer was "people use reusable bags so that energy must be saved."
   Hmm... i am just not convinced. It is incorrect i believe. What do you think of that?
2. she also said that the negative forms of those tools are "not to, in order not to, so not that" and i am not sure about that at all. It's just not making sense to me linguistically. What do you think about this?
3. Also, i think that the negative version of 'so that' is (so that + s + do + not + get + verb in the past participle + rest of the sentence.) What do you think of that?

Sorry for the long yapping, also, I'm curious if the first thing you looked at in my message was the sole emoji in it? I think since it's the only color that stands out you looked at it.

[rapid bison]

1. the teacher's example doesn't align with the phrase. you are safe.
2. "so not that" can be awkward, but the rest feel right to me?
3. this hinges on how you would use "so that" in context.

-# 4. emojis are optional.

[candid dagger]

I’m confused about the difference between “grunt” and “grant.” How can I tell them apart?

[verbal heron]

Their teacher replaced "environment" with "energy", damn 😔

[stuck sorrel]

Grunt is an onomatopoeia (word that sounds like the noise it describes) and grant is to agree or allow something (to be given) or to agree or admit to (someone) that (something) is true

[rapid bison]

one shouts (?). one gives.

if the sound,... yea, you should check their dictionary entries and listen to how they are said.

[stuck sorrel]

Grunt is less a shout. It's a low sound, like when you fall or get hit and suppress the noise, but still make some

[rapid bison]

hence the (?).

[stuck sorrel]

2. I'm not even sure that (so not that) is even valid, unless you break it up to be something like: He refused to promise anything, so that his word was not broken.

[verbal heron]

Since both words mean completely different things, I wonder if they wanted to know how you tell if someone is saying "grunt" or "grant"

[stuck sorrel]

And even then, the order is changed.

[rapid bison]

see, @stuck sorrel? our friend was talking about the sound. (of each word)

[verbal heron]

Ah

[rapid bison]

#📚｜english-questions message
also, thanks for repeating my answer.

[stuck sorrel]

Yes. Grunt is an onomatopoeia. A word that sounds like the noise it describes

[rapid bison]

...I don't want to use this word, but "pronunciation" is the word I should have used.

[verbal heron]

😔

[rapid bison]

those two words are minimal pairs: they're off by one sound.

[stuck sorrel]

I didn't repeat your answer, I clarified it

[rapid bison]

that's a repetition already, and you still have the "grunt" versus "grant" question to answer!

(for your info: I wouldn't have considered it so if you had added to my answer instead of answering it from scratch)

(...or maybe I'm too sleepy to read your answer correctly; who knows)

[stuck sorrel]

I was wondering who I should've replied to with that one, and erred on the side of the person posing the query.

Since some only read the direct replies

[rapid bison]

you may @ me while replying to the main question still; that response looked like disregarding mine entirely 😅

(and you could have, as well)

[stuck sorrel]

I'm sorry you took it that way, I struggle with social things, and that wasn't my intention at all

[rapid bison]

it's fine, it's fine
I just wanted to make sure we remain on the same page ;p

(= we are still moving in the same way)

[stuck sorrel]

As long as I haven't offended you, then I'm good. I'm not one to step on any toes if I can help it.

[rapid bison]

you haven't; I was just looking after @verbal heron! but can we come back to the one letter that differentiates "gr__u__nt" from "gr__a__nt"?

[verbal heron]

the first one should be something like this:
"people use reusable bags so that the environment can be saved." You can't change the meaning when you're just asked to change the structure. (The basic meaning was "people use reusable bags to save the environment.")
But since the question wanted you to insert "so...that" and a modal verb you would have to go with the first one.
2. Dee and Kitty have already given their answers to this one. Btw, if a phrase or something you have recently learnt does not make sense to you, make sure to ask your teacher for examples. Wait, scratch that, they would find it mortifying if they didn't have ready-made examples.
3. "Get" isn't necessary. You can have a sentence like this:
"She woke up early so that she wouldn't miss the bus."

[verbal heron]

?

[rapid bison]

:'D
did you just ask a large language model, like ChatGPT?

[verbal heron]

Definitely not

[rapid bison]

?
I'm reminding @stuck sorrel :P

[verbal heron]

Why would you think so

[rapid bison]

:)

[verbal heron]

Didn't you see me typing?

[verbal heron]

Ok

[rapid bison]

yes, but not inside here

...wait
did I just mistype— holon

...yeah, I'm too sleepy to chat
sorry y'all

[verbal heron]

Wdym by that

[stuck sorrel]

Pretty sure we answered the grunt vs grant issue. If it's a pronunciation thing there's a channel for that

[rapid bison]

I soloed the pronunciation thing 😭

[verbal heron]

Yeah, it's definitely a game

[rapid bison]

I was thinking "uhh but did you even type here"

just interpret it as "I am sleepy and I talk weird"

[verbal heron]

You know that I'm not an expert like you

[rapid bison]

I'm not an expert either

[candid dagger]

yeah! i mean pronunciation thing

[rapid bison]

forgive me for misunderstanding things 😭

[stuck sorrel]

Can just think of it like: grunt and punt rhyme. Grant and can't also rhyme. But grunt doesn't rhyme with grant

[rapid bison]

and that is a great answer

[candid dagger]

which channel can i listen the difference

[verbal heron]

#🗒｜pronunciation

[rapid bison]

or, better yet, you can just pick a dictionary

[stuck sorrel]

I'll put it in pronunciation if you want

[candid dagger]

i tried but the net dic is to fast

[rapid bison]

open the entries for both words and play both of them

[verbal heron]

You can record it here

The pronunciation channel is dead anyway

[candid dagger]

ok thanks you all

[stuck sorrel]

It's ok, there's a dedicated channel for noises

[candid dagger]

can i send a voice msg here?

[stuck sorrel]

I don't think so, the little microphone button isn't visible

[candid dagger]

ok

[stuck sorrel]

I tagged you in the pronunciation channel with the examples already

[glossy pike]

Greetings,

How would you describe the difference between feeling ecstatic and the emotion of being elated ? I looked up the meaning of "elated" and google describes it as "ecstatically happy". I cannot really picture such emotions but I assume on a scale of happiness elated is above ecstatic ?

[remote vale]

Yeah

Okay thank you

Thank you vampire

[remote vale]

That's my bad, there were two, one about renewable energies and another about renewable bags.

[remote vale]

Exactly what i thought.

Thanks kitty

[midnight finch]

What is sang in this song? https://voca.ro/17Fq8L1okBvI

"Baby I always felt lonely" ..through symphony? or something else?

[stuck sorrel]

The last repeating line is 'set me free'

[stuck sorrel]

Also, that's a song called 'Don't Leave Me This Way' by the Communards

[midnight finch]

Thank you very much!

[stuck sorrel]

👌

[autumn echo]

[uncut grotto]

Hello, could someone recommend a comprehensive grammar book for beginners to advanced levels? Please

[pallid dome]

Hi everyone

[autumn echo]

Check out “Grammar for English Language Teachers.”

[autumn echo]

oh how are you?

[pallid dome]

Im good,

[autumn echo]

oh did you join here yesterday/

[pallid dome]

So , do you help me on english

[autumn echo]

ya ofcrs

so where are you from?

[pallid dome]

Brazil

[autumn echo]

what specifically?

[pallid dome]

I need knows vocabulary, grammar

[autumn echo]

oh good

actually, english grammar is not so difficult

[ionic loom]

Hello, I want to improve my English skills

[autumn echo]

skill? speaking or grmmar as nikka

[ionic loom]

understanding native speakers and speaking also.

[autumn echo]

where are you from CR7fan?

[ionic loom]

Vietnam

wbu?

[autumn echo]

oh, of course i think speaking is important that other

one strange, you and nikka joined here just same day

isn't it strange?

[ionic loom]

so many people have got same birthday..

what strange?

[autumn echo]

i c

maybe not strange

[ionic loom]

yeah

where are you from?

[autumn echo]

from Singapore

until a few years ago, my speaking was not good, too

[ionic loom]

Oh, you also know chinese?

[autumn echo]

a little

why?

[ionic loom]

Singapore people speaks both I think

So envy

any other language can you speak also?

[autumn echo]

mainly i'm good at Malay

oh really?

[ionic loom]

yeah

[autumn echo]

English, Malay, and Tamil.

[ionic loom]

great! what is your job?

[autumn echo]

but i don't like chinese, most of people around me talk chinese, but i am no so oftern

hmm i'm a university student

[ionic loom]

student? how old? I am 26

just graduated

[ionic loom]

what is your major?

[autumn echo]

i'm 21 years old

oh interesting

major is computer science?

[ionic loom]

how do you know?

[autumn echo]

what about you?

[ionic loom]

me too

[autumn echo]

i am interested in information security

and also of course major

[ionic loom]

good.

[autumn echo]

which university graduated, and the major?

[ionic loom]

lao cay university. also CS

[autumn echo]

oh really?

yeah but i know Lao Cai is located in vietnum

[ionic loom]

yeah

I am from Vietnam

my home is located in lao cai

[autumn echo]

oh sorry, it was mistake

in CS, what specifically?

[ionic loom]

AI and Full Stack

[autumn echo]

amazing, AI, and full stack?

so are you IT developer?

[ionic loom]

maybe right.lol

[autumn echo]

and in AI, what is your experience?

what project have you done?

[ionic loom]

healthcare app development by AI

[autumn echo]

i c

[ionic loom]

are you interested in AI

[autumn echo]

of course

now im gonna try it

[ionic loom]

fighting. now is the time of AI

[autumn echo]

yeah

[ionic loom]

I do not know well.

[autumn echo]

what is your job?

what company?

yeah but it's too slow

[ionic loom]

AbsoluteHealthGroup

[autumn echo]

can you reply mre quickly?

[ionic loom]

quickly? DM me now.

[autumn echo]

how many years of experience?

can you share me your git hub address?

[tall anchor]

can u guys chat somewhere else ty

helpers

"Whores seldom sink, and when they are boarded by pirates, why, the pirates pay good coin like everyone else.” why was "why" used here

[uncut grotto]

Thank you for answer me👋 🫂

[tall anchor]

grammar course books of oxford are also very good

[pallid dome]

@autumn echo You could help me now?

[ionic loom]

I can help you

[pallid dome]

Oh man please

Dm?

I can't call now

[plucky iron]

Hello

My English is week

[uncut grotto]

Whats the book?

[tall anchor]

"Oxford english grammar course" they got three books basic intermediate and advanced

[high cradle]

Hello, I'm new here and I've been muted. Please, can someone help me remove it?

[uncut grotto]

I see, ty🫂

[valid mirage]

sup chat

[harsh gale]

ز

[thorny estuary]

Hi, I'm new here.

[boreal ingot]

Emphasis

[pallid ridge]

Some people believe that universities should allocate more resources to AI and technology programs, while others argue that funding should remain balanced across all fields of study.Which view do you agree with and why?
In contemporary society ongoing negotiation about involving AI in learning systems has gained increasing attention. As Artificial Intelligence is developing it facilitates better time management by considering time resources on more significant aspects then researches. But is AI an invitation that universities should allocate resources on?
On the one hand, implementation of a new era of university learning processes accompanied with AI can lead to beneficial opportunities. Although Artificial Intelligence replaces some occupations, if students learn to use it as a tool it can consequently lead to a future without replacement. Universities can achieve consensus only when they start to prioritise the features of their students. Overall this transformation is viable in the upcoming next-generation.
On the other hand, nevertheless, involving technique to study process also has its drawbacks. As numerous universities can’t afford spending resources on the current sphere without constraining the other ones. In the case that these universities substantiate such methods of learning it can affect their financial conditions.
To conclude if universities adhere with financial ethics and additionally future innovations, the idea that compliance leads to AI-based knowledge in upcoming society.

Heyy can anyone check it?

[snow marten]

As artificial intelligence is developing it facilitates better time management by considering time resources on more significant aspects THEN resources

Aspects then resources

What does it mean here

Also AI and technological advancements can be further developed to use at other studies and research

So it isnt necessarily avoiding other studies and researches when they can go hand in hand where they try to implement AI in practical uses at other studies and researches

It opens up a new door for people to exercise the possibilities of AI usage and increase efficiency

AI will also change the dynamic of information exchange and handling, only consistent use will let us study how itll be used and how to use it more efficiently, the study systems will also go through changes in the future where people consider the AI factor before managing curriculum and use AI as a second brain, where the curriculum mostly involves gaining skills that complement AI usage

[prisma elbow]

what's the difference between adequacy and competence

[carmine copper]

Hii

I want some advice regarding the English SAT

I want to study for it

My level is medium and I want to boost it

To score high

And if anyone have useful resources

[distant mason]

Hii i have realised i'm not really good when it comes to punctuation .It would be really helpful if you all can suggest me ways to work on that

[boreal ingot]

Mainly, look at how people use them. But, also, read style guides (or articles explaining those style guides), and maybe consult a usage dictionary

[tall anchor]

"she stepped gingerly into the water" gingerly?😭

[static sorrel]

I think it means in a hesitant or strange way

I've only ever heard it maybe once or twice, a whileeeee ago

[weary hare]

Fang vs tusk vs tush vs incisor vs canine tooth?

[boreal ingot]

It's actually a fairly common word for 'carefully'

[weary hare]

Referee vs umpire?

[low zephyr]

Besides "you know" is there another ubiquitous filler expression I should know of?

[boreal ingot]

Canines/Canine teeth are long, pointed teeth used for puncturing and gripping flesh (and, with the incisors, tearing it off). They're also used as a weapon by carnivores. A fang is generally a long, pointed maxillary tooth; a fang is a canine tooth of the upper jaw. This term is widely applied to any animal informally, so long as the tooth generally has the shape of what we think of as a 'fang'. Particularly sharp and pointy human maxillary canines may be dubbed 'fangs'. The upper canine teeth of cats are fangs. Those of bats are fangs. If it looks 'fang'-y enough, even insects can be said to have fangs (particularly if it's a venomous insect, for the following reason). However, there is a stricter sense of the word 'fang' used when speaking about snakes: the sharp, elongated teeth that are used for envenomation. Those fangs aren't evolutionarily related to the 'fangs' of Mammalia, as far as I understand, but they're called fangs. Incisors are the foremost/anteriormost teeth. They're generally flat in humans and specialise in cutting food portions off. If an animal has teeth that grow long enough to protrude far out of its mouth (they might look a bit like horns), those are tusks. These may be from the teeth of the upper jaw (maxillary) or those of the lower (mandibular). They may have developed from incisors (incisal/incisor tusks) or (more commonly) from canine teeth (canine tusks). Examples: the maxillary incisal tusks of elephants, the mandibular incisal tusks of the extinct Stegotetrabelodons (which have both maxillary and mandibular incisal tusks), the maxillary canine tusks of walruses and narwhals, and the mandibular canine tusks of some pigs like Babirusas (which have both maxillary and mandibular canine tusks)

[low zephyr]

@boreal ingot Hello, good morning. Is it okay to ask you for your input on this?

[low zephyr]

.

[boreal ingot]

I was about to answer you lol

[low zephyr]

I saw you knew about english, and so I asked. I hope it isn't too much of an imposition or too blunt

🙂

[boreal ingot]

'Like', 'so', 'um', and 'and yeah' are all fairly common

[low zephyr]

How about "you know what I'm saying"?

[boreal ingot]

That's also very common

'You feel me?', 'You see'

'see'

[low zephyr]

But I feel those are far more informal than "you know" even though it seems to be a contraction of the latter

[boreal ingot]

I would agree on 'you feel me' being more informal than 'You know', but I think 'You see' might actually be much more acceptable in formal speech (not writing) than 'You know'

Something like this:

You see, the primary issue is our lack of resources, and this may, quite easily, be rectified via the implementation of ...

[low zephyr]

You know, I've had this confusion about all these filler expressions. Bc "you know" seems to even be used in the most formal situtations, and I don't know which ones are also acceptable on that level (the same with "you see" now that you mention it)

[nimble tundra]

https://youtube.com/shorts/HF7ME2abcZ8?si=nQxhB_m6YYLVOdW3

[boreal ingot]

Yeah, some are very distinctly informal, whilst others are acceptable both formally and informally. It's best to ask, like you're doing, if you aren't sure

You may develop a sense for it through consuming a lot of formal and informal content in English

[low zephyr]

Like, for example, that "like" I just used would be considered "dumb", sth you'd hear from a doofus

[boreal ingot]

Well, it's just a filler. It's not 'dumb'. Some people are more in the habit of using filler words than others, but they're less acceptable in formal speech. However, in day-to-day speech, use them to your heart's content

Sorry for all the typos lol

[low zephyr]

I think people generally deem you as less intelligent when using filler words like "like", like in my example

but it doesn't happen with "you know"

[low zephyr]

Youre good, this is dc. No need to be perfect

[boreal ingot]

Hmm, I suppose overuse can give such an impression, but using 'like' sparingly doesn't really make anyone think that. However, some older folk certainly dislike this modern usage of it

[low zephyr]

And there are also some more "ethnic" filler expressions like "you feel me, you see what I'm sayin"

Or no?

Would it be ok if I said them?

[boreal ingot]

Ethnic? Do you mean characteristic of a particular dialect spoken by a specific ethnicity? AAEV verbiage has disseminated into the speech of many young individuals, particularly those very active in online spaces. For that reason, I, and many, wouldn't bat an eye at someone saying it. However, others may have a gripe with that. It's up to you

I wasn't really aware such a perception of 'you see what I'm sayin' existed, but I believe 'you feel me' is indeed part of that dialect

[low zephyr]

Yes, I believe so. All in all, this also applies here

~ Tony Chopper

[autumn elk]

Instead of “Where’s the start of the queue?” or “Where does the queue start?”, may I also say “Where does the queue start from”?

Is this still natural and grammatically sound?

[stuck sorrel]

All are correct

'Where does the queue start from' is a bit old-fashioned or formal, but it's not wrong

[boreal ingot]

Those are correct. These too:

From where does the queue start?
Whence does the queue start?
Wherefrom does the queue start?

[tribal jewel]

Hi

[fluid flower]

Hi everyone, can someone help me?

[autumn elk]

Thank you very much for your feedback!

[autumn elk]

Thank you too!

[green heron]

Hi

[pallid dome]

One question: when we study English, you learn grammar and speaking skills, but in the speaking part you need to understand the general idea, not translate word for word into your own language. Am I right?

Those who understand (fluent speakers, in this case) can tell if I'm right?

[twin haven]

I believe it's important to know the meaning of the words you speak in any language; especially in English, because so many words can have multiple meanings, so context is important.

[pallid dome]

Yes, but I'm talking about Grammar isn't the most important thing; it's about knowing the meaning of a word but making it automatic, like being a native speaker. I believe fluent speakers have reached that level.

[twin haven]

Grammar is more important in tense usage, to create context. At the casual conversational level between friends and family, correct, grammar is not as important as it may be between professional colleagues.

[vague gust]

hey could u guys tell me what the difference about pouting and scowling they had same meaning but say it different

[twin haven]

"Pouting" infers that one is disappointed and attempting to sway opinion through a facial expression used to affect emotions.
"Scowling" infers negative judgement made by someone.

[pallid dome]

I wasn't talking about grammar, although that's important too; I was talking about knowing words automatically without thinking about their translation.

You get it?

[twin haven]

Maybe? Is it similar to when I think in Japanese, I have to translate it to English in my head?

[pallid dome]

Yes! You got It,I think we need to repeat the word so much and use it in everyday situations that it becomes automatic, that's how Americans speak. Sorry to bother you, I just saw this in the GPT chat.

He said that this part of English is important.

[twin haven]

I agree in respect to ease of speaking.

[tall anchor]

obvi lol

[tall anchor]

try not doing that if possible it would slow down your speaking a lot

[novel moth]

https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/310043/how-can-i-say-bon-appétit-or-smakelijk-in-english?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/106679/when-to-use-bon-appetit?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Linguists, usage guides, and native speech patterns show that:
• Americans do not use “bone apple teeth” as a real expression.
• There is no record of early American settlers using it.
• It did not exist in 19th-century American English.
Professional English usage references do not list it as a phrase ever used in real speech or writing.

Bone apple teeth” is just a meme / joke

[alpine oracle]

What's it convention, seminar, session which are differences between them and how to pronounce them

[thorn condor]

I'd say focus on collocations, connotations and use EN-EN dictionaries. even if you don't understand definitions in English, you can always translate them into your native language. in the long run, it'll boost your comprehension a lot. Also, Anki is a great tool to expand your passive vocabulary https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/571799703.

[boreal ingot]

Grant, firstly, that was ages ago; secondly, Kim was trolling. He does that. Don't waste your energy on this joke 😅

[boreal ingot]

'Convention' has two common meanings: 1. the usual way of doing something (not obligatorily, just what is usually done). 2. A very large social gathering of some people of a particular group or who share a particular interest. It can be a formal meeting for some field or political view or something of the sort, or an informal, like large fan gatherings about anime and games and art. It's very large and typically several events may be hosted across several days.

First meaning:

1. People who claim that that's wrong are stuck in old conventions.
   Second meaning:
2. There was a large convention being held by the conservatives.
3. There's this huge anime convention nearby.

'Seminar' has one common meaning: 1. A small, professional, private, educational meeting headed by an expert or authority figure in a field wherein the group is taught by this expert. It's much more interactive. It's more like a lecture on a smaller scale.

Examples from Cambridge Dictionary:

1. I'm attending a training seminar for financial consultants.
2. The National Science Teaching Association is hosting a 90-minute professional development web seminar for educators on 5 January.

'Session' has two common meanings: 'session' is a much broader term. It can just mean 1. 'a formal meeting' (often a judicial or parliamentary one). However, normally, it's used for 2. any time period designated for a specific activity. The latter meaning is much more common than the former:

First meaning (examples from Cambridge Dictionary):

1. Improvements in workers' compensation were made during the last legislative session.
2. The Bank's board held an emergency session yesterday.
   (This meaning is most commonly heard in the phrase 'in session' meaning 'having a meeting')

Second meaning:

1. I'm going to my basketball training session this afternoon.
2. I have a massage session in an hour.
3. I'm currently in a recording session; I'll call you back later.

[low zephyr]

Hello. Is "I feel on the crosshairs" sth you ever hear said, or maybe "in the spotlight", or "in the bullseye" to mean you're taking heat after doing something wrong?

~ Tony Chopper

[light vapor]

so where are you going from here ? You are right but what is the context ?

People who claim that’s wrong are just stuck in their ways.

Stuck in a rut: Used when someone is following the same boring routine.

It is a phrase : stuck in their ways, stuck in old conventions, stuck in a rut.

"stuck in old conventions" is a bit formal and not used everyday.

[pallid dome]

Great Man, its because chat gpt says that "Having chunks in English conversation" Ready-made phrases

You got It

[ashen tide]

Hello yall.
When trying to teach English as a second language, do you try to enunciate words and say them more slowly. And for instance, is it useful to not pronounce glottalize your t's or use connected speech in order to reach a larger audience?

[static sorrel]

Definitely

I'm not a teacher but being a native speaker and learners having a hard time understanding me when I speak, I've had to try my best to slow down and pronounce my words more clearly so they can be understood

[wide whale]

Hi so I'm a beginner in English how can I improve it or be fluent in English can someone help with that?

[hollow rapids]

I wanna talk American English fluently... if any native speakers are available please help me, be my conversation partner, much appreciated 🙏🏻

[flat rune]

Hey guys, so here we go

Maybe we're not as rich as ....... but I bet we're a lot happier

I answer them, but when I look at the key answer, it says "they"

can you explain why?

[flat rune]

If people understand what you say and you can speak the language without difficulty, you're already fluent.

So my advise is try to listen more and speak more.
If you want to watch english-language film, try not to use subtitle on your native language

[novel moth]

Sometimes I get busy and don’t realize the delay. Sometimes text is hard to detect sarcasm 😂

[flat rune]

In English when we use (as . adjective.as) to compare 2 complete states ,not just 2 people.
As +adjective+ as + subject+ verb
Them is object pronoun...
They alone isn't complete, we need the verb to be (are)

Hopefully my explanation is clear

[twin haven]

a simile?

[boreal ingot]

'they' is correct

so is 'them'

This also is the case after 'than'

Not a soul is better than I at this.
Not a soul is better than me at this.

Both are correct

[novel moth]

I have no idea what you’re referencing, but both of those sentences sound very outdated

Maybe if one is writing a Shakespearean play or something

[boreal ingot]

If you read the screenshot, you would know the outdatedness has already been mentioned

[novel moth]

Why are you saying that they are both correct? I did read the screenshot.

So I’m aware that it said that these phrases are outdated so like you said technically, they can be both correct but it’s something that we shouldn’t be teaching

It’s better to teach them modern stuff rather than outdated

Forgive me I’m using talk to text so there’s anything irregular about what I write. Blame it on the iPhone. Talk to text model

[boreal ingot]

I answered the question that was asked. The point isn't to preach; it's to acknowledge the learner's query. They were wondering why their answer key said to use 'they', not 'them'

[novel moth]

What I think confused me is when you responded to their question, it didn’t link to that question linked to something else so I had to search what you were answering about just now

To add to your answer

Maybe we’re not as rich as they are, but I bet we’re a lot happier.

Since “they” is the subject of the hidden verb are, we use:
• they (subject pronoun)
• not them (object pronoun)

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/comparison-adjectives-bigger-biggest-more-interesting?

https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/117787/as-rich-as-him-as-rich-as-he-or-as-rich-as-he-is?

[amber magnet]

Am new here

[boreal ingot]

Should these two instances of 'whereby' not be 'wherein'?

There are instances whereby stump revision should be considered to provide a better prosthetic fitting and function. The following is a list of circumstances whereby revision should be considered and discussed with the rehabilitation team, as different team members may observe different issues regarding the residual limb and prosthetic fitting.

[boreal ingot]

The stench of AI-writing is strong with this one

[supple holly]

Get a job

[supple holly]

Excuse you. I have never joked in my life. That was very serious

[tall anchor]

“Pray, where do you think you are going, young lady?” what does pray mean exactly

i was guessing something like "oh please" "give me a break"

[stuck sorrel]

Old-fashioned polite way of asking for an explanation, or a gentle challenge of someone's statement or position (or in this case, where they've been or are going)

Etymologically, the word pray didn't used to carry as much religious connotation as it does now, and simply meant to ask or entreat.

[tall anchor]

that makes more sense ig tyy

[stuck sorrel]

👌

[hard parcel]

Excuse me, what do I need to cast my screen?

[oak wagon]

Hello to everyone who see my msg. I have a question what is exactly passive voice I simply dont get it. I know when we have to use it but I need some help to understand what is passive voice also if you have some advice it will be great.

[humble shuttle]

Excuse me please shut your mouth.

[boreal ingot]

The passive voice is a syntactic operation whereby the patient of a verb is transferred from an object argument into a subject argument

[hollow bramble]

Is there a linguist in this server that i can ask a question ?

[boreal ingot]

There aren't any linguists who are regulars here as far as I'm aware. You should ask your question and hope someone can answer

[hollow bramble]

thank you kindly Miss Scella.

[dense oasis]

thank you professor Scella

[boreal ingot]

?

[twin haven]

Passive voice puts the focus of the action on the thing or person being acted upon. So, instead of Bob being the focus, what Bob does is more of the focus.

Bob does all the work.
The work is all done.

[boreal ingot]

Is 'be silent of [x]' correct? I know 'about' is typical, but I'd like to know if 'of' is acceptable

[twin haven]

It's not a common usage.

[boreal ingot]

But, it's not incorrect, right?

[twin haven]

It's more likely used in texts from the middle ages.

[boreal ingot]

I see, thanak you

[twin haven]

It's poetic license.

Gertrude knew being silent of such things was expected. However, remaining silent in quiet indignation wasn't working.

[twin haven]

@minor nimbus talking about it here will be easier for me, if you don't mind.

"low key everything" is quite broad.

Essays usually require you discuss a specific topic.

The chart below shows the number of adults participating in different major sports in one area, in 1997 and 2017.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

(image of chart) https://demo-ielts.inspera.com/player/?assessmentRunId=131013741&context=exam#/section/128125100/question/128121843/scorableItem/1

Typically, you want to choose two or three main topics to discuss. Here are a few options: the number of adults participating, the popular major sports, the unpopular major sports, the years certain sports were more or less popular, etc. Then you want to decide if you want to compare or inform about the subjects. You want at least one paragraph as an opener, one paragraph as a closer, and one paragraph per subject.

[static sorrel]

If you watch Queen Elizabeth II opening of Parliament, she always said "My Lords, pray be seated"

[snow wigeon]

Hi guys, I have a question about conditionals in English.
(I and II conditionals, the exact meaning of the last one)

If you don't mind, take a look at this I and II cond. sentences:

I. If i don't study, i will fail the exam
II. If i did not study, i would fail the exam

First one represents the state in which the person currently have a choice to either study the exam or not. And he believes that if he will start or continue to study he will not fail the exam at the and.
So it's about present and future (condition possible to fulfill)

Second one I'm not sure about what it should represent.
My believe is: it represents the state in which the person is already passed the exam and he hypothesise the situation in which he would take another action in the past and which would change the present or future fact

But various resource say to me that: Conditional Sentences Type II refer to situations in the present. An action could happen if the present situation were different.

Does it mean that If i did not study, i would fail the exam is actually about the present time and it's meaning is: I actually study now, but if i will stop study, i'm surely fail the exam?

And another example:

If I won the lottery, I would buy a house by the beach

The example above is about the situation there the person could win (but unlikely) the lottery in the present and it would change his future?

---

I'm confused because DeepL is translating If i did not study, i would fail the exam as something that was already done (the exam is already passed) but resources tell that it's about present or future and not about past.

[flat rune]

this helps ig

[boreal ingot]

I find 'pray' in this sense interesting because of how it behaves. One says 'to pray [him/her/them/[some oblique argument] [verb]'. A pattern I noticed is that verbs that use such a structure are typically causative verbs (you make or cause the person to do something), while verbs of request take a pattern like 'to [verb] [him/her/them/[some oblique argument] to [verb]'

We begged her to help us.
We asked her to help us.
We implored her to help us.
We entreated her to help us.
We besought her to help us.

We made her help us.
We bade her help us.
(archaic) We commanded her help us.

'Pray' seems to match the grammatical pattern of the second group while having the meaning of the first, which I find really interesting. I really have no idea why that is, but it seems to be so.

We prayed her help us.

('Pray' can be used with 'to', but the fact that it can at all be used without 'to' is what fascinates me)

[stuck sorrel]

Is it weird that I'm kinda fascinated by and somewhat in love with how frustrating English is as a language?

[boreal ingot]

I feel very similarly lmao

[stuck sorrel]

It's consistent... until it's not. It's a weird chimaera of quite a few different languages, and has stolen grammar from all of them

And if you know enough about it, the rules are way more like suggestions than laws

[dense oasis]

yeah it should not have become the international language

disgusting

[flat rune]

we have just interviewed an applicant (who/whom) the committee believes is best qualified for the position

The key answer says "who", why not whom?

My thought is that who is used before verb "Mike who works/who sees/who eats/who is ...."

[weary hare]

What’s the origin of vro for bro?

[weary hare]

I know.

I call guys who are good at science or sports “my men”; it’s not flirtation.

But the context made it seem flirtatious since he told me before that he adores me (it’s clearly platonic, but not for any third party) and was using a femboy as an avatar and lesbian in Chinese as a nickname.

That’s funny! 🤣

[weary hare]

In all dialects, not just American.

[weary hare]

TYSM for the invaulable info.

How abt tushes?

[static sorrel]

I'd like to know the meaning of "vro" too, I've seen one or two people use it so now I am curious. When I first saw it, I thought it was just a misspelling of "bro" but I'm unsure

@boreal ingot What was the word that the other person was talking about yesterday, Was it illegion when he did the phonetics of the word?

I was telling my friend that I'd learnt a new word but couldn't, for the life of me, remember what it was

I remembered the pronunciation but not the spelling

[weary hare]

It originally meant the Very Rare group (the rappers led by XXXTentacion), but now brother or sibling.

[static sorrel]

Ahhh, interesting

[weary hare]

It’s normal that you don’t hear it since it’s more American.

But I’m more familiar with Brit language especially in speech.

[static sorrel]

I would have thought they'd use "Vrg" 😆

[static sorrel]

That would make sense why I don't see or hear it much 😄. Even online though, I don't see it that often at all

[weary hare]

Nope, it’s for male singers as in brothers in spirit.
Very Rare + Brother.

[static sorrel]

Okay that makes more sense, thank you for that!

[boreal ingot]

'who' is used as the subject of a verb, just like 'he'
'whom' is used as the object of a verb, just like 'him'

We say 'he is the best', so we would also say 'who is the best'.

The fact that there is an intervening 'the committee believes' does not change what role the word 'who' is playing in relation to the verb 'is'. The role it plays with respect to the verb that it belongs to is that of subject, and 'who' (like 'he') is a subject pronoun. It might make sense if you look at it like this:

'he' -> 'who' -> 'who' moves to the start of the clause

the committee believes he is the best
*the committee believes who is the best (inccorect sentence, movement must occur)
who the committee believes [t] is the best
who the committee believes is the best

'who' originates as the subject of 'is' and is then 'moved' from there to the beginning of the relative clause. Remember that in its original position, it would be wrong to use 'him' (an object pronoun) (i.e., *'the committee believes him is the best'), so it's still wrong to use an object pronoun after it moves ('whom' would be incorrect).

'him' -> 'whom' -> 'whom' moves to the start of the clause

everyone believed that I loved him
*everyone believed that I loved whom (inccorect sentence, movement must occur)
whom everyone believed that I loved [t]
whom everyone believed that I loved

'whom' originates as the object of 'loved' and is then 'moved' from there to the beginning of the relative clause. Remember that in its original position, it would be wrong to use 'he' (a subject pronoun) (i.e., *'everyone believed that I loved he'), so it's still wrong to use a subject pronoun after it moves ('who' would be incorrect).

Note that this movement concept is a way of conceptualising what's going on syntactically, but that doesn't mean natives think of this when they speak.

[weary hare]

Could you pls tell me abt Scottish rappers?

I know of normal pop-singers only.

[static sorrel]

I don't know of any Scottish rappers I'm afraid, I don't tend to listen to that sort of music

[boreal ingot]

oh sorry I was typing up the message above

the verb form of the word is 'elide'

the word is 'elision'

[boreal ingot]

I fear I do not know what those are

[weary hare]

I prefer “to let out”.

[weary hare]

Due to my unique circumstance, I like biology.

[boreal ingot]

How is 'elide' equivalent to 'let out'?

You may be thinking of 'leave out'

Even then, 'elide' carries a much more formal tone

[static sorrel]

Many thanks

[boreal ingot]

After some Googling, it seems 'tush' is used for the 'tusks' of a female Asian elephant, which are not as long as typical tusks:

Cows usually lack tusks; if tusks—in that case, called "tushes"—are present, they are barely visible and only seen when the mouth is open.[29]
('cow' here means 'female elephant')

Unlike tusks in male elephants, female Asian elephants have short tusks which are known as tushes. Nearly 50% of female Asian elephants have tushes.

Male Asian elephants use their tusks similarly to African males, while Asian females use their tushes in social interactions, mostly between mothers and their calves.

It also seems to be used to some extent when speaking of the canines of a horse. This is probably a rarer usage, however:

In addition to the incisors, premolars and molars, some, but not all, horses may also have canine teeth and wolf teeth. A horse can have between zero and four canine teeth, also known as tusks (tushes), with a clear prevalence towards male horses (stallions and geldings) who normally have a full set of four.

The gap between the upper corner incisors and the canines is larger in the upper jaw than the lower jaw; therefore the tushes do not meet and therefore do not wear.

The horse possesses forty teeth, viz., twelve incisors, four tushes, and twenty-four molars.

[flat rune]

So the simple way is like this?

The committee believes (that) he is the best
Who the committee believes (that) is the best
Who the committee believes is the best

"he" is put before subject (the committee)

[flat rune]

"It is who (is/am) the only friend you've got." She told him pointedly

The key answer says "am", there is no "I" subject, I guess.

Explain?

[boreal ingot]

Are you sure you've properly quoted this?

It is I who am the only friend you've got.

Is correct, though awkward

It is who am the only friend you've got.

Is not correct

[flat rune]

Yeah, I want to send photo here. But sadly, I can't

wait...

I forgot

Nevermind, thnks

[dense oasis]

I'd just say "it is me who is the only friend you've got"

[stuck sorrel]

Easier to say "I'm the only friend you've got."

[boreal ingot]

Since there is an answer key, the question is formatted as they phrased it. So you can't really just change the whole sentence to what you'd like

[ashen tide]

Hello!!

Is this sth you ever say "lets get to the get to" (which I assume means let's get to the point)

[twin haven]

I've said, "Let's get to it" before, but not "the get to."

[ashen tide]

Noted. Appreciate it!

Would you ever say "you had better be there" instead of "you'd better be there" irl?

[stuck sorrel]

I usually stop using contractions to emphasise the importance or formality of something- using 'you had better' rather than 'you'd better' would mean I was serious, or that the person had previously proven unreliable when more casual language was employed.

[ashen tide]

Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!

[stuck sorrel]

👌

[boreal ingot]

Should these two instances of 'whereby' not be 'wherein'?

There are instances whereby stump revision should be considered to provide a better prosthetic fitting and function. The following is a list of circumstances whereby revision should be considered and discussed with the rehabilitation team, as different team members may observe different issues regarding the residual limb and prosthetic fitting.

[stuck sorrel]

Whereby is 'by which'
Wherein is 'in which'
Whereby shows the method or process
Wherein points to a place, document or function

[boreal ingot]

I mean, it's in this instance that you would do revisions, or in these circumstances, not by them, no?

Thas why I think it should be 'wherein'

[stuck sorrel]

Not in this case, it is showing that stump revision is the method/process to provide better prosthetic fitting/function. First one should therefore be whereby.

Second one is also correctly 'whereby' because it is showing that discussion/consideration of the previous process (revision) is the method to employ with the rehabilitation team for troubleshooting purposes

[stuck sorrel]

@boreal ingot does that help?

[boreal ingot]

I suppose that sort of makes sense. Many thanks

[stuck sorrel]

No worries

[languid sparrow]

I'd like some feedback for intertextual writing practice.

The prompt was "Discuss the role of manipulation in Chainsaw Man & American War. How do characters psychologically manipulator others for their goals."
I had to write 3 intertextual paragraphs

The role of manipulation is prevalent in both texts, Yoru and Gaines using it to recruit the protagonists for their grand goals. First and foremost, their goals align. Yoru strives to cause unlimited pain and suffering unto humanity, ushering in a new age of devils. Gaines works under the Bouazizi Empire to recruit southern rebels to ensure America lives in constant warfare, too weak to fight foreign powers. It's in their best interest to keep others in fear and angry at others, so they must instigate conflict through persuasion.

Yoru and Gaines both rely on building trust with their victims, before using them. Yoru, being an alter-ego of sorts to Denji's love interest, Asa, pushes her to build a closer romantic bond with Denji. Gaines gives Sarat work and a good reputation around Camp Patience, being seen as a source of income and a reliabe figure to her. By gaining their trust, Yoru and Gaines are able to later push their boundaries.

To buld someone into a perfect weapon, both characters figure out the protagonist's desires and abuse it. Sarat was an innocent girl, yet deeply curious of the world. Gaines then taught her American history, geography and the tastes of delicious food. Yoru realises Denji is plagued by his sexual urges, and plays into it by kissing him, providing sexual stimulation and offering sexual acts. By giving the victims exactly what they want, Yoru and Gaines aim towards breaking the protagonists and rebuilding them. Gaines succeeded when Sarat was broken by the genocide at Camp Patience, as she's now able to be taught how to break others. Yoru however, fails in breaking Denji, as he had faced manipulation and loss time and time again, but her tactics no doubtedly affected how he views her

and Asa. By abusing a preestablished trust, a person's identity and their needs, both Yoru and Gaines are able to persuade people to bring about constant suffering to both the victims and civilians.

---

my personal thoughts: i feel as if i summarised too much instead of explaning, though im proud i was about to write all this in an hour and 30 minutes

[nimble axle]

hi

[low zephyr]

Does the word coy describe someone who is shy or rather someone who is modest?

[stuck sorrel]

Being or acting coy is a false show of shyness employed with the intent to be alluring (especially of a woman) OR it can also mean a reluctance to share detail about something regarded as sensitive (eg. He was coy about his exact age)

[carmine copper]

Hi what level of vocabulary is enough for the SAT
I believe that the English part is going to knock me down

[bronze moss]

SAT? what mean?

[low zephyr]

Thank you so much!! As to the second possible meaning, does it mean they're synonyms with "cagey"?

Or if there's a difference, I don't seem to be picking up on it

[opaque ivy]

srry but i have a stupid question, where i can learn words that can be useful to me at the moment to talk with a person in english

[stuck sorrel]

With cagey, the emphasis is more reluctance due to suspicion. Whereas coy doesn't have that qualifier

[carmine copper]

It's a test that university or college use it

[boreal ingot]

Read books made for children

[bronze moss]

oh, i can help u

[tall anchor]

@boreal ingot i had a dream where u were bullying me

[boreal ingot]

😭😭😭

I'm sorryy

[tall anchor]

[boreal ingot]

I'm not sure how I gave your subconscious the impression that I would bully you, but I probably wouldn't

[tall anchor]

its okeyy

[tall anchor]

probably

[bronze moss]

hi, i have a good idea.

[boreal ingot]

Good

May it remain so

[bronze moss]

ok , u r sensitive

[tall anchor]

[boreal ingot]

Girl I told you I hope your *idea stays good 😭

This is the sort of idiocy that deserves bullying; see, Astar, you're far from this lowly state of mind. You're quite safe

[tall anchor]

awww ty ig

@bronze moss what was ur idea

[bronze moss]

hey, i'm not girl. i m man.

i respect all girls, also you

[tall anchor]

girl is somewhat unisex like guys

[boreal ingot]

Yeah, but some people aren't comfortable with the term, so I'll avoid it when referring to him

[bronze moss]

haha.

amazing

[verbal heron]

💀

[bronze moss]

i m finding a good friend to study English together

my English isn't so good

who can help me?

[boreal ingot]

Vampire have I ever bullied you before?

[verbal heron]

Never

[boreal ingot]

🔥

[bronze moss]

[tall anchor]

iirc scella wasnt alone maybe vamp bullied me too

[boreal ingot]

I'll be honest with you, most people who ask this sort of question get ignored and eventually their request is buried by either chatting or other questions. This place is more for specific questions (for example, 'How do I use "whom"?' and 'Is this sentence incorrect?', etc.) than requests like that, but you might get lucky on occasion and find someone willing

[verbal heron]

How did I bully you 😭

I roast at best

[tall anchor]

i dont remember tbh some grown dude was stading next to scella and backing her up

[boreal ingot]

Why do I have a gang in your dreams

[tall anchor]

u two owned a shop and i was looking around and u guys ignored me the whole time and talked behind my back

dude looked 40 something tho

[boreal ingot]

iss okay Astar we probably wouldn't do this to you in real life

[tall anchor]

i hope so 🥺

[verbal heron]

What kind of shop

[tall anchor]

nooooooooo

[boreal ingot]

[tall anchor]

i think it was a hobby one

there was all kind of stuff around

@verbal heron u 40 vamp?

[verbal heron]

A hobby one?

🤔

[verbal heron]

No

[boreal ingot]

I've never thought about what sort of shop I'd run lol

[tall anchor]

so not u sowwy

[verbal heron]

I turned 19 - um yesterday

[tall anchor]

REALLY?

HAPPY LATE BDAY

[boreal ingot]

Why are you so unsure about Vampy but so sure I was one of the bullies 😭

[tall anchor]

[boreal ingot]

Oh, nice. Happy birthday, Vampire :>

[tall anchor]

i dont know tbh that was the only thing i was certain

it was def u

[verbal heron]

What about a bookshop

[verbal heron]

Thanks

[boreal ingot]

I'm not sure why I find this cute lmao 😭

[boreal ingot]

Ooo, thas a good idea

[verbal heron]

Thanks scella

[carmine copper]

Thank youu sooo muchh

[tall anchor]

pls do that i can take the bullying there

[boreal ingot]

'Ha, nerd, reading books at my bookshop'

'Look at Astar buying a novel from the 1700s, what a sucker for the English language'

[verbal heron]

😆

[boreal ingot]

'Imagine being in a bookstore, loser'

[verbal heron]

And especially in an old-fashioned one

[boreal ingot]

(Iss okay Astar I like books too )

[tall anchor]

what kind of books

old fashioned ones?

@boreal ingot btws u were hot asf in my dream lol tanned skined with locs and stuff

[boreal ingot]

Why, old-fashioned books, of course. Needless to say, I am of an inclination to the language of yore Particularly older books regarding English linguistics and fictional ones

[boreal ingot]

Aww thanks

I'm not that hot irl though lmao

[tall anchor]

whats yore

[boreal ingot]

'of yore' means 'from a long time ago'/'of a bygone age'

it's a phrase

[tall anchor]

so u tanned skined w locs

[boreal ingot]

I'm not sure what 'yore' on its own means

[tall anchor]

@boreal ingot ohhh ty

[boreal ingot]

[tall anchor]

REALLY

[boreal ingot]

Side-to-side means no; up-and-down means yes. That emoji is doing a side-to-side shake of the head: no, I am not possessed of such qualities

[tall anchor]

😭

[tall anchor]

ik that lol im not 5 i got confused tho

[boreal ingot]

My condolences

[tall anchor]

my subcon mind playing me smh

giving me hopes and stuff

[boreal ingot]

😔

[verbal heron]

Apparently it's a thing

Even without "of"

[boreal ingot]

all these example's have 'of yore'

[verbal heron]

Ah yeah

Mb

Lol

[boreal ingot]

Regardless, it certainly is interesting that 'yore' can be modified at all, though. However, I do think 'of ancient yore' is tautological and that that 'ancient' is needless

It's a foissle. Entirely unused outside of the expression 'of yore' in modern English

[verbal heron]

And what do you think of "of hip-hop yore"

As in the last example

[boreal ingot]

I mean, iss odd. I think iss creative, actually. If people are using the word in such a manner, then it's correct, even if idiomatically the phrase is just 'of yore'

[verbal heron]

That makes sense

So maybe they used that to mean "of the old hip-hop days"

Right?

[boreal ingot]

yea exactly

the old days of hiphop

[verbal heron]

Hate to break it to you, but "yore" without "of" exists

||jk||

||it's your ||

[stuck sorrel]

Yore means 'a long time ago', used in the same manner as yesteryear or days gone by, with a sentimental or nostalgic tone, implying wistful reminiscence of a time that was perceived as somehow superior to the present

[boreal ingot]

Yup, good description. I'm sure the original asker would benefit from it

[stuck sorrel]

(I don't have image posting permissions yet, cannot screenshot stuff)

[boreal ingot]

@tall anchor

Kitty's description above is great. Just note that, in modern times, it's always used with 'of'

[stuck sorrel]

Yes. And still it's pretty archaic, the usage has dropped off since 1850

Made somewhat of a comeback recently though

[ashen tide]

is there a difference between **onto **and on to in AmE and BrE?

[karmic token]

Is this sentence grammatically correct:
She usually has coffee for breakfast, but today she had tea.
Because my teacher told me that the correct sentence would be:
She usually has coffee for breakfast, but today she is having tea.

But I believe both sentences make sense in this context.
Am I right?

[hollow bramble]

can a native answer this : "I consider them to be right" when you hear this do you see "them to be right" as a whole unit or seperately (them)(to be right) like in "I consider (him)(right)" here him is the object, right is object complement(adjective ) OR
"them to be right" : subject of the infinitive+infinitive
like "I want (you to be right)" : (your being right)
so would "I consider (them to be right)" be answered as;
what do you consider ? = them to be right, do you understand it like this?

[dull rain]

Yes, native speakers understand “them to be right” as a whole unit Grammatically, it is a non-finite clause.
“Them” is the subject of the infinitive, not the object of consider
Your comparison with “I want you to be right” is exactly right.

[hollow bramble]

are you a native english speaker

[sly pawn]

Hey everyone!
So, I have a question to ask for native speakers.

Is it incorrect to say "I didn't understand" when someone finished explaining something to you? Like a teacher explaining to the students

[hollow night]

When referring to a clan of oracles, do I say "The Oracle Clan" or "The Oracles Clan."

[pseudo widget]

The Oracle Clan seems better,people use singular nouns to reflect the overall attributes of the group

[hollow night]

thanks!

[pseudo widget]

my pleasure

[wind lark]

read a book

find to god

and stay in your country

[flat rune]

Well, it all depends on the context and time. To give you a general answer, heed this:

"I didn't understand" is a response to a specific part or portion of what is being said to you. Something specifically did not make sense to you.

Example: A teacher is explaining the steps to form a scientific formula.

You: "Excuse me, I did not understand the last step, could you explain? " This is past tense, as the teacher had mentioned the last part moments ago (even one second ago is considered past tense)

"I don't understand" refers to your state or being, you are in a general state of confusion about the lesson or what was being said to you."

Here you are expressing that you are confused. How you deliver these sentences matters. If you did not understand the logic of the lesson, or explanation.

You say "I didn't understand the last part" if the speaker was not loud, or spoke too fast, whatever the reason. You can say "Sorry, I didn't understand you, it's too noisy here."

[flat rune]

That was a lot, and if you have questions, I can answer you. The key points here are: "I don't" and "I didn't" are interchangeable, and you can use them both. "I didn't understand the last part" you are confused about the last part in the lesson, that was taught to you moments ago."

"I don't understand the last part" You are in a state of confusion right now, about what was taught to you moments ago." The difference here, is you are expressing that you are confused at this moment. But everything remains the same, you still didn't understand something

[twin haven]

Yes. That is a valid statement.

However, the likely response will be, "Which part?"

In that case, you need to be more specific about what you didn't understand. Although that may be difficult, if you didn't understand all of it.

"I don't even know what it is I don't know."

[flat rune]

"I don't" is more common in American English, yes. "I didn't" is more precise, because you are stating what YOU ARE confused about. You're not telling us how you feel, which would be "I don't understand" = state of confusion"

So, both can work. I will say, personally, if I'm in a situation, where something is being taught, and I have to stay and listen "I don't" sounds more natural, which is funny, since that is more commonly used

[merry steppe]

Hi what does valence mean in this sentence(The sentence is feeling formed from valences of beliefs about the....) and is thier a synonym?

[tall anchor]

what does "as good as" mean as in "as good as dead"

good morning btws

[plain harbor]

In this context, valence basically just means the 'charge' of the belief, like if it’s positive or negative. It’s a fancy way of saying how much a belief leans toward being 'good' or 'bad' for you

Valence is just psych speak for polarity. It’s like the +/- sign on a battery. So the 'feeling' is just the sum of all the positive or negative vibes from those beliefs

If you want a synonym, sentiment or charge works best

polarity, sentiment and emotional charge id say fit the best

[plain harbor]

If i were to oversimplify it, I'd start with a few examples like these

'As good as dead' = 'Practically dead.'

'As good as new' = 'Basically brand new.'

It basically just means 'virtually' or 'might as well be.' Like if you're 'as good as dead,' you aren't actually dead yet, but it’s 100% going to happen and there’s no way out of it.

[tall anchor]

@plain harbortyyyy

whats the difference between an housecarl and a steward

[plain harbor]

I got another example. Lets just say smeone is paralyzed, and u say theyre as good as a vegetable. A vegetable cant move cant really do anything at all

so when ur comparing them

theyre similar

so as good as, virtually the same thing

get it?

[tall anchor]

yea ty 😭

[plain harbor]

@tall anchor Basically, the Housecarl is your bodyguard/muscle (assigned to you), and the Steward is your property manager (hired by you to buy upgrades and supplies). You want both so your house has more protection

that was oversimplified

[tall anchor]

doesnt housecarl do steward stuff too

[plain harbor]

Steward: A hig -ranking official who ran the estate. They handled the money, the servants, and the legal stuff while the lord was away

[plain harbor]

Housecarl: They were elite professional bodyguards for Scandinavian kings and lords. They were strictly military

[tall anchor]

ohhh i see

thanksss

[plain harbor]

Bodyguard and manager fits the best

[flat rune]

Good info. I'll also add, that if you add in "not" you are saying the opposite, while still keeping "as good as"

Example: This movie we watched today, is not as good as the movie we watched yesterday."

Here, you are saying, "This movie" the one in question that you watched, is not as good as the movie you watched yesterday.

Meaning, the movie you watched yesterday is better than the movie you just watched today

"As good as" = positive comparison.

"Not as good as" negative comparison

[sand sierra]

Hello everyone

[flat rune]

Hello 🤗

[novel moth]

wow you are so rude!

[novel moth]

YES

correct

[novel moth]

No, it’s not incorrect.
But it can sound a bit strong or blunt, especially in a classroom.

tell the teacher that you simply don't understand

[ashen tide]

Hello! Kind of a silly q, but is jockey diminutive for "jock" (synonym for athlete)?

[visual umbra]

The Oxford Dictionary says that "jockey" was derived as a diminutive for **Jock **(not jock) in the 16th century. And Jock at that time was a derogatory name for a Scottish man. Later, the word "jockey" adopted its modern meaning - a person (usually a professional) riding horses at horse races.

So, jockey is not a diminutive for jock in the meaning "athlete".

[flat rune]

Good answer

[ashen tide]

Appreciate it, sir. I knew it referred to sb riding horses, but thought it might refer to an athlete for a moment. Didn't know at all about its etymology, which is interesting. Thanks!!

[zealous nimbus]

Hello

[vague gust]

hallaw, what's the difference into n onto please

[tall anchor]

into means "to the inside" onto means "on top of" to be into something means youre interested in something to be onto something means *to know something

i thinks

[toxic current]

Hallow who want to practice the hard situations

[worldly roost]

nudiustertian = the day before yesterday

what's a tittynope (dialect in Yorkshire i guess) ?

[tawny saffron]

Tutor:
So, walk me through your day. What've you been up to since you woke up?

Student:
I got up around six today. Then I hopped in the shower, brushed my teeth, got dressed in my uniform, grabbed a quick breakfast and headed out .... school around seven. After school, I had lunch at home, rested for a bit, and then came straight here.

Which one sounds more natural here: "headed out to" or "headed out for" school?
Is there a difference between "to" and "for" in this case, or are they both okay?

[flat rune]

Hi, you are right. I'll add, that "into" can definitely mean "interested in" or "to partake in/participate in.. as a hobby",

Example: "I'm into writing poems." That conveys/shows that writing poems is a hobby for me, because I said "into" it expresses that I find joy in it. Otherwise, why would I say that, right?

"Onto"means movement or placement to a position, that you or "it" (thing, etc..) physically has to be moved to.

Example: "The cat jumped onto the couch" or "Astar went onto the stage today, and delivered a powerful speech."

As an *IDIOM" it can mean, yes, you are fully aware of something: someone's secrets, plan, etc.
"The police are onto the suspect's motives, and are currently tracking him."
The police are aware of the suspect's motives. (The suspect thinks they are being secretive, in reality, the police are onto them)-- they know what the suspect will do

[tall anchor]

i suck at expressing myself lol i knew allat but couldnt explain to them

[flat rune]

Also, "into" can have several different meanings. But the most important and common ones, are 1. The one Astar mentioned, that I also touched base on.

2. Is showing movement or action that eventually becomes surrounded by someone or something.

So, something or someone is inserted or put in somewhere, that is surrounded by something or someone. It's now enclosed, this would support the "in" in "into"

[flat rune]

You did really good!! You explained what you knew well, in your own way. I can tell you have a good understanding. Don't stress it, we're all here to learn

[flat rune]

I'll get to this soon. I got pulled away

[tall anchor]

awwww i know i sucked lol bless your kind heart

[flat rune]

"Headed out for" sounds more natural, and also conveys that, you are going to, both, the building which is school in this situation, and are going to be doing work, assignments, studying which is what usually makes up "school"

Saying "Headed out for school" Means both physically going there and partaking in the routine at school.

saying "headed to" simply says you are going to the building." So, both are correct, "headed for" is more natural though

[tawny saffron]

Thanks a lot!

[flat rune]

Headed for: going to the building (school) for the purpose of attending classes, doing assignments, studying.

Headed to: Going to.

So, "headed for" is more natural" in the end, no problem if you use "headed for", or ,"headed to"

Your point will be understood in the end

[ripe pendant]

How do I start?

Does this have a command?

[flat rune]

No command, just ask away

[topaz dock]

Does the word (phrase?) “boarding house” sound antique or outdated when used in a sentence? Coz in our English dialect, it’s very much common to refer to student rented accommodation/living space as that (especially uni students).

[low zephyr]

Is going "straight on" the same as going "straight ahead"?

[wooden briar]

What

[novel moth]

Yes

• straight ahead → more neutral / very common everywhere
• straight on → slightly more British, often used at intersections

[low zephyr]

Thank you very much!!!!!!!
I'll be using Straight Ahead then

[fiery creek]

Hey guys, I'm studying to become an English Speaking Tutor, and I wanted to get some practice. Anyone's up for free speaking lessons? No outside links, all within this server

My requirements: at least an intermediate (low B2) level, meaning you mostly or completely understand English, but struggle to speak it.

[low zephyr]

I'm really keen on learning english and overall improving my pronunciation. I'd be down for it!!

Lately I've been practicing by reading condensed essays and introductory history books. But I'd be glad to try new material

[fiery creek]

Wanna hop on a call in about 1.5-2 hours?

[low zephyr]

Yes. Please ping me, I'll join

[fiery creek]

Hey, just freed up

@low zephyr

[low zephyr]

Alright, do I go and hop on a vc in particular?

[fiery creek]

Let's go to the room 2.25

25 at this point*

[hollow night]

Grammar Question. Is the following sentence grammatically correct?

Sentence: Keep this a secret, but we're going to order pizza tonight.

Is this the right way to use "but"?

[earnest lodge]

I'm looking for person who speaks with a British accent.

[flat rune]

Yes, "but" is used correctly in this sentence. Why? It is expressing a shift/change in contrast, while still connected to the previous thought.

You successfully connected two clauses (the two independent thoughts) with "but"

"but" is the connecting bridge between the two expressions/ thoughts. The first clause "Keep this a secret"

"But" connects the second clause "but we're going to order pizza tonight"

[flat rune]

Good luck with this search, brother

[velvet viper]

Best of luck bud, hopefully you’ll find someone who’ll help you improve.

[hollow night]

thanks for your help! 🙂

[earnest lodge]

It’s can be too c2 or native

[flat rune]

Hey

[tall anchor]

"Either his lord father had a new respect for Tyrion’s abilities, or he’d decided to rid himself of his embarrassing get for good." can someone break it down and explain what it means like im 5 years old

[flat rune]

@flat rune great place to get help or support

[visual umbra]

**to rid himself ** - to make himself free (from something).
of his embarrassing get - here get (also git) is a British slang word meaning an annoying or dislikable person or personality.
for good - an idiomatic expression meaning "forever".

I hope this helps.

[tall anchor]

tysmmmm

[twin sandal]

how could i know my level?

[pallid dome]

Yall could give Tips for me

Please

[tall anchor]

tips for what

what do u want exactly lol

[pallid dome]

Grammar, vocabulary, think in english

[tall anchor]

read books aloud really helps i dunno how to make urself think in english tho