Teach me English

[00silvergt]

Actually, At least French and Spanish and other Romantic languages, at least have definitive rules, well for the most part. English, again, at least the version we speak in the US, has weird rules. Rules that are often broken and changed. Just like we changed the spelling of the metal Aluminium to Aluminum in order to satisfy our pronunciation of the word.

[aam1234]

Originally Posted by 00silvergt

Actually, At least French and Spanish and other Romantic languages, at least have definitive rules

That's the thing. In English, you have a rule then some minor variation of it. That's it. In French, you have a rule, then an exception of the rule, then yet again, and exception to the exception. It makes your (and definitely, my) head spin.

[swampler]

Originally Posted by aam1234

Another one that I have difficulty with. Not life threatening, though

Advice & Advise. Which one is the verb and which one is....the other one

For example,

Thank you Sue/Garret for your.....[advice].

[aam1234]

"C" it is

Thank you, Steve

[00silvergt]

Originally Posted by aam1234

"C" it is

Thank you, Steve

Yes, please be advised, that what we are giving you is an advice to properly write in English and the principles involved with their rules that contain therein. You're sure to find that this learning experience will sure to increase your love for the language. For whose more happier than a person who is the wiser? That knowing these rules of spelling and grammar that many find confusing. Those people simply need to pay more attention to what they're saying and writing. English is really as simple as ABC and 123.

[aam1234]

Good one, Garret. I enjoyed reading it.

Well done

Edit: "therein" is a good one

[00silvergt]

Originally Posted by aam1234

Good one, Garret. I enjoyed reading it.

Well done

Edit: "therein" is a good one

I did forget Principal can also be used like in a loan, the principal plus interest. lol.

You like "therein", lol, what can I say, I work for a law firm! lol We used therein and herein like it was regular English! lol

[aam1234]

Don't forget "thereafter". It must be popular at your firm, too

[00silvergt]

Originally Posted by aam1234

Don't forget "thereafter". It must be popular at your firm, too

Actually, hereinafter...lol

[aam1234]

Wow, that's heavy, even for a law firm

[00silvergt]

Originally Posted by aam1234

Wow, that's heavy, even for a law firm

You know....

This is an agreement between ___________________ of _________________________(Hereinafter as "Photographer") and __________________________________ of ________________________________(Hereinafter as "Client"). Whereas, the Client wishes to hire the services of the Photographer for _________________________________________________ (Hereinafter as "Event") which will be at _________________________________(Hereinafter as "Location"). The Client agrees to pay__________________ for services rendered, which consist of three payments. ___________________ will be paid today, upon signing this agreement, Hereinafter as "Deposit". Another Payment of __________________________, will be paid on the day of the Event. A Final payment of ___________________________________ will be made when the final items are delivered, which will be no later than ______________, hereinafter as "Delivery Date".



That's actually not my preamble for my contracts, very similar, though...lol

[aam1234]

Ha ha, cool stuff

[aam1234]

Have another one that I often struggle with.

What should we do with the S to a word that ends with Y, and it's not plural. For example:

It copys or it copies.

[jfrancho]

verbs usually get the "ies" treatment, whereas nouns get just an "s"

[aam1234]

Thanks, John.

[dougsmit]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

verbs usually get the "ies" treatment, whereas nouns get just an "s"

I don't think the part of speech is the determining factor.

Words ending in y preceded by a consonant, change the y to i and add es. Words ending in y preceded by a vowel, just add s

[Athena]

yes, that sounds familiar. So long since English grammar rules!

[dougsmit]

The best rule to remember for English is that there is an exception for every rule. Much of this is caused by the fact that English is a compilation of several very divergent contributing languages and is constantly in the process of changing into something that will better fit the needs of another generation. Older people (I'm 63) often believe that younger people and 'foreigners' are butchering the language but what they are doing is contributing to its longevity. Most of us would have no chance of making ourselves understood in England 500 years ago and would be considered marginally comprehensible in half of the English speaking world today. I was once told that there is at least three ways to express any one thought in English: one vulgar, one refined and one pedantic. More recently I have come to the opinion that three is a very low count for the situation. English is a simple as ABC 123 or as simple as differential calculus and writing the next best selling novel. Your choice.

[Athena]

At this point, living in a French speaking region, I would be happy to choose English in nearly any form.

Back to my French homework now...

[Killjoy]

Originally Posted by Athena

At this point, living in a French speaking region, I would be happy to choose English in nearly any form.

Back to my French homework now...

Sorry, I shouldn't laugh.