Do/Can you speak English?

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Anonymous

#197453 Thu, 16 Feb 06 11:45 AM

i think that the first question means if you talk english in other way are english

but the second one someone who is english but in another country so he need someone speaks his language

Anonymous

Speak english

katsudon

#197746 Fri, 17 Feb 06 03:19 AM

Rishonly wrote:
Danyoo wrote:

Approaching a stranger in a foreign country, and hoping to be able to communicate with him or her in English, we say "Do you speak English?"

I would agree. And the reason is because 'do you' sound more polite than 'can you'.

Hi Danyoo,

One quick point: The " reason is" and "because" can't be used together in English. "The reason is that" is the proper usage.

http://www.bartleby.com/61/49/B0144900.html

USAGE NOTE:

A traditional rule holds that the construction the reason is because is redundant, and should be avoided in favor of the reason is that. The usage is well established, however, and can be justified by analogy to constructions such as His purpose in calling her was so that she would be forewarned of the change in schedule or The last time I saw her was when she was leaving for college. All three constructions are somewhat less than graceful, however.

katsudon

Joined on Fri, Jun 10 2005

Junior Member (53)

Constructions, Speak english, Analogies

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