1) What is the meaning of the nature of our times?

2) I want to ask about commas in English. Are both sentences right:

If I had money, I would go to the US

If I had money I would go to the US

3) What is the true form of the verb contact:

I and my aunt contact (through/ by means of/ by) (email/ emails/emailing)?

Clive wrote:

Hi, 1) What is the meaning of the nature of our times? The character of modern life. 2) I want to ask about commas in English. Are both sentences right: If I had money, I would go to the US If I had money I would go to the US I wouldn't say a comma is mandatory, but I'd use one. 3) What is the true form of the verb contact: I and my aunt contact (through/ by means of/ by) (email/ emails/emailing)? It's a matter of what is idiomatic. I and my aunt stay in touch . . . I and my aunt contact each other . . . Through / by means of / by are all acceptable. Email is the most idiomatic choice of the three. Best wishes, Clive

Hi Clive,

Thanks for your answer.  So how about: Diana Week was like a strange shaft of light that enabled us to see the nature of our times. One question is, can we replace like here with as if here? And what does this sentence say about?

Clive wrote:

Hi,  So how about: Diana Week was like a strange shaft of light that enabled us to see the nature of our times. This is fine. One question is, can we replace like here with as if here? No. You can say - It was as if they were surprised. They were as if surprised. (A rather literary construction.) It was like a surprise. But don't say It was as if a surprise. And what does this sentence say about? I don't know the expression 'Diana week'. Do you mean the week in which Princess Diana died? Best wishes, Clive

Diana Week is just a proper name. But why can't we use as if here?