ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: tenses

Clive — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 06:58:58 GMT

Hi,

I have mentioned these things to you. I have also told these things to you directly

When you say 'also' here, it sounds like you are contrasting the ideas in these two sentences, not simply repeating the same idea.

But 'mention' and 'tell' don't seem sufficiently different.

Best wishes, Clive

Re: tenses

Tung Quoc — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 02:20:08 GMT

Hi Lil' Ruby Rose

This is only an example.

Hi Clive,

You wrote:

As a contrast to 'mentioned', I wouldn't say 'told directly'.

Please explain to me . What is the problem with as a contrast to "mentioned" here?

Thanks

Quoc

Re: tenses

Clive — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:28:18 GMT

Hi Quoc,

If now I write 5 things to my friend to do and I write as follows:

This is the second time I have mentioned these things to you. I have also told these things to you directly but you haven't shown me any of your opinions. Now please do these things right now. (1)

Please correct (1)

(tenses, The tenses are OK.

words...) As a contrast to 'mentioned', I wouldn't say 'told directly'. I might say ' I have also discussed these things with you explicitly'. When you 'tell' someone something, you are not clearly asking for their opinion, but when you 'discuss' something, you are.

Also, you don't 'show' someone your opinions. You might say you' explain them', or 'make them clear', or 'express them'.

Finally, when you order someone to Now please do these things right now, it does not sound like you are interested in their opinions at all.

Best wishes, Clive

Re: tenses

Lil' Ruby Rose — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:21:16 GMT

This is the second time I have mentioned these 5 things to you, as well as asking you in person. You haven't yet responded. Please would you start doing them now.

(Quoc - I hope it's a good friend, as your text sounds a bit cross and grumpy!)

tenses

Tung Quoc — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 14:07:10 GMT

Hi,

If now I write 5 things to my friend to do and I write as follows:

This is the second time I have mentioned these things to you. I have also told these things to you directly but you haven't shown me any of your opinions. Now please do these things right now. (1)

Please correct (1) (tenses, words...)
Thanks
Quoc