ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: devastation

RayH — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:19:14 GMT

New2grammar
Just to be really sure. Is it natural to say "Are you a local?" or "I'm a local"?

I would be careful asking someone, "Are you a local?" just because local custom might find it insulting or otherwise offensive. Strictly from a language point of view these are both fine.

Re: devastation

Yoong Liat — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:39:40 GMT

You're welcome, New2grammar.

It's a pleasure to help a very keen learner like you. However, I'm still learning.

Re: devastation

New2grammar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:25:02 GMT

Thanks, Yoong Liat.

Re: devastation

Yoong Liat — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:01:35 GMT

Hi New2grammar

I've gone through the following Britsh English dictionaries and the definitions are as follows:

local [usually plural] someone who lives in a place where you are or the place that you are talking about: We asked one of the locals to recommend a restaurant. (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English)

local [usually plural] a person who lives in a particular place or district: The locals are very friendly. (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

noun: locals The locals are the people living in a particular area. (Times-Chambers Essential English Dictionary)

noun: locals The locals are local people. (Collins Cobuild Dictionary for Advanced Learners)

I will leave you to decide whether, according to British English, 'a local' is fine.

Re: devastation

New2grammar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:55:58 GMT

Thank you, RayH for confirming. Just to be really sure. Is it natural to say "Are you a local?" or "I'm a local"?

Re: devastation

RayH — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:53:06 GMT

New2grammar
What's wrong with the singular if there was only one local resident that helped us?

As you know I don't claim to be a grammar expert so I won't attempt to argue adjectives versus nouns, etc.; however, I find absolutely nothing wrong with you original sentence. I read it exactly as you intended (i. e. one local resident helped). Your original comment sounds fine to my American ear (as one of my fellow posters sometimes says).

Re: devastation

Yoong Liat — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:16:41 GMT

New2grammar
So, can the word local be used to refer to a single individual rather than a mass?

'Local' is an adjective used as a noun in your sentence. It cannot be used to refer to a single resident.

The injured (people) were taken to the hospital.

The poor (people) are suffering.

The rich are getting richer.

The poor are getting poorer.

Re: devastation

New2grammar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:58:47 GMT

So, can the word local be used to refer to a single individual rather than a mass?

Re: devastation

Yoong Liat — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:53:58 GMT

New2grammar
What's wrong with the singular if there was only one local resident that helped us?

The locals are local residents.

Re: devastation

New2grammar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:47:20 GMT

What's wrong with the singular if there was only one local resident that helped us?

Re: devastation

Yoong Liat — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:37:25 GMT

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New2grammar
If I tell you the details, I will jeopardize the safety of the local who helped us.

locals

Re: devastation

RayH — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:32:38 GMT

As stand alone sentences they are fine.

devastation

New2grammar — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:40:02 GMT

Devastation is everywhere.

If I tell you the details, I will jeopardize the safety of the local who helped us.

Is the above natural?
Thanks.