By Expressions, American English

The "GO DO SOMETHING" Family of Colloquial Expressions There are several variants of "go do" in American English. All are used informally in conversation, and almost never in formal writing. In the following discussion, the verb "do" stands for any verb, but the list of verbs normally used...

Yes. I live in California, U.S. of A. I am a native speaker of American English. I'm also familiar with British English but I do not speak with a British accent! The accent and some of the vocabulary and expressions (especially slang) are about the only things different between the two.

Hi, Jim. You may no longer remember this thread, but I will still post a response. I haven't been around lately, that's why I haven't answered so far. 1. I have no comments about this point. And then, I tend to agree with grammar books! 2. There IS a difference between the imperative and the...

Short answer: Yes. The "GO DO SOMETHING" Family of Colloquial Expressions There are several variants of "go do" in American English. All are used informally in conversation, and almost never in formal writing. In the following discussion, the verb "do" stands for any verb, but the list of...

Vividness is not the central difference, however. The first sentence reports an occurrence as it is happening. The second sentence reports an occurrence in a more abstract way, as a recurring fact. This sentence is not frequently heard as is. It needs more, e.g., "The sky grows dark when it is...

I've posted this in another thread: would + base form of verb = simple conditional (would go) would + have + past participle = perfect conditional (would have gone) Both are usually seen in conditional sentences Types II and III. Type II: "If it started to rain now, I would stay at home." Type...

Oh no, I meant no irony, really! Actually, I trust Webster's dictionaries and I have an old edition of their "Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary" which I use very often. What I meant was that not every colloquial, or very infirmal, expression will always be found in a dictionary. Probably not...

I've read the expression " I gonna get down with my baby" in what I think is a romantic song. I've checked my English dictionary but it was not help. Could you help me? I think it is American English. Does it mean to reconcile? Thanks.

Many early American settlers were Irish. Their influence on American culture is reflected in many ways - music and language especially. I am intrigued by the way Americans roll their 'r's, and I wonder whether this is because of the Irish influence. I am also interested in any particularly...

Newspeak, beaurocracy versus the language of rhythm and comfort Hi, probably most of us have read George Orwell’s novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Remember that quote: "If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face--for ever"? It’s a chilling image of state control,...