By Constructions, Conversations

Hi,But doesn't the use of a possessive adjective in these particular examples have the effect of emphasizing the negative quality perceived in the described person, object or situation... or am I imagining this? I realize the difference may be subtle... but if there is one, I'd like to...

Hi Stephen, I think you said what I meant better than I did. If we're speaking of the U.S., I've had experience as a litigant in NH, VT, MA, and CA, and the difference in language is striking, Vermont using what sound like antique phrases and California favoring more modern...

You might hear the construction in ordinary conversation, or see it in less formal written English.It's probably more usual for the subject of the first verb and the second (unexpressed) verb to be the same, e.g.1. If you want me to come over tonight, I'd be happy to .Best wishes,MrP

Your instinct is right--the phrase refers to "last year's figure" but the word "figure" is understood and so dropped. So grammatically the spelling should be year's. However, it has become common especially in conversationto drop the 's, and that has slipped into...

These are all acceptable ways of phrasing these sentences in colloquial American English. In more formal, careful English the use of "like" and "how" as subordinate conjunctions (Do it how I told you. Do it like I told you. And so forth) would not be as acceptable--meaning that the other...

Hi KooyeenThe question "How is she" is very often a question about health, but not necessarily a question about health. It depends on the context (particularly in this third person construction):A: We got a new boss last week. Her name is Jane Smith.B: Oh, really? How is she?In the...

I have underlined any remaining problems and answered your questions, I think. You seem to have created some new problems: I've seen this movie twice and it astonishes me a lot. Each person fits into themselves a bit of truth . Although there are many of films with the same scenario however...

I've seen this movie twice and it astonishes me a lot. Each person fits into themselves a bit of truth . Although there are many of films with the same scenario however Mikhalkov can gets the main purpose into a deep of (i have no idea what use instead of this) our souls.An Old Jew said that he...

Angliholic, I was simply writing quickly and as in spoken conversation I did not choose the "cleanest" construction. You have a very good grasp of English indeed! Well done.

Hi again, my question is what is the difference between the usage of "the issue has been resolved" and "the issue is resolved" I'd like to quote a few sentences about the passive from a favourite book called 'Teaching Tenses', by Rosemary Aitken. In all passives, the past participle forms a...