Search results for 'tag:Negatives tag:Expressions' matching tags 'Negatives' and 'Expressions'

Re: whining

Goodman — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:50:17 GMT

Bitching â is a colloquial expression with a negative connotation. In a bulk sense, it means vocally express your dissatisfaction about something, either with reason or otherwise. When someone is âcomplainingâ about something, there is usually a cause or reason which may or may not stand.

i.e. Mary is bitching about the long hours with her new job.

Whining on the other hand an subdue form of complaining which is often an annoying, naggy or pesty display of sound and behavior from someone who is looking for attention or wanting something.

i.e. My kid has been whining to me about buying him an Ipod for over 6 months.

Re: what

CalifJim — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:38:32 GMT

It's unclear what you want exceptions to.

It would be much easier to come up with additions.

ask, inquire, wonder, guess, know, learn, find out, decide, and any cases with the infinitive after the wh- word are typically the interrogative case. Also in this category are many negative expressions of not knowing: I can't imagine, I have no idea, ...

We learned how to read Japanese.

Do you have any idea what she said?

I can guess very easily who was there.

Have you found out who signed the document?

Jane asked what to do.

I wonder if Ken is going to be there.

I don't know whether to go or to stay.

No one could decide what to do.

_____

In my opinion, there are many ambiguous cases.

Re: "a" or "the"

Clive — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:19:33 GMT

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 know about it. You may be right to some extent. However, if there is that difference, it's a very subtle one. You don't think you get a similar negative sense if you talk about 'the oversized earrings'? And there's nothing immediately negative about 'a/the/her blue dress'.
I think a great deal more negativity is likely to be conveyed in other ways, eg by tone of voice, facial expression, the use of negative adjectives.
I think the particular context and the particular topic of conversation plays a role, too.

a) "(...) to say nothing of that rundown store with its neon sign that keeps blinking on and off." Doesn't this construction suggest that the defective neon is (at least partially) directly responsible for the store being perceived as rundown and dilapidated?

b) "(...) particulaly that screeching soprano with her oversized earrings and blue dress." Isn't this the equivalent of saying: "As if it weren't enough that she has a screeching voice, her taste in clothing is shockingly bad."

Of course, as always, I could be wrong... Correct me if that's the case. I'm trying very hard to understand.

Clive

Re: that goes back X years

New2grammar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:47:24 GMT

MH, I've heard of your expression and I agree with that.

Does 'a history' in contexts like this imply 'a conflict', meaning a negative connotation?

Re: correction 6

Mr Wordy — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:02:46 GMT

The network received tons of negative as well as positive feedback even before the debut.

"Tons of" is a very informal expression that might be just a tad too casual here.

The problem is I don't know a good substitute for it :( Any suggestions?

"a great deal of" or "a large amount of" are the obvious choices that come to mind.

Due to its adult content, the much anticipated series is put in a later timeslot, a move critics call network desperation as steamy series are often associated with cable networks and movies.

The logic is even though the content is steamy, the network decided to show it and simply move it to a latter slot which implies how desperate the network is. How would you repharase the sentence to make it work?

To me, a more logical form of words would be something like:

The show's steamy subject matter is usually associated more with cable networks and movies [than with broadcast networks?], and critics call the move "network desperation". Due to its adult content, the much anticipated series is put in a later timeslot.

I think that something similar to the text I put in square brackets might be a good idea (it makes the contrast better), but I don't know if "broadcast network" is the correct US term.

I've always thought film included all types of motion pictures such as movies and drama series.

Hmm... I'm wondering if there might be a US/UK issue here. In the UK, in the context we're talking about (i.e. fictional shows on TV), "film" exclusively means "movie". A drama series would never be called a "film" (nor would a single episode). I thought that this was also true in the US, but it sounds as if I might be wrong...

Your hyphen should be a dash, but probably you know that. When I can't be bothered to try to enter a proper dash I use two hyphens: "--".

You are the first person to tell me that. What's the difference? Are there two different keys on the keyboard? When to use which?

Probably the best thing I can do is refer you to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dash and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyphen.

Re: correction 6

New2grammar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:46:55 GMT

CBS is airing a new series called ~~Swing Town~~ Swingtown.

I'm not familiar with this show myself, but on the CBS website it's called "Swingtown". I'd probably put "Swingtown" in italics, or quotes, but this is really a style thing.

Good Point

As the name implies, the show is about a town of swingers practicing polygamy.

"Polygamy" means being married to more than one person at the same time. Is that really the case here? Or are they just engaging in promiscuous sex?

You are right. It should be promiscuous sex. Thanks.

The network received tons of negative as well as positive feedback even before the debut.

"Tons of" is a very informal expression that might be just a tad too casual here.

The problem is I don't know a good substitute for it :( Any suggestions?

Due to its adult content, the much anticipated series is put in a later timeslot, a move critics call network desperation as steamy series are often associated with cable networks and movies.

I also don't really see why steamy series are "associated with movies". Do you mean "steamy content/subject matter"? I agree. Sorry

If "network desperation" is a literal quote from critics then I'd put it in quotes. If it's not a literal quote then I'd consider rephrasing the sentence to avoid the impression that the quotes ought to be there but had been forgotten.

During an interview, the producer defended the decision, saying "If you don't like it, don't watch".

The verb "defend" can occasionally be intransitive ("I attacked and he defended.") but this is fairly rare and doesn't quite work for me here.

I see.

~~Wondering what's~~ Being curious about the lifestyle of swingers, I think I'm going to watch, though I don't like *** films [help...it's shot in the 70s setting...what's the opposite of contemporary or modern] - contemporary or modern??? films are much better in general.

I'm not completely clear just from what you wrote if your preference depends on when the film is made or the period in which it's set. But I gather that this is a modern production set in the 1970s, so I guess you probably mean the latter. In fact, this show appears to be a drama series, not a film. There's a term "period drama" which means a drama set in a past time, but whether a drama set as recently as the 1970s would qualify as a "period drama" is questionable. I'd probably end up saying something like: "I don't like shows set in the past -- I much prefer shows with a modern/contemporary setting."

It's a modern production set in the 70s. I've always thought film included all types of motion pictures such as movies and drama series.

a. a sequence of images projected onto a screen, creating the illusion of movement

b. a form of entertainment in such a sequence of images Related adjective cinematic

Your hyphen should be a dash, but probably you know that. When I can't be bothered to try to enter a proper dash I use two hyphens: "--".

You are the first person to tell me that. What's the difference? Are there two different keys on the keyboard? When to use which?

Sorry for so many follow-up questions. You got many good points and I just wanted to make sure I get all your points.

Re: correction 6

Mr Wordy — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:41:41 GMT

CBS is airing a new series called ~~Swing Town~~ Swingtown.

I'm not familiar with this show myself, but on the CBS website it's called "Swingtown". I'd probably put "Swingtown" in italics, or quotes, but this is really a style thing.

As the name implies, the show is about a town of swingers practicing polygamy.

"Polygamy" means being married to more than one person at the same time. Is that really the case here? Or are they just engaging in promiscuous sex?

The network received tons of negative as well as positive feedback even before the debut.

"Tons of" is a very informal expression that might be just a tad too casual here.

Due to its adult content, the much anticipated series is put in a later timeslot, a move critics call network desperation as steamy series are often associated with cable networks and movies.

The logic of this sentence doesn't really work for me. The alleged "desperation" logically seems to apply to the fact that they showed it at all, not the fact that they shunted it into a late timeslot. I also don't really see why steamy series are "associated with movies". Do you mean "steamy content/subject matter"?

During an interview, the producer defended the decision, saying "If you don't like it, don't watch".

The verb "defend" can occasionally be intransitive ("I attacked and he defended.") but this is fairly rare and doesn't quite work for me here.

Your hyphen should be a dash, but probably you know that. When I can't be bothered to try to enter a proper dash I use two hyphens: "--".

Re: (Urgent!) please help me to correct two essays here! Thanks!

optilang — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:37:55 GMT

Chibi
I. Cause/Effect essay

Topic: Write an essay about how the internet affects the way people communicate with each other
The Internet, in this high-tech era, has become more popular with people of all ages. It provides the whole community with the possibility of communication as well as being a great means of entertainment and global connections. This advanced technology has also contributed to the considerable change in communication among people, particularly youngsters. The fact that people prefer the use of writing via chat-windows, blogs or e-mails instead of talking face-to-face ~~talking~~ limits the use of body language. Moreover, Internet addicts are likely to convey their thoughts and react to othersâ in the same way of communication in the virtual world.Internet addiction makes ~~causes~~ the communication form of writing ~~to be~~ more popular. In common sense, communication is the way of transforming information and emotion through/by ~~with~~ (the use of) speaking or writing. (Before the Internet became popular)When the Internet was not popular~~ized~~, speaking was the preferred form of communication~~the communication form of speaking was preferable~~ since it was considered much faster than the process of writing and sending a letter. However, along with the development of information technology, people have become ~~been~~ accustomed to chat-windows, blogs or e-mails, and (have) used them as normal tools of modern communication. This newly-formed habit of exchanging information or messages leads communicators to ignore the use of physical means such as facial expression, eye contact and haptics. However,~~Meanwhile,~~ these factors have been ~~are~~ proved to be necessary parts of effective communication in real life because they help communicators to ~~well-~~control the situation and judiciously-react to their partnersâ thoughts and feelings. Actually, writing habits limits body language in daily communication.Young people who live in the virtual world of networks nearly all the time have become involved in anonymous communication via pseudonymous accounts at least once, thus they know the feeling of suspicion in the process of the contact. In such a case, almost everything they tell each other is for the purpose of fun and relaxation. There is hardly a moment ~~Hardly is there any time~~ when they express ~~tell~~ their true feelings. In some other cases, they confide ~~confine~~ in a person in the cyber-world, relating ~~about~~ their problems just because that person does not know much about them. They feel free to talk without judging how that person is and without worrying how they will be judged. This habit results in a ~~their~~ lack of communication skills and ability to realize a trustworthy person in real life. Therefore, they have difficulty (in) reacting to ~~hardly have reasonable reaction in~~ different situations; they just act as if they were in their virtual community. In conclusion, the above is the newly-formed way of communication among people as a result of Internet abuse. To some extent, this cannot be said to be entirely negative; but it is certain to adversely affect communicators, especially young ones in daily life. In fact, the development of this advanced technology raises the a question of how young generations can remain communicating with each other in a natural way, while they do not stop abusing the Internet.
II. Argumentative essay

Topic 1: We can usually learn much more from people whose views we share than from people whose views contradict our own; disagreement can cause stress and inhibit learning.
Learning seems to be an everlasting task for people of all ages. Among various sources that we can learn from are the people around us. One question in consideration is who we can learn much more from: people with the same views or people with the opposite ones. Many agree/believe ~~approve~~ that people who share their opinions provide them with much more valuable lessons than those who oppose to them. They add that disagreement (just) causes stress and inhibits learning. Actually, these peopleâs belief is not really true.First and foremost, people have the opportunity ~~great chances~~ to practice critical thinking when getting into an argument with those who hold the opposite point of view ~~say the opposite to their thought~~. Critical thinking is known as a way of embracing the ~~taking up~~ problems of life. A person with a critical habit of thought is not conservative but considers all the concerned aspects based on convincing evidence. However, it is impossible to form this habit if he does not have a chance to deal with a lot of different points of views. Meanwhile, no matter how intelligent a person is, he himself cannot come up with all the things he may encounter in the process of figuring out an issue. Thus, working with contradictious people provides a person with an ideal environment for bettering this skill. In fact, to meet the target of critical thinking, a person has to go through three stages: analysis, synthesis and evaluation. It means that when working on an issue, it is necessary for him to employ his own knowledge to be able to deliver his own views with sound evidence. Nonetheless, he is not objective enough if he stops here because knowledge may be wider and deeper than his current acquisition. That is the reason why he needs to listen to and criticize othersâ opinions carefully and fairly, and then combines that with what he has known to make a decision. In this so-called synthesis stage, he is likely to refute different ideas which are certainly defended. This defense will bring him a great deal of useful information as long as he is selective. With careful analysis and synthesis, he can come to a certain conclusion. Maybe his initial opinions then are no longer strong for less convincing evidence, but what he has is a reasonable approach to such a controversial issue. Some object arguiung ~~objectors argue~~ that disagreement can cause stress and inhibit learning. In fact, debaters cannot avoid over-enthusiasm and over-determination in any heated discussion. Thus, it is not disagreement but the atmosphere of a debate that somehow causes stress. However, being stressed is just a temporary effect of activating their nerves for thought. This effect is greatly outweighed by what people are likely to achieve afterwards. In such a case, disagreement is not learning inhibition but learning stimulation. On the other hand, it is not wise for a person to have too much stress in the process of a discussion. Actually, he can possibly reduce the stress by thinking about and discussing the issue in the least aggressive manner. If he cannot do so when he still involves the debate, heâd better choose another time to discuss again after studying and analyzing everything in concern. It is also recommended that he should find more related information from reliable sources to support the points.All in all, arguments among people who present contradicting views can bring us great opportunities to widen our knowledge and sharpen our critical thinking skill. These benefits are somehow less achieved from those whose opinions are like ours because the discussion will quickly stop when some supporting ideas, which are considered reasonable, are delivered.

Hi - Got as far as I could with this - but only done very quickly - hope it's of some help

(Urgent!) please help me to correct two essays here! Thanks!

Chibi — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:59:44 GMT

I. Cause/Effect essay

Topic: Write an essay about how the internet affects the way people communicate with each other

Internet, in this high-tech era, has become more popular with people of all ages. It provides the whole community with a huge amount of communication as well as a great means of entertainment and global connection. This advanced technology has also contributed to the considerable change in communication among people, particularly youngsters. The fact that people prefer the use of writing via chat-windows, blogs or e-mails instead of face-to-face talking limits the use of body language. Moreover, Internet addicts are likely to convey their thoughts and react to othersâ in the same way of communication in the virtual world.Internet addiction causes the communication form of writing to be more popular. In common sense, communication is the way of transforming information and emotion with the use of speaking or writing. When the Internet was not popularized, the communication form of speaking was preferable since it was considered much faster than the process of writing and sending a letter. However, along with the development of information technology, people have been accustomed to chat-windows, blogs or e-mails, and (have) used them as normal tools of modern communication. This newly-formed habit of exchanging information or messages leads communicators to ignore the use of physical means such as facial expression, eye contact and haptics. Meanwhile, these factors are proved to be necessary parts of effective communication in real life because they help communicators to well-control the situation and judiciously-react to their partnersâ thoughts and feelings. Actually, writing habit limits body language in daily communication.Young people who live in the virtual world of network nearly all the time have involved in anonymous communication via pseudonymous account at least once, thus they know the feeling of suspicion in the process of the contact. In such a case, almost everything they tell each other is for the purpose of fun and relaxation. Hardly is there any time when they tell their true feelings. In some other cases, they confine in a person in the cyber-world about their problems just because that person does not know much about them. They feel free to talk without judging how that person is and without worrying how they will be judged. This habit results in their lack of communication skills and ability to realize a trustworthy person in real life. Therefore, they hardly have reasonable reaction in different situations; they just act as if they were in their virtual community. In conclusion, above is the newly-formed way of communication among people as a result of Internet abuse. To some extent, this cannot be said to be entirely negative; but it is certain to adversely affect communicators, especially young ones in daily life. In fact, the development of this advanced technology raises a question of how young generations can remain communicating with each other in a natural way, while they do not stop abusing the Internet.

II. Argumentative essay

Topic 1: We can usually learn much more from people whose views we share than from people whose views contradict our own; disagreement can cause stress and inhibit learning.

Learning seems to be an everlasting task for people of all ages. Among various sources that we can learn from are people around us. One question in consideration is who we can learn much more from: people with the same views or people with the opposite ones. Many approve that people who share their opinions provide them with much more valuable lessons than those who oppose to them. They add that disagreement just causes stress and inhibits learning. Actually, these peopleâs belief is not really true.First and foremost, people have great chances to practice critical thinking when getting into an argument with those who say the opposite to their thought. Critical thinking is known as a way of taking up problems of life. A person with a critical habit of thought is not conservative but considers all the concerned aspects based on convincing evidence. However, it is impossible to form this habit if he does not have a chance to deal with a lot of different points of views. Meanwhile, no matter how intelligent a person is, he himself cannot come up with all the things he may encounter in the process of figuring out an issue. Thus, working with contradictious people provides a person with an ideal environment for bettering this skill. In fact, to meet the target of critical thinking, a person has to go through three stages: analysis, synthesis and evaluation. It means that when working on an issue, it is necessary for him to employ his own knowledge to be able to deliver his own views with sound evidence. Nonetheless, he is not objective enough if he stops here because knowledge may be wider and deeper than his current acquisition. That is the reason why he needs to listen to and criticize othersâ opinions carefully and fairly, and then combines with what he has known to make a decision. In this so-called synthesis stage, he is likely to refute different ideas which are certainly defended. This defense will bring him a great deal of useful information as long as he is selective. With careful analysis and synthesis, he can come to a certain conclusion. Maybe his initial opinions then are no longer strong for less convincing evidence, but what he has is a reasonable approach to such a controversial issue. Some objectors argue that disagreement can cause stress and inhibit learning. In fact, debaters cannot avoid over-enthusiasm and over-determination in any heated discussion. Thus, it is not disagreement but the atmosphere of a debate that somehow causes stress. However, being stressed is just a temporary effect of activating their nerves for thought. This effect is greatly outweighed by what people are likely to achieve afterwards. In such a case, disagreement is not learning inhibition but learning stimulation. On the other hand, it is not wise for a person to have too much stress in the process of a discussion. Actually, he can possibly reduce the stress by thinking about and discussing the issue in the least aggressive manner. If he cannot do so when he still involves the debate, heâd better choose another time to discuss again after studying and analyzing everything in concern. It is also recommended that he should find more related information from reliable sources to support the points.All in all, arguments among people who present contradicting views can bring us great opportunities to widen our knowledge and sharpen our critical thinking skill. These benefits are somehow less achieved from those whose opinions are like ours because the discussion will quickly stop when some supporting ideas, which are considered reasonable, are delivered.

Re: channelled

Avangi — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:10:00 GMT

"Them apples" refers to "the information which was just revealed." It's an expression of wonderment. You can say it to everyone or anyone or yourself.

You're alone. You just saw two airplanes colide in midair. "Wow!" / "How about them apples!"

I don't know the origin. Perhaps an apple grower is expressing pride at the beauty and quality of this year's crop.

The grammatical error may be a touch of regional flavor. When the Red Sox were finally winning, a few years ago, there was an expression going around New England, "How 'bout them Red Sox!"

- A.

Edit. Perhaps my airplane example was in bad taste. It's more an example of horror than wonder. Although, I have often heard the apples expression applied in a negative way.