In Present tenses^x, Vowels^x

CB's explanation is 100% right on. It is a linguistic question dealing with phonology. By the way, the same principle is in play with the plural noun ending 's/es': 's' after a non-voiced consonant (lamps, desks); 'z' after a voiced consonant or a vowel (dogs,...

>> I'm getting a little confused here. "> Could you go over that again? "> <<Lol. Sorry. I meant to say "upper-case vowels represent lax vowels, and lower-case vowels represent tense vowels."

upper-case vowels represent lax vowels, and upper case vowels represent tense vowels. I'm getting a little confused here. Could you go over that again? CJ

Yep. I'm serious. Here's how I say these words as compared to General American. "N" represents "ng"; upper-case vowels represent lax vowels, and upper case vowels represent tense vowels. I listed the word, first, the General American pronunciation second, and my pronunciation third. <ul...

Deepa, I totally agree with you! As examples always enlighten a lot, I'll give you some impressions of my mother tongue German: I have to say that English in many cases is simpler than my native language. You mentioned e.g. the gender of a noun which is usually expressed by the article. In...

I guess I should maybe explain this: The reason is not a grammatical one, eg that they are auxiliaries, but sooner a historical one: (It's a bit difficult but be patient while I'm trying to explain it *lol*) Ok here we go: First of all you certainly have seen, that, beside the missing -s for...