http://www.englishforums.com/search/pro.htm?q=tag%3aProper+GrammarSearch results for 'tag:Proper Grammar' matching tag 'Proper Grammar'en-USXMOD (Build: 3616.28671)http://www.englishforums.com/English/IScholarshipEssayEmergency/gplkd/post.htmMon, 20 Oct 2008 04:50:42 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:578173deadsidI have 5 scholarship essays due by the end of the month and I am horrible with proper grammar so even if I check it myself I don't know if it would even matter could someone read them and help me out? I'll post one at a time unless you want me to post them all. The first one is the messiest and biggest I'll post that one first. Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Academy Scholarship Application One of the many talents I possess, that I think would qualify me, for the Academy, is drive. Drive is something a lot of people who game lack, when it comes to actually knuckling up, and working, rather than just playing games. I’ve dealt with this problem for many years, not as a gamer, but as someone dealing with...http://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseWriteAboveSentencesProper-Grammar/gxchw/post.htm#570864Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:21:29 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:570864cliveHi, OK. Please clarify what you are trying to do here. Is there some specific way that you are supposed to rewrite these? Are you supposed to be practicing some particular grammar point? Sentences can be rewritten in lots of ways. Can you add words? Or change words? In addition, some of the sentences you are supposed to rewrite do not make good or complete sense. Let's begin by just looking at the first three. a) “In this design model some imperfections in the metal castings.” Rewrite:__ __ __ There is no verb in the original so it is an incorrect sentence. In what way are you supposed to rewrite it? You could rewrite it in lots of ways. Your answer is There are some imperfections in the metal castings of this design model....http://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseWriteAboveSentencesProper-Grammar/gxchw/post.htm#570817Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:15:30 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:570817anonymousNormal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 There are some imperfections in the metal castings of this design model a) “In this design model some imperfections in the metal castings.” Rewrite: There are some imperfections in the metal castings of this design model b) “Before outsourcing the design should have a thorough idea regarding the company which is making the product.” Rewrite: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 The company which is making the product, should have a thorough idea before...http://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseWriteAboveSentencesProper-Grammar/gxchw/post.htm#570765Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:17:31 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:570765cliveHi There are a lot of questions here. Surely you can at least try some of them? Just make your best attempt. Clivehttp://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseWriteAboveSentencesProper-Grammar/gxchw/post.htm#570664Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:43:54 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:570664cliveHi, Welcome to the Forum. Please show us your answers first, and we'll check them for you. Best wishes, Clivehttp://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseWriteAboveSentencesProper-Grammar/gxchw/post.htmFri, 26 Sep 2008 13:12:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:570613sandeep641a) “In this design model some imperfections in the metal castings.” Rewrite:__ __ __ b) “Before outsourcing the design should have a thorough idea regarding the company which is making the product.” Rewrite:__ __ __ c) “Because the internet connection is slow.” Rewrite:__ __ __ d) “Colin on the other hand decides to take the matter to Jack -the manager when he returns.” Rewrite:__ __ __ e) “Both companies managed to reduce operating costs because they can find more efficient ways to bring their product to the market.” Rewrite:__ __ f) “Mike recognized that and produces the same model with different features.” Rewrite:__ __ __ g) “Spectrum Brands are a global consumer products company.” Rewrite:__ __________ h) “My strategies is to...http://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseWriteAboveSentencesProper-Grammar/gxchv/post.htmFri, 26 Sep 2008 13:09:46 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:570609anonymousa) “In this design model some imperfections in the metal castings.” Rewrite:__ __ __ b) “Before outsourcing the design should have a thorough idea regarding the company which is making the product.” Rewrite:__ __ __ c) “Because the internet connection is slow.” Rewrite:__ __ __ d) “Colin on the other hand decides to take the matter to Jack -the manager when he returns.” Rewrite:__ __ __ e) “Both companies managed to reduce operating costs because they can find more efficient ways to bring their product to the market.” Rewrite:__ __ f) “Mike recognized that and produces the same model with different features.” Rewrite:__ __ __ g) “Spectrum Brands are a global consumer products company.” Rewrite:__ __________ h) “My strategies is to...http://www.englishforums.com/English/CanSomeoneLookCriticalResponseThank-Advance/gnlqw/post.htmSat, 20 Sep 2008 20:24:34 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:568454kay9124I will be really really appreciated if you guys can help out..point out some grammar mistakes + make some suggestions the following is my work: THANKS A LOT.. Internet: The Intangible World In the 21 st century, the term “internet” certainly isn’t something unfamiliar to most people in today’s society. Whether it’s children or adults, whether it’s students or professionals, they have all benefited significantly from the internet. It is an unquestionable fact that internet has bought so many privileges and also changes into the lives of many. For instance, people have easier access to a variety of information because of internet. Before internet is introduced, people might have difficulties finding information. Sometimes,...http://www.englishforums.com/English/AboutTheDate/glddc/post.htm#556134Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:52:18 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:556134mister micawber. You can say this with the same meaning and proper grammar: The campaign will be held between 22 December and 25 December 2008. Why do we use "will be " instead of "is held"?- Because December 2008 is in the future.http://www.englishforums.com/English/ConformToSociety/gkbrn/post.htm#550838Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:56:26 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:550838antiamericanidolI think that formulating stronger arguements is more important than proper grammar at this stage. http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/ ... This film may make you angry and upset. If you've ever wished to free your mind from the confines of accepted "reality" then I'd definately suggest you watch it. If you are content in the cell that most of us share, ignore me and continue your studies.http://www.englishforums.com/English/TheseOnesAndThoseOnes/2/wrkc/Post.htm#545631Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:25:00 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:545631anonymousIt is true that "ones," according to proper grammar should not follow "these" or "those" only because one is a singular object. If there is a plural number, "one" becomes inappropriate however there are few people I know (I live in the midwest US) that do not use this construction, as in common speech leaving an object out of a sentence sounds strange or over educated. My wife and I both hail from the Southwestern US (California and Arizona, mainly), and we disagree on this. I've never used "these ones" or "those ones", and I think it sounds clumsy and unnatural. She and her family have always used it, and don't don't an eyelash over it. It's sort of like when...http://www.englishforums.com/English/QuestionOnPossessives/ggqgg/post.htmTue, 01 Jul 2008 19:09:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:535336dannomiteI am curious if it is proper grammar when referring to two individuals having possession of something to put apostrophies on each or just the second..or is there a more grammatically correct to express the same. See example below. Given the benefits of discipline with dignity as well as alternatives to zero-tolerance policies, I find Curwin's and Mendler’s approach desirable . or Given the benefits of discipline with dignity as well as alternatives to zero-tolerance policies, I find Curwin and Mendler’s approach desirable.http://www.englishforums.com/English/MedicalEnglishMatureTeacher/kvng/post.htm#526132Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:40:02 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:526132anonymousDear Loretta: Thank-you for your letter. It is always interesting to hear from someone with a similar background or interest. Let me answer some of your questions for you. I want to share with you what I have learned over the years in this business. I hope I can be blunt? 1) You asked: what is the value of these certifications if one is already fluent in english and has taught professionals as part of their professional career? I teach adults at work all the time. My response: This is a common question for people who want to teach at any an all levels of ESL. a) Simply being fluent in a language doesn’t make you good at it. Think of all the regional dialects and inner city dialects of English just in the USA alone. Surely...http://www.englishforums.com/English/WhatEnglishDifficultLearn/7/nlcp/Post.htm#518156Fri, 23 May 2008 22:29:13 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:518156anonymousI'm a native English (American) speaker, and I have heard that English is easy to learn at a basic level. However, becoming fluent or speaking like a native speaker is difficult because, frankly, the language makes little sense even to those of us for whom it's a first language. Luckily for anyone out there who thinks their English is not good, your meaning is usually understood even if your grammar is imperfect, and no one really cares. In fact, although I have do know proper grammar, in most informal situations I intentionally use a more relaxed, even sometimes incorrect, dialect because it sounds far too formal to speak so perfectly to one's friends.http://www.englishforums.com/English/KindlyCheck/gcvqp/post.htm#512416Sun, 11 May 2008 12:13:59 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:512416marius hancuBuy a proper grammar book, say Murphy or Azar. Those are very contrived sentences. Try instead: It appears she was talking to me I have a lot of letters to writehttp://www.englishforums.com/English/NotOnlyButAlso/zxncb/post.htm#490398Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:39:16 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:490398kooyeenHow in heaven's name can you seperate good style from proper grammar and idiomatic English? Well, I was thinking of something like "Uh, y'know, I think it's, like, weird" , which would definitely be idiomatic, but probably not good style if you put it in "good writing". But I see you were only considering written English... It's casual writing and makes your reader work harder than you want him to. ...while I mentioned "spoken English" in my post. No problem. You are a writer, so "good writing" is the first thing you think of, of course.http://www.englishforums.com/English/NotOnlyButAlso/zxncb/post.htm#490354Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:17:38 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:490354grammar geekHow in heaven's name can you seperate good style from proper grammar and idiomatic English? Both (parellel) forms are grammatical. Your second example would leave me scratching my head on a first read -- am I not supposed to be interested in cultural things? And then I go back and figure out that "but also in" is a shortcut for "but you should also be interested in." It's casual writing and makes your reader work harder than you want him to. (That's also good style - don't make your reader work harder than necessary to understand your meaning.) You shouldn't be interested in ONLY things that can benefit you economically, but should take an interest in broader, cultural issues as well.http://www.englishforums.com/English/QuestionAboutProperAdjectives/znhjm/post.htmSat, 01 Mar 2008 14:47:30 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:483662marcz908My grammar book explains that "Proper adjectives are formed from proper nouns." I am confused by the example it gives: California vegetables (from the noun "California") It says that California is the proper noun, and I understand that. That would make "vegetables" the proper adjective. The problem I'm having is, isn't vegetables also a noun? It seems to me like "vegetables" would be the subject, it's the key point of focus. Wouldn't that make California the adjective because it's describing what kind of vegetables? Also, why isn't this a compound noun?http://www.englishforums.com/English/WhatsProperGrammarSentence/zngrq/post.htm#483233Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:26:24 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:483233cliveHi, I have a sentence that we're having trouble deciding which is correct grammatically. The sentence is: "Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) can have a long asymptomatic phase and then presents in a catastrophic manner." The question is, should this read 'presents in a catastrophic manner.' or 'present in a catastrophic manner' (without the 's' in presents)? The latter. What you are really saying is this. "Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) can have a long asymptomatic phase and (can) then present in a catastrophic manner." In other words, you are just omitting the second 'can'. Best wishes, Clivehttp://www.englishforums.com/English/WhatsProperGrammarSentence/zngrq/post.htmFri, 29 Feb 2008 15:11:34 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:483224anonymousHello All, I have a sentence that we're having trouble deciding which is correct grammatically. The sentence is: "Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) can have a long asymptomatic phase and then presents in a catastrophic manner." The question is, should this read 'presents in a catastrophic manner.' or 'present in a catastrophic manner' (without the 's' in presents)? Thank you very, very much.http://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseCheckMyGrammar/zrndb/post.htm#479140Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:23:27 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:479140anonymousIf this sentence originated in the U.S., then failure to make the number (that is, the singularity or plurality) of the pronoun (in this case "their") match the number of the noun (in this case ''seller") is the result of what is termed "political correctness." Because of this flawed concept, many poor writers now use this grammatical construction in their efforts to avoid refernce to gender, even though they know that the proper grammar is to use "his" or "her." Their thinking is that pointing out that the seller is male or female might have bad consequences of some sort. I have never understood why such ridiculous delicacy came to be standard practice, and I think such perversion of...http://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammarQuestion/zghxr/post.htm#449346Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:25:15 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:449346grammar geekHello LWatson, I agree that "the" before "most" does not belong. As it stands now, most are not sure... (I would also say "check TO see" not "check AND see") And "away" should most certainly be "a way."http://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammarQuestion/zghxr/post.htmMon, 03 Dec 2007 23:22:50 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:449344lwatsonPlease read the second sentence. There should be no “the”. “As it stands now, most are not sure if it is possible.” The question: is the above a correct statement " The engineers are checking to get you more detail. As it stands now the most are not sure if it is possible. Mike Paul gets back from vacation on the 11 th and he may know for sure if you would like to wait for him. Otherwise Jeff Scarboro will continue to check and see if there is away around this issue."http://www.englishforums.com/English/CollegeMotivationLetter-Please/zggbq/post.htmSun, 02 Dec 2007 13:42:18 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:448850levenTo be considered for an interview for the college I want to go to I need to write a letter of motivation. I've never written a letter like this before, so I could use some help. I have to at least touch upon these points: Why would you like to study at University College? What field(s) of studies do you find most interesting and why? Do you have any relevant working experience or social activities? What are your interests with regard to (or regardless of) your current education? What are your plans after finishing University College? This is what I have (I think I might have ranted too much): Dear Sir or Madam, A little over a year ago University College caught my attention. As a 6 VWO student I know...http://www.englishforums.com/English/IWonderedOftenStayLateNight-Not/zgdlh/post.htmFri, 30 Nov 2007 09:48:04 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:448144anonymousHi all ! In my online grammar classes I have been given several sentences to check and I have managed to resolve all of them except this one: "I wondered do you often stay out so late at night or not". I have tried al possible solutions but the online program gives me no point for it. Can anybody think of the proper grammar of the sentence ? Thank you Darekhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/QuestionRegardigQuotes/zgrvv/post.htm#447252Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:43:47 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:447252anonymousYep, that's exactly right. The speaker changed it from "you" to "we" which it's why it's so confusing. I wish I could just change it to "What do you think?" but it has to be verbatim. I like the italics idea, but is that proper grammar? I don't know, which is why I'm asking for help Thanks!http://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammarOpeningSentence/zzblh/post.htm#442684Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:31:31 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:442684cool breezeIdealistic wrote: “The Lord of the flies” is a classic novel written by William Golding in 1954. I see nothing wrong with the sentence. It has a passive relative clause equivalent and in such structures a past participle (written) is possible for all tenses: "The Lord of the Flies" is a classic novel written by William Golding in 1954. It is a classic novel now but it was written in 1954 . CBhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammarOpeningSentence/zzblh/post.htm#442657Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:46:37 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:442657califjimPerhaps because it contains an anachronism. Authors don't write classic novels. They write novels which may or may not become classics. Does this version seem better? Written in 1954, William Golding's novel "The Lord of the Flies" soon became a classic. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammarOpeningSentence/zzblh/post.htmWed, 14 Nov 2007 20:35:47 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:442653idealistic“The Lord of the flies” is a classic novel written by William Golding in 1954. For some reason this sentence seems in correct. Perhaps the tense of the wording is off?http://www.englishforums.com/English/TalkingToABaby/zdhwk/post.htm#434525Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:44:53 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:434525grammar geekYour baby isn't going to care about proper grammar. It's the sound of your voice that's important. You may have heard something like this in my household: There's a good girl. Drink it up. Is it yummy? Were you a hungry girl? You must have been. Yes, that's right, make it all gone. Did you get enough? You did? Good girl. It's not the most exciting conversation and tends to be one-sided, but they didn't care what I was saying. (Don't forget the burp!)http://www.englishforums.com/English/TheseOnesAndThoseOnes/wrkc/post.htm#412421Fri, 31 Aug 2007 21:56:42 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:412421anonymousIt is true that "ones," according to proper grammar should not follow "these" or "those" only because one is a singular object. If there is a plural number, "one" becomes inappropriate however there are few people I know (I live in the midwest US) that do not use this construction, as in common speech leaving an object out of a sentence sounds strange or over educated.http://www.englishforums.com/English/TheresMeVsTheresI/vxbdd/post.htm#403636Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:55:22 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:403636gl2While it's important to learn proper grammar, it's probably more important to learn to speak and write like an educated native. That sometimes means laying aside what is technically correct for what is colloquial. "It's I," or, "It is I," sound like something Shakespeare might have written in a play. "Hark! Who goes there?" "Fear not, it is I." Likewise, "There's I," sounds hopelessly stilted and archaic. "Is there not one brave knight who will fight for the honor of this maiden?" "There's I." "There's me," sounds colloquial in the right context, such as this: "Who are the ones going to the game?" "Well, let's see, there's John, Cindy and me."http://www.englishforums.com/English/HowToSpeakGoodEnglish/5/zqcq/Post.htm#400651Sun, 05 Aug 2007 13:25:03 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:400651janemayAnonymous wrote: im not really good on how to speak a proper grammar. so can you teach me how to be a good speaker? I'd write: I'm not really good on how to use proper grammar in my sentences.... In order to speak grammatically correct, I think : if we don't live in an English speaking country, then whenever we come across an opportunity to speak English, take that chance and use it . If you have some friends who are English native speakers, then ask them to correct you when you make mistakes... That way you'll surely improve your grammar . My 2 1/2 cents.http://www.englishforums.com/English/HowToSpeakGoodEnglish/5/zqcq/Post.htm#400617Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:24:03 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:400617anonymousim not really good on how to speak a proper grammar. so can you teach me how to be a good speaker?http://www.englishforums.com/English/ApostrofyQuestion/vnrdv/post.htm#398014Sun, 29 Jul 2007 05:23:00 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:398014matskoThank you for the reply. What about when an apostrophe is used for shortening the ing on a verb? Say for example: the man just kept on runnin' Is this proper grammar or just slang? If anyone knows what this is called, then please let me know.http://www.englishforums.com/English/CanSomeoneCheckSentenceProper-Grammar/vkxxd/post.htm#387617Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:43:03 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:387617califjimThe grammar is fine. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/CanSomeoneCheckSentenceProper-Grammar/vkxxd/post.htmTue, 03 Jul 2007 13:41:28 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:387501anonymousConsequently, I understand that not having a passion for watching movies, yet writing them, may play into the common stereotype of people who write screenplays for a quick buck, not because they have a passionhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/UsaOrUk/7/ccwpj/Post.htm#384524Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:51:27 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:384524cool breezeThethenothere123 wrote: I feel as though the AmE vs. BrE distinction is largely exaggerated by non-native English speakers. Like a previous poster commented, your focus should be on using proper grammar and working to improve your pronunciation rather than worrying about the minor differences in the usage of language between two countries. Very true. When I attended school, I was taught English, not British English or American English. I was told some words were more American than British but the minor differences weren't a big deal. I have encountered Brits who told me they didn't consider American English to be English at all. For them it was another language called American. In other words, a foreign language. Yet they said...http://www.englishforums.com/English/CortnieJoshCelebrating30thBirthdays-ApostropheNeeded/vjnnp/post.htmThu, 21 Jun 2007 01:26:22 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:382294jessejamesI am working on an invitation and would like to use proper grammar. Cortnie and Josh have different birthdays, but are celebrating on the same day. How should I write "birthdays"?http://www.englishforums.com/English/AShortVideoQuestions/vwbwg/post.htm#374524Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:17:17 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:374524l.yukiNona The Brit wrote: I wouldn't expect proper grammar either. Don't forget they are supposed to be foul-mouthed slang-using odd little 8 year old children. That is what I was thinking about the grammar thing. For the 2nd part, didn't know that. As I found several episodes pretty funny and wanted to use for English listening practice. But my best friend stopped me saying those are too childish and I would be corrupted -__-""" So never watched again.. He was afraid I would get used to all the f words and start saying it myself LOL >.>http://www.englishforums.com/English/AShortVideoQuestions/vwbwg/post.htm#374522Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:10:31 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:374522nona the britI wouldn't expect proper grammar either. Don't forget they are supposed to be foul-mouthed slang-using odd little 8 year old children.http://www.englishforums.com/English/AShortVideoQuestions/vwbwg/post.htm#374516Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:02:53 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:374516l.yukiNona The Brit wrote: Ah, South Park . They do speak in rather odd voices, (especially Cartman) so don't expect standard pronounciation. I am horrible with grammar LOL So, hopefully someone that has good grammar will be able to help you on that one ^_^ As Nona The Brit has said, we shouldn't expect standard pronunciation, should we expect proper grammar or no? They surely talk fast.. I just hope you don't learn all the f words and master it in your daily usage! LOL (Ok, I am just kidding about this one) P.S. Sorry for off topic. Hey though, I am a little bit on the topic.http://www.englishforums.com/English/ImDoneThat/vgxcv/post.htmSat, 19 May 2007 19:01:07 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:367646anonymousFor the third year in a row, my son's elementary school teachers have used the phrase" "When you're done that" or "when you're finished that". The first time my son told me "mom, I'm done my homework" I almost lost it! When I questioned his teacher about this, she insisted that it was proper grammar and said that she had even verified this through the english department! We live in Pennsylvania and I believe it's regional but I have to say, I'm from East Tennessee and know better! Anyone know if I am wrong about this? Thankshttp://www.englishforums.com/English/HavingTroubleGraspingProper-Tenses/vgbkk/post.htm#364050Sun, 13 May 2007 00:34:33 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:364050cliveHi, I am trying to write a fictional story. My understanding fails here: "This time it was Brenda's turn to laugh." vs "That time it was Brenda's turn to laugh." I am trying to write in the past tense but feel I am lacking some basic understanding of how to go about this. "This time it was..." sounds better to my ear, but am I mixing tenses if I write like this? Is there a rule of grammar that dictates which pronoun is proper to use? Perhaps I'm missing some subtlety regarding using this/that... Interesting question. I'm not a writer, but let me try to offer a few comments. 'This' and 'that' don't relate to tenses but to proximity. If I say 'Look at this', it's closer to me in some way than if I say 'Look at that'. It seems to...http://www.englishforums.com/English/HavingTroubleGraspingProper-Tenses/vgbkk/post.htmSat, 12 May 2007 22:53:54 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:364031anonymousHello. I apologize in advance if this question feels like a waste of time to those more knowledgeable than myself. I have spent most of the last two days trying to find an answer and haven't been able to so far. I am trying to write a fictional story. My understanding fails here: "This time it was Brenda's turn to laugh." vs "That time it was Brenda's turn to laugh." I am trying to write in the past tense but feel I am lacking some basic understanding of how to go about this. "This time it was..." sounds better to my ear, but am I mixing tenses if I write like this? Is there a rule of grammar that dictates which pronoun is proper to use? Perhaps I'm missing some subtlety regarding using this/that... This example isn't my only problem...http://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammar/vcxcx/post.htm#348461Sun, 08 Apr 2007 18:35:10 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:348461saltukhanproper grammar and proper spelling are together so sexy ! what do you think?http://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammar/vcxcx/post.htmSat, 07 Apr 2007 02:11:18 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:348004sarahjThere is a popular group on facebook.com called Good grammar is sexy. A friend brought something to my attention about it though. He said it should be Proper grammar is sexy. This sounds right to me Which is it?http://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammar/vnhh/post.htm#347637Thu, 05 Apr 2007 23:40:47 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:347637califjimThe second sounds classier to me -- but without the boldface and underline -- and use the same capitalization you used in the first one. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ProperGrammar/vnhh/post.htm#347568Thu, 05 Apr 2007 19:39:36 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:347568anonymousI am working on a letter. Which sounds better? And I want to wish you all of life's blessings on your First Communion Day. or And I want to wish you all of life's blessings on this , your First communion Day.http://www.englishforums.com/English/WriteGiveEmail/vrxpx/post.htm#338412Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:52:57 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:338412goodmanICQ style English drives me nuts! When learners come to forums like this one, please write, at least try, your questions in proper grammar. As Marius pointed out, these error are against basic grammar and should be avoided.