Search results for 'tag:Sentence structures tag:Regards' matching tags 'Sentence structures' and 'Regards'

Re: participle as a subject

CalifJim — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:48:17 GMT

Cool Breeze
I am walking. Walking is an adjective?

"allegedly" See below.

From Introduction to the Grammar of English (Huddleston, Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics)

... participles are said to be 'verbal adjectives'.

First example given:

He was telling the truth.

Later:

... a present participle ... allegedly has adjectival properties. I say 'allegedly' because it is difficult to see any significant functional resemblance to an adjective ... [in the first example on the list].

He goes on to say that the -ing words in such examples are clearly verbs, while in other contexts they are clearly adjectives.

_____

With respect to the original question then, I suppose the more accurate description is that participles are either parts of verb phrases or are adjectives. In either case, a participle -- being verb or adjective -- cannot be the subject of a sentence unless it is in the cleft sentence structure, as illustrated earlier in the thread by GG. I think that's the only structure that allows a participle or an adjective to be promoted to the status of a noun phrase so it can be a subject.

At least that's my claim. Maybe someone can provide a counterexample. That would be instructive.

Edit:

'Destroyed' is the best description of that town.

Here a participle (adjective) is promoted to a noun and is the subject of the sentence. So there are cases other than the cleft sentence structure that allow it. Nevertheless, note the quotes. It works in the same way that anything in quotes can be promoted to subject:

'Xygneoowytoeyy' is a nonsense word.

'got into the truck' is not a complete sentence.

_____

Your question opens up a good many sticky points in the terminology. Do we (Can we) talk about certain structures by naming them without regard to their function in context? Or not? Probably not. Is love a noun or a verb? Only context will tell.

Cool Breeze
To hear him sing is an unforgettable experience.

to hear him sing is a sentence with a non-finite verb used as a noun phrase in a higher level sentence. The idea is that the terminological identity of a word or group of words may change depending on which level in a hierarchy of clauses it is considered. At the lowest level of the "tree", to hear is indeed an infinitive (a non-finite verb), but in the context of the whole sentence (higher in the hierarchical tree), to hear him sing is the subject of the main clause, is nominal in nature, and is called a noun phrase. (Infinitives are often nominal in nature, so this is not surprising; for example, [I want + noun phrase] can take either of these forms: I want some pizza. I want to sing.)

Cool Breeze
Using an infinitive as a subject may not be common in American English

Actually, infinitives are used in AmE as subjects. The location geographically or historically has nothing to do with it. But infinitives (and their complement(s), if any), taken together, can make noun phrases.

To be absolutely precise, it is a noun phrase (NP) that must be the subject of a sentence. I oversimplified by saying 'noun or pronoun'.

Re: How many words (HMW)?

Hoa Thai — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:15:26 GMT

Arvsworld wrote:
It's generally not the number of words you know but how well you use them (to express your thoughts clearly) that indicate your mastery level. Tests like the TOEFL and the IELTS rate your mastery of English for the academic and work related settings. Knowing all the words in the dictionary is useless if you can't create complete, coherent sentences. One good way to practice and improve your language skills is to try saying something in several different ways. This kind of exercise forces you to keep adding new words to your vocabulary and to explore different sentence structures. Regarding the word lists you were asking about, you can search for those things using google or any other search engine.

Hi,

I simply need the statistical information from a reliable source (if possible sole source) for my report.

Regarding your advice, I beg to differ. Words to language are no different from sounds to music, ingredients to cooking, or elements to chemistry. One of the important aspects of language learning is vocabulary enrichment. I agree with you that we must use all things that we've learned to their perfection. However, the more words we know the more precisely / artfully we can express our ideas. If happy is the only word that we know, how could we be cheerful / glad / delighted / pleased / thrilled / satisfied?

I cannot imagine we can cook a variety of good dishes with only salt â Would you like to take the title salty master?

Regards
Hoa Thai

Re: Please help me proof it. Thanks

julielai — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:06:53 GMT

Some parts in red for you to fix

Cheese1987 wrote:

Account of the recent language learning experience and insights gained through the course both inside and outside of class

     Some useful skill I have learnt in the course in these months.(incomplete sentence) The most impress_ _ _ (missing three letters) ~~me is the~~ lesson teaching me how to write a composition in a (article) approicate (sp.) style. I do know it is important to choose the appropriate ~~and~~ tone when writing. I also understand that language style can be classified as formal, Neutral and Informal before. However, I do not know how I can write in an approriate style correctly. The skills are not taught when I am in secondary school. After the lesson, I understand choice of vocabulary, sentence structure and grammar, use of transitional words and phrases, use of punctuation and use of abbreaviations and short forms ~~are a critical issue~~ affect~~ing~~ the language style. I feel happy that I know how I can write in an approiate style now. I believe that I can match the type of writing more correctly and therefore, my writing will ~~be avoided to regard as~~ ___ ___ (Insert words here) awkward or unnatural.

      Reading English newspapers also helps me to improve my English. I am not used to reading English newspaper before. But I am required to buy South China Morning Post throught the courses. From then on I try to make reading South China Morning Post to be my daily routine. ~~I find that not only vocabularies I can learnt more , but also the horizon I can borden.~~ (Review your use of not only but also) Now ~~when the days I cannot received Newspaper from the lesson,~~ I read South China Morning Post form Yahoo. So I can read South China Morning Post everyday. I deeply believe that South China Morning Post is worth reading.

Personal changed feelings/opinions/attitude towards English language learning

    I am convinced that English language learning are stressful and frustrating before. I feel nervous when everyone is focus on me and when teacher is listening carefully. I believe this feeling comes from my self- doubt. I think classmates are step ahead of me. I also cannot correctly pronounce some sounds and sets of sound. To be frank, I have thought that English is no more important because I am in Chinese Language and Literature Programme. I no need to improve my English anymore.

However, my friends told me that mastery of the English language is indispensible. Hong Kong being a service - oriented economy, the advantage of having a competent English-speaking work force has become all the more improtant. I know that being a Chinese Language and Literature student is only an excuse to avoid learning English (You shouldn't think like that! Nothing wrong with being a Chinese major.). This thought only badly affect my interest and progress of learning English. I do know that if I lost the interest of learning English, my English cannot improve anymore. I need to find some ways to prevent feeling so fear and embarrassed.

     There are ways for me to prevent feeling so embarrassment. I think the most basical way is to improve English. I should study English continuously. When I find some words that I cannot ~~ensure to correctly~~ pronouce, I will check the electronic dictionary immediately. I will also try to speak English with my friends. I believe I can speak English fluently if I often do that. My friends can also kindly point out my grammatical mistakes. They will not laugh at my absurd mistakes. Therefore, I will not feel embarrassed anymore.

Personal Learning Plan

Long term goals:

a)         To get a C grade in Use of English in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination

b)        To get a band score of 7 ~~marks~~ in IELTS

Short term goals:

a)         To finish all the exercises in Advanced Grammar in Use.

b)        To keep reading South China Moring Post and standard

c)        To write compositions

Materials to use:

a)         Advanced Grammar in Use Exercise book

b)        South China Morning Post

c)        Hong Kong Standard

Activities to engage in:

a)         To join some workshops held by ITC

b)        To exchange in Summer

How often:

a)         Doing 3 exercises everyday

b)        Reading Newspapers every day (Look up the difference between "every day" and everyday)

c)        Writing a composition every 2 weeks

Mode of learning:

a)         Keep doing exercise and composition

b)        Keep reading Newspapers

Mode of assessment:

a)         To sit for Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination.

b)        To sit for IELTS.

Please help me proof it. Thanks

Cheese1987 — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:41:16 GMT

Please help me proof it. Thanks!

Account of the recent language learning experience and insights gained through the course both inside and outside of class

Some useful skill I have learnt in the course in these months. The most impress me is the lesson teaching me the skills to write a composition in a approicate style. I do know it is important to choose the appropriate and tone when writing. I also understand that language style can be classified as formal, Neutral and Informal before. However, I do not know how I can write in an approriate style correctly. The skills are not taught when I am in secondary school. After the lesson, I understand choice of vocabulary, sentence structure and grammar, use of transitional words and phrases, use of punctuation and use of abbreaviations and short forms are a critical issue affecting the language style. I feel happy that I know how I can write in an approiate style now. I believe that I can match the type of writing more correctly and therefore, my writing will be avoided to regard as awkward or unnatural.

Reading English newspapers also helps me to improve my English. I am not used to reading English newspaper before. But I am required to buy South China Morning Post throught the courses. From then on I try to make reading South China Morning Post to be my daily routine. I find that not only vocabularies I can learnt more , but also the horizon I can borden. Now when the days I cannot received Newspaper from the lesson, I read South China Morning Post form Yahoo. So I can read South China Morning Post everyday. I deeply believe that South China Morning Post is worth reading.

Personal changed feelings/opinions/attitude towards English language learning

I am convinced that English language learning are stressful and frustrating before. I feel nervous when everyone is focus on me and when teacher is listening carefully. I believe this feeling comes from my self- doubt. I think classmates are step ahead of me. I also cannot correctly pronounce some sounds and sets of sound. To be frank, I have thought that English is no more important because I am in Chinese Language and Literature Programme. I no need to improve my English anymore.

However, my friends told me that mastery of the English language is indispensible. Hong Kong being a service - oriented economy, the advantage of having a competent English work force has become all the more improtant. I know that being a Chinese Language and Literature student is only an excuse to avoid learning English. This thought only badly affect my interest and progress of learning English. I do know that if I lost the interest of learning English, my English cannot improve anymore. I need to find some ways to prevent feeling so fear and embarrassed.

There are ways for me to prevent feeling so embarrassment. I think the most basical way is to improve English. I should study English continuously. When I find some words that I cannot ensure to correctly pronouce, I will check the electronic dictionary immediately. I will also try to speak English with my friends. I believe I can speak English fluently if I often do that. My friends can also kindly point out my grammatical mistakes. They will not laugh at my absurd mistakes. Therefore, I will not feel embarrassed anymore.

Personal Learning Plan

Long term goals:

a) To get a C grade in Use of English in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination

b) To get 7 marks in IELTS

Short term goals:

a) To finish all the exercises in Advanced Grammar in Use.

b) To keep reading South China Moring Post and standard

c) To write compositions

Materials to use:

a) Advanced Grammar in Use Exercise book

b) South China Morning Post

c) Hong Kong Standard

Activities to engage in:

a) To join some workshops held by ITC

b) To exchange in Summer

How often:

a) Doing 3 exercises everyday

b) Reading Newspapers everyday

c) Writing a composition every 2 weeks

Mode of learning:

a) Keep doing exercise and composition

b) Keep reading Newspaper

Mode of assessment:

a) To sit for Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination.

b) To sit for IELTS.

Re: Any grammar mistakes in the sentence?

Wanwo — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:50:08 GMT

Hungry wrote:
Dear Teachers, 
Please have a look at the following short letter and make sure the words sound professional and sentence structure, flow, punctuation, mood, and
tense are presented in a manner that makes sense, while looking out for
inconsistencies.
So many thanks in advance.

Best regards,
Hungry

Corrected:

Dear Calvin,

Please handle these waiver cases, as they are quite old now. I have talked to Mr. Thomson about this. He has said that these are not my cases, and are to be handled by you.

Thank you

My dear teachers please check the text

Hungry — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:08:08 GMT

Dear Teachers,

Please have a look at the following text and make sure the words sound professional and sentence structure, flow, punctuation, mood, and tense are presented in a manner that makes sense, while looking out for inconsistencies.
So many thanks in advance.

Best regards,
Hungry

The great Danish Physicist Neils Bohr once said âPrediction is very difficult, especially of the futureâ. Obviously, one can not tell about the future, but from the way things are moving one can at least conceive quite a clear and coherent picture of the future, as one can predict a flood through the cyclic rising and falling of Earth's ocean surface. I have heard quite a few people saying in the future we will have flying cars, and the daily tasks will be done by machines. To a person having only general sense, it may sound quite surprising, even a little absurd too, but to a scientist itâs no wonder, since he has already seen lots of miracles of science.

There are lots of questions which baffle human understanding, and pique curiosity like âWhat will the world be like in 25 years, 50 years, or even 100 years from nowâ âWhat life will our children and grandchildren have in 25-years time or their children in 50-years time from now? These are real questions that require a great deal of study and discussion.

Any grammar mistakes in the sentence?

Hungry — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:12:09 GMT

Dear Teachers,

Please have a look at the following short letter and make sure the words sound professional and sentence structure, flow, punctuation, mood, and
tense are presented in a manner that makes sense, while looking out for
inconsistencies.
So many thanks in advance.

Best regards,
Hungry

Dear Calvin,

Please handle these waiver cases, as they have been quite old now. I have talked to Mr. Thomson about this. He has said these are not my cases, and will be handled by you.

Thank you

Please check the short text.

Hungry — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:58:04 GMT

Respected Teachers,

So many thanks in advance.

Regards,

Hungry

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Respected Math Teacher,

Simon has been given a grade of 9 out of a possible 10 on the test he took on Monday, though all the solutions are correct. I would like you to know that the laws of Mathematics state that a solution cannot be wrong, if is comprehensible and the conclusion is correct. A problem can be solved using a variety of methods. Even so, I have told him follow your method. At the same time I hope you would kindly allow him to use another method where he gets stuck with yours. I would also like you to review his test to see if you can give him a10 out of 10, since I think he will falter in his studies otherwise.

Thank you,

Regards,

Matt Smith

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lesson Plan for the student who knows everything!

Kellyc — Mon, 21 May 2007 01:13:58 GMT

Hi all,

I am hoping for some help, I have student that is now upper advanced i have taught as much as i can at an advanced level and now running short of things to teach, i have done everything from grammar to phrasal verbs to conditions to hard grammatical sentence structures using numerous sites but mainly esl.about.com, and i now coming to and end, if anyone can advise further or suggest some sites for an upper advanced level i would be extremely grateful.

Regards

Re: Because

Goodman — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 20:08:11 GMT

Rishonly wrote:

Hi Mike,

I think "The reason.....is because.." structure is wrong ,and we shouldn't combine "reason is" and "because" in a same sentence. Please let me know if I am wrong here.

Regards,

Hi rishonly,

I beg to differ. I see nothing wrong with the sentence structure "The reason.....is because..". I hear natives say it all the time. You said it's wrong . Can you expand on that with reason(s)?

If I said " I think the next door neighbor is doing something illegal in his hosue. The reason [for my saying this ] is because there is a lot of strange foot traffic in and out of his property in the last few months. I am giving a cause to the reason.

In this context, the "The reason.....is because" structure seems perfectly fitted.