Search results for 'user:Wai?Wai'

Re: How to understand the "other than"?

wai_wai — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 02:12:05 GMT

Other than: 1. except eg: The journey was a bit short, but other than that it was perfectly fine. 2. (not)... different(ly) from I've never known him behave other than selfishly (= he only behaves selfishly) I've never seen this star other than very trendy-dressed (= the star always dress fashionably)

Re: Tense (future in the past)

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 12:59:16 GMT

Two days after I go to the bank with my phone number". Unfortunately you has to use 'later' (or 'pass') instead. There is a strange rule in English that if 'after' is used to mentioned a time in the past (measuring from now), it is permitted to use. (PS: Hopefully this stern rule will be removed in future and people have more freedom in writing ^^.) And since what you said must be past, you should rewrite as: - Two days later,/passed. I went to the bank with my phone number (in mind) ^^ 1) I'm here because they/he told me to come back when I have my phone number 2) I'm here because they/he told me to come back when I would have my phone number 3) I'm here because they/he told me to come back when I had my phone number ...

Re: Heat stroke

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 12:33:48 GMT

CalifJim, Thanks for pointing that out.

Re: Thanks CJ

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 12:32:06 GMT

Jobb, you are too welcome.

Re: How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 09:32:41 GMT

But does 'shape up' implies "one did something wrong or had some bad behaviour in the past." Now one gave up wrongdoing or bad behvaiour? Correct me if wrong. You see: - mend - mend one's ways Had some problems of one's won previously (eg bad manner, bad behviour). Now one correct its imperfection or faults etc. - start (a new life again) with a clean slate/sheet - turn over a new leaf Did very wrong things, especially criminal. Now one will become a good man again. So I would like to ask if "shape up" carries such kinds of meaning. And what does "ship out" mean?

Re: Is the sentence clear?

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 08:35:31 GMT

1) The message from the sentence can get through to me although I can't really get 2) To me, "fully used" here means "use to its full extent". So the manufacturer will use every piece of the material to its full extent (without any waste!) to produce jewelry. Anyway, I think it is still the sentence itself is still clear. But since there's a lack of context, so some other meanings may arise based on different interpretation

Re: Peculiar

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 07:40:08 GMT

To sum up what you say: When "peculiar" means "special, particular, exclusive" etc., it is common to use predicatively, but not attributively, ie: It is an accent peculiar(=exclusive) to the north region. It is a peculiar(=exclusive) accent in the north region <-- uncommon!

Re: Peculiar

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 07:34:29 GMT

"or not" here may act as a mild emphasis (comparing with there's not). You may say it is redundant anyway. > I feel unusual. Do you mind to explain more about the meaning of "unusual" here? Say, if you feel something/someone is unusual happening, can I say you feel funny/peculiar? To me, it sounds like it is mostly, not to say always, connected to our body/health in this sense. >I feel an unusual feeling. > I feel a strange feeling. Feel strange. Is it better to say: - I have an unusual feeling. - I have a strange feeling. - I feel unusual. - I feel strange.

Re: Peculiar

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 07:11:50 GMT

Q3 is modified for the first post: 3. (Modified after the 2nd post) Peculiar/funny vs ill vs sick - I'm peculiar (=ill). - I'm funny (=ill). - I'm ill. - I'm sick. Do you think if they have differences in meaning? 5. (Newly added after 2nd post) "Peculiar" Meaning: to be something that only a particular person, place, thing, group etc. has; somethin which is exclusive to them. Eg: It is an accent peculiar(=exclusive) to the north region This species of bird is peculiar(=exclusive) to Asia. It is my peculiar(=sepecial/particular) opinion on this issue.

Re: Peculiar

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 07:10:44 GMT

You are American, right? There should be no "if" in that sentence. It should be Do you think they have any difference in meaning? Thanks for your correction. The reason why I use "if" to construct this statement: I wish to say: - Do you think whether (or not) they have any difference in meaning? I use "if" casually: - Do you think if they have any difference in meaning? > 1. They can be used without much difference in meaning. Consult a dictionary. So you treat them equally. That's ok then. The purpose of asking this is to know if English native speakers commonly treat them obviously differently. Turning to a dictionary couldn't get what I would like to know. > 2,3. So if we say: - I am funny/peculiar...

Re: Closing/due date

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 06:52:42 GMT

'due' and 'closing' is different. But in your case, they appears to mean the same to me. due date seems more formal.

Re: Heat stroke

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 06:51:38 GMT

Hi. I take heat-stroke as the same as sun-stroke. They conveys different meanings to me. 1. I think I had a heat stroke. 2. I think I am affected by the heat. 3. I think I was hit by the heat. 4. I think the heat is getting to me. 5. I think I am getting too much sun. 6. I think I had too much sun. 7. I think I've sweltered. <-- you feel very hot and hard to suffer. But more commonly people will say "I swelter" or "I am sweltering".

Re: Is the sentence clear?

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 06:42:05 GMT

Understable to me. Quite clear. You might wish to simplify the sentence, so readers can digest your meaning eaiser. Eg: - No matter which definition, none of them confirms with the meaning of this special word. - The material will be fully used to produce jewelry.

Peculiar

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 06:34:00 GMT

Peculiar 1. "Peculiar", "strange", funny" Do you think if they have difference in meaning? 2. Have you ever heard of people saying: - I'm peculiar (=ill). - I'm funny (=ill). It is said to be informal usage. But is that common? 3. (Modified after the 2nd post) Peculiar/funny vs ill vs sick - I'm peculiar (=ill). - I'm funny (=ill). - I'm ill. - I'm sick. Do you think if they have differences in meaning? 4. Is the word "peculiar(ly)" / "peculiarity" common in spoken language? Thanks a lot! ^^ 5. (Newly added after 2nd post) "Peculiar" Meaning: to be something that only a particular person, place, thing, group etc. has; somethin which is exclusive to them. Eg: It is an accent peculiar(=exclusive) to the...

Re: :: Is this sentence correct - Q & A

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 04:23:34 GMT

1. Possible. 2. Not really. In this example, since you used the word 'already', a present perfect tense is preferred. Note, however, it is not always true that 'already' must be connected to 'perfect tense'. If you wish to use simple past, say this instead: - 'Yes, I ate it.' There's difference between spoken US and spoken UK. In spoken US, it simply uses simple present/past tense to replace all persent/past perfect tense. So it is ok to say 'I already ate it' in spoken US sense.

Re: Is Vs. Are Usages.

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 04:17:47 GMT

Just to remmber the rigid rule, ie: I am You/We/They are He/She/It is in order to fulfil the so-called correct English grammar requirement.

Re: Had been already OR was already; best 5(th)…

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 04:14:51 GMT

Ok. Maybe you could allow post-ers to edit (as a side-note) at the bottom of original post. And indicates the edit time when one edits a post.

Re: In "steep" decline

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 04:14:23 GMT

Rapid - Y Sharp - Y Drastic - N. It means 'very serious' or 'has a violent effect/change'. It is to describe the sternness/seriousness of a(n) event/thing.

Re: Lack determination; cannot make decision firmly

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 04:07:28 GMT

goes up

Re: How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.

wai_wai — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 03:46:35 GMT

nona the brit, is 'turn over a new leaf' a common spoken or written expression?

Re: Had been already OR was already; best 5(th)…

wai_wai — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 17:11:32 GMT

And moderator, I would like to know why the "edit post" button is not available for the first post.

Re: How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.

wai_wai — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 17:09:35 GMT

Correct me if wrong. > 'To shape up' -- this is a common informal expression. To me, it appears to vary the meaning. "shape" means develop/improve. Eg: This working experience shapes me (up). It isn't necessarily related to one's initail wrongdoing and later correction of oneself. And I would like to ask if the word "mend" only can express the same meaning. Eg: I will mend myself, my habits, manners and start a new life again.

Re: Had been already OR was already; best 5(th)…

wai_wai — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 17:04:23 GMT

So which is correct: - was already - had already been If both are correct, will the difference in tense make the sentence different?

Had been already OR was already; best 5(th)…

wai_wai — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 08:40:58 GMT

1. The teacher __ already in the classroom before students came in. a) had been b) was Which one is correct (a) (a )or (b)? If both are correct, what's the difference (in meaning etc.)? 2. I __ already very hardworking. Still my mark is a bit worse than the best 5th student. a) had been b) was Which one is correct (a) (a )or (b)? If both are correct, what's the difference (in meaning etc.)? And what is meant by "the best 5th student" / "the best 5 students"? Is "the best 5 students" = "Top 5 students"?

How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.

wai_wai — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 08:26:19 GMT

Say one did something wrong in the past. Now he realizes it is wrong and learns from the mistake. ""He will correct his behaviour"" and ""become good again."" My idea is: Written (formal): I will mend my way start life again with a clean slate/sheet Spoken: {no idea}

Re: Every + verb in singular or plural form?

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 09:48:28 GMT

Sorry, but I would like to confirm if you are very sure about that: Every X is Every X and Y is Thanks a lot.

Re: Last(adv), at the end

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 09:45:42 GMT

So what's the difference between: - last (adv) - at last - finally, eventually - at the end (of something) - in the end

Re: At first, in the start, at the start/beginning

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 09:43:08 GMT

"To start/begin with" I think they mean "at the start" as well. Can they use to mean "at first"?

Re: The first part, the last part, queue

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 09:25:53 GMT

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/16/stories/2002091601090300.htm It is where I saw these phrases (search by your search tools in your browser). Anyway, the reason why I didn't give the context in the first place is I would like to know whether they are common phrases, not to say correct/right phrases.

Re: Last(adv), at the end

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 09:22:22 GMT

That's bad that I cannot edit my question. I don't know why the "edit post" button disappars. 1. "in the last point" doesn't mean anything to me. Is there another synonym you could use to help me understand your question? Sure I can help. When you list a series of reasons, points etc. you may use: - in the first place/point - in the second place/point ... - in the last place/point So does Last(adv) = "in the last point"?

Re: I also thank you very much MountainHiker

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 09:18:29 GMT

I don' think cross-post is a problem. Personally I cross-post often because I would hear different people express different ideas. You know, different people occurs in different forums. Not all people occurs in a particular forum. Cross-post is somewhat valuable to me. Since I replied this post, it seems not good to re-post all my posts. But I wish others (not just the questioner) to know more a bit about it, so I provide a link as well. Do you think it is ok? If one has answered the same question in one forum but i appears in another forum, and you are afraid the questioner doesn't know that, you may do the same like me. Post a link as the answer. In this way, both party can save their valuable time. ^^ Any idea?

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:26:58 GMT

unreasonable classification of count/uncount noun When I was in primary school, my teacher first told me how to classify nouns as count or uncount. My teacher explained to me some of the strange cases. Eg: bread (uncount noun) It is because bread has a lot of different sizes, say, a slice, a loaf, a lumb; so it is countable. As I grow up, this kind of explanation cannot hold water anymore. The only reason I can explain to you about this phenomenon is "English says it is!" Now uncount and count noun is abbreviated to un; cn Weird examples and why Why mail is (un)? Letter and parcel are (cn). Reason: "English says it is! Just follow, man!" Why when mail simply means letter, it is (un); when mail means letter/parcel...

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:26:19 GMT

Complex rules with tons of exceptions don't help, but simple rules do! If rules become much simpler, a lot of questions in English forum will vanish. Much much more spare efforts can be spent on more meaningful things (eg helping people who are suffering) Finally, I would like to list some counter-arguments: - respect the culture - if different people follows different rules (as you say), confusion will be made. - people will not be able to read past articles if changes is made. - it will be difficult for people to get used to the new system - it makes English unnatural - English is English. No one person can change it manually.

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:25:56 GMT

Make-it-Complex comparatives There're 2 kinds of comparatives: 1 "-er, -est" comparatives 2 "more, most" comparatives I read the annual report (I forgot exactly where and in which paragraph) from the exam authority relating to the performance of students in an English public exam. It is written something like the following: It is disappointing that (Hong Kong) students who have learnt English for 11 years still made such a mistake in the exam - "more easy" . "More easy" does not make any sense… I sometimes ask myself, "Is it really non-sense if I use 'more easy'?". Read the following passage to see if you will understand the passage with great difficulty: ================================================= I meeted a...

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:25:07 GMT

- Irregular plurals (noun); Irregular tense form (verb) "Regular-ise them, please!" It is my wish when I was in my school time. I will simply call "irregular noun of plural form" "irregular noun", vice versa I will simply call "irregular verb of different tense form" "irregular verb", vice versa I see no points why "regular nouns/verbs" cannot be right. The birth of them gives severe burdens on learners. The only ways learners can do is to remember it by rote: Irregular nouns: -o irregulars - heroes, echoes, potatoes, tomatoes But: commandos, kilos, solos, photos Good news (either adding -es or -s is acceptable): - buffalo(e)s, volcano(e)s, mosquito(e)s -f, -fe irregulars - calf, calves - knife, knives - turf,...

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:24:00 GMT

- singular noun; singular verb, vice versa Don't think it is as easy as you can imagine like the following One person is... Two persons are... I am… You are… Try the following. Fill in the blanks (how "be" is changed for the following?): Either of 2 people __ Either you or I __ Either I or you __ Neither of the children __ Neither parent or children __ Neither parents or child __ Neither parents or children __ Every person __ Every person and association __ A series of three bombs __ A team __ Teams __ More than 1 cat __ More than 2 cats __ Less than 1 cat __ Less than 2 cats __ Many people __ Many a person __ ... It is just the tip of the iceberg. There are much more difficult...

[Feeling] Annoying English

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:22:48 GMT

Annoying English I have learnt English for a long and long time. Today I would like to express my crazy two cents again... (I may offend some people unknowingly...) Whenever I say such ridiculous things, a lot of people will point the finger at me. So be prepared! 8) Q: What is the use of English? What are the uses of rules/usage in English? A: Once in a while, I ask this question to people all over the world. Most of them says: - to communicate, to facilitate communication. - it is used to avoid confusion. - Rules/Usage (I simply say "rules" afterward) are necessary because if different people use English(Eng) differently, it can be a trouble! No one will understand what you are talking about. - Without rule, you...

Re: The first part, the last part, queue

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 02:00:52 GMT

I saw more phrases relating to queue Take the queue/line Faill in queue/line Does anyone know what they mean?

Re: Last(adv), at the end

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 01:53:20 GMT

Re: Thanks CalifJim

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 01:43:40 GMT

Folk is not just to mean people. There are differences! Folks (noun, usually plural) Informal Usage. It is used to mean people, especially from a particular region or country/city or group; or who have their particular lifestyle, folklore; or whose have something in common (eg characteristics) Another usage is to address/call a person in a friendly way. It could also mean your parents, your members in the family, or even relatives. My dictionaries tell me there're no difference in meaning between British and American English, although it is more likely to happen in America.

Re: Thanks CalifJim

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 01:40:34 GMT

See: http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7808&sid=fd8ac304eac512cdf78bc1dbbfdafb31 that the person asked exactly the same question as here.

Re: At first, in the start, at the start/beginning

wai_wai — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 01:29:44 GMT

Is "at the start/beginning" the same as "at first" which they must make a contrast? And it was what I was told relating to "at the beginning (of something)", "in the beginning": - in the beginning means "at first" - at the beginning is usually used with "of something" to mean the point in time/place etc. that something starts. To me, "at the beginning" and "in the beginning" seems to differ. Any ideas?

Re: Lack determination; cannot make decision firmly

wai_wai — Thu, 30 Sep 2004 12:54:55 GMT

And I would like to know: - what words are more likely to use in conversation?

Re: Lack determination; cannot make decision firmly

wai_wai — Thu, 30 Sep 2004 12:50:52 GMT

How about: - weak-minded, hesitant Antonym: - strong-minded ??

Re: Subject verb

wai_wai — Thu, 30 Sep 2004 12:43:29 GMT

Mister, we posted nearly at the same time ^P^

Re: Subject verb

wai_wai — Thu, 30 Sep 2004 12:41:53 GMT

It is singular because the verb here refers to "a series" (NOT wells). Note: The plural noun of the word "series" is the same. Either "series" can be singular or plural. But here we can see "a" in "a series", so it is singular.

Re: one adjective, two nouns?

wai_wai — Thu, 30 Sep 2004 12:39:27 GMT

According to my common sense, it seems (b). My style to solve such a problem - subscript brackets [NB: since I can't subscript the brackets here, the brackets will be shown as normal) (laboratory experiments and formulae) are It means laboratory experiements + formulae. laboratory (experiments and formulae) are It means laboratory experiments + laboratory formulae. PS: I hate "formulae". I love "formula s "

Lack determination; cannot make decision firmly

wai_wai — Thu, 30 Sep 2004 12:32:38 GMT

lack determination; cannot make decision firmly If a person lacks determination/resolution; cannot make decision firmly: - what words can I use to describe this? - and how about its antonyms?

At first, in the start, at the start/beginning

wai_wai — Thu, 30 Sep 2004 11:43:08 GMT

At first, in the start, at the start/beginning Q: 1. At first, initially, originally, in the beginning Usually "at first" is used to describe the following situation: When it begins, the situation is such-and-such. Later it turns out to be a contrast to the beginning situation. I would like to know: - whether it is a MUST that the beginning situation has to be the contrast of the later situation. (eg At first I liked the girl. Now I still liked the girl. Is it grammatically correct?) - if so, do other words such as "initially, originally, in the beginning" have this requirement? 2. In the start Does such a phrase exist? 3. at the start/beginning - is it true we MUST use it like the following structure? at the...

Re: Strange sentence without verb!

wai_wai — Thu, 30 Sep 2004 11:41:21 GMT

Hi, nona the brit Is it something like "long time no see"? They have special properties (and some may even grammatically wrong). Still acceptable in that idiom only, but not others?

Search results for 'user:Wai?Wai'

Re: How to understand the &quot;other than&quot;?

Re: Tense (future in the past)

Re: Heat stroke

Re: Thanks CJ

Re: How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.

Re: Is the sentence clear?

Re: Peculiar

Re: Peculiar

Re: Peculiar

Re: Peculiar

Re: Closing/due date

Re: Heat stroke

Re: Is the sentence clear?

Peculiar

Re: :: Is this sentence correct - Q & A

Re: Is Vs. Are Usages.

Re: Had been already OR was already; best 5(th)…

Re: In "steep" decline

Re: Lack determination; cannot make decision firmly

Re: How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.

Re: Had been already OR was already; best 5(th)…

Re: How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.

Re: Had been already OR was already; best 5(th)…

Had been already OR was already; best 5(th)…

How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.

Re: Every + verb in singular or plural form?

Re: Last(adv), at the end

Re: At first, in the start, at the start/beginning

Re: The first part, the last part, queue

Re: Last(adv), at the end

Re: I also thank you very much MountainHiker

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

Re: [Feeling] Annoying English

[Feeling] Annoying English

Re: The first part, the last part, queue

Re: Last(adv), at the end

Re: Thanks CalifJim

Re: Thanks CalifJim

Re: At first, in the start, at the start/beginning

Re: Lack determination; cannot make decision firmly

Re: Lack determination; cannot make decision firmly

Re: Subject verb

Re: Subject verb

Re: one adjective, two nouns?

Lack determination; cannot make decision firmly

At first, in the start, at the start/beginning

Re: Strange sentence without verb!

Re: How to understand the "other than"?