Messages

1

Lounge / American English is dominant second language in the Philippines

« on: March 24, 2017, 09:13:12 AM »

Hello Jose,

I was watching Jeopardy and I found out that the US had once occupied the Philippines up until 1948 becoming an independent country. That would explain why American English is the dominant second language dialect spoken over British English. I was always wondering that and I was trying to figure that out. I had assumed that American English was the preferred dialect because the american media is pervasive around the world. Now, I know that it is not the case. However, I do have a vague memory from years ago that the Philippines were under the rule of the Americans. It is good to know that fact and I intend on getting more information about it. Well, that is what I want to share. Have at it.

2

You Asked Me This Question / Re: complex-complex sentence?

« on: November 29, 2016, 07:11:33 AM »

Hello Michael,

No problem with replying late. I do that myself as life is unpredictable and sometimes hectic. I want to apologize if I had offended you. I did not mean to if I do. That being said, I want to say that your English is PHENOMENAL. You would even some native English speakers to shame. I definitely could with about nailing down the English language because I, as a native English speaker, is still learning and like you, another question emerges when mastering one element. Indeed, academic English does not always reflect how English is actually used in the real world, which is why there can be confusion with non-native speakers and sometimes with native speakers.

I think some English grammar experts would echo your sentiments about the English language being a quirky and complex language. Believe me. I ran that same question about complex-complex sentences with them and they were unaware that this type existed, but intrigued, interested, and informed by it. They do see a compelling case for it. I think that they may spread the word. What this shows is that there are still aspects/elements that have yet to be discovered in the English language.

You are right, language does change over a period of time. What was once considered ungrammatical has become grammatical; what was once considered grammatical is not obsolete. However, sometimes an element that has been discarded, may resurface in a later generation of the language. Languages do recycle old items that it once used. So yeah, grammar rules do change and it does depend the majority. Keep in mind, dialects as well. As in one country, a particular dialect is standard while in another country speaking the same language, a different dialect is standard as in the case of American English and British English. That is what makes languages so fascinating because it is fluid.

I do want to say that you have learned a good deal from you as you have gave me pauses and perspective regarding my native language, which is a good. I hope you are around as well. I feel that I could learn from you as how it is with native speakers. I am glad that I have a chance to have great discussions together.

Lets learn together!

3

You Asked Me This Question / Re: complex-complex sentence?

« on: November 07, 2016, 08:35:46 AM »

Hello Michael,


I would have agreed with you, but I realized that the complex sentence would not work. You see, you are right in saying that a complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The thing is if the complex sentence has two dependent clauses, those dependent clauses would modify the independent clause, which is why it does not work and why the complex-complex sentence fits the bill. That being said, I love the way that you broke down your argument even though we don't entirely agree. By the way, I recognize that last sentence that you gave dealing with Mary and Samantha. I think that you got it R. Rambo's website. He gives good examples of sentences. 

P.S.
I don't think none of us are grammar experts, but I do believe that we can learn from one another because I myself love my native English language as well.  We can feel free to agree and/or disagree, which makes this forum great. I am curious, what is your native language and where and when did you start learning the English language(a beautiful and powerful language)?

4

You Asked Me This Question / Re: complex-complex sentence?

« on: October 25, 2016, 09:42:27 AM »

Hi Michael,

Sorry for the delayed respond. I didn't realize your reply until a couple of days ago. It is hard to say whether my sentence is a complex sentence or not. However, I am happy to say that I now own a copy of the book, Words on Words written by the late John B. Bremner, which was extremely extremely affordable. I love his entry on sentences that I have decided to put the whole thing(including complex-complex sentence) here and see what you think of it.


Sentences
A sentence is a grammatical unit that conveys a complete thought and contains a subject and a predicate, either or both of which may be understated but understood. Sentences are principally classified as simple, compound, complex, compound-complex, complex-complex. Thus:
-A simple sentence consists of one independent clause: "He knows almost nothing."
-A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction: "He knows almost nothing and he doesn't want to study." and "He knows almost nothing and he doesn't want to study but he may change."
-A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses: "He knows almost nothing because he refuses to study." and "Because he refuses to study, he doesn't know he should."
-A compound-complex sentence consists of two or independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses: "He knows that he should study but he doesn't want to." and "He knows that he should study but he doesn't think that he has a chance of passing."
-A complex-complex sentence consists of an independent clause and a dependent clause that is subordinate to another dependent clause: "He got mad when I told him that he should study."

Before I had this book in my possession, I attempted to create a complex-complex sentence that you commented on: "Now, the popular kids were pursuing those that once pursued them that they had rejected in the past."

I ran this sentence by someone who is a grammar expert, Nancy Sullivan, author of Essential Grammar, who said that the second dependent clause "that they had rejected in the past" was awkward. She created her own version: "Now, the boy was buying cars that needed parts that were difficult to find."

Let me know what you think

5

Member Introductions / Introduction two months overdue

« on: September 21, 2016, 06:08:17 AM »

Hello Everyone,

I am Kal, but my real name is Caleb. I just found out that this section exists as I am still exploring this site. I want to very briefly introduce myself: I am  a lover of grammar. I have a degree in Linguistics. I am a life-long learn learner and I love the English language. I want to thank Jose Carillo for creating this site and for putting up with my crazy broad questions. I look forward to contributing in the discussion and I hope that we take this journey in learning more about the English language and maybe the cultural aspects that drive it.

6

Getting to Know English / Re: types of noun clauses and relative clauses?

« on: September 21, 2016, 05:14:24 AM »

Hello Jose,

Yeah, I have seen some of the other post that you and others have posted that seem to answer questions that I have posted to you. I will explore more of your forum to seek the answers that I am looking for before I ask this community the questions. Your forum is a treasure trove!

7

Getting to Know English / Re: English aspectual verbs

« on: September 21, 2016, 04:46:19 AM »

Hello Michael,

Yes, I graduated with a degree in Linguistics. I have seen some of these lexical aspects pop up in some grammar books, but not all. Yeah, I just want Joe's opinion on the matter.  He doesn't have to give a huge explanation of it.

8

Getting to Know English / English aspectual verbs

« on: August 30, 2016, 09:58:07 AM »

Hello all,

I want to know what you guys think about these:

•   To be in the middle/process/course/midst of doing something

•   to keep/continue/persist/still doing something

•   to try/endeavor/attempt do something

•   to be accustomed of do something

•   to be used to do something

•   to habituate to do something

•   to be habituated to do something

•   to be set to do something

•   to be wired to do something

•   to be primed to do something

•   to be fit to do something

•   to be in line to do something

•   to be in position to do something

•   to be in place to doing something

•   to hasten/hurry/rush (at) doing something

•   to succeed to do something/in doing something

•   to be able to do something

•   to manage to do something

•   to strive to do something

•   to be on the course of do something

•   to be on the heels of do something

•   to be quick to do something

•   to be prone to do something

•   to be scheduled to do something

•   to be slated to do something

•   to start to do something/doing something

•   to begin to do something/doing something

•   to commence to do something/doing something

•   to initiate to do something/doing something

•   to enter doing something

•   to occur to do something

•   to happen to do something

•   to finish doing something

•   to achieve doing something

•   to arrive (at) doing something

•   to reach doing something

•   to accomplish doing something

•   to complete doing something

•   to cease doing something

•   to break off doing something

•   to delay doing something

•   to end doing something

•   to conclude doing something

•   to halt doing something

•   to be on the border of doing something

•   to intend on doing something

•   to count on doing something

•   to plan on doing something

•   to anticipate doing something

•   to bank on doing something

•   to reckon on doing something

•   to rely on doing something

•   to expect to do something

•   to look forward to do something

•   to await doing something

•   to be fated to do something

•   to be made to do something

•   to be obligated to do something

•   to be intent to do something/in doing something

•   to be urged to do something

•   to be apt to do something

•   to be tending to do something

•   to be unlikely to do something

•   to be likely to do something

•   to be inclined to do something

•   to be possible to do something

•   to be probable to do something

•   to be firm to do something

•   to be fixed to do something

•   to be absolute to do something

•   to be certain to do something

•   to be sure to do something

•   to be ready to do something

•   to be prepared to do something

•   to be geared to do something

•   to be itching to do something

•   to be planning to do something

•   to be scheming to do something

•   to be preparing to do something

•   to be gearing to do something

•   to be aiming to do something

•   to be intending to do something

•   to be at the start of doing something

•   to be at the dawn of doing something

•   to be on the cusp of doing something

•   to be on the way to do something

•   to be en route to do something

•   to be close to do something

•   to be nearing to do something

•   to be bound to do something

•   to be due to do something

•   to be to do something

•   to be about to do something

•   to be on the brink/edge/point/verge of doing something

•   to be fixing to do something

•   to be poised to do something

•   to be on the track/road/line to do something

•   to propose to do something

•   to hesitate over doing something

•   to be undecided over/about doing something

•   to be slow to doing something

•   to be late doing something

•   to take time doing something

•   to be waiting to do something

•   to burst/break into doing something

•   to come to do something

•   to remain to do something

•   to return to do something

•   to be at the end of doing something

•   to be at the dusk of doing something

•   to be early doing something

•   to be raring  to do something

•   to be rearing to do something

•   to be looking to do something

•   to be meant to do something

•   to be appointed to do something

•   to be nowhere near doing something

•   to be heading to do something

•   to mean to do something

•   to mean to do something

•   to be liable to do something

•   to happen to do something

•   to be itching to do something

9

You Asked Me This Question / Greeting and farewell expressions

« on: August 18, 2016, 11:45:53 AM »

Hello Jose,

Could provide a comprehensive list of opening(greeting) expressions and closing(farewell) expressions that is used in letters or correspondences from the most formal to the least formal?

10

You Asked Me This Question / Questions on punctuation

« on: August 18, 2016, 11:41:41 AM »

Hello Jose,

-I do have examples and what do you think of this construction and the examples?: abstract noun phrase + copula + to-infinitive,   the fact is that.., the point is that..., the reason is that..., the thing that is that.., the problem is that...,etc.

-The truth was simple(almost too simple): Dan was guilty.

-The truth, she said, was "simple": Dan was guilty

-Here's what makes up the costumes in Jubilee!: rhinestones, sequins, and little else.

I wrote the first sentence to someone and I noticed that I put a colon after a question mark. For the past couple of years, I have been wanting to know if that can be done. Can a colon appear after a question mark?

The last three sentences I have taken from a book. In terms of list, can a colon appear after a parenthesis? Can a colon appear after a quotation mark? Can a colon come after an exclamation mark? Also, within this very sentence that I am writing, should all three of the questions be marked by a semicolon after a question mark or should it be left as is?


-The following items are: liquids, matches, and lighters.


For this sentence above, a colon is used after "as follows", "the following", what are the other similar expressions that are in this category and that colons follow? Can a dash be used instead of a colon regarding a list?

How do these abbreviations "etc.", "et al." and "et alibi." work in the middle and at the end of a sentence with different punctuation marks?


I know that a colon introduces a list of words, phrases, or clauses, They also like the ones below:


-The pizza came with three toppings: pepperoni, onion, and mushrooms.
-You know what to do: practice.
-You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm clothing.
-I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.
-I need an assistant who can do the following: input data, write reports, and complete tax forms.
-The reaction of the audience signified one overwhelming feeling: fear.
-He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.
-Remember the old saying: Be careful what you wish for.
-Refrigerator temperature is critical: if it is not cold enough, food will spoil.
-The point that I want to make is important: never mix acids and bases.
-I have three questions: What is a noun? What is an adjective? What is an adverb?
-The leaders made the final decision: The(the) earthquake victims would receive food and medical supplies.
-Dad gave us these rules to live by: Work hard. Be honest. Always show up on time.
-The sign was all too clear: "Do not swim in this area."
-Here is our honest opinion: We(we) think you are a genius.
-The judge was most heavily influenced by the following factors:
       -The defendant had shown no remorse.
       -Witnesses for the defense were unable to corroborate the alibi.
       -The defendant was a repeat offender.

For these sentences above, can a dash be used instead of the colon?  Can a parenthesis be used instead of the colon? Do there need to be commas or semicolons separating the the independent clauses or multiple independent clauses after the colon? Do each independent clauses that follow a colon need to be capitalized?  Can the reverse happen where the explanation(s) or illustration(s) or list(s) come before the colon? How would the last sentence be punctuated in a horizontal fashion where there is multiple independent clauses after the colon?

       
When a full sentence(statement, question, or exclamation) is used as an interrupting element or modifier, I notice that dashes are used on both ends like this example below:

-I finally got an iPad 2-I saved for three months to get it-I found it was just what I wanted.

Can a parentheses or any other punctuation marks be used instead of dashes? If there were multiple independent clauses used as interrupting elements, what punctuation marks would be needed? Also, how would that work?


-The human mind is, as Luther said, a factory busy with making idols.
-The human mind is (as Luther said) a factory busy with making idols.
-The human mind is-as Luther said-a factory busy with making idols.
-The team captain-a major bully-entered the locker room.
-The team captain,a major bully, entered the locker room.
-The team captain(a major bully)entered the locker room.

In these sentences above, there are overlaps with commas, parentheses, and dashes. Can you explain the differences and emphasis between them in these contexts?


-Mark reported, "Joe said, 'Don't call me "buddy,"'"

This sentence  above shows quotations within quotations. Could you explain and provide more examples of quotations within quotations or multiple quotations within multiple quotations with statements, questions, exclamations, and/or others or combinations?

Could you do a detailed discussion or lesson on punctuation involving special cases or marks used in complex grammatical structures?

11

You Asked Me This Question / Are these redundant?

« on: August 18, 2016, 07:14:34 AM »

Hello Jose,

I want to know what you think of these sentences. I tend to create sentences like these when I am writing to someone.  Would these expressions underlined be redundant or are they fine?


-I am ill, but I must go to work nonetheless.  (but, nonetheless)

-Also, he is going to grad school as well. (also, as well)

Could also you explain the placement of "also", "too", "as well", "either", etc.?

12

You Asked Me This Question / binomials and trinomials

« on: August 18, 2016, 06:53:15 AM »

Hello Jose,

Can you discuss binomials and trinomials?

13

You Asked Me This Question / Indirect questions

« on: August 18, 2016, 05:52:57 AM »

Hello Jose,


Do indirect questions end with a question mark or a period? I ask this because I have been reading conflicting information about it?

What words or expressions trigger indirect questions?

Can indirect questions be embedded in a statement?

Can indirect questions embedded in a direct question?

Lastly, can indirect questions work in inverted statements?

14

You Asked Me This Question / people vs person in hypenated adjective

« on: August 18, 2016, 05:33:56 AM »

Hello Jose,

Could you explain the differences between "three-person team" and three-people team" or "four-person band" and "four-people band"?

Which one is correct? If both are used, do they mean the same thing or are they used in different context or have different usages?

15

You Asked Me This Question / complex-complex sentence?

« on: August 18, 2016, 05:16:08 AM »

Hello Jose,

I have stumbled on this book, Words on Words: A Dictionary for Writers and Others who Care about Words  by  John Bremner, a couple of years ago at the library of my alma mater: Florida Atlantic University. In a section of his books, he classifies five types of the sentences(the four we know): simple, compound, complex, compound-complex, and complex-complex sentence.

He did give an example of what a complex-complex sentences would look like, but I regret to not have taking the opportunity to write down that example at that time. Although, I was able to find his book on Google books. I was trying to see if I can find  that same example, but to no avail, it left out the page of his book that had his example along with the definition of the complex-complex sentence. This is a sentence that I wrote to get an idea if that is how a complex-complex sentence is constructed. What do you think about this type of sentence?: Now, popular kids were pursuing those that once pursued them that they had rejected in the past.

Do you have this book at your disposal? If yes, could you provide a copy or type the part on sentences? Because I like the way he explains the types of sentences with examples (the ones that I am able to view) to illustrate his explanations. If not, that is fine too.

Could you provide more examples of complex-complex sentences?