conjunction

Question

1. What's the difference among 'Figure, Guise, Gesture, pose and posture'? I think their meanings are similar.

2. Can I start a sentence with 'and' or 'but'? as in, And I talked this to her. But she didn't say anything. Or we always use 'and' and 'but' to start subordinate clause along with main clause. For example, I like to eat sandwich, and I also like to eat vegetable.

thanks.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

1. What's the difference among 'Figure, Guise, Gesture, pose and posture'? I think their meanings are similar. You need to read your dictionary more carefully.

For example, 'guise' involves an element of pretence/deception. 'Gesture' involves action/movement. Does your dictionary indicate that?

I suggest that you try to write some sentences with these words, and we can comment on them.

2. Can I start a sentence with 'and' or 'but'? as in, And I said this to her. But she didn't say anything. Or we always use 'and' and 'but' to start subordinate clause along with main clause. For example, I like to eat sandwich, and I also like to eat vegetable.

You can start a sentence with 'and' or 'but' as a way of adding style and surprise to your writing. However, I advise beginner and intermediate learners not to do this, but to concentrate instead on writing in a more 'normal' way.

'And' and 'but' join main clauses of equal importance, not a main and a subordinate clause.

Best wishes, Clive

MIA6 · Answer

Thanks,Clive. I am confused with the meanings of these words which describe people. I think they all mean a person's appearance. If we say a person's figure, it usually means bodily form. For example. a slender figure. Guise means external appearance. Gesture means the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression. Posture meanas position of the body or of body parts: a sitting posture. I think pose also means bodily postion. It seems like posture, pose, guise and figure mean the same thing. They are more static (not moving)? Gesture seems to be more motive. Hope you can correct me. thanks.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

What's the difference among 'Figure, Guise, Gesture, pose and posture'?

I am confused with the meanings of these words which describe people. I think they all mean a person's appearance. Well, they can all relate to a person, although they can also have other meanings that I will ignore for now. Here are a few comments.

If we say a person's figure, it usually means bodily form. For example. a slender figure. Yes.

Guise means external appearance. That meaning is in my dictionary too, but it seems archaic to me. You would never say 'Mary is a young woman. She has a beautiful guise. 'Guise' is used to refer to an assumed appearance, like a disguise. eg The King dressed in the guise of a beggar.

Gesture means the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression. Yes, action needs to be involved.

Posture means position of the body or of body parts: a sitting posture. Yes. But it usually means 'the way a person habitually positions their body. eg a soldier who always stands up straight is said to have 'good posture'..

I think pose also means bodily postion. Yes. We often use 'pose' to describe how we position our body for a photograph. No action is involved.

Why don't you write and post some simple sentences using these words? Then we can help you with comments.

Best wishes, Clive

MIA6 · Answer

Thanks, Clive. Let me try to make some sentences.  Gesture- Her gesture tells us that she is hungry.  Btw, are 'posture' and 'pose' the same? Or posture emphasizes on a person 'habitually' positions his/her body; however, 'pose' doesn't have that shade of meaning?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Gesture- Her gesture tells us that she is hungry. This sounds like she is rubboinh her stomach, ot r perhaps pointing into her mouth. Not very polite things to do.

are 'posture' and 'pose' the same? Or posture emphasizes on a person 'habitually' positions his/her body; <<< Yes however, 'pose' doesn't have that shade of meaning? <<< Right. You pose for a photograph,as I said.

Clive

MIA6 · Answer

I got it, Clive. Thanks so much.!

conjunction

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions