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Vincent Teo Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Corrections 1

Can I say,

(a) The cat gives birth to kittens. (can we use "present tense" to show a general statement?)

The cat gave birth to some kittens / kittens / a litter of kittens.

(b) The pupa turns into a / the butterfly.(can we use "present tense" to show a general statement?)

(c) They like to donate money to (the) orphans.
Theydonate Emotion: money to orphans. (can I use "present tense"?)

(d) They celebrate John's birthday / birthday party every year.

(e) The bud / flower bud is on / at the plant.
  

Top answer

(a) A cat gives birth to kittens. )-- Not with 'the'-- it is confusing. The cat gave birth to some kittens / kittens / a litter of kittens.

— Mister Micawber

  • (a) A cat gives birth to kittens.
  • )-- Not with 'the'-- it is confusing.
  • The cat gave birth to some kittens / kittens / a litter of kittens.
  • )- -Only as a part of a more complete description of metamorphosis.
  • (c) They like to donate money to (the) orphans.
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3 Answers
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(a) A cat gives birth to kittens. (can we use "present tense" to show a general statement?)-- Not with 'the'-- it is confusing.

The cat gave birth to some kittens / kittens / a litter of kittens.

(b) The/A pupa turns into a butterfly.(can we use "present tense" to show a general statement?)--Only as a part of a more complete description of met
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Thanks, for (c), I'm not sure, so I ask again.

(c) They donate to orphans. (Isn't correct?)

(d) birthday / birthday party, both are accepted?

(e) Why do you say "it is a useless sentence?"
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(c) They donate to orphans. (Isn't correct?) -- OK

(d) birthday / birthday party, both are accepted?-- No; my mistake. They celebrate John's birthday / They hold John's birthday party every year.

(e) Why do you say "it is a useless sentence?" -- It has no use; it would never be used.
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