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Muzz Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Distance learning or Distant learning
I have a confusion in my mind since long. Usually I see people saying ''distance learning'' even the universities' officials do so.
When we see ''distance'' it is a noun and I feel that simply a noun can not add value to another noun / gerund ''learning.''
Shouldn't we rather use ''distant'' (an adjective) for a proper expression?
When we see ''distance'' it is a noun and I feel that simply a noun can not add value to another noun / gerund ''learning.''
Shouldn't we rather use ''distant'' (an adjective) for a proper expression?
Top answer
It is very common in English for one noun to modify another, as in "car park" or "electronics industry" or "company secretary" or any of countless other examples. "distant learning" is also a valid English phrase, but, as far as I know, it is not used to mean "distance learning". There is no obvious semantic or grammatical reason for this; it's just "the way it is".
- It is very common in English for one noun to modify another, as in "car park" or "electronics industry" or "company secretary" or any of countless other examples.
- "distant learning" is also a valid English phrase, but, as far as I know, it is not used to mean "distance learning".
- There is no obvious semantic or grammatical reason for this; it's just "the way it is".
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3 Answers
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It is very common in English for one noun to modify another, as in "car park" or "electronics industry" or "company secretary" or any of countless other examples. "distant learning" is also a valid English phrase, but, as far as I know, it is not used to mean "distance learning". There is no obvious semantic or grammatical reason for this; it's just "the way it is".
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@GPY thanks a lot for replying!
Though I am not a native English, yet I still wont like the traditional way. I feel much more comfortable saying distant learning, company's secretary.
Though I am not a native English, yet I still wont like the traditional way. I feel much more comfortable saying distant learning, company's secretary.
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Muzz@GPY thanks a lot for replying!Though I am not a native English, yet I still wont like the traditional way. I feel much more comfortable saying distant learning, company's secretary."noun + noun" combinations are common and natural in English, so you should try to become comfortable with them.
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