0
Mitsuo23 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Distinction vs contrast
Hi,
The sentences below are from a book and the topic is the difference between the sounds of th and s. Would you explain the difference between the distinction and the contrast in this context? I look them up, of course, but had no clue. It even seems like a matter of taste.
"Okay," I said. "Sure, I can hear it."
"You can her what, the distinction? The contrast?
Thank you,
M
The sentences below are from a book and the topic is the difference between the sounds of th and s. Would you explain the difference between the distinction and the contrast in this context? I look them up, of course, but had no clue. It even seems like a matter of taste.
"Okay," I said. "Sure, I can hear it."
"You can her what, the distinction? The contrast?
Thank you,
M
Top answer
I don't know what the original author means in context. Distinct = something you can tell apart. Contrast is used in comparison, that you contrast something with one or more other things.
- I don't know what the original author means in context.
- Distinct = something you can tell apart.
- Contrast is used in comparison, that you contrast something with one or more other things.
- So, th and s are distinct sounds.
- If you are comparing them, you could suggest that someone focuses on the contrast between them.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
5 Answers
0
I don't know what the original author means in context. Distinct = something you can tell apart. Contrast is used in comparison, that you contrast something with one or more other things. So, th and s are distinct sounds. If you are comparing them, you could suggest that someone focuses on the contrast between them.
00
I suspect, however, that the writer may have merely included two terms whose meanings overlap, as we often do in conversation to lubricate communication: Did you watch that show, that movie, on TV 12 last night?
00
Thank you people for the reply.
So, Mister Micawber, the sentence does not mean:
"You can hear what, the distinction? Or, the contrast?"
Sorry I bother you but I wanted to make sure.
Thank you,
M
So, Mister Micawber, the sentence does not mean:
"You can hear what, the distinction? Or, the contrast?"
Sorry I bother you but I wanted to make sure.
Thank you,
M
00
I have no idea for sure. I'm just saying that it may not be intended as two different concepts. There is no way of judging without a greater context that makes the thrust of the speaker's utterance clear.
00
Related Questions