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Wai_Wai Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
How to say: correct behaviour; become good again.
Say one did something wrong in the past. Now he realizes it is wrong and learns from the mistake. ""He will correct his behaviour"" and ""become good again."" <-- What is the common expression in written AND spoken English?
[as many common options as possible]
My idea is:
Written (formal):
I will mend my way
start life again with a clean slate/sheet
Spoken:
{no idea}
[as many common options as possible]
My idea is:
Written (formal):
I will mend my way
start life again with a clean slate/sheet
Spoken:
{no idea}
Top answer
'To mend one's way s ' -- (note plural) is good both spoken and written. 'To start life again with a clean slate' -- (I don't know 'sheet') is rather strong; it would refer to a very major change. 'To learn from one's mistake(s)' -- this is a good written and spoken phrase also.
- 'To mend one's way s ' -- (note plural) is good both spoken and written.
- 'To start life again with a clean slate' -- (I don't know 'sheet') is rather strong; it would refer to a very major change.
- 'To learn from one's mistake(s)' -- this is a good written and spoken phrase also.
- 'To shape up' -- this is a common informal expression.
- Other members can no doubt think of more.
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8 Answers
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'To mend one's ways' -- (note plural) is good both spoken and written.
'To start life again with a clean slate' -- (I don't know 'sheet') is rather strong; it would refer to a very major change.
'To learn from one's mistake(s)' -- this is a good written and spoken phrase also.
'To shape up' -- this is a common informal expression.
Other members c
'To start life again with a clean slate' -- (I don't know 'sheet') is rather strong; it would refer to a very major change.
'To learn from one's mistake(s)' -- this is a good written and spoken phrase also.
'To shape up' -- this is a common informal expression.
Other members c
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Correct me if wrong.
> 'To shape up' -- this is a common informal expression.
To me, it appears to vary the meaning.
"shape" means develop/improve.
Eg: This working experience shapes me (up).
It isn't necessarily related to one's initail wrongdoing and later correction of oneself.
And I would like to ask if the word "mend" only can express the
> 'To shape up' -- this is a common informal expression.
To me, it appears to vary the meaning.
"shape" means develop/improve.
Eg: This working experience shapes me (up).
It isn't necessarily related to one's initail wrongdoing and later correction of oneself.
And I would like to ask if the word "mend" only can express the
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We can also 'turn over a new leaf', which I imagine comes from the fact that books have leaves of paper in them, so by turning over we move on to a fresh page. A new start.
It is used about people who have decided improve their behaviour.
It is used about people who have decided improve their behaviour.
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nona the brit, is 'turn over a new leaf' a common spoken or written expression?
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I'll let Nona answer for herself, but I'll say that it is very common here in the U.S., in all forms except very formal writing.
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. . . And 'shape up' has two different idiomatic meanings, Wai Wai-- (1) get into good physical condition, and (2) to attain an acceptable standard of behaviour.
AND for absolutely free, I'll give you in addition a popular remark: 'Shape up or ship out!'
AND for absolutely free, I'll give you in addition a popular remark: 'Shape up or ship out!'
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But does 'shape up' implies "one did something wrong or had some bad behaviour in the past." Now one gave up wrongdoing or bad behvaiour?
Correct me if wrong.
You see:
- mend
- mend one's ways
Had some problems of one's won previously (eg bad manner, bad behviour). Now one correct its imperfection or faults etc.
- start (a new life again) with a clean
Correct me if wrong.
You see:
- mend
- mend one's ways
Had some problems of one's won previously (eg bad manner, bad behviour). Now one correct its imperfection or faults etc.
- start (a new life again) with a clean
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Clean slate/new leaf do not necessarily infer very bad behaviour previously, certainly not necessarily criminal. They just mean someone is making a fresh start and what has happened before does not matter now.
For example, a child who perhaps was a bit naughty before, starts with a clean slate when they move to a new school. If a teenager does his best to avoid the bath then suddenl
For example, a child who perhaps was a bit naughty before, starts with a clean slate when they move to a new school. If a teenager does his best to avoid the bath then suddenl
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