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Ahuramazda Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
is it correct?
Hi,
I’ve come across these sentences which, I suppose, are correct (I suppose because they are not writen by me). My doubts come from the bolded words.
a) If you sit in front of the computer trying to surf the Internet […]
Isn’t it correct “a computer”? Does the use of “the” convey something different from the use of “a”?
b) In summer it is pretty hot in here […]
The person who said this was asked about the summer climate of an area. The answer described the climate, not how it was somewere indoors. So, I find the use of “in” incorrect. Am I right?
c) I look forward to reciving your literature.
It’s for the first time when I’ve found “to look forward to” used in not a progressive form. Is it correct? If the answer is “yes” why so? Is here any meaning change using the simple verb form? Is it something like “progressive form if quite formal but the simple form is very formal”?
Thanks
I’ve come across these sentences which, I suppose, are correct (I suppose because they are not writen by me). My doubts come from the bolded words.
a) If you sit in front of the computer trying to surf the Internet […]
Isn’t it correct “a computer”? Does the use of “the” convey something different from the use of “a”?
b) In summer it is pretty hot in here […]
The person who said this was asked about the summer climate of an area. The answer described the climate, not how it was somewere indoors. So, I find the use of “in” incorrect. Am I right?
c) I look forward to reciving your literature.
It’s for the first time when I’ve found “to look forward to” used in not a progressive form. Is it correct? If the answer is “yes” why so? Is here any meaning change using the simple verb form? Is it something like “progressive form if quite formal but the simple form is very formal”?
Thanks
Top answer
ahuramazda a) If you sit in front of the computer trying to surf the Internet […]Isn’t it correct “a computer”? Does the use of “the” convey something different from the use of “a”? Yes.
- ahuramazda a) If you sit in front of the computer trying to surf the Internet […]Isn’t it correct “a computer”?
- Does the use of “the” convey something different from the use of “a”?
- Yes.
- We also sit in front of the television, sit at the typewriter, and stare out the window.
- The definite article, oddly, makes those things general—any television, some typewriter.
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ahuramazdaa) If you sit in front of the computer trying to surf the Internet […]Isn’t it correct “a computer”? Does the use of “the” convey something different from the use of “a”?Yes. We also sit in front of the television, sit at the typewriter, and stare out the window. The definite article, oddly, makes those things general—any television, some typewriter
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