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Sebayanpendam Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

oscillation

Hello,

Do we say 'Can you please make the fan oscillate or turn' to tell someone to turn the fan on oscillation mode?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Oscillate is good, but some may not understand; I think rotate and turn are more common.

— Mister Micawber

  • Oscillate is good, but some may not understand; I think rotate and turn are more common.
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4 Answers
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Oscillate is good, but some may not understand; I think rotate and turn are more common.
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hi,

Thanks for the reply. How should you tell someone to set the fan on oscillating (moving from side to side) mode in everyday spoken English?

1) Can you please get the fan rotate please?

2) Can you please make the fan turn please?

Thanks again
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I think in the US the expression "oscillate" is now commonly known. The advertisements for these fans refer to them as "oscillating fans," and when you see them in boxes in the stores, "it" usually says "OSCILLATING FAN" in big letters on the box. I'm afraid "rotate" and "turn" might imply that the fan was not working at all. The only clear alternatives I can think of are "wig-wag", or "go /
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Thank for the explanation.

Yes, you're right. only one 'please'.
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