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Postmodernbliss Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Quick questions
Hello,
Many kind thanks in advance for anyone who answer the following quick questions:
1. What is the difference in saying "take a bus" and "take the bus"? From my understanding, the indefinite article 'a' signifies a general example of a countable noun (e.g. bus). However, I am not sure what the definitive article 'the' signifies in the above example. An explanation of this will greatly help me with my non-native students who struggle with understanding how to use articles properly.
2. In regard to reported speech, I notice that some people tell stories using the simple present tense and some use the simple past. Which one is most appropriate? In my opinion, if the story 'just' occurred, it seems more reasonable to use the simple present tense (e.g. "so he says that he's coming to buy my car, so I go to the bank to get the money...and I see...etc.). If the story occurred in the less recent past, using the past tense seems more appropriate.
3. Finally, what is the correct verb tense for the following sentence:
I would avoid someone who is / was infected with the Ebola virus.
My guess is that was in correct, as it is like the subjunctive use of a verb (e.g. If I were rich...). However, I am not sure.
Again, thanks so much for whomever takes the time to respond to these questions.
Best regards.
2.
Many kind thanks in advance for anyone who answer the following quick questions:
1. What is the difference in saying "take a bus" and "take the bus"? From my understanding, the indefinite article 'a' signifies a general example of a countable noun (e.g. bus). However, I am not sure what the definitive article 'the' signifies in the above example. An explanation of this will greatly help me with my non-native students who struggle with understanding how to use articles properly.
2. In regard to reported speech, I notice that some people tell stories using the simple present tense and some use the simple past. Which one is most appropriate? In my opinion, if the story 'just' occurred, it seems more reasonable to use the simple present tense (e.g. "so he says that he's coming to buy my car, so I go to the bank to get the money...and I see...etc.). If the story occurred in the less recent past, using the past tense seems more appropriate.
3. Finally, what is the correct verb tense for the following sentence:
I would avoid someone who is / was infected with the Ebola virus.
My guess is that was in correct, as it is like the subjunctive use of a verb (e.g. If I were rich...). However, I am not sure.
Again, thanks so much for whomever takes the time to respond to these questions.
Best regards.
2.
Top answer
1. What is the difference in saying "take a bus" and "take the bus"? -- 'The bus' refers either to the mode of transportation in general, a specific known bus, or a previously mentioned bus.
- 1.
- What is the difference in saying "take a bus" and "take the bus"?
- -- 'The bus' refers either to the mode of transportation in general, a specific known bus, or a previously mentioned bus.
- 2.
- In regard to reported speech, I notice that some people tell stories using the simple present tense and some use the simple past.
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1 Answers
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1. What is the difference in saying "take a bus" and "take the bus"? -- 'The bus' refers either to the mode of transportation in general, a specific known bus, or a previously mentioned bus.
2. In regard to reported speech, I notice that some people tell stories using the simple present tense and some use the simple past. Which one is most appropriate?-- Such use is called the
2. In regard to reported speech, I notice that some people tell stories using the simple present tense and some use the simple past. Which one is most appropriate?-- Such use is called the
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