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Ceph Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Semantics

1) The Spanish teacher said that she will reduce the usage of English with each lesson.
2) The Spanish teacher said that over the next few lessons she will be reducing the usage of English.

3)The Spanish teacher said that she will be reducing the usage of English as she goes on.
4)The Spanish teacher said that she will reduce the usage of English as she goes on.

Sentence 1 & 2 have similar meanings while 3 & 4 are alike. In any case, would you think 3 & 4 can be the same meaning as 1 & 2? Thanks.
  

Top answer

ceph In any case, would you think 3 & 4 can be the same meaning as 1 & 2? Thanks. I would say yes, because the core word is "reduce" and the time is future.

— Dimsumexpress

  • ceph In any case, would you think 3 & 4 can be the same meaning as 1 & 2?
  • Thanks.
  • I would say yes, because the core word is "reduce" and the time is future.
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16 Answers
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cephIn any case, would you think 3 & 4 can be the same meaning as 1 & 2? Thanks.
I would say yes, because the core word is "reduce" and the time is future.
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You still need

...said...........would....

because it's reported speech.
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IvanhrYou still need...said...........would....because it's reported speech.
You don't 'need it'. If the situation reported is still true, then backshifting is not obligatory.
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fivejedjonYou don't 'need it'. If the situation reported is still true, then backshifting is not obligatory.
Yes, right.
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As a side issue, there's no need for "usage" here. "Use" is quite appropriate.
http://www.EnglishForward.com/English/DifferenceUseUsage/lzggp/post.htm
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There's also no need for the article in front of "usage" (or "use").
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IvanhrThere's also no need for the article in front of "usage" (or "use").
I do think the article "the" is needed.

Reduce the use of something - sounds more idiomatic to my ear.

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dimsumexpressI do think the article "the" is needed.
It's not wrong to use the article but you don't really need it. The sentence then simply means that you'll use less (and less) English with each lesson (of course this also implies that you'll use less English in the future than you do now and this implication is additionally emphasized with the article).
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I will agree that in certain contexts, the article may not be necessary. In the context of this sentence, not only is it not wrong to use it, but absoultely needed: It doesn't sounds right to my ear without it .
<<The Spanish teacher said that she will reduce the usage of English with each lesson.>>
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Why don't you try to google for "reduce use of" and see for yourself if what I'm saying makes sense. I am positive that the article is not necessary there.
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