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Perfect Stranger Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

Vicabulary q no. 6 - old students?

Hey,

Can I say:

Here's a picture of me and my old students

I think there's a chance that somebody might think they're old in terms of age whereas the intended meaning refers to them being former students.

What do you think?
  

Top answer

The context will make your meaning clear, but I'd probably say 'former students'.

— Fivejedjon

  • The context will make your meaning clear, but I'd probably say 'former students'.
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10 Answers
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The context will make your meaning clear, but I'd probably say 'former students'.
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I see. Thanks Fivejedjon. What about another situation, a student says:

I've been studying here for a long time. I'm an old student. (and she/he is not reffering to her/his age)
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Can sombody clarify this for me? Thank you!
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I've been studying here for a long time. I'm an old student. (and she/he is not reffering to her/his age)

This implies that she is still a student. So if she is not referring to age than what does she mean?

Clive
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CliveThis implies that she is still a student. So if she is not referring to age than what does she mean?Clive
So can or can't we use the word old in reference to people who are not necessarily old in terms of age but have been somewhere for a long time?
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Perfect Stranger CliveThis implies that she is still a student. So if she is not referring to age than what does she mean?CliveSo can or can't we use the word old in reference to people who are not necessarily old in terms of age but have been somewhere for a long time?
We don't normally.
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fivejedjonWe don't normally.
Then... what word could I use?
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We often say eg Tom is a long-time employee. He has worked here for 30 years.
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Thank you!

May I use the word old when I refer to machines or objects? For example:

I have to get my old CD-drive fixed.
You can choose one old one and one new one.
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Perfect StrangerI have to get my old CD-drive fixed.
That suggests you have more than one.
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