Re: A YetiGuide® : How To Post In Proper English Quote:
Originally Posted by driverace Don't be sorry, that helps!
Thad_Sir, comfortablynumb
Could you please explain if "is not sounding right" is wrong usage?
I clearly see, "does not sound right" is more elegant. Ace. | Quote:
Originally Posted by reverse_gear In this context, the usage is incorrect. "Is sounding" (and its negative form) is a present continuous tense, which indicates an action that is currently taking place. This leaves open the possibility that "it is not sounding right" today, but may sound (or may have sounded) right at some other time in the future (or in the past). In a way, it changes the meaning.
"Does not sound right" is an assertion of fact, without temporal limitations.
At another pedantic level, I am unable to make up my mind whether the original question ("Why is Mr. X asking Mr. Y that?") can be ended with "that" or a noun (such as question, riddle or query) has to be added at the end. Not sure. |
The noun after 'that' is implied. Quote:
Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom reverse_gear is correct, the usage is common in Indian English, but not actually correct.
Like many other native speakers of a language (and despite being old enough to have gone to school when it was still taught) I am not very good at technical aspects of English, but it is a matter of tenses. Indian English is fond of this form: I am having instead of I have, etc. It is probably the first stereotypical aspect that foreigners pick up on. Another Lost Cause...
But hey, I'll rant anyway Gift is a noun, not a verb. The verb is give. The past tense is gave, not gifted. | Quote:
Originally Posted by driverace Wow, that 'makes' it crystal clear.
Again, "That is making it clear to me now" may be better usage? Especially since it wasn't known/clear to me earlier?
I just read about this.
Turns out, there is a defined verb form of 'gift'.
So, I can gift this link to you http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/de...n/english/gift
relearning the right way is so much fun, I'm addicted!
slightly amused, Ace. | Quote:
Originally Posted by reverse_gear If it wasn't known to you earlier but is definitely known to you now (meaning the action has happened but only recently), I believe the appropriate tense to use should be present perfect. In this case, the usage would be "has made". If you are using "is making", you do not need to add "now" at the end.
Wow, this is serious grammar revision! Hope it helps in dealing with the bouncers that my daughter will soon be sending over based on her school work. | Quote:
Originally Posted by mayankk
I am having, as in
"What phone do you use?"
" I am having a sony phone?". Indian English, and yes, I do hear people speak like this,and its now become acceptable(or rather,"I know what you mean now.).
But, I am having a dosha .
Same for is not sounding right, I suppose.
An engine, running in front of you, may not be sounding right, but a phrase, already considered in the head for correctness, would always not sound right, yeah?
I lost m'self! | Quote:
Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom You are on the right track!
You could use Is making it clear during the conversation, but not once it is clear!
Gift as a verb... actually, the definition is there in my old 60s Oxford English Dictionary, but it was never common current usage until recent years. | Quote:
Originally Posted by noopster "I am having..." is only correct in the sense of something you are currently experiencing. "I am having the time of my life", "I am having a hallucination" etc. Even the second one sounds wrong! |
Verbs of perception, emotion, thinking, appearance, and the word 'have' are not used in continuous tense (except in the passive voice). Hence, the correct versions are:
Does not sound right
This makes it clear
I am hallucinating (hallucinating = gerund complement of verb)
Exception to the above: the above verbs can be expressed in present continous tense, with change in meaning. Examples:
I am thinking of applying (thinking = consider)
I am having dosha (having = eat)
I am having the time of my life (having = experience)
It is incorrect to say "I am having a Sony phone" (because there is no change in meaning of 'have')
The correct answer to the question:
Question: Which phone do you use?
Answer: I use a Sony
Question: Which phone do you have?
Answer: I have a Sony
The word 'gift'can also be used as a verb in the sense of a present.
Examples sentence:
'... gifted the sales advisor with a perfume' - gifted = presented with
'... gifted with superhuman memory' - gifted = endowed with it
Last edited by murillo : 15th August 2015 at 13:53.
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