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Archive for the 'grammar guru' Category

Grammar Guru: I’m lovin’ it!

Posted by Anne on January 30th, 2010

Is this ‘good’ or ‘bad’ English? Do you use it? If so, where and when and how? Do you think it’s ok if others use it?
McDonalds. Ad. On my blog. I know. Sorry. But hey.

I defended a traditional point of view here. Don’t miss Mike’s comment.

Is this good English or bad English?

Grammar Guru: Which tense is correct here?

Posted by Anne on January 18th, 2010

Which tense is correct here?

I saw Judith recently at an event held for new students.
Grammar logic: The event is over.
I’ve seen Judith recently at an event held for new students.
Grammar logic: “Recently”, like “this morning”, is a time word connected to the present perfect.

Why did you choose the one you chose?

Grammar Guru: Which headline makes sense?

Posted by Anne on January 9th, 2010

Headlines are very challenging to understand, because little words are left out that help you see whether the information words are nouns, verbs, adjectives etc. Often short words are chosen to make sure the headline fits into the space on the page, which means that often less well-known words are used. Also, headlines often use [...]

Grammar Guru: Is it past or present perfect?

Posted by Anne on January 2nd, 2010

There is a new argument being brought in by Republican opponents of the health bill. They say the health bill will “force” individuals into a contract with a private agency. This type of provision would be new in America, they say. So what do you think these opponents are saying?

In the history of this country, [...]

Grammar Guru: If Congress will pass/ passes/ passed

Posted by Anne on December 27th, 2009

If Congress will pass/ passes/ passed the health care bill, US citizens will finally have universal access to health coverage.
The same health care bill (Gesetzesvorlage) has to be passed by both the House and the Senate. Right now the two chambers are still working on separate bills: “Now that the Senate has caught up with [...]

Grammar Guru: Predictions

Posted by Anne on November 27th, 2009

Last week: I’m ready to leave to go on a trip, so I say

I am going to Poznań this weekend. (80%, 16 Votes)
I will go to Poznań this weekend. (20%, 4 Votes)
I go to Poznań this weekend. (0%, 0 Votes)
More here.

This week: Which of these predictions is correct English and most probable?

It could [...]