Job Discussion Forums

fluffyhamster · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:07 pm Post subject:

That's always fine with me! Very Happy

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I think we're already doing that....

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:11 pm Post subject:

No, actually, Spiral, you're wrong there. And so is Fluffy!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

In case the poor OP ever returns....

back to present simple for habits:
Fluffy, Sasha, me, and others argue about something most every week.

(not 'are arguing' as that implies a never-ending continuous process - oh, wait!!! perhaps we've hit upon the exception that proves the rule in this case)

So long as we can have an argument that doesn't involve re-reading ten pages of some outdated thread, I'm game Laughing

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:18 pm Post subject:

I'm game? I really must object to the use of that phrase. It doesn't feature in my language experience, therefore it is self-evidently wrong.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I speculate that it's related to American football. Implied extended meaning "I'm in the game." You don't have to clearly understand its mechanics or adopt the phrase, Sash, only to understand it. Oh, wait, that's ANOTHER thread:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=99280

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:21 pm Post subject:

Ach! Me? I!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:31 pm Post subject:

It depends, doesn't it? If we take that view that all three of the people mentioned are subjects of the verb, then 'I' should be used. But if you feel that the three could be collectivised into one single 'we', then it really doesn't matter, hic!

Collectivise all the pronouns! Never more to be subjects, of themselves or of Piggies! Objectification rules!

fluffyhamster · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:05 pm Post subject:

Aww, be fair Spiral, at least the first thread I linked to touched upon something John had raised.

I'd be wary by the way Professor Lewis of saying "never-ending" in relation to continuous aspect, even if in the abstract, or indeed in the context of us arguing, it may seem as if its actual duration will never end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrMBHZWe2S8&feature=relmfu

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 6:43 am Post subject:

Were those two history profs TEFL teachers in their youth?

Augustus · Joined: 16 Oct 2012 Posts: 105

Hello again,

This seems to have gone a little off topic ...

I am still confused ....

The instructions state:

Correct the following typical mistakes; explain the mistake in terms of grammar.

3. I�m going to the cinema every Thursday.
Correction: I go to the cinema every Thursday.
Explanation: Present simple tense is used in relation to habits. The 1st statement uses present continuous, this is incorrect as although the action is not complete, its a repeated action so present simple tense is the one that should be used.

I don't think I am explaining this particularly well.

2. I am liking this course.
Correction: I like this course.
Explanation: The verb �like� is non-continuous.

I have 11 of these to do and I am still struggling to explain the corrections.

Aug

fluffyhamster · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 7:46 pm Post subject:

For 3, I'd explain it something like this: Present simple tense should be used to express to regular routines, that have and will always "run like clockwork" (without the need for any extra context and until further notice). Present progressive on the other hand expresses much more temporary situations or arrangements, and should not be used unless such extra context (e.g. the addition of 'until my DVD player is fixed') is to be implied or stated. (Compare: ?/*I go to the cinema every Thursday until my DVD player is fixed). Admittedly that's a bit wordy, but it's what I'm thinking LOL. Note also the '(limited) duration' in the following definition: http://folk.uio.no/hhasselg/terms.html#progressive

Your explanation for 2 is short but reasonably sweet. 'Like' and similar verbs aren't usually used in the progressive, regardless of McDonald's well-known slogan and the, er, like. I mean, how many times does one need to try something before deciding one simply likes it? Liking (=gerund? LOL) something is thus a decision and state that one has to sooner or later arrive at and hold somewhat firm to, rather than an indeterminate process that one is somehow still engaged~engaging in "for the duration" (however long that might be). Wink

Augustus · Joined: 16 Oct 2012 Posts: 105

Thank you for your help!
Aug

Augustus · Joined: 16 Oct 2012 Posts: 105