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Kiwamu
Joined: 22 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Location: Japan
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 Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:24 am Post subject: Please help me |
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Dear teachers,
I have a question about strength of some contrast expressions of the present to the past.
Would you answer me, please?
For following 3 expressions:
(1) ... I was wrong. Now I know that she loves me just the way I am. ...
(2) ... I was wrong. I now know that she loves me just the way I am. ...
(3) ... I was wrong. I know now that she loves me just the way I am. ...
Is the right descending order of strength of contrast "(1) >> (2) > (3)", "(1) >> (2) = (3)", or another one?
Thanks,
Kiwamu |
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Suzanne
Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 283
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
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| Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 7:40 am Post subject: |
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Hello,
1) ... I was wrong. Now I know that she loves me just the way I am. ...
(2) ... I was wrong. I now know that she loves me just the way I am. ...
(3) ... I was wrong. I know now that she loves me just the way I am. ...
Actually, these are all about the same. The emphasis is going to be on how the sentences are spoken--the word "now" is what's important. A native speaker would say any of these, and a listener would understand that the speaker has realized his/her mistake.
It will be interesting to see if others agree. |
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Kiwamu
Joined: 22 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 4:17 am Post subject: nuance |
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Thanks Suzanne,
Thank you for your quick help, and I'm sorry I'm late replying. I'll bring back your comments to our BBS, which is for English leaners in Japan. We are discussing this problem on the BBS.
the thread:
http://jbbs.livedoor.jp/bbs/read.cgi/study/8450/1234512842/
the BBS:
http://jbbs.livedoor.jp/study/8450/
the site:
http://www.englishatheart.info/
>> A native speaker would say any of these, and a listener would understand that the speaker has realized his/her mistake.
(2) is a quotation from a English course, "Little Charo".
http://www.nhk.or.jp/charo/
http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:9_d8R6pvBIoJ:www.nhk.or.jp/pr/english/toptalk/soukyoku_e/s_e0801.htm+English+course+little+charo&hl=ja&ct=clnk&cd=11&gl=jp&lr=lang_en
(1) and (3) are rearrangements of (2). I'm relieved to hear (1) and (3) are also OK.
>> Actually, these are all about the same.
This comment helps me a lot, since I thought there were rather clear (somewhat) differences and the order "(1) >> (2) > (3)" was right.
You said "about", and now I would like to know the somewhat differences between them.
>> It will be interesting to see if others agree.
I would also like to know opinions of others.
The reason why I'm interested in this problem is that I have learned following contrast expressions in a text, "The English Beyer - Basic course -".
http://www.nhk-book.co.jp/gogaku/english_beyel/
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(1-1) At English she's really good, but at math ... she's a disaster!
(1-2) She's really good at English, but at math ... she's a disaster!
In (1-1) "At English" is somewhat highlighted by preposing, in contrast to (1-2).
(2-1) Yesterday, I had a fight with my girlfriend.
(2-2) I had a fight with my girlfriend yesterday.
In (2-1) "Yesterday" is somewhat highlighted by preposing, in contrast to (2-2).
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So, I would like to know the nuance of (1), (2) and (3).
Thanks,
Kiwamu |
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Suzanne
Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 283
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
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| Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:40 am Post subject: |
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Hello, again!
I'm not able to use the links you provided, so let me try again to explain.
1) ... I was wrong. Now I know that she loves me just the way I am. ...
(2) ... I was wrong. I now know that she loves me just the way I am. ...
(3) ... I was wrong. I know now that she loves me just the way I am. ...
I wrote:
| Quote: |
| Actually, these are all about the same. |
You wrote:
| Quote: |
| This comment helps me a lot, since I thought there were rather clear (somewhat) differences and the order "(1) >> (2) > (3)" was right. You said "about", and now I would like to know the somewhat differences between them. |
My comment: There aren't any differences. A native speaker would easily use any of the three sentences without thinking about it. I wouldn't rank them in any order.
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Now, on to your next questions.
(1-1) At English she's really good, but at math ... she's a disaster!
(1-2) She's really good at English, but at math ... she's a disaster!
In (1-1) "At English" is somewhat highlighted by preposing, in contrast to (1-2).
A native speaker would choose (1-2), and put the emphasis on the word "really' when speaking. (1-1) is awkward, and sounds a little backwards...not many people would start a sentence with "At English, she's really good..."
(2-1) Yesterday, I had a fight with my girlfriend.
(2-2) I had a fight with my girlfriend yesterday.
In (2-1) "Yesterday" is somewhat highlighted by preposing, in contrast to (2-2).
The same is true with this pair of sentences. Most people would simply say, "I had a fight with my girlfriend yesterday." It is simple and direct--the best way to speak English.
If you were listing things that had happened recently, you might use (2-1).
"Two days ago, my car broke down, Yesterday, I had a fight with my girlfriend. Today, I lost my assignment. I'm having bad luck!"
Try to keep your sentences simple, and you will be speaking like a native!
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Kiwamu
Joined: 22 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 3:14 am Post subject: Thanks |
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Hello,
Thank you for your quick answer.
I'm going to bring back your all comments to our BBS.
Thanks,
Kiwamu |
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