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"study" or "studies?"

 
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7969



Joined: 26 Mar 2003
Posts: 5782
Location: Coastal Guangdong

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:14 am    Post subject: "study" or "studies?" Reply with quote

from the dictionary:

1 : a state of contemplation : REVERIE

2 a : application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge <years of study> b : such application in a particular field or to a specific subject <the study of Latin> c : careful or extended consideration <the proposal is under study> d (1) : a careful examination or analysis of a phenomenon, development, or question (2) : the published report of such a study.

3 : a building or room devoted to study or literary pursuits.

4 : PURPOSE, INTENT - it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses.

5 a : a branch or department of learning : SUBJECT -- often used in plural <American studies> b : the activity or work of a student <returning to her studies after vacation> c : an object of study or deliberation <every gesture a careful study - Marcia Davenport. d : something attracting close attention or examination.

6 : a person who learns or memorizes something (as a part in a play) usually used with a qualifying adjective - he's a quick study.

the above are all the ways i can think of to use "study" as a noun.

so many chinese students use it in the following two ways:

Quote:
"my parents help me with my study."
"I need to concentrate on my study."


despite my best attempts, one of my students insists these are acceptable and correct in english.

i told the students the noun "study" cant be used in this way. the sentences above should be revised to read (as noted in 5(b) above):
Quote:
"My parents help me with my studies."
"I need to concentrate on my studies."

and/or

"I am involved in a study."
I'm conducting a study of plants."


anyone else encountered this and have anything to add?

7969


Last edited by 7969 on Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:16 am; edited 1 time in total
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georginachina



Joined: 21 Sep 2006
Posts: 193

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
he's a quick study.

Seeing this is basically a USAnian usage, why worry about a Chinese usage? Seems to me there is nothing intrinsically wrong with that usage. My parents often helped me with my study. Well, my father did, anyway.
A "reverie" is more often referred to as a "brown study"
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Mister Al



Joined: 28 Jun 2004
Posts: 840
Location: In there

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tell your students if they want to use 'study' in that way in that sentence, then feel free to do so. Explain that it is not a use you would use yourself as it feels unnatural but some 'experts' believe it can be used both ways, your not going to argue......................and move on. Arrow
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7969



Joined: 26 Mar 2003
Posts: 5782
Location: Coastal Guangdong

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

georginachina wrote:
Quote:
he's a quick study.

Seeing this is basically a USAnian usage, why worry about a Chinese usage? Seems to me there is nothing intrinsically wrong with that usage. My parents often helped me with my study. Well, my father did, anyway.
A "reverie" is more often referred to as a "brown study"


actually georgina, i was only concerned with how "study" was used in these instances:

"my parents help me with my study."
"I need to concentrate on my study."

numbers 1-6 that i listed all came from the dictionary. i have no question pertaining to those.

7969
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georginachina



Joined: 21 Sep 2006
Posts: 193

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 12:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
"my parents help me with my study."
"I need to concentrate on my study."

No need to be concerned. This usage is acceptable!!
I would be more worried about .." he is a quick study"...
Leave out the adjective, and you have ..."he is a study"...
Now, that is a worry!!!!
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Lobster



Joined: 20 Jun 2006
Posts: 2040
Location: Somewhere under the Sea

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 4:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't like the use of the singular form in those sentences.

"My parents helped me with my study."

This sounds to me like they helped set up a room in a house. I've never heard a native speaker express the idea of "My parents helped me with my studies." in this way. Come to think of it, I've never heard anyone say this. I love it when learners tell native speakers what they think is acceptable. Just tell them it sounds weird.

RED
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Rooster



Joined: 30 May 2005
Posts: 363

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 5:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The following quote just about sums up, my opinion of, teaching Adults in China. My teacher told me!

"despite my best attempts, one of my students insists these are acceptable and correct in english. "

It is true, there are 2 basic forms of English language communication, orally speaking - British (UK, RSA, Australia, New Zealand) & American (USA, Canada). We use different words.

Shenme?
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7969



Joined: 26 Mar 2003
Posts: 5782
Location: Coastal Guangdong

PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 2:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

lobster, al, georgina, many thanks.
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