Chan-Seung Lee
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 1032
|
 Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 6:35 pm Post subject: in rows |
 |
|
| Quote: |
| Students sit in a circle in some classes. They sit in rows in others. |
Let me paraphrase the example like this: Students sit in a round shape in some classes. On the other hand, other students sit in several rows in other classes.
Am I correct? Could you let me know if I'm right? If not, can you correct me?
Thanks. |
|
Eric Thompson
Joined: 25 Nov 2006
Posts: 148
Location: Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2007 5:48 am Post subject: In a circle |
|
|
Dear Chan Seung, As English is not your native language, you probably don't realize that 'student's sitting in a circle' has a very specific meaning: students sitting in an arrangement that looks like the outline of a circle when viewed from overhead, or a bird's eye view. (The preposition 'in' is not literal.) But your paraphrase 'students sit in a round shape' is not common and could have another meaning: each student sitting with his/her legs and arms making a round shape. So, your paraphrase is a bit 'ambiguous' (having 2 or more meanings). To native or advanced speakers, 'sitting in a circle' is not ambiguous. Ok?  -Eric |
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
