Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

AM I CORRECT IN FINDING THESE ERRORS:

1. Lactose, a sugar present in milk, is one of simple sugars used in food preparations for infants.

ERROR: ONE OF THE SIMPLE SUGARS.

2. The Mississippi riverboat, which evolved from simpler steamship of the early 1800's, became the dominant form of passenger transport on
the Mississippi River.

ERROR: SIMPLER STEAMSHIPS. (NEED ARTICLE THE IN FRONT OF SIMPLER?)

3. The brightly colored kingfisher that perches until it sights a fish, then dives into the water to catch its prey.

ERROR: REMOVE THAT.

4. Of 120 minerals known to have been used as gemstones, only about 25
are in common use in today jewelry.

ERROR: TODAY'S JEWELRY.

Thanks.

bmo

[bud]

Very good, BMO!

2. I think it works both with "the" and without it. The difference is if you are speaking about them in a general way or referring to specific early steamships (using "the"). Either way, it amounts to the same thing, and since you already found one error, that is probably the only correction they are looking for.

3. Interesting! Before I read your answer, I thought "then" should be deleted. After I read your answer, I know that yours is the correct one!

[BMO]

Bud,

The answers actually were provided by a "student" in a Taiwanese English discussion forum similar to ours, I just interpret the errors.

Regarding the second item, "The Mississippi riverboat, which evolved from simpler steamship of the early 1800's, became the dominant form of passenger transport on the Mississippi River."

Isn't "the early 1800's" specific?

Thanks.

bmo

[bud]

Good point, BMO! I certainly prefer it with "the," but I'm still not positive that it is absolutely necessary. I lean towards your viewpoint, though... Anyone else know for sure?