Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

SUBLIME · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 30

I don't know exactly how to use these 2 words "we and you" in the following meaning. Both words are used as almost same when they refer to people in general, I guess.

For example, (1) You speak English in Canada. (2) We speak English in Canada.
I think that (1) and (2) are almost same, but are there any differences between the two sentences? I am confusing all the time about when I use "we" and when I use "you."

Kristea · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:05 am Post subject:

If you say "You speak English in Canada" you would be telling me what to do.

If you say "We speak English in Canada" you are telling me what you do.

Does that make sense?

- Kristi
_________________
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much." R.L. Stevenson

SUBLIME · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 30

Thanks, Kristi.

(1) If you say "You speak English in Canada" you would be telling me what to do.

(2) If you say "We speak English in Canada" you are telling me what you do.

(3)
I think that "They" in the sentence "They speak English in Canada" refers to people in general.
Does "They speak English in Canada" mean "People in general speak English in Canada"?

Kristea · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 4:04 pm Post subject:

Yes. "They" would mean people in general.

- Kristi
_________________
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much." R.L. Stevenson

SUBLIME · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 30

Thanks a lot. Have a good day.