Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Shinae]

Hi there,

I have four sets of questions for you to lend me the expertise you possess.

1. Why do we omit "a" when we say, "This is good deal." and when can we say, "This is a good deal." ?

2. Why do we say, "What college do you study at?" and "Which college are you attending?" Why not, "Which college do you study at?" and "What college are you attending?"

3. Can we use this expression?
"Wait for a moment."

4. Which one is correct? "Here is $8.75." Or "Here are $8.75."

Thank you.

[lotus]

Hi Shinae,

1. Why do we omit "a" when we say, "This is good deal." and when can we say, "This is a good deal." ?

We don't. We should say "This is a good deal." The first is bad grammar, but often said.


2. Why do we say, "What college do you study at?" and "Which college are you attending?" Why not, "Which college do you study at?" and "What college are you attending?"

The difference in "what" and "which" in these sentences is a subtle one. "What college.." is a direct question asking what college the person attends. "Which college.." has the connotation that the person asking or the person being asked already have a list of colleges in mind (like "which of these colleges...?)

3. Can we use this expression?
"Wait for a moment."

Yes. You can also use "Wait a minute" or "just a moment."

4. Which one is correct? "Here is $8.75." Or "Here are $8.75."

"Here is $8.75." It is a lump sum.


--lotus