Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Jerry Chen]

Hi,

I am now reading a passage, but a sentence beats me.

As the passage says, "...By logging on to an auction site, people can place bids and acquire goods at the lowest possible prices. Money doesn't even enter equation for those who enjoy the pleasure of exchange and barter."

I don't understand this sentence, "Money doesn't even enter equation for those who enjoy the pleasure of exchange and barter."

Could you please explain it for me? Thanks a lot!!

[SarahDickens]

I'm not surprised you find this sentence difficult to understand - it's incorrect and clumsy English!

First, the correction.
The sentence should read: Money doesn't even enter the equation for those who enjoy the pleasure of exchange and barter.

Second, the meaning.
The phrase "to enter the equation" means to be worthy of consideration, or to be considered by ...

In other words, if, when you are making a decision, something "enters the equation", it an important consideration that is relevant to the decision that you make.

I imagine that the sentence "Money doesn't even enter the equation for those who enjoy the pleasure of exchange and barter" is trying to say that exchange and barter is so enjoyable that making money from it is not particularly important.

I hope this helps.

[clonc]

Welcome, SaraDickens,

I have been told that the people from Wales speak the best English (Especially those living not far from the Mumbles)