Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[sleeper]

Hi, there.

Look at the following dialogue.

A: How long do you work?
B: From nine to five.

Is this dialogue correct?

Should 'how long' be answered using the phrase 'for ...'?
What expressions can we use in this kind of situation?

I'm looking forward to your answer.

Thanks.

[mescalero]

sleeper:

The dialogue is correct. B simply provides more information than was necessary to answer A's question. B could have said, I work for 8 hours. Instead, B told A that B works from 9 am to 5 pm. B's answer therefore tells A that B works 8 hours and the time during which B works. B gave A more information than was necessary. Providing more information is not only grammatically correct it is sometimes polite because you are anticipating the questioner's next question.

Good Luck!!!
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Open English World
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