Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nagano]

Hello, teachers.

When I start to write about some features of my hometown, which sentence is correct?

1) I would like to explain Nagano.
2) I would like to explain about Nagano.
3) I would like to tell about Nagano.

I'm wondering if "explain" can be used to describe some features of Nagano.
It not, could you tell me why?
Are there better verbs?

Thank you,

Nagano

[myprofe]

You can explain why you asked this question. You can explain your actions. You can explain why you've decided to write about your hometown. Explain or give explanations is to give reasons for something. You talk about the place where you live and explain why you like living there.

Typical Job Interview:
Talk about your previous job.
Describe yourself.
Explain why you want to work for us.
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[nagano]

Thank you, my profe.

Now I understand "explain" is not right here.

But can I use "talk about" in writing, too?
And what about "I'd like to tell about Nagano"?

Thank you,

Nagano

[myprofe]

I'd like to tell you about Nagano.
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[nagano]

Thank you very much.

Nagano

[redset]

"Talk about" is fine too. Tell is a very direct way of talking to one or more people about something, giving them information. Talking about something sounds much more relaxed and informal, and might even involve discussion.

[nagano]

Hello redset,

I am a little confused. From myprofe's reply, I understood that in writing, "tell you about" should be used.

In informal writing, "talk about" is OK, too?
Like for example, "I'd like to talk about Nagano."?

Regards,

Nagano

[CP]

In informal writing -- an e-mail to a friend, for example -- I think "I'd like to tell you about Nagano" or "I'd like to talk about Nagano" would be all right. In anything more formal than that, the title of the piece would tell the reader that you are going to write something about Nagano, so there would be no need to start out with, "I'd like to tell you about Nagano."

Be bold. Jump right in. Tell the reader about Nagano. You don't need to clear your throat first; you don't need to say, "I'm going to tell you something about Nagano" before you tell the reader something about Nagano. Just tell the reader:

"Nagano is one of the best winter playgrounds in the world. It was a first-class skiing and skating destination long before the Olympic Games discovered it. . . . "
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[nagano]

Thank you very much for your clear explanation.

Nagano

[CP]

Dear Nagano:

I just realized that your name is Nagano, so you may have meant yourself rather than the place, Nagano, Japan. I hope my example didn't offend you. Let me change it to:

"Let me introduce myself. I am Nagano. I have just started working for the FBI, and I love my job. . . ."
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[nagano]

Dear CP,

I am sorry my name is confusing. Nagano is both my city name and the name I use in this site. I meant the city in the question.

Thank you for your concern.

Regards,

Nagano