Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rice07]

HI

E.g.1 I sent/posted(verb) you an e'mail yesterday.

E.g.2 That's really a good post(noun)!

"Post" in e.g.2 served as a noun ,meaning a message sent to an internet group(like forum) for people to discuss and read Iguess. But I found nowhere by this meaning in my dictionary (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-7th edition 2005), and the rest of the meanings in its noun's form concerning about "mail" were uncountable, which refered to "letters,packages,etc that are sent...", "the official system that...", and "an occation during the day when letters,packages etc are collected or delivered", or "some other meanings like that". However, in the case e.g. 2 ,I believe "post" should be an countable noun. Am I wrong with that point? Could you help me?

BTW, whether it's possible for languages to be so dynamic, some dictionaries cannot keep pace with those innovative words?

[rice07]

Another example by Hiromichi over subject "field" on dec. 11 ,2007. Quoted as saying - Republican voters across the country appear uninspired by their field of presidential candidates. Taking a closer look at "their field of...", "field" should be a noun in here I guess,but looking up dictionaries at hand(both Oxford and Longman), what they gave (us) the meaning of "candidate/team" are verb form(not provide this meaning in their noun form) refering to" to provide a candidate,speaker,team etc. to present you in an election,a competition etc." So I'm a little bit confused with words "post" and "field" in their innovative meanings when dictionary or other tools handy cannot give me a comprehenive,precise help. Meanwhile,to not be a native speaker of English,whether I have usually to form hypotheses on those words with new idea for what they could be? and then ask those generous native speakers for their confirmations.
So to master what I want to learn should be patient,keep trying,and stick it out. Anyway,the above is just a passing thought for me to write it out,not file a complaint,adding one thing I have to realize- markets are dynamic and a company must learn to adapt.

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Rice 07 -

The origin of 'post'...

(vt) -ed/-ing/-s... 2 - to affix (as a paper or bill) to a post, wall or other usual place for public notices... 2 - to publish, announce, or advertise

...is now used when talking about the inter-net.

Yes, (on the inter-net)...'a' post (n) is countable.

Yes, it is possible for language to change so quickly that dictionaries have trouble keeping pace.

There is an annual 'list' of proposed new additions..sometimes amusing.

'field' (n)...5- all the participants/players that make up all or part of an activity...a- all the participants with the exception usu. of the favo(u)rite..b- all the participants/players that are in action

'field' (vt)..to put a team into the field for play..to put an army into the battlefield

Your English skills have reached a point where you might want to consider investing in an 'unabridged' dictionary...it seems your 'frustration' is due to lack of access to adequate information.

Hang in there...Philo :)

[rice07]

Hi Teacher Philo kevetch

Thanks for your time to offer me explicit explanations and good advice to advance my English! Maybe it's time for me to invest buying an unabridged one; if my asking were welcome, what would you recommend (to me) then?
Things would be worked out with having plenty of nice teachers like you all in this forum. I believe the proverb that constant dripping wears away the stone,so qoted as saying-hang in there!

BTW, with christmas being almost here,MERRY CHRISTMAS to EVERYONE!

[Philo Kevetch]

Seasons' Greetings.

Oxford publishes an unabridged edition, as does Webster (and others).

If you look around university area second-hand book stores, you might be able to find a serviceable 3 volume set at a reasonable price to get you started. Philo

[rice07]

Hi Teacher Philo

Thanks once again for your welcome recommendation! I must give it a try, but I think the area that you suggested would not be so easy for me to get one(s) serviceable in my country(Taiwan),especilly in second hand stores. However,it might be a turning point. I should get it started.