Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rice07]

Hi

Thanks for your reply offering me some good comment,and showing me of your concern for my son. Yes, a child 9 years of age,my son, is improving,better,and playful again for now.

With some other nice teachers in this forum, I knew you would wonder that "why I ask you for comment?" The reason is simply clear- you're awesome enough and love to help, don't you?

To tell you the truth, I posted that story with fear, but not strong, as was afraid of making mistakes and not expressing myself understood well. So I chose to post in 'family' sector,an area I felt was less active than the 'help center',to wait for comment. But I failed to receive any replies,which made me have the feeling- was I defeated to convey a well understanding of my writing to those who saw my post? and this why I asked for your help. That's not all,when I was browsing forums ,seeing most people posting "How to improve my English?" in topic for help. Definitely, most answers were- prctice,practice,and practice. I took every chance to prctice my English in this forum, and became talkative. However, there's a dilemma(conflict) with myself, which was whether so aggressive I was that cramped the style of someone else. I should be diplomatic in realizing the line between offence and non-offence, but, indeed, I didn't know if I provided proper(appropriate) treatment with them over it(the line)?

The dynamic of keeping me going, some religion(passion) is really needed, and especially I cannot beat it's one of the fundamentals to have a good command of what I'm learning. Maybe next time I'll have the courage to take Bud's advice to post some other of my composition in here for comment- this's a good way to improve my English. Eventually I'd like to say- Teacher Bud,Budaheart,Cp,Philo, and some other nice ones having been helpful to me in this forum,absolutely,the models I should learn from. To be an English learner in here,the feeling's great,isn't it? Anyway,thanks a lot everyone! Good luck!

[rice07]

Hi Bud

1. The second paragrdph=>'The reason is ...'should be 'The reason was...'.

2 The third paragraph =>'prctice' should be 'practice'.

3.The fourth paragraph => Is 'take Bud your advice...' instead of 'take Bud's advice...' better in here?

[bud]

Hi Rice,

I'm glad to hear your son is doing well.

I enjoyed your story. You probably didn't get any comments on it because I don't think many people visit that forum.

I keep seeing you apologize for stepping on toes, being too aggressive, or something similar. But I haven't seen anything inappropriate in this forum from you or anyone else. In fact, I enjoy your contributions. I'd love to see you repost that story in here to get corrections and suggestions from as many people as possible. Or post any other story. And don't worry about mistakes! You're learning - mistakes are part of the process. And anyway, even native-speakers and teachers make mistakes. (I hope I'm not pressuring you. Post a story only if you feel comfortable doing so.)

As to your questions:

1. I think either is OK. With "is," you are focused on the simple truth of the reason, which calls for the simple present. With "was," you are focused on the fact that the thought happened in the past. But in practice, they both have the same meaning.

2. Yes!

3. No, that doesn't work. You're first attempt was correct and natural.