Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Junkomama]

"In Japan, many children, even those who are under school age, take various lessons such as piano or swimming."
Is it possible to rewrite this sentence using the word "mostly"?
For example, "In Japan, even children under school age mostly take various lessons・・・� is acceptable?
And if I put "the" before "school age", is it wrong?

Thank you in advance!
Junkomama

[Mister Micawber]

.
I see no advantage in using mostly here; the adverb with its possible referents just confuses the reader. Many children is clear.

The school age is not idiomatic English, and will mark you as non-native.
.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[rice07]

Hi Mister Micawber

Does ' ... who haven't reached the statutory age for school, ...' fit that context well? If wrong, please correct me! Thanks!

[Mister Micawber]

.
The meaning and the grammar are OK, but it is far too stilted for the context. It is legal phraseology.
.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[rice07]

Yes. I see. What would you suggest then? Many thanks!

[Mister Micawber]

.
children under school age
.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[rice07]

Hi Mister Micawber

I cannot thank you enough!

[Junkomama]

Thanks a lot for your comments, Mister Micawber !!

Regards,
Junkomama