Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

jasonlulu_2000 · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879

M: I can�t wait till next Friday!
W: Why? It�s just like every other Friday � four hours of special math and English classes after school.

According to the man, the classes won't begin until next Friday.

But why does the woman say "It's just like every other Friday"?

Please help me out.

pugachevV · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2295

The man is looking forward eagerly to next Friday.
The reason is not given, but perhaps he has a date with the woman he is talking to.

By saying "It's just like every other Friday...etc.", she is bursting his bubble of excitement about next Friday.

It may be done for a humourous effect.

jasonlulu_2000 · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879

Thanks, but forgive me not understanding the humor.

Why did the woman say "every other Friday"? Every other Friday is not equal to every Friday, after all.

Can you put it more clearly?

sorry.

pugachevV · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2295

He thinks Friday is special. We are not told why, but he is looking forward to it.

She says Friday is just another day - the same as every Friday. The same classes; the same routine. For her Friday is not special. She may dislike Fridays because of the work she has to do.

If there is any humour, it is in the contrasting views of Friday.

Every other can mean each alternate in a series. Here it does not... It means here: every additional Friday.

jasonlulu_2000 · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879

NOW I understand. Thank you for your help.