Most common way to say the full date??

lolwhites · Post by **lolwhites** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 1:25 pm

I can see how looking at the more frequently used forms is a useful, and some would say necessary, short cut. However, I'd add the rider that it needs to be clear that what you're teaching the students is exactly that - a short cut. The danger is that students might feel they're learning a language when they're simply being told "X is more frequent than Y"; that doesn't enhance their understanding.

My concern is that in the past, when students have asked me "Which form is more common?", what they really mean is "Can you tell me which form I can use all the time and make the fewest mistakes?" In other words, they simply want to play the odds.

Duncan Powrie · Post by **Duncan Powrie** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 2:28 pm

Nothing wrong with playing the odds if they're good odds, though, is there? Could stand to make a killing!

lolwhites · Post by **lolwhites** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 4:05 pm

So long as they don't gamble more than they can afford to lose. Isn't it better they know how the game works?

Duncan Powrie · Post by **Duncan Powrie** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 4:11 pm

Um er um.....F YOU LOLWHITES! Hahahahaha!

Duncan Powrie · Post by **Duncan Powrie** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 10:14 pm

Hey, lol, I finally thought of a good rejoinder (I have been distracted by another thread recently, odds are on that you CAN guess which!).

Students won't strictly need to gamble at all if we give them all the inside information they need to place sure bets. They'll make the most money on the dependable horses that run in (and win!) the most races, but sure, if we can identify less well-known nags that are gonna win in at least some races (in probably the more far-flung or shady racing venues), then sure, let's recommend they bet on them too!

LarryLatham · Post by **LarryLatham** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 5:53 pm

Funny I didn't see this thread before now.

I don't think there's any argument here. Looks to me like you all agree, more or less, and for good reason. What everyone says here is reasonable. Are you all just exercising your fingers?

Larry Latham