29/11/2016

Assume vs Presume

Word Wars!

The words in today's Word Wars are assume and presume.
So what's the difference?

They are both verbs and refer to something we consider to be true.
One is without any proof, and the other is based upon proof.



Assume = when you think something is the case without any proof.

Presume= when you think something is the case based on evidence available.

Examples:

a. The defendant is assumed innocent until proven guilty.

b. (based on the photo above) He presumes the shadow he sees is of an attractive woman.

c. Never assume anything!

d. (teenager looking at a badly graded test) "I presume I won't be allowed to go to the party this weekend now!" (sad-faced teenager)

:) :)


07/11/2016

Social interacting and fixed expressions

In English, as in every language, there are some fixed expressions we use on particular social occasions, like when people meet or leave each other, when we go on a journey, go for a meal, when we give or ask for things, when we give thanks, etc.


Here are some of the most important.

1. Introductions

Common ways of introducing people are:

Tom, do you know my friend Mary?
Mary, this is my friend Tom. 
Tom, I don't think you know George.
May I introduce George Mason.

Now, when people are introduced they say Hello or How do you do?
Please note that How do you do? is not a question that is answered. It doesn't mean How are you? It is for formal introductions only and the reply is How do you do? again.
In informal situations Hello / Hi / Nice to meet you are more common.

2. Greetings

Upon meeting:
Hello / Hi (informal)
Good morning/afternoon/evening. (More formal)

When leaving:
Good morning/afternoon/evening. (formal)
Goodbye
Bye (informal)
Bye-bye! (often used to and by children)
See you. (informal)

3. Asking politely about someone's health or general well-being

How are you? / How's it going? / How are things? Are the most common ways to ask somebody what's going on with them in general.

We usually reply: I'm well / fine, thanks you. And you?
*Of course nowadays, it is socially accepted to say: I'm good. But grammatically this is incorrect. Being good means that you are a good person, not in good health or generally well.*
Other informal replies are:
Not too bad.
OK / All right.
So-so.
(It) could be worse!

There are fixed greetings for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays.
Happy Birthday! or Many happy returns! (more formal)
Happy Nameday!
Happy / Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year / Easter!

4. Holidays, journeys and general wishes

When someone starts a holiday we usually say:
Have a good holiday!
When the holiday is over, (to be polite) we may ask:
Did you have a good holiday?

When we talk about journeys, common expressions are:
Have a good trip.
Have a good journey.
Safe travels.
Safe journey home.

And just as with a holiday, the same applies for a journey.
We may ask: Did you have a good journey / trip / flight?

We also generally wish people well on the day or for the week or weekend.
Have a nice day!
Have a nice week!
Have a nice / good / great weekend!

It goes without saying that we can replace nice with any word we like (good/great/wonderful/fantastic, etc.)

5. Meals

When sitting for a meal, we usually use the expression Bon Appetit! which, of course, is French! We can say Enjoy your meal, but it doesn't sound very appealing!
It is also polite to comment on the meal, especially when you are a guest at someone's home.
You may say something like:
This is very nice. / This is delicious! (during the meal)
That was lovely: thank you. (after the meal)

Some religious people say grace (a short prayer) before and after meals, usually to give thanks and gratitude to God for their food and health.

6. Invitations and suggestions

We usually voice invitations and suggestions by asking
Would you like to...?
How about going / watching / visiting / having...?

Replies are mostly:
Thank you. That would be nice.
That sounds like fun / a good idea / lovely.
Sorry, I'm afraid I'm not free. 

It is normal to thank people for hospitality when leaving their house.
Thank you very much. That was a wonderful evening.
Everything was wonderful.
Thank you for a lovely evening.

7. Giving Things

When we give or offer things we usually say Here you are.
Sometimes we say Here you are when we want to make it clear that we are giving something.
For example:
"Have you got a pen I can use?" 
"Yes, here you are." 
"Thanks."

8. Asking for things

When we ask for things, we usually use yes/no questions.
Could I...? / Could you...? / Can I... ? /Can you..? / May I...? (formal)
For example:
"Could you lend me a pen, please?" (NOT Please lend me a pen.)

9. Giving Thanks

Very simply, when we give thanks, we say Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Thanks. (informal)
Thanks a lot. (informal)

We can also reply to thanks by saying:
You're welcome.
Not at all!
That's (quite) all right.
That's OK. (informal)
No problem! (informal)
Don't mention it! (informal)


Do you use these expressions? If not, here's a good time to start. :)

I hope you all have a fantastic day and a wonderful week!!

:) :)


05/11/2016

Remember, remember the Fifth of November!!

Happy Guy Fawkes Day!!

Guy Fawkes' Night or Bonfire Night commemorates the prevention of having the House of Commons and Parliament blown up!!

The plan of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators was to assassinate James I and his government by blowing up the Parliament during the State Opening on November 5th 1605. Guy Fawkes was caught guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar beneath the Houses of Parliament in London.
All conspirators were arrested, tortured and executed. 


Guy Fawkes' Day is not a public holiday. Business goes on as usual in all areas of work.
In some towns and cities, the municipality puts together a bonfire along with a professional fireworks display in a park for people to celebrate.
Because it is so close to Hallowe'en, celebrations sometimes combine both events.

Guy Fawkes' Night or Bonfire Night is celebrated every year on the night of November 5th across England. Fireworks and bonfires are lit (privately and publicly) and in many places, people make and burn Guy Fawkes dummies, as well! Before setting the dummy on fire, children usually go door to door asking for "A Penny for the Guy" which is spent on fireworks.

For more information, please go to: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/united_kingdom/england/guy_fawkes_night.php
and
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/guy-fawkes-day
This is where I got all the above information from.


Happy Bonfire Night!!
:) :)