Forum newsfeeds
Forum Newsfeeds


Sites for Teachers

Sites for Teachers


Go Back   UsingEnglish.com ESL Forum > Learning English > Ask a Teacher

Notices

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 26-Apr-2005, 13:10
bexy99
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default difference in meaning

Can you tell me the difference in meaning betwenn the following pairs of sentences?

1. If I had the money, I'd buy a new car.
If I have the money, I'll buy a new car.

2. The house was very isolated.
The house was very secluded.

3. Give me a hand with this bag, will you?
Could you give me a hand with this bag, please?

Thank you for you help.
Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 27-Apr-2005, 06:29
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Country: UK
Posts: 25,130
Current Location: Phnom Penh
First Language: English
Thanks: 2
Thanked 242 Times in 232 Posts
Tdol has disabled reputation
Default Re: difference in meaning

1- In the first sentence, the person doesn't have the money. In the second, they may not have it now, but they thin k they may get it.
2- 'isolated' may carry a slightly negative connotation- if you wanted to be in a city, you'd be more likely to use the first. If you love your privacy, then 'secluded' sounds good.
3- Familiarity- say the first to a friend and the second to someone you know less well or don't have a close social relationship with.
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 27-Apr-2005, 18:01
Newbie
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 14
First Language: Korean
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
critic72 is on a distinguished road
Default Re: difference in meaning

1. The former sentence is generally called a subjunctive form. You need to refer to this part in any grammar book. It looks like a past tense, but you should interpret the sentence as if it were a present tense.

3. As Tdol's explanation suggests, the latter sentence sounds much more polite than the former.

In addition, a sentence like "Can you give me a hand with this bag?" sounds less rude than the former but less polite than the latter.

Last edited by critic72; 27-Apr-2005 at 18:05.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
difference, meaning

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
difference in meaning LUPITA Ask a Teacher 8 21-Apr-2004 15:55
What is the difference in meaning between: Anonymous Ask a Teacher 1 20-Apr-2004 07:21
What is the difference in meaning? Thank you, teachers! Helped Wanted Ask a Teacher 2 29-Mar-2004 08:42
difference in meaning chan General Language Discussions 1 09-Feb-2004 00:40
the difference between Past & P.P. in the meaning Anonymous Ask a Teacher 1 03-Feb-2003 15:06


New To Site? Need Help?

All times are GMT. The time now is 20:53.


vBulletin, Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.2.0 RC5
Copyright © 2002 - 2008 UsingEnglish.com