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  1. #1
    ihop is offline Junior Member
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    Question shoelaces Grammar question

    In India we say knot the shoelaces.
    Is this correct?
    Or shall/Should we say lace the shoelaces? (Which is correct shall or should?)

  2. #2
    bhaisahab's Avatar
    bhaisahab is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: shoelaces Grammar question

    Quote Originally Posted by ihop View Post
    In India we say knot the shoelaces.
    Is this correct?
    Or shall/Should we say lace the shoelaces? (Which is correct shall or should?)
    I have always used "tie your shoelaces".

  3. #3
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    Default Re: shoelaces Grammar question

    In AmE "lace the shoelaces" means to actually thread the laces through the holes in the shoes. "Tie the shoelaces" means to pull the laces tight and tie them in the bow that will hold them securely. "Knot the shoelaces" is not a common phrase, and referring to a knot when discussing shoelaces means that the bow was tied incorrectly and has come undone and now there is a knot that needs to be undone before the lace can be re-tied correctly.

  4. #4
    bhaisahab's Avatar
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    Default Re: shoelaces Grammar question

    Quote Originally Posted by ihop View Post
    (Which is correct shall or should?)
    It is more common to use "should" but "shall" is not wrong, it is a bit 19th century like much of Indian English, I find it charming.

  5. #5
    Tdol is offline Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    Default Re: shoelaces Grammar question

    You can also do your shoelaces [up] in BrE.

  6. #6
    SoothingDave is online now Key Member
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    Default Re: shoelaces Grammar question

    Or just "tie your shoes."

  7. #7
    Tdol is offline Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    Default Re: shoelaces Grammar question

    Or fasten your shoelaces/shoes

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