#1  
Old 16-Dec-2005, 18:01
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 54
Default decide for / languages for travelling

Hi!

Is it correct to say:

- .... he decided for Chinese.
Wouldn't it be better to say: ...he decided to learn Chinese, .... he decided to take up Chinese.

-It is very good to know many different languages for travelling, getting a job in a foreign country ... (the meaning should be: the knowledge of languages can be useful if you travell a lot ...
How would you correct this sentence?

Thank you very much for your help,

Mia
  #2  
Old 16-Dec-2005, 18:57
Donbelid's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 117
Home Country: Iran
Native Language: Persian
Current Location: Iran
Member Type: English Teacher
Default Re: decide for / languages for travelling

"He decided for Chinese" is correct and means he has made a choice among two or more options. Your sentences are also right.

About your 2nd question: I didn't understand what you want to know exactly, but I guess you can say: "It is very good to know many different languages while travelling, helping you get a job in a foreign country "
  #3  
Old 16-Dec-2005, 22:21
Junior Member
Threadstarter  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 54
Default Re: decide for / languages for travelling

Thank you for your answer, Donbelid .

I wanted to ask if the second sentence is correct (does it imply that languages can be useful, when you are travelling?).

What about the following (similar) word combination: it is very good to speak a lot of different languages for travelling ... Is it correct?

Thank you,
Mia
  #4  
Old 17-Dec-2005, 05:00
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 34,371
Home Country: UK
Native Language: British English
Current Location: Philippines
Member Type: English Teacher
Default Re: decide for / languages for travelling

I don't agree- I'd say 'he decided on Chinese' or, more probably, 'he opted for Chinese'.
  #5  
Old 17-Dec-2005, 07:45
Junior Member
Threadstarter  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 54
Default Re: decide for / languages for travelling

I am still not sure whether the following sentence is correct or not . If it isn't, how would you correct it?

It is very good to speak a lot of different languages for travelling, ...

Thank you for your help,
Mia
  #6  
Old 18-Dec-2005, 07:19
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 34,371
Home Country: UK
Native Language: British English
Current Location: Philippines
Member Type: English Teacher
Default Re: decide for / languages for travelling

It's OK, but how about this:
For travelling, it's very useful to speak a lot of languages.

Moving 'for travelling' to the beginning makes the meaning a bit clearer to me.
Closed Thread

Bookmarks

Tags
decide, languages, travelling


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not 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 Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
I need advice.I can't decide. BGstudent Ask a Teacher 1 14-Nov-2005 04:41
how can i decide..? ssendur Ask a Teacher 5 19-Oct-2005 13:37
decide on/about Anonymous Ask a Teacher 1 07-Jan-2004 17:11
decide + whether or if? infinikyte General Language Discussions 2 28-Dec-2003 17:09


All times are GMT. The time now is 07:09.



Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.