3rd conditionals

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by Humble

Hi,
I don't see anything derogatory either, just a shortcut, really.

It's your choice, Humble. By the way, where did you learn the acronyms?

[Humble]

It seems, here.
Anyway, Cas, I have to remind you my question - what's your suggestion, that is, for forums like this?

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by Humble

It seems, here.

Yes. I knew that, Humble. From riverkid's usage?

Originally Posted by Humble

Anyway, Cas, I have to remind you my question - what's your suggestion, that is, for forums like this?

I suggest you do whatever it is that makes you comfortable, Humble. After all it's your choice, not mine. Keep in mind though that history does have a way of repeating itself. One day someone might ask you the very same question I asked riverkid. So, if you choose to use the acronyms ESLs and ENLs to refer to human beings, then you should be aware that people who know what those terms denote and connote will probably view you, at best, as insensitive,. That is, they'll see you as a person who thinks language learners are things (not people) devoid of emotion and intelligence. At worst, your say, your argument, your opinion if marred with the acronyms ELSs and ENLs wouldn't be taken all that seriously by most. Sad, but true: you are judged by what you say.

In short, if you can explain the reason(s) you're using ESLs and ENLs, great, but at least do so. Define your terms. It might be a laborious task, having to state the reason(s) each time you use the terms, but at least you'll have reminded the reader that your usage is different from the presently known connotations. That's what writers do, Humble. They explain as they go; they don't assume that the reader should automatically get their intended meaning, either favorable or otherwise.

All the best.

[Harry Smith]

Hi, Cas!
I couldn't believe this discussion would keep going like this. I was following your debates and didn't wan't to think that someone else would join you. Anyway nice explanation! I really liked it.

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by Harry Smith

Hi, Cas!
I couldn't believe this discussion would keep going like this.

Thank you for your kind words, Harry Smith. Discussions tend to have a life of their own, don't they? To me, navigating my way through a discussion always feels somewhat like walking down a long corridor filled with closed doors, or rather unanswered questions. Some doors if opened will take you away from the discussion, whereas other doors if ignored and passed by could lead you the wrong way. That's why some doors should be opened, or rather, questions need to be asked. This was one.

All the best.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by Casiopea

In all seriousness though, if you can find three reputable sources that use the terms ESLs and EFLs, that would strengthen your argument.

I'll leave finding the reputable sources to you, Casi. You seem to be able to really pick 'em.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by casiopea

You see, I'm not quite sure how to interpret your response about the 3rd conditional (the topic of this thread) because the term ESLs is somewhat questionable, as you know.

The connection you're attempting to draw here, Casi, is totally unfathomable. If you don't understand the grammatical discussion, there's no need to insert red herrings; just ask for clarification.

[Harry Smith]

Originally Posted by riverkid

The connection you're attempting to draw here, Casi, is totally unfathomable. If you don't understand the grammatical discussion, there's no need to insert red herrings; just ask for clarification.

What do you want to say by such comments, Riverkid? Why are you trying to show that you knowledge of English grammar is better than Caiopea's. I don't think so. English is your first language and you have to know it very well. If you speak only one language I can speak three, even four. But I never tell you that your Russian is very poor though you don't have to know it. I just want to say we must treat one another with respect. That's all.