refer to etc.

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

I have two questions to ask:

No.1

This area is often ________ as China's Silicon Valley.
a. referred to b. looked upon
The key is 'a'. But I think 'b' is also correct. The difference is meanings. 'a' means 'is called' while 'b' means 'is regarded'. Is that right?

No.2

Courage means moving forward _______ you are afraid that you might not accomplish what you want.
a. even if b. even though
The key is 'b'. I think 'a' and 'b' used to bear different meanings. 'a' refers to something in the future. 'b' refers to something that has already taken place. But it seems there is no difference now. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

[Tdol]

1 yes, I agree with you, though I might use something like 'thought of as' instead of 'looked upon'.
2 Even if = you move whether you are afraid or not
Even though = you move despite the fear, so it does make more sense as there's nothing courageous about moving forward when you're not afraid.

[jiang]

&
Dear Tdol,
Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I understand No.1 and the first part of No.2. But I don't understand the latter part of the sentence 'as there's nothing courageous about moving forward when you're not afraid'. Could you please kindly explain this part?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

1 yes, I agree with you, though I might use something like 'thought of as' instead of 'looked upon'.
2 Even if = you move whether you are afraid or not
Even though = you move despite the fear, so it does make more sense as there's nothing courageous about moving forward when you're not afraid.

[MikeNewYork]

&
Dear Tdol,
Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I understand No.1 and the first part of No.2. But I don't understand the latter part of the sentence 'as there's nothing courageous about moving forward when you're not afraid'. Could you please kindly explain this part?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

That's a good point, but "if" in that construction is a bit less certain than "though" about the fear. There would be less courage if one was not afraid.

[jiang]

Dear Mike,

Thank you very much for your explanation. But I don't understand this point 'There would be less courage if one was not afraid'. I think if one was not afraid he should have more courage. I must have misunderstood something. Could you please point it our?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

That's a good point, but "if" in that construction is a bit less certain than "though" about the fear. There would be less courage if one was not afraid.

[Tdol]

If you're afraid, then it takes courage to control that fear and continue.

[jiang]

Dear Tdol,

Thank you so much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

If you're afraid, then it takes courage to control that fear and continue.