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  #1  
Old 13-Nov-2007, 16:23
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Default sentence meaning

Please teach me the meaning of this sentence below.


"Sandstone cuts easily."


I think the meaning of this is that the sandstone can cut things well.


On the other hand, can you think that the sandstone is easily cut into

pieaces? This usage like "This meat doesn't cut easily" is also not so

familiar with me. A bit confusing usage.
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  #2  
Old 13-Nov-2007, 16:37
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Default Re: sentence meaning

Quote:
Originally Posted by ivygreen View Post
Please teach me the meaning of this sentence below.


"Sandstone cuts easily."


I think the meaning of this is that the sandstone can cut things well.


On the other hand, can you think that the sandstone is easily cut into

pieaces? This usage like "This meat doesn't cut easily" is also not so

familiar with me. A bit confusing usage.
Sandstone is a common building material in some places. My city of Calgary, Alberta has many buildings built about 100 years ago made from sandstone. It is an easy stone to work with and has a pleasing reddish color.

So the sentence - Sandstone cuts easily.- does make sense literally.

It might be more easily understood if it was written

Sandstone cuts easily when using the proper saw.
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  #3  
Old 14-Nov-2007, 16:05
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Default Re: sentence meaning

Dear Naamplao,


Thank you very much for your reply.

Now I understand it well.
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  #4  
Old 14-Nov-2007, 20:32
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Default Re: sentence meaning

Quote:
Originally Posted by Naamplao View Post
Sandstone is a common building material in some places. My city of Calgary, Alberta has many buildings built about 100 years ago made from sandstone. It is an easy stone to work with and has a pleasing reddish color.

So the sentence - Sandstone cuts easily.- does make sense literally.

It might be more easily understood if it was written

Sandstone cuts easily when using the proper saw.
Hi, Naamplao and ivygreen!

I understand what you mean to say, Naamplao, but I think ivygreen might get the impression from your reply that sandstone can be used as a cutting instrument. May I offer the following clarification: Sandstone is easily cut when using the proper saw.

Cheers,
Amigos4
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  #5  
Old 14-Nov-2007, 20:47
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Default Re: sentence meaning

Quote:
Originally Posted by ivygreen View Post
Please teach me the meaning of this sentence below.


"Sandstone cuts easily."


I think the meaning of this is that the sandstone can cut things well.


On the other hand, can you think that the sandstone is easily cut into

pieaces? This usage like "This meat doesn't cut easily" is also not so

familiar with me. A bit confusing usage.
Ivygreen,

It is not the meat that is cutting something, it is something cutting the meat!
"This meat doesn't cut easily."
"This piece of meat is not easily cut." "This piece of meat is difficult to cut. I will need to use a sharper knife to cut it."

Cheers,
Amigos4
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  #6  
Old 16-Nov-2007, 19:01
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Default Re: sentence meaning

Dear amigos4,


Thank you so much for your kindness.

I can make it out more clearily.

Thank you.
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