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What's the correct form when you ask about the train direction:
Does it go to London?
OR
Is it going / stopping in London?
Is it stopping at Marble Arch ( underground st. ) ?
OR
Does it stop at Marble Arch?
Which is more natural and what would native say in that situation?
Is 'call at' used only in very formal notification ?
Or can we use it in informal ( like when you ask sb on the station ) situation?
Does this train call at Marble Arch? [is it too official?]
Thanks
Jedrzej
Does it go to London? This is probably better.
OR
Is it going / stopping in London?
Is it stopping at Marble Arch ( underground st. ) ?
OR
Does it stop at Marble Arch? This is better.
Which is more natural and what would native say in that situation?
Is 'call at' used only in very formal notification ?
Or can we use it in informal ( like when you ask sb on the station ) situation?
Does this train call at Marble Arch? [is it too official?]
Most people would say "Does it stop at..."
If it is a commuter train, then use "go to." Does it go to London? Is this the train going to London? (Instead of the one that goes in the other direction.) Either one is okay in American English.
If it is a long-distance train, the use "stop at" for London or for a commuter train referring to different station. Does it stop at X? Will it be stopping at X? Either is okay.
"Go to" is a destination. "Stop" is a momentary thing.
Again, American English.
{not a teacher}
Every train that passes through London stops there.;-)
You and I wrote at the same time.
It's easy to be on a track and be confused if the track you're next to is going in the direction you want to go, or the other way.
Where I live, the commuter trains either go TO Philadlephia, or they come FROM Philadelphia. I would not say "Is this the train that stops in Philadelphia?" if I needed confirmation that was the one going east, to Philly, and not west, to Thorndale. To say it "stops there" sounds like it continues on to another destination.
I always say my usage is American. It's fatiguing to have you continually "correcting" me. I wish I had seen your post first - I assure you I would not have bothered posting.
What if you are on the train and you are not sure where it terminates.
Does it terminate at the next station? [sounds ok? ]
Or should it be: Is it terminating at... ?
Normally: "Does this train stop at the next station?"
"Terminate" means that the train will not be going further than that station, so it could be used if that is what you want to know.
I am truly sorry if I vexed you, I assure you that I had absolutely no intention of doing so. I wanted to get flowers but all I could find was this popcorn, I hope you will accept it by way of apology.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barb_D
:popcorn: