Jack Clark
New member
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2011
- Member Type
- Interested in Language
- Native Language
- English
- Home Country
- United States
- Current Location
- United States
I have frequently heard and seen (in instruction manuals) the word "possibilities" used a bit oddly by native speakers of German. It seems to be used where "options" or sometimes "features" is intended. For example:
"This new development left John with only two possibilities (meaning "options"): . . ." etc.
"This product has the following possibilities (meaning "features"):
• Greater capacity
• Faster speeds
• Longer life" etc.
Is there a better way to teach word choice in a situation like this other than simply providing a list of examples? Or is that the best way?
(Addressing American English only.)
"This new development left John with only two possibilities (meaning "options"): . . ." etc.
"This product has the following possibilities (meaning "features"):
• Greater capacity
• Faster speeds
• Longer life" etc.
Is there a better way to teach word choice in a situation like this other than simply providing a list of examples? Or is that the best way?
(Addressing American English only.)