This is a pretty good explanation now. Thanks Barb_D. Many other posts were of no use for me.
In addition I would be very sorry if you really give up of this topic.
Well, e2e4, you seem to be getting there. At least, I hope you are.
Anybody who claims that we must believe everything that people such as bhaisahab and Barb_D say simply because they are UE moderators is an unthinking b#***#. I am fairly confident that bhai and Barb would agree with me on this.
However, I (personally) feel that when non-native speakers and/or non-teachers participate in this forum they should think for a minute or two before summarily dismissing the opinions of native speakers and informed non-native speakers with years of experience of teaching and/or writing and/or studying the language.
And, rather than just producing a dictionary or book on grammar that appears to say something different as 'proof' that UE members responding to questions are wrong, consider the possibilities that:
1. another entry in the same source may cast doubt on the entry you have produced;
2. the source you have chosen may be simply an internet 'authority' created by Stanislav Bronski to pass the time of day;
3. the UE member you are questioning has possibly read what you are producing,
and dozens of other books, and has given his/her answers after considering
all the evidence.
Speaking purely personally, I am delighted when somebody can come up with something that contradicts what I have said. It forces me to re-examine my views, reject beliefs that are unfounded, and justify the beliefs that I hold. However, if (in answer to a simple question about a book on a table) I say, "
Book is a noun...
", I am
not happy when the next message gives a link to a website showing
book as a verb, with the gleeful implication that I have made a mistake.
I'll stop there. I think I have made my point. Actually, I probably haven't. It won't surprise me if I sign in to UE tomorrow and find messages attacking me for declaring that it is against forum policy to dare to question bhai or barb.:roll:. I am learning to live with that.