[Grammar] My wife talking to the gardner vs talking to my son

  • Thread starter B45
  • Start date
  • Views : 2,534
Status
Not open for further replies.
B

B45

Guest
Please start with/on the dishes today.

VS


Please start with/on the Math problems and we'll work on your English essay later.

Please choose the correct prepositions for me.

Thank you
 

bhaisahab

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
Ireland
Please start with/on the dishes today.

VS


Please start with/on the Math problems and we'll work on your English essay later.

Please choose the correct prepositions for me.

Thank you

I'm intrigued. Is the gardener going to do the dishes or the Math problems? He wouldn't seem to be particularly qualified to do either, but one never knows.
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
They're both OK. If it's clear that another action is to follow, I'd use 'with'.
 
B

B45

Guest
I'm intrigued. Is the gardener going to do the dishes or the Math problems? He wouldn't seem to be particularly qualified to do either, but one never knows.

I'm sorry, I should change the title to: My wife talking to the helper vs talking to our son. Good catch my friend.
 

SoothingDave

VIP Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
"Start with the dishes" = do the dishes first.
"Start on the dishes" = begin the task of washing the dishes (perhaps it is so monumental that it will require several days.)
 

Barb_D

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Member Type
Other
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
I was going to make essentially the same comment as Dave, except for the math problems.
Start with the math problems - do those first
Start on the math problems - I don't think you'll be able to finish them
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top