British English

[peter123]

Hi there,
I want to ask the differences between British and American English.

Supplementary examinations (British)
Make-up examinations (American)

deviate from the topic (British)
off-topic (American)

Thanks
pete

 

[Anglika]

What comments are you looking for, Pete? These are as you indicate, though "off-topic" is used in relatively informal BrE.

 

[peter123]

Hi there,

Is it correct to say like this?
He is off-topic. OR
His essay is off-topic.

Thanks
pete

 

[Anglika]

There are different ways you can use it - there is not really a "correct" or "incorrect" one.

He is off-topic in his essay.

His essay goes off-topic.

The themes of his essay are off-topic.

Such a pity: a really well-written and closely reasoned essay, but way off-topic.

Don't read his essay. He is off-topic in it.

 

[peter123]

Hi there,


Those are really helpful. How can I make up a sentence using the following phrase? What does it mean by 'way' and what is it function in 'but way off-topic?


Such a pity: a really well-written and closely reasoned essay, but way off-topic.

thanks
pete

 

[peter123]

hi there,

What is the formal or British way to say 'off-topic'?
Thanks
pete

 

[banderas]

deviate from the topic

but you said it at the beginning, didn't you?