if not, simply giving us feedback, opening issues on github or just reporting compatibility goes a long way!

[kadioguy]

[From an article called Progress Report March 2022]

[...]
Closing Words:
[...]

That's all we have for you this month. We'd like to thank everyone for their continued support as we pass the Switch's 5th birthday! In just half a decade we’ve already come so far and it’s majorly thanks to everyone who has backed this project over that time; this level of growth wouldn’t have been possible without you! As usual[,] if you’re interested in emulation and know some C#, we’re always delighted to see new code contributors and if not[,] simply giving us feedback, opening issues on github or just reporting compatibility goes a long way!

Until next month!

https://blog.ryujinx.org/progress-report-march-2022/

*The blue parts are mine. And I colored the word "goes" red.
----
a. ... if not, simply giving us feedback, opening issues on github or just reporting compatibility goes a long way! [original]

b. ... if not, simply giving us feedback, opening issues on github or just reporting compatibility will go a long way! [my version]

What is the difference in meaning between them? It is like "helps very much" vs. "will help very much", right? But I can't tell what the difference in meaning between them is.

I assume that (a) means "that always helps" while (b), "that is going to help". And they might practically mean the same in this case.

What do you think?

 

[kadioguy]

Could members help me with it?

 

[tedmc]

The statement of fact "something goes a long way" meaning "something helps a lot" is used a lot more often than the version using the future tense.

 

[kadioguy]

The statement of fact "something goes a long way" ...

1. Could you tell me why not "The statement of the fact" ...? Is "fact" here uncountable?

2. Does "something goes a long way" refer to "the statement" rather than "fact"?

 

[kadioguy]

Could native speakers join us (in discussing either post #1 or post #4)?

 

[teechar]

Either tense is possible, but I agree with tedmc's post #3.

Google Books Ngram Viewer

Google Books Ngram Viewer

books.google.com

 

[kadioguy]

Either tense is possible, but I agree with tedmc's post #3.

If you don't mind, could you please help me with the questions in post #4? I'm not sure about that sentence.

 

[teechar]

Since you're asking about what tedmc had said, let's wait for his comments first.

 

[Tdol]

We use a/the statement of fact.

 

[tedmc]

I wouldn't say "the statement of the fact" is wrong but it sounds much better with the second "the" omitted. There are other similar examples:-

- an admission of guilt/liability
- the statement of account
- expression of interest

 

[kadioguy]

I wouldn't say "the statement of the fact" is wrong but it sounds much better with the second "the" omitted. [...]

Thanks. And is my assumption below correct?

2. Does "something goes a long way" refer to "the statement" rather than "fact"?

 

[tedmc]

It is the statement of a fact.