Punctuation and correct choice of words

[Tan Elaine]

You all welcomed me with great laughter / a smile and a round of applause /applause. I felt that you were all saying, / saying “Welcome to Hong Kong!”

The above sentence is written by my younger sister.

1. I should use 'a smile'. I don't think 'great laughter' used by her is logical because who would welcome somebody by laughing loudly.

2. Should it be 'applause' or 'a round of applause'? I think it should be the latter.

3. Is a comma needed after 'saying'? I am undecided, but I feel that both are correct.

Many thanks

 

[Route21]

As an NES, but not a teacher:

1. I'd personally not use either.
1a) I don't believe just a pleasant smile would be appropriate.
1b) Unless she was wearing a clown costume or a big red nose etc I don't believe anyone would be laughing at her.
Maybe something like "great happiness" would be more appropriate.

2. A round of applause works for me.

3. I would replace the comma with a colon.

Hope this helps
R21

 

[Rover_KE]

I'd write it like this:

You all welcomed me with a smile and a round of applause. I felt that you were all saying "Welcome to Hong Kong!"

Rover

 

[emsr2d2]

Same as Rover, I wouldn't use a comma in the final sentence. I certainly wouldn't use a colon.