verb 'write'

[sebayanpendam]

Hi,

Do we say 'Write English' or 'Write in English'?

Thanks

 

[Rover_KE]

'Write in English'.

Rover

 

[sebayanpendam]

Hi,

Could you please explain why? We say ' speak English'. there is no preposition involved, and how is 'write in English' deemed grammatical?

Thanks

 

[Rover_KE]

I don't know.

I just wrote what sounded more natural to me, as I felt sorry for you having to wait such a long time for an answer.

Rover

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi,

Could you please explain why? We say ' speak English'. there is no preposition involved, and how is 'write in English' deemed grammatical?

Thanks

The only reason I can think of is, if you say "write English", it could be construed as an instruction to write the word "English". Whereas, with "speak English" there is no such ambiguity.

 

[TheParser]

Hi,

Do we say 'Write English' or 'Write in English'?

Thanks

NOT A TEACHER

(1) Aren't both correct?

***

Tom: Can you speak English?

Mona: Yes.

Tom: Can you read English?

Mona: Yes.

Tom: Can you write English?

Mona: Yes.

"write English" = a general statement that you are able to

communicate using the writing system of the English language.

(Compare. Martha: Can you write Chinese?

Ralph: No way! Those characters are too hard to memorize!)

***

Ms. Smith (the boss): Can you write a letter for me in English?

Tony: Yes.

write in English = a statement that you are able to use the English

writing system to write a specific item (a letter, a diary, a novel,

etc.)

 

[sebayanpendam]

Hi,

Thanks for the clear explanation of 'write'. However, can we say 'Could you please speak to me in English?' as opposed to a general rule, "Please speak English to me".

Thanks again.

 

[Rover_KE]

You certainly can say that, Seb.

Rover

 

[Pedroski]

1) Can you write English?
2) Can you write in English?

In 1) English is a noun. English = the English language.

In 2) 'in English' is an adverbial of manner.

Both are acceptable and semantically equal.