Problems with English? Questions? Vocabulary, grammar... Post here :)

SigTerm · 07-03-2011, 09:03 PM

WARNING: not a native english speaker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sycamorex

How would you (in simple terms) explain the meaning of the word 'drive' as in 'a driven individual'? Thanks

"driven" == "motivated" (by something).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anisha Kaul

Can "mobilized" be considered? i.e. A mobilized man?

AFAIK, "mobilize" is normally applied to troops/army (or people in political campaigns?). "to be mobilized" almost sounds like "to be drafted into army and sent to frontline" (although it isn't the actual meaning), I definitely wouldn't use it in this case,

Anisha Kaul · 07-03-2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SigTerm

AFAIK, "mobilize" is normally applied to troops/army (or people in political campaigns?). "to be mobilized" almost sounds like "to be drafted into army and sent to frontline" (although it isn't the actual meaning), I definitely wouldn't use it in this case,

Yes, that sounds sound. (is that a correct English now? ;D)

MrCode · 07-03-2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

is that a correct English now?

Technically yes, but I personally would've used something like "Yes, that seems sound." or "Yes, that sounds good.".

frenchn00b · 07-04-2011, 12:08 AM

"it sounds good" is also right

and
"it sounds fine"?

Anisha Kaul · 07-04-2011, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCode

Technically yes, but I personally would've used something like "Yes, that seems sound." or "Yes, that sounds good.".

I actually liked using two nearly same words having altogether different meanings i.e. sounds sound. I thought that would make it an interesting statement.

Anisha Kaul · 07-14-2011, 04:48 AM

What do you call a man who's nature is opposite of aggressive?

The words I am thinking are:

Tender
Docile
Gentle
Subtle

Not sure which one fits right?

druuna · 07-14-2011, 04:51 AM

Hi,

That depends on the context.

Here are a few opposites of aggressive:
- passive
- defensive
- friendly
- submissive

Anisha Kaul · 07-14-2011, 04:54 AM

Passive and defensive don't fit right. I am talking of someone who has a jolly nature and doesn't get offended easily.

SigTerm · 07-14-2011, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anisha Kaul

The words I am thinking are:

Tender
Docile
Gentle
Subtle

None of those words fit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anisha Kaul

What do you call a man who's nature is opposite of aggressive?

Not sure which one fits right?

calm, peaceful, tolerant, easy going, laid back, friendly. Or you could cheat and use "non-agressive"

When you need synonym/antonyms, use google - it'll quickly direct you to relevant thesaurus/dictionary site. I'd also advise to avoid translating words from your language into english, becuase it is quite possible that meaning of translated word won't *excatly* match original meaning.

Anisha Kaul · 07-14-2011, 11:08 PM

Thanks SigTerm,

"Laid back" is the exact word that fits in, IMO.
I looked up its synonyms in thesaurus . com which says:

Quote:

easygoing, lax, low-pressure, mellow, undemanding, unhurried

All these words fit in just too well!

D1ver · 07-15-2011, 05:01 AM

I haven't read through the whole thread, so if this has been posted I apologize. This always makes me laugh..
I before E

Desdd57 · 07-15-2011, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Anisha: What do you call a man who's nature is opposite of aggressive?

The words I am thinking are:

Tender
Docile
Gentle
Subtle

Not sure which one fits right?

You call him "Des" (Just joking of course)

He could also be called:

Timid
Diplomatic
Meek (Note "Meek" does not infer a coward or weak, but one of quiet strength and purpose, yet thinking nothing great of himself)

Anisha Kaul · 07-15-2011, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desdd57

You call him "Des" (Just joking of course)

Nice to know that you are still alive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desdd57

He could also be called:
Timid

AFAIK, timid means one who doesn't have the courage to raise his voice.

Quote:

Diplomatic

This means, one who knows how to act/speak according to the situation.

catkin · 07-15-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anisha Kaul

AFAIK, timid means one who doesn't have the courage to raise his voice.

Right; from Latin timere, to fear.

markush · 07-15-2011, 10:38 AM

Hello,

I found this thread by chance

Here my question: what is the difference between the words "what" and "which".

For me it looks "more correct" to write "Which distribution should I use?" but as far as I see most (native englishspeaking) members here at LQ would write "What distribution should I use?".

Is there any rule when one has to use "what" or "which" or do they mean the same?

Markus