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  • 工作学习 / English / Jabber's English Note---034
    English language is at least as complicated as Chinese language. In learning Chinese, we have master tons of idioms. We know that there are specifc expressions for specific things. In English, people need to stick to similar ways. Here are some examples:

    1) If you speak on behalf of some some company, you need to talk like this: We at IBM Canada believe that ......

    2) If you are reading an obtuary, you definitely will see the sentense like this: John Smith was survived by his father, Bob Smith, his brother, Mark Smith, and his syster, Carolyn Smith.

    3) If you are ordering a dish in a restaurant, you should say: "Can I have
    .....?" (Some Chinese people say :"I would like to .....". This is not wrong. But I have never heard native-English speakers to say that.)

    So, the most important thing for us is to observe how others use the language. We should not create English sentences according to the grammar we have lerant.
    • What if I want to say a sentence that I never heard before, or maybe I just wait till someday I get it ? (Not mean to argue, just for fun :-)
      • That is why no Chinese in China could speak good English. Of course, if he go abroad, that is another story.
        • Does that mean it is hopeless for me now?
          • Of course no. Just going out, then you will got it!
            • What do you mean by 'go out'? I asked if you think it is hopeless for me now in China.
              • maybe he means when you go abroad,you will get it.
                • Yes, that is just what I am thinking.
                • It is interesting:-) You two are very kind to avoid answering my question directly.
    • What is the meaning of "obtuary"? thanks.
      • 怀念死者的告示
      • Should be obituary.
        • Thank you for correcting misspelling.
    • Interesting - Thanks.
    • of course, you can say "i would like to have..." in a restaurent
      • Not wrong. As far as I can remember, my American friends and colleagues always say "Can I have ....?".