Comments on: Reading Exercise & Analysis: Novel Opening 1

By: Phil Williams

Phil Williams — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:15:12 +0000

In reply to Ines.

Thanks for saying Ines, I’m glad you find it halepful!

By: Phil Williams

Phil Williams — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:14:56 +0000

In reply to jaime.

You’re welcome!

By: Ines

Ines — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:39:03 +0000

Thank you, Phil!
Your thorough analysis of the text is extremely useful. I always learn from the way you tackle different issues.
Looking forward for more,
Ines.

By: jaime

jaime — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 11:14:58 +0000

Thanks, Phil, I don’t know what more to say to appreciate your time and kindness.

By: Phil Williams

Phil Williams — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 11:07:08 +0000

In reply to jaime.

Hi Jaime,
I’m glad you liked it – yes it is a high level so I’ll try and do some simpler ones, too. In fact, the points you’ve picked out are a very specific style that you’d probably find is not common in general English. There’s some flexibility with “once” there, but it’s quite a common structure to say “[something] was once [something]”, which could refer to actions or descriptions, meaning “it was this way at one time in the past”.
For the “so” question, you could replace it with “for” but it would change the following structure: “Something was lost for this tune to be written.” (“so this could be done” roughly equals “for this to be done”). I hope that’s clear enough!

On your last question, you often use “take” referring to being taken away, taken on adventures, as it’s rather more forceful/dramatic than bring. “To bring you on an adventure” is more in a companionable sense, whereas “take you on an adventure” sounds more like you are going somewhere exciting. Off the top of my head this would be the difference between “bring” meaning more to come with, whereas “take” means more to be removed from somewhere, emphasising the contrast in locations/situations.

Phil

By: Phil Williams

Phil Williams — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 10:57:54 +0000

In reply to Sanja Franković.

Thanks Sanja, I’m glad you like it and appreciate that point about the present tense.

Phil

By: jaime

jaime — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 15:58:36 +0000

Wow, Phil, I see this writing exercise as a great way to get a better understanding of the English language. Thanks a lot.
To start with. I must say this exercise is above my English level. To understand better the written I need to read it 3 or more times, the more I read more comfortable I feel.
Regarding analysing the test, there I go.
“Marquos on the stern”. To me sounds like a title, newspaper, book, chapter or similar. I think that the writer wants us to read more.
“drawn-out”. New word for me
It is an old folk melody that was “once” sung by rebels fighting in a war. “Once” shouldn’t go before was?
Something was lost “so” this tune could be written. Could be “for” Oh the power and difficulty of prepositions.
I think they’re no more problems in there for me.

One last question for everyone, The expression “Movies give you a break from reality, take you on exciting adventures. This is an expression that I find difficult to understand, me as a Spanish native would be difficult to use. Wouldn’t be better using “bring”
Thanks a lot
jaime

By: Sanja Franković

Sanja Franković — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 16:32:48 +0000

Hello!

This is an interesting exercise that connects grammar with the stylistic value of sentences. I would not replace the present simple with the past tense because the first tense involves the reader into the atmosphere of the novel as if its action takes place at the time of reading. I do similar exercises with my students when they reach level B1-B2.
Best regards,

Sanja

By: Phil Williams

Phil Williams — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:21:35 +0000

In reply to Andrés Pérez.

Hi Andres,

Yes, you’re right; I expect it would be more useful to convert the entire passage to the past to better show the differences, though even then it might not appear much different. It’s perhaps interesting in itself, though, to show how very small the changes can be to shift from one tense to another.

Phil

By: Andrés Pérez

Andrés Pérez — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 19:04:08 +0000

Hi there.
I don’t think that rewriting the three fisrt sentences in the simple past makes much difference other than the one you explain yourself on point two.

I thoroughly enjoyed this in-depth analysis of the text .It was really great. I’m looking forward to the next one.

Andrés