Helpful Latin Terms for English Law

If Latin is the so-called dead language, why are we still using or studying it?

Whether in the medical or legal field, Latin is essential for professionals to learn a body of key phrases.

As a professor of English for Lawyers and translator of legal documents from Spanish, French, and Portuguese to English, here are some phrases, of course not exhaustive, commonly encountered in the US English law.

As a bonus, you may want to visit these sites to help you with legal vocabulary:

Free Law Dictionary   
Nolo   
Common Legal Terms   
Fed Judiciary Talking Points   
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Intro to American Law - Legal English

In my English for Lawyer classes, I always begin with an introduction to US law.

US jurisprudence springs from English common law or the part of the English law not embodied in legislation.

Common law consists of rules of law, developed after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William of Orange, based on common custom and usage (hence its name) and on judicial (court) decisions (precedent).

As the court system became established under Henry II in the 12th century, and judges' decisions became recorded in law reports, the doctrine of precedent developed. Precedent obliges judges to earlier court decisions to form opinions of current cases.

Hence, common law (sometimes called ‘case law’ or ‘judge-made law’) keeps the law in harmony with the needs of the community where no legislation is applicable or where the legislation requires interpretation.

The US legal system is an adversarial in contrast to Roman law which is referred to as inquisitorial. A subsequent post explores Roman law and compares and contrasts the two systems.

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Be practical when teaching languages

Ah, now how should languages be taught? An editorial the website asiaone.com, Be practical when teaching languages, delves into the issue from Singapore.

The Singapore Chinese are learning their native language and English simultaneously which has created unique problems as the author explains.

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Legal English - Thy Shall Use Shall Correctly

 While perusing websites for an idea for this blog entry, I came upon a rather controversial topic - the use of shall. Researcher Roger Foley at the University of Lapland in Finland examines the use of shall in a Legal English sense in European Union documents.

According to Mr. Foley, there is a "promiscuous" use of shall in Legal English documents to the point it is losing its effectiveness.

Now, as we know, shall is a modal, an auxiliary verb, that can never stand alone in the sentence as the main verb. For example, you may ponder - what shall I eat tonight? This is asking what to do for eating dinner.

In Legal English, shall is used to show obligation. For example, in a lease agreement language appears - Tenant shall have the right without Landlord's consent.....

I am often asked by student about the use of shall. For Americans outside the legal context, we use shall with less frequency than in British English. In most cases, the distinction between will and shall is almost nil.

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Using Literature with English Language Learners

The joy of literature helps language learners appreciate the culture attached to any language. Thus, I agree with the premise of the argument made in the article, Using Literature with English Language Learners (ELL) in ESL TEFL TESOL Teaching.

As a certified translator, I know language is culture. The two are inseparable.

In the case of English Language Learners (ELLs), both British and American literature offer great works to provide students a deeper appreciation and understanding of English. One caveat however - the text needs to be level-appropriate to avoid frustration.

Literature is sometimes even difficult for native speakers to comprehend let alone an ELL.

For example, I have used Harper Lee's To Kill a Mocking Bird with intermediate level students. The rich culture of the pre-Civil Rights US South in the 1950s and expressions prove challenges.  I am a firm believer in pushing students to excel and keep reaching higher for goals.

Given reading is the best way to learn vocabulary, literature is perfect for this purpose. Also, I encourage reading to study the structure of the language to improve writing. Emulation is a powerful tool to learn how to write in a second language.

Lovers of American literature may want to consult this Top 10 list for some suggestions.

Happy Reading and happy learning English!
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What is the preponderance of the evidence? - Legal English

Professor Winn teaches Legal English:

English for Lawyers is rich in vocabulary.

For example, what is the preponderance of the evidence?

In a civil trial, it is the standard of proof, which must be met. Specifically, this burden of proof (onus probandi) would be the evidence, which cumulatively outweighs the evidence presented by the opposing party. 

The burden of proof in a criminal trial, by contrast, is "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is the more severe test of evidence required to convict given one's life is on the line.
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What is a company? - Legal English

A company is regarded in law as being a separate legal ‘person’, with a separate legal personality. This means that it has rights separate from its owners and managers to enter into contracts, employ people, own property and conduct business.

A company can be a private or a public company. A public company may offer its shares for sale to the public whereas a private company may not.

Moreover, business or commercial law the entire body of substantive law applicable to the rights and duties of persons engaged in commerce or mercantile pursuits

By far the largest number of incorporated companies are incorporated with limited liability.

Do you need to learn Legal English?
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Should you avoid grammar using the communicative method in the classroom?

While Asantha U. Attanayake makes some good points in the piece entitled "Avoiding teaching grammar in communicative classroom" "avoid" may be too strong a word.

For my entire three years teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language, it never ceases to amaze how teaching grammar is controversial in the profession.

Grammar is the glue binding all the parts of the language together. It should be blended into the course subtly, but not avoided. One needs to know the structure of the language. Poor grammar is often reflected in a student´s poor writing.

While inherent in the communicative - speaking - method of teaching a language is a de-emphasis on grammar and writing, grammar remains a key ingredient in being able to communicate in the language! Knowing the function of the parts of speech provides a framework for conveying information so one is understood.

While grammar is not the centerpiece of a communicative-based course, it surely cannot be avoided. Grammar pops up more often in student questions so best to address the subject head on and avoid any surprises.
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What is aestheticism?

In our continuing Literature Terminology Series, we address aestheticism.



Aestheticism was an approach to life based on the philosophy of 'art for art's sake'. It emphasised the importance of art above everything else and the pleasure to be found in beautiful things. 

Aestheticism was born out of the essay, ‘The Poetic Principle’, by Edgar Allen Poe. He believed writing poems simply for the poem’s sake was not lacking in nobility or dignity. Later, Théophile Gautier, a French author, picked up Poe’s idea, and coined the slogan, ‘Art for Art’s sake’(the English translation of l'art pour l'art), in defiance of those who advocated that true art had a moral purpose. 


It was a lifestyle among poets, and literary giants like Oscar Wilde who revered in its free spirit in morally repressive and scandalous Victorian England.

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UK English Phrase - cock a snook

While doing research on my global security blog, I happened upon a humorous phrase used by a British columnist: Iran is cocking a snook at the world.

Where can one turn to unravel the mystery behind such a phrase?

Try the World Wide Words

WWW struggles to define ''cocking a snook'' but the general impression is the physical gesture when one thumbs his or her nose at someone.

I cannot wait to share this phrase with my students this week.
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What is an acrostic poem?

Mr English loves literature and is fascinated about the various terms in the lit lexicon.

In an occassional post, we will review some lit terminology that may not be so obvious. Do you like literature, too? What is your favorite genre,author, time period or subject?

An acrostic poem centers upon one subject and the beginning letter of each line spells out that subject.  The lines of each poem describe the said subject.

For example:

Shines in the sky
Up way above the clouds
Nice and hot on my skin I feel it.

S U N - shines, up way above the clouds and it´s hot!

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6 Most Common English Verb Tenses

Six Most Common English Verb Tenses

Present (I walk.)	Past Perfect (I had walked.)
Present Perfect (I have walked.)	Future (I will walk.)
Past (I walked.)	Future Perfect (I will have walked.)

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Layman´s Guide to Financial Crisis Vocabulary

While the BBC reported on Monday that OECD (European countries) limped to a 0.8% rate of economic expansion last quarter, it still may be useful to understand this layman's finance crisis glossary.

How many terms do you know without peeking?

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Do you know the SQ3R?

 Do you need an effective reading strategy? Do you want to read and understand texts better?

The SQ3R is a strategy for effective academic reading which has been around for decades. It is all about standing back and looking at the outline of the text you are going to read, preparing for the reading by getting some questions ready, looking for answers as you read, remembering what you read and then reviewing what you’ve read so you don’t forget it.

Read more...
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Top 3 iBT TOEFL Tips

Professor Winn is often asked about tips for the iBT TOEFL.

Here are three top TOEFL tips to hold you in good steed:

1) Increase your vocabulary!

A strong vocabulary cuts across all four sections of the TOEFL - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Unfairly or not, one is judged by his or her word choice. Remember there is a passive and active vocabulary. The passive is used mainly while reading when you recognize familiar words that may not be used in everyday speech. An active vocabulary is the group of words you do use when communicating in line at the grocery store or swapping stories with friends. The Academic Word List is a good starting point.

2) Target and Improve Your Pronunciation Weaknesses

The speaking section of the iBT TOEFL  is unnerving for some. That is why it is doubly important to identify any weaknesses in your pronunciation BEFORE the exam. One way is to record your voice on a tape recorder. Is your voice steady? Do you hesitate or use ´´um, um?´´ To score high, one must be confident and express this confidence in their voice. Practice with a tape recorder will help!

3) Know thy grammar

Sure, it´s boring. Many times grammar is skimmed over by well-meaning teachers. However, no doubt about it, grammar is at the heart of a language. Without the rules, how can you drive from point A to point B? Grammar brings order and structure to the language and mastering the basics yields a strong foundation to express yourself intelligently in writing and speech. Knowing thy grammar will boost your score, too!

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5 Common Mistakes Using Business English

1. Personal vs. Personnel

personal - an adjective meaning something is particular to an individual or private.
Ex: No personal emails are allowed on corporate computers at work.

personnel - a noun for the number of employees working at place of work (factory, office, department store, etc) and a once popular name for what is called ´human resources´ today - the division of a company that hires, fires, and trains employees.

Ex: The latest email from personnel reminds everyone personal emails are not tolerated on corporate computers.

2. Executive vs Execute

executive - adjective or noun referring to the top brass in a company (vice president, president, CEO and the like)
Ex: One day the boss´s secretary wants to network her way into the executive inner circle of the company.

execute - a verb that means among many things - to carry out fully or to put to death legally. Thus, if not careful one could execute the executives with a  mistake!

3. For vs. Since

For - denotes a duration of time
Ex. I have played tennis for three years.

Since - denotes a duration of time from a certain reference point
 Ex. I have played tennis since 2006.

4. What are the plurals of data, information and training?

Plurals - data(*), information, and training - these are treated like a collective noun and no s is needed!

* Datum is the singular for data. However, data is often used with a singular verb - Ex. The data is being downloaded from the server right now.

5. discreet vs discrete 

Discreet - adjective - being prudent or showing good judgment, especially in speech, modest or unnoticeable
Ex. I didn't want anyone to see what I was doing to avoid arousing suspicion so I had to be discreet entering the locked door at the back of the building.


Discrete - adjective - individually distinct or of distinct or unconnected elements
 Ex. Even though she trusted her boyfriend, they kept their money in two discrete accounts.

Bonus: e.g vs i.e

e.g. stands for exempli gratia = for example.
Ex.  : "I like fast cars, e.g. Ferrari and Porche"
In the sentence above you are simply giving an example of the kinds of cars you like - Ferraris and Porches.

i.e. stands for id est = that is (in explanation).
Ex. I like fast cars, i.e. any car that can go over 130mph. 


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Wordia makes words comes alive!

Check out this cool website to see your favorite vocab words come to life! For example, see the video for the word ´faith.´



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MACAU DAILY TIMES - UM improves English through fun

MACAU DAILY TIMES - UM improves English through fun

The English teachers at UM are spot on!

Just look at this quote:

“To significantly improve in a language you need an immersion experience´´

You can do all of the grammar lessons assigned. You can conjugate all of the verbs correctly standing in front of the mirror while brushing your teeth.

However, it only counts, well mostly, when you can hold a conversation with a native speaker - to understand and to be understood.

The focus on fun is another winning approach. I often use games in my English classes, especially with groups. Fun and learning are not mutually exclusive!

One curious observation in the article regards the popularity of English in the former Portuguese colony now integrated into China. Chinese is still stronger while English takes a backseat, a trend different from the rest of the country.
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New Oxford English Dictionary´s Word for 2009

Ah, from our Web 2.0 world, emerges the 2009 Word of the Year(WOY)...unfriend....

Have you unfriended anyone?

In Facebook or Twitter, perhaps you have deleted a contact? Then you are, perhaps, an unfriender??

There you go! Perhaps I have the word of the year for 2010 already? Hah.

You still have time to vote for your favorite word over at the American dialect.

As a bonus, here is a Word of the Day I came across today...I don´t mean to absquatulate, but I have other posts to prepare.

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India losing English advantage to China

India is falling behind.

In a blow to its competition with neighboring China, the British Council reported India losing an English advantage to China because of a shortage of qualified teachers and institutions despite a growing demand for the language.

The study of the English language market in both India and China revealed both the weakness of English education in India and highlighted the economic significance of speaking the world´s lingua franca. English is
a proven path to social mobility for many throughout the world and the neutral language among business partners.

China is adding 20 million English language speakers ever year.

The British Council is wise to invest in market research as Pearson´s bought two chain schools in China just last year.

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Parlez-vous anglais?

French President Nicolas Sarkozy hopes to ease his country´s longtime queasiness with English.

Recognizing the reality of globalization and its lingua franca, English, the brash French president launched a new policy to spur English acquisition among students to increase France´s economic competiviteness: France: Sarkozy Pushes Students to Master English Language.

English remains the most spoken foreign language throughout Europe. 

Indeed, French businesses are adopting English as their main language of communication, and to the chagrin of some, dropping French, altogether.

As late as 2005, France ranked only as average in English competency.

As consistently reported in Eurobarometer reports, about the same percentage of EU citizens, as French, claim to speak English - 38%. However, a strong command of the language in the four competencies - reading, writing, speaking, and listening - proves elusive. Businesses require a near-native ability to compete.

Speaking a second language is tightly tied to one´s social and economic level and especially among top managers and executives in business. Besides the economic impetus, the ability to speak a second language provides a window into the culture and thinking of a another society, a key to understanding.


 Sarkozy´s new initiative should inspire more native English speakers to visit France and for the French to answer the question above, ´´Oui, I speak English!´´
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Executive English Training

Improve your confidence in communication, writing, expressing yourself at conferences and meetings, negotiations, conducting presentations, as well as dealing with customers! Start Executive Englishi Training today with Professor Winn!

My class enables you to excel in executive English communicative competency and succeed in today's competitive business world.
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English for the Workplace

Are you seeking a job requiring an interview in English? Do you need more confidence writing an email, memo, or even your resume in English?

You need English for the Workplace!

My course is tailored to address the participants' everyday English Language needs based on job - specific language and vocabulary. It offers a practical introduction to the vocabulary, expressions and language of the workplace for business professionals. Participants gain extra skills in the areas of communication and listening comprehension, as well as drafting business letters, resumes and reading on a variety of business topics.
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Ringing Up Rush to English in Bangladesh

The BBC´s SMS-based ´´Janala´´ program in Bangladesh caused a rush of more than 300,000 subscribers to learn English by cell phone.


The surprising response to the program is another testament to the economic significance of English.

For many, a command of English is a ticket to upward social mobility. The ability to communicate in English plus another professional discipline are often a winning combination in the global economy from Bangladesh to Baltimore.

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Professor Winn has returned after a hiatus of posting to his blog dedicated solely to the English language.

Did you know?

Can you guess which of the following come from the same Latin ancestor as "posture"?

 A. positive B. impose C. posit D. expose E. oppose
F. component G. dispose H. position I. postpone

We won't put off the answer to our quiz : they all do. The Latin verb "ponere," meaning "to put" or "to place," is the ancestor of numerous English terms, including "posture" and our nine quiz words. The past participle of "ponere" -- "positus" -- gave Latin the noun "positura" (same meaning as the English noun "posture"). That noun passed through Italian and Middle French and was finally adopted by English speakers as "posture" around 1586. The verb "posture" followed later from the noun, finding its place in English around 1645.

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Confusing Word Use: Although, though, even though

'Although', 'though' and 'even though' convey the same unexpected result and can be used interchangeably.

EX:

Even though he's interested in attending the course, he won't be able to participate.
Though it's difficult to understand, you'll have to accept the consequences.
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Confusing Word Use: Moreover

Moreover...

In essays, moreover is used as an alternative to however. But be careful here. It does not have the same meaning. Moreover is the very formal equivalent of furthermore or in addition which would be the least formal of these three. These adverbs should be used to support or to add information to what has already been said:

• The refugees are desperately short of food. They have very little shelter to protect them from the winter winds that are now blowing. Furthermore, they are desperately in need of medical supplies.
  
  
• She had noticed that there was a man sitting in the second row of the stalls to her right who was observing her, rather than watching the play. Moreover, he seemed to be smiling at her as if he recognised her.

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Word Use: However and Nevertheless - II

However and Nevertheless: for counter-argument

If you need to write essays, it is also useful to use however, nevertheless, nonetheless or even so to introduce the final part of a three-part structure:

* in the first part you might outline an argument, introducing it perhaps with it is often said;

* in the second part you might indicate that there is supporting evidence using it is true or certainly to introduce these ideas;

* in the third part introduce the counter-argument with however or one of the other discourse markers listed above.

• It is said that water pollution is one of the greatest evils in this country.
  
  
• It is true that more and more factories are being built along this stretch of the river and that a certain amount of waste will inevitably be discharged into the river.
  
  
• However, in all the discussions that I have had with these firms' representatives, I have not found one who does not have a responsible attitude to environmental protection.

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Word Use: However, nevertheless, nonetheless

However, nevertheless, nonetheless to dispel any confusion convey the same unexpected result. However, 'nevertheless' and 'nonetheless' are more formal and are usually used only in writing.

Ex:

We're having difficulties with the research project. Nevertheless, we'll finish it on time.
We've been working hard all week. However, we'll have to continue next week as well.

However and nevertheless: to express a contrast

We can use either of the adverbs however or nevertheless to indicate that the second point we wish to make contrasts with the first point. The difference is one of formality: nevertheless is bit more formal and emphatic than however. Consider the following:

* I can understand everything you say about wanting to share a flat with Martha. However, I am totally against it.

* Rufus had been living in the village of Edmonton for over a decade. Nevertheless, the villagers still considered him to be an outsider.

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Noun + Noun compounds

Often in English a noun + noun compound is formed to create an expression.

EX:

a horse race (a kind of race)

a race horse (a kind of horse)

baby bottle (a kind of bottle)

a conference room (a kind of room)

In some classifying expressions we use a structure with possessive 's. This is common when we are talking about things that are used by a person or animal: the first noun refers to the user.

EX:
a woman's magazine
a man's sweater

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Emphasis in English Part II

1) Constructions with an anticipatory “it” also serves the purpose of emphasis:

Eg:

It was he who broke the window.

It was in the middle of the night that the fierce fire burst out.

2) Sentences with the construction: of + objective case of the personal pronoun is also an emphatic construction:

Eg:

Not for the life of me could I do such a stupid thing.

It will be the unavoidable death of him.

I can not bear the terrible sight of it.

3) The so-called repetition group are another favorite device to make a word prominent:

Eg:

He added improvement after improvement to his machine.

She thought of it again and again.

It was miles and miles of winding forest path.

4) Abstract noun and names of materials are made emphatic when used in the plural:

Eg:

The snows and frosts of an Arctic winter killed them.

A thousand pardons were produced when she made a mistake.

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Word Use: Hardly and Scarcely

When do you use "hardly" and "scarcely?"

Hardly and 'scarcely are adverbs mostly used with past perfect to show something that happened in quick succession in the past.

Ex: Hardly had I come in the door, when Mariana arrived.

EX: Luisa had scarcely finished her meal when she received the call from Juanito.

Extra tip: Barely is also an adverb with similar use.

Ex: I had barely finished my work when my boss gave me another assignment.

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The Least and The Fewest

What's the difference between "the least" and "the fewest?" Confused?

The least is the superlative form of 'little' used with uncountable nouns.

Ex: Juani does the least work of anyone in class.

The fewest is the superlative form of 'few' used with countable nouns.

Ex: Maria has made the fewest mistakes on the test than anyone in class.

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Emphasis in English Part I

The English language uses the following means to make a word or a word-group prominent:

1) Using intonation in spoken language, prominent stress in word-group, or using bold type, italics, underlines, … can be used to express emphasis.

Eg: I have seen him. I have seen him lately.

2) A word or a word-group becomes emphatic when it is put in any abnormal position:

Eg:

Strangely fast fled his days in the valley.

Down, down they ski off the hill.

Foot steps, quick and light, mounted the stairs and went into the next room.

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Confusing English Words Part II

Here is our second list of confusing English words:

credit:

adverse, averse: Adverse means unfavorable. Adverse conditions make a trip unlikely. Averse means disinclined or reluctant: The secretaries are averse to changing the dress code.

advice, advise: Advice is a noun: Take my advice. Advise is a verb: I advise you not to go.

affect, effect: The most common mistake here is to confuse the verb affect with the noun effect. The verb affect means to influence, while the noun effect means result. The decision to strike affects us all because the effect of a strike at this time will be devastating. (If you can put the in front of it, the word is effect.) Less frequently, effect is used as a verb meaning to bring about, to accomplish: Harris effected a change in company policy. Still less frequently, and with the accent on the first syllable, affect is used as a noun meaning an emotion or mood as a factor in behavior or a stimulus arousing an emotion or mood. The use of this noun is limited to psychology.

aid, aide: Aid means assistance (noun) and to assist (verb). It doesn't mean a person who is an assistant. That word is aide: Her aide spoke to the press.

all ready, already: All ready means all prepared. I am all ready to go on the picnic. Already means by or before the given or implied time: I was already aware that the plan wouldn't work.

all right, alright: All right, meaning safe, is correct; His performance was all right. Alright is an incorrect spelling.

all together, altogether: All together means all at one time or in one place: When we rescued the five men, they were all together on the ledge. Altogether means completely, in all. Altogether, we rescued five men.

allude, refer: To allude to something is to speak of it without specifically mentioning it: When he said his father was unable to care for himself, he was probably alluding to the filthy house and empty refrigerator. To refer to something is to mention it directly: He referred to the filthy house and empty refrigerator as evidence that his father couldn't live alone

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Confusing English Words - Part I

Some English learners and natives alike confuse these words. Word choice is an important skill in any language.

How many do you know?

source:

alot, a lot: A lot is a colloquial expression meaning very much or very many; avoid using it in formal writing. Alot is a misspelling of a lot.

a while, awhile: These words mean essentially the same thing, but there is a distinction to be aware of. While means period of time, and therefore it is correct to write He left for a while. However, awhile means for a period of time, with the for as part of the definition. Therefore, it is correct to write He waited awhile but not He waited for awhile.

accept, except: Accept means to receive or to agree with: I accept the gift; I accept your proposal. Except as a preposition means leaving out or (as a verb) to exclude: Everyone except you is invited; He was excepted from the requirement.

adapt, adopt: When you adapt something, you change it to suit a purpose, such as adapting a novel for a screenplay, or adapting yourself to a new environment. When you adopt something, you take it as it is and make it your own. For example, the local chapter of a club may adopt its national organization's constitution.

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Improve Your Writing Skills

Unfortunately, writing suffers in foreign language instruction.

The focus is on oral communication and its compliment, reading comprehension.

Here are some practical writing tips:

1) Practice makes perfect: Write, write, write! Writing is learning by doing.

2) Variety: Write different types of texts: reports, emails, blog posts, or an interesting short story. Different techniques and strategies apply to the type of text involved.

3) Read: Yes, reading is essential in writing better. Learn from other authors about style, phrasing, effective word order, and how to say the most in the least words (brevity is the soul of wit says Shakespeare).

4) Overcome fear: Express your ideas clearly and succinctly. Find your writing voice. Have confidence in your writing.

5) Focus on your weakness: Do you have problems with the opening sentence to capture attention? Is it difficult to organize your thoughts?

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Active vs Passive Voice

Write using active verbs and avoid the passive voice!

The main difference between active and passive voice is the action the subject is more direct and upfront in an active construct.

Ex: John threw the ball to first base.

The passive voice construction uses the "being verbs" and the subject of the sentence is less noticeable, almost hidden from the reader.

Ex: The ball was thrown by John to first base.

The passive voice allows the writer to evade expressing concrete and sound thoughts which may be the author's purpose depending on the text.

The best advice is use active verbs to boldly and unequivocally express the idea so your reader can understand the point.
***

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Shakespeare the Great

No holds Bard — Jennifer Moody

Ms. Moody's article pays homage to the Bard as William Shakespeare is known. Check out the famous one-liners.

Most native speakers of English get some exposure to great poet and dramatist of Elizabethan England.

Besides the popular "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Othello," - some of his top tragedies - "Twelfth Night" has always fascinated.

Perhaps you'll agree.

The first line of the play is 'If music be the food of love, play on, play on!"

Also, another remarkable line is:

'Some are born great; some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.'

Using literature in English-language courses among advanced students is an excellent manner to teach culture and truly test reading comprehension. Incorporating writing and critical analysis guarantees a deeper understanding of the language.

***

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US Supreme Court Hears Case On English In Schools : NPR

Supreme Court Hears Case On English In Schools : NPR

"The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments Monday in a case testing what states must do to comply with the federal law requiring public schools to teach children to speak English."

Bilingual education is a polemic in the United States. Now, a court case before the US Supreme Court will weigh in on the issue.

Mind Your -mb's in English

Silent -b words

English words ending in -mb bedevil students. They often try to pronounce the 'b' at the end of the word. It is silent!

Examples

The following are examples of the silent ' b' :

• climb
• crumb
• dumb
• comb
• tomb
• womb

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A more complete list of -mb words with a silent 'b' can be found here.


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Philip Hensher: Wrestling with the outer limits of language

Philip Hensher: Wrestling with the outer limits of language

What Mr. Hensher appears to be driving at in his column is in a word or two - word choice.

As Shakespeare would remind us through Polonius in Hamlet: Brevity is the soul of wit.

You are judged by the words you use and how you use them. Therefore your choice of words is essential in English as in any language.

This is often more of a problem in writing than speaking. As we are often reminded, you do not write like you speak.

In clear writing, words need to be chosen which are "consistent with standard English usage and appropriate for the context. They should also be sure that the words they choose convey the meaning intended."

We are all for a rich vocabulary. However sometimes le mot juste is a simple word and more well understood.

English Grammar Point: Gerunds in Passive Voice

We often use a gerund after the verbs need, require and want. In this case, the gerund has a passive voice.

• I have three shirts that need ironing. (need to be ironed)
• This letter requires signing. (needs to be signed)
• The house wants repainting. (needs to be repainted)

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English Test Study Tips

English Test Study Tips

1. Avoid persistent loud noise.

2. Avoid environments that are too hot or too cold.

3. Don’t try to do two or more things at once.

4. Arrange your work space so that your eyes aren’t drawn to other jobs that need to be done.

5. Don’t put unreasonable demands on your attention span.

6. Be aware that emotional distress reduces your ability to concentrate.

7. Understand that drugs (alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, sleeping or diet pills) alter your ability to concentrate.

8. Be aware that lack of sleep is a major reason for poor concentration.


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English Grammar Point: Gerunds as Subject, Object or Complement

Gerunds are verbal nouns.

Like nouns, gerunds can be the subject, object or complement of a sentence:

• Smoking costs a lot of money.
• I don't like exercising.
• My favorite job is eating.

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But, like a verb, a gerund can also have an object itself. In this case, the whole expression [gerund + object] can be the subject, object or complement of the sentence.

• Smoking cigarettes costs a lot of money.
• I don't like exercising my body.
• My favorite job is reading romance stories.

Like nouns, we can use gerunds with adjectives (including articles and other determiners):

• pointless questioning
• a settling of debts
• the making of ET
• her drinking of alcohol

But when we use a gerund with an article, it does not usually take a direct object:

• a settling of debts (not a settling debts)
• Making "ET" was expensive.
• The making of "ET" was expensive.

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English Grammar Point: Gerunds follow certain verbs

We sometimes use one verb after another verb. Often the second verb is in the infinitive form.

Example:

• I want to sleep.

But sometimes the second verb must be in gerund form, for example:

• I like sleeping.

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This depends on the first verb. Here is a list of verbs that are usually followed by a verb in gerund form:

• admit, appreciate, avoid, carry on, consider, defer, delay, deny, detest, dislike, endure, enjoy, escape, excuse, face, feel like, finish, forgive, give up, can't help, imagine, involve, leave off, mention, mind, miss, postpone, practice, put off, report, resent, risk, can't stand, suggest, take, understand

Examples:

• She is considering taking a vacation.
• Do you feel like going out?
• I can't help falling in love with her.
• I can't stand not seeing him.

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English Grammar Point: "-ing" not always a gerund!

"-ing" ending could also be a present participle

When a verb ends in -ing, it may be a gerund or a present participle. It is important to understand that they are not the same.

When we use a verb in -ing form more like a noun, it is usually a gerund:

• Bowling is fun. (Verbal noun - gerund)

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When we use a verb in -ing form more like a verb or an adjective, it is usually a present participle:

• Juani is bowling. (is bowling is the present participle)
  
• I have a boring teacher. (boring is the adjective)
  

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English Grammar Point: "-ing" and Prepositions

Which sentence is correct?

A) Are you interested in learning English?
B) Are you interested in learn English?

Well, A is the correct choice.

Why? Because when the prepositions in, at, with, of, for, about and so on are used before a verb, the verb must use -ing.


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More Examples

'I'm scared of swimming in the lake.'

'Thanks for giving me a lift.'

'My brothers are good at playing soccer.'

'How about taking the bus?'

'I'm not interested in reading history books.'

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English Grammar Point: Using the Gerund

The Gerund

What is a gerund? How do you use it?

The OWL at Purdue University defines a gerund as "a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. The term verbal indicates that a gerund, like the other two kinds of verbals, is based on a verb and therefore expresses action or a state of being."


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Example

Using a gerund is helpful to express oneself in English.

"To use" is the verb while the -ing form "using" is the gerund. When a verb is turned into a noun, a gerund is formed.

Gerund Usage

Since a gerund is a noun, it may occupy the same position of nouns in a sentence: a subject, subject compliment of verb 'to be,' direct object, and object of preposition, phrasal verbs, compound nouns, and certain expressions.

We will examine each case in later posts.

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English Grammar Point - All together vs Altogether

All together

All together means everyone or everything together.

It's time to practice singing. All together now!

The last time we were all together was in 1997.

Put the books all together on the table.

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Tip: If the two terms can be separated, that's a sure clue that the term you want is all together.

It's time for all of us to sing together now!

The last time all of us were together was in 1997.

Put all the books together on the table.

Notice how all and together are apart and the meaning of the sentence does not change.

Altogether

Altogether is an adverb and means "all in all," "all told," "wholly" or "completely."

That was altogether (completely) too difficult

Altogether (all in all) , not a bad day's work.

It cost over a thousand dollars altogether (in total).

The Bottom Line

If you can replace the term with something like "completely" or "all in all," you are altogether better off with altogether. If you can rewrite the sentence to use all and together separately, the term you want is all together.

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English Grammar Point - Phrasal Verb List

Phrasal Verb List

Sometimes it is best to memorize phrasal verbs to become familiar with how they are used in the language.

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About.com has a great listing for quick reference. Make sure to make it a bookmark in your English language folder.

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English Grammar Point: Three Word Phrasal Verbs

Three Word Phrasal Verbs

If phrasal verbs were not complex enough for intermediate or advanced English language learners, enter the three word phrasal verb.

Some verbs are followed by two prepositions (or adverbs). These three word phrasal verbs are ALWAYS inseparable.

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Example of Three Word (Transitive) Phrasal Verb

1) I was talking to Mom on the phone when the operator broke in on our call.

2) Unfortunately, I wasn't able to keep up on the news while I was away on vacation in Bora Bora.

Note the verb and its two prepositions/adverbs are all together and not separated.

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