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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > A few, short questions
A few, short questions
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jagna255
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A few, short questions
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Hi, I would like to make sure whether both forms are correct- I mean- "cannot" and "can not"? Can we use "How long..." in questions in both present pefrect and present perfect continuous? Is "good for you" also the synonym of word "congratulation"? Thanks a lot for answers.
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15 Mar 2016
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cunliffe
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Hi Jagna, I have only seen it written as �cannot �. �How long � with pres perf cont - fine. With pres perfect, not too sure that �s right. How long have you done this? � ..Mmm, maybe if you add, �for �. I think �good for you! � conveys a similar meaning to �congratulations! � It is informal and you �d only say it to a friend. It�s usually used in a situation where you have shown a bit of pluck/courage in adversity. �I told that bully exactly what I thought of her!� �Good for you!� �I have passed my driving test!� �Congratulations!� Congratulations - something a person has achieved, or a wedding announcement, getting a job... That kind of thing. �I got the job!� �Congratulations!� �I kept trying. In fact, I applied for that job 15 times and eventually my efforts paid off. �Well, good for you.�
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15 Mar 2016
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maryse pey�
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About can + not :
1st combination : I cannot = I can �t do, that is to say : I have no possibility to do even if I want ! THE MODAL IS NEGATIVE;
2nd combinattion : I can not do = I can decide not to do if I want ! THE MODAL IS AFFIRMATIVE AND THE VERB IS NEGATIVE IN ITS MEANING; |
15 Mar 2016
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yanogator
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How long have you had a dog? How long have you lived here? Yes, "how long" can be used with the present perfect. Bruce |
15 Mar 2016
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Matthew@ELSP
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Just to add a short note to support what�maryse pey said about [can not]. � Although I would never write this with the intention of using it this way, I would, using clear and deliberate intonation, say... � I can (pause in speech) not do it. My meaning would be... (1)� I am allowed or permitted to refrain from doing it. Or, I do not have to do it. (2) It is a reasonable option not to�do it. � As I said, though, I would never put this in writing (except in a casual way where I could write big speech marks or an underline for the �not �). As we cannot hear what is written, we cannot pick up on the intonation, facial expression etc. � � � �
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15 Mar 2016
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jagna255
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Thank you very much for your explanation and effort. Now everything is clear. Have a nice day:) and thanks a lot again. |
15 Mar 2016
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