Asking for a word

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ESL forum > Ask for help > Asking for a word

Asking for a word

i_love_english

Asking for a word

Hi!
What is the most natural way to ask for a word in English?

"What �s the English for...?" OR " How do you say....in English?"
Thanks for your help.
Steph

24 Aug 2011

ldthemagicman

Dear Steph,�I love English �.

I find your question slightly unusual, in that different native English speakers will possibly use different forms of the same question to convey their thoughts.

For my part, I would tend to say to you: "How do you say �cheval � in English?" (However, my question to you is more likely to be:"How do you say �horse � in French?") But, I imagine that if you are asking a French colleague for help with English, your question is appropriate.

This form is very similar to the French question: "Comment dit-on �horse � en fran�ais?" So, if you �re comfortable with that form of the sentence, use it. But, "What �s the English for �cheval � is not unnatural.

I hope that I have helped you.

Les

24 Aug 2011

pilarmham

What is a horse, I wonder

25 Aug 2011