Pain in the English
Pain in the English

Unpacking English, Bit by Bit

A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.

Pain in the English
Pain in the English

Unpacking English, Bit by Bit

A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.

Username

thetensor

Member Since

May 17, 2005

Total number of comments

1

Total number of votes received

0

Bio

Latest Comments

Questions for native speakers

  • May 17, 2005, 6:21am

1. For some reason, it is necessary that the plane land in a few minutes. The speaker does not control the circumstance that is forcing the landing. Also, "must X" is somewhat formal, and so very strong -- "has to" would be weaker.

2. He is insane, but sometimes he seems sane.

3. Look: To direct one's gaze. It is possible to look toward something, but not see it.
See: To sense with one's eyes.
Watch: To look at something and see it for a period of time. You can watch something without really being interested (like TV).

4. I don't know what you mean by "rang straight". "Can/could + feeling verb" can either mean for an instant, or for a while.