Idiomatic expression of ‘Wish’ – part 1 (action based)
This part deals with the present thinking of someone about a present situation. Here one imagines a non-fact to be an actual fact. This is wishful thinking of someone and naturally beyond their capacity. We use the past tense after ‘Wish’ to imagine a non-fact to be an actual fact. We express our regret that something is not as we would like it to be. It can be viewed in three perspectives, viz (a) action-based) , (b) state based, (c) possession based. EXAMPLES(…
Mental impression and mental activity.
Mental activity and mental impression are to be clearly distinguished. When native speakers won’t have any confusion as to what style should be used, foreign speakers are most likely to find it a hard nut to crack.The examples given below will elucidate the usage. I am thinking about the project we are planning to execute. (This is a mental activity. Here one is in the activity of thinking that can be explained progressively) I think you are right. (Here, one is not thinking about anything,…
‘I WOULD RATHER’ you ‘DID’ something.
This is a bit of a difficult topic. The learner is expected to sharpen his concentration more on the structural nuances than practical examples. In this case, be thorough with the structural rules first and work out as many examples as possible. This usage is specially applicable when you want someone to do something with the connotation of showing your preference. In this structure we use the past( i.e came, did, did not, asked, knew etc) but the meaning is present or future and NOT…
Rather – varied meanings.
Rather = to some degree or quite, precisely, more truly, accurately. It indicates an undesirable idea or connotation and viewed with disapproval. EXAMPLES It’s rather a pity to imitate a drunkard. The burglary took place rather in the heart of the city. It’s rather hot today. She is rather fat. The task will take a good two years for accomplishment rather than months. Note : It gives stronger effect to the idea when followed by comparatives( stronger, cheaper etc or by ‘too’.) Mostly this usage…
Would rather
‘Would rather’ suggests what the speaker prefers. ‘Would rather’ is somewhat similar to ‘Would prefer’. After ‘Would rather’ we use headless infinitive (i.e bare root verb without’to’. But after ‘Would prefer’ the root verb is preceded by ‘to’. To explain further ( would rather do something than do something else) EXAMPLES A: What would you rather have , tea or coffee? B: I would rather have coffee. A: What would you suggest we should do, go for the film or see the football match. B: …
Prefer and would rather
PREFER and WOULD RATHER : -Both these two usages have more or less similar expressions. When we want to express the position of our interest in a comparative fashion or style, these usages become handy. For example , suppose, we have more interest in something or in doing something than another alternative, these expressions can be conveniently used. Prefer = like better We can use ‘ Prefer to do’ and ‘Prefer doing’ to say what we prefer in general. Now study the structural alternatives that…
Would prefer
The important thing to note in this case is that we make a comparison here as to which option we like better. Here the extent of application is restricted to the particular context/situation rather than a general preference. That is to say , simply ‘Prefer’ applies to a general preference whereas ‘ Would prefer’ to a specific/particular preference or situation. EXAMPLES A: Which would you prefer, tea or coffee? B: I would prefer coffee, please.( Sometimes one would prefer tea generally, but for this particular…
I am/He is/You are being etc
When we say something very usual, there is nothing surprising in it. On the other hand, when something is being explained as unusual an element of curiosity is aroused and someone is given to understand what is being said/ or expressed bears the meaning or connotation of being against the practice. The following examples will further clarify the essence of the usage. He is very happy. He is satisfied with his achievements.( This is a statement that shows a general state of affairs. People are…
Do, Does, Did for emphasis.
When we want to emphasise a point or fact, the application of the above usage will be very useful. They are usually used in this way when a statement is contradicted. For example, when someone argues with you and says that you didn’t do something, you can defend your side by the way as explained below. A : You didn’t deliver the message to him I gave you, did you? B: No, I did deliver the message to him. Differentiating examples are given below for…
Had better
‘Had’ is the past tense of ‘have’ ; but in the usage ‘ HAD BETTER’ , it has a present idea or meaning. ‘Had better’ indicates an action which is preferable and in case of failure of action, it may bring about unpleasant consequences. In other words it suggests a course of action that seems advisable. He’s in a critical condition. You had better visit him today itself.( i.e otherwise,sometimes, you may not be able to see him.) He’s a dishonest man. You had better…