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Maxine21Friday 16th of September 2005 04:21:20 PM
English Conversation Group - Hi,

I'm wondering if there is an english conversation group for no native speaker. People wo meet in the chatroom and just practice their English.

Let me know if yes
Thanks
smaFriday 16th of September 2005 07:41:14 PM
- hey,

I would be really interested in such a conversation group, too, maybe there people that are interested in this, too, or perhaps some natives could lead a conversation group?

bye for now
TricenWednesday 28th of September 2005 06:36:08 AM
- I would not mind helping out in the classroom. I'm a native speaker of English and I would be more than happy to help you with it.
hem64Saturday 05th of November 2005 05:50:31 AM
- hey this is very good idea and i would like to participate in it.
ouijiWednesday 09th of November 2005 05:03:13 PM
Good - I would very much like to join this group. Anyone please inform me if you decide to start this chat at any time!

Regards
LinaSunday 11th of June 2006 03:20:20 PM
good idea - I want to participate at your conversation. Have you start it ?

Good luck!
Lina


squeakWednesday 21st of June 2006 10:20:55 PM
- Hi.

I\'m a native speaker from England. I\'d be happy to help people with their English if this is started, if I can. Or if anyone wants help just ask, I\'m happy to help people to practise their English, either by PM or e-mail.
LinaThursday 22nd of June 2006 01:54:45 AM
- Hi squeak,

Nice to hear you again!I really want to learn English.I need a plan or a method. I think it isn\'t enough to write sometimes in this forum.
I have guest just now. I\'ll speak with you later.

Anyhow, thanks for your help.


squeakThursday 22nd of June 2006 02:37:06 AM
- Hi Lina :)

Is there any particular part of your English you want to improve (reading, writing, etc) or all of it?
LinaThursday 22nd of June 2006 06:04:18 AM
- Hi squeak,

I want to improve my writing and my speaking. I don\'t know why I didn\'t use the grammar rules (tenses of the verbs )although I know the rules.I have a lot of English books but I think that is the time to use my vocabulary and try to think in English first, not romanian.

LinaThursday 22nd of June 2006 06:09:41 AM
- Is it correct to say : \"I don\'t know why I don\'t use\"
LinaThursday 22nd of June 2006 06:14:34 AM
- Tomorrow I\'ll go on a trip untill Sunday.


See you soon !


squeakThursday 22nd of June 2006 06:23:32 PM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


Is it correct to say : \\\"I don\'t know why I don\'t use\\\"[/quote]

This is correct, although you need to specify what you don\'t use. otherwise it doesn\'t make sense.

E.g. I don\'t know why I don\'t use my phone
I don\'t know why I don\'t use it
I don\'t know why I don\'t use this

Does that help?

Enjoy your trip :)

Speak soon.
AniaFriday 23rd of June 2006 01:35:46 AM
- I\'m in too!!! btw, you can, guys, come to the Network Cafe in the English Forum. :)
squeakFriday 23rd of June 2006 02:35:31 AM
- Don\'t I know you from somewhere? You seem awfully familiar! :D
AniaFriday 23rd of June 2006 02:39:51 AM
- me???? Is your name Kai???? :p
squeakFriday 23rd of June 2006 02:43:36 AM
- Yes, Miss Ania, you! No, I\'m afraid it isn\'t...:p
AniaFriday 23rd of June 2006 03:02:06 AM
- so your name must be.... *forages in her notes* :p ... Dani!!! :D:D:D
squeakFriday 23rd of June 2006 03:13:49 AM
- Yay! You remember me :D:D:D:D
AniaFriday 23rd of June 2006 03:20:56 AM
- How dare I not? :p:p:p

*Five sistah* :D:D
squeakFriday 23rd of June 2006 03:28:54 AM
- Indeed. :P

*sends lots of hugs* (I like to hug people)
AniaFriday 23rd of June 2006 03:30:45 AM
- *gives 2 kisses in cheeks*

I prefer kisses, I\'m a kissable girlie.. :p
squeakFriday 23rd of June 2006 03:38:53 AM
- *returns the kisses*

It\'s not something we generally tend to do here. But I have many friends who do, and I prefer to when I\'m around them. Last year, through college I went to Portugal. There were teams of students there from many EU countries. We stayed for a week with a host family. Anyway, when we met people they would go to kiss us on each cheek. All the other English girls (we had a team of only girls) would shake their hands instead. It soon got round not to try to kiss us. I think I surprised people though, I was the only one who would kiss them on the cheek, and would initiate it as well. It\'s the way they greeted me all week once they realised. ;)
AniaFriday 23rd of June 2006 03:46:06 AM
- I know what you mean! And I like it so much at Italians, Portuguese people, Frenchies and all others. They kiss a lot, even strangers. And it was great when Claudio kissed me ans then said his Claudio etc.. I thought he wante dto pick me up, go out with me, and then I got disappointed - it\'s their normal behaviour in Portugal.
But then I was using it against all the rest of the Portuguese guys around! :D
squeakFriday 23rd of June 2006 03:52:29 AM
- A good way to get close, eh? hehe.

I Greek friends here, they kiss a lot, once on each cheek. And some Kurdish friends, with them it is 3 kisses. And a friend of mine has a Spanish boyfriend, she seems to have picked it up from him. We get strange looks sometimes when we see each other and greet one another like this. We were discussing it with another friend once, he was saying that it isn\'t something you usually find English people doing, although our generation is becoming more tactile, hugging, etc. So when 2 people who are English greet each other in a way that isn\'t quite so \"English\", it\'s unusual.

In Portugal, when we first met people, we kissed on each cheek too. Most people would, just not the others form the Uk. Or the Irirsh actually.
PsycheSunday 25th of June 2006 12:59:34 AM
- Norwegians never kiss each other on the cheek and rarely hug. Yesterday, a Somali guy (who fancies me, that married bastard) spotted me on the street, and for the first time (we have \"talked\" 2-3 times..just \"hi\" etc)..and he kissed me on both cheeks. I was surprised..that a guy do it...

A Chechen friend did it a while, but stopped...not sure why. Probably because no-one else did.
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 06:40:58 PM
Hi - Thanks for your examples, yes, it is useful for me and I understand you very well.
Have you joined the languagestudies - yahoo groups, too ?
Are you the same Squeak ?

What do you say about Network Cafe in the English Forum ?

See you later, Lina
squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 08:08:39 PM
- You\'re welcome, Lina. How was your trip?

Yes, I am the same Squeak. I\'m trying to improve my German again (I used to study it) and Leobloom and deutsch_junge suggested it.

The Network Cafe is in the English forum, here: http://www.phrasebase.com/forum/read.php?TID=13974&page=1
We just talk in there. It\'s a chance for people learning English to just practise what they know. And get a coffee ;).

Btw, who\'s the current waitor/waitress, Ania? I\'m still waiting for that frappe. :p


LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 08:16:19 PM
Hi - Very nice, thanks. I need your help just now. I have a work to do. Maybe it take some time.Would you help me with my english homework ?

I\'m glad that you are the same. We can learn together german, too.

I like to drink cofee !

Waiting your answer,Lina
squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 08:18:01 PM
- Certainly, if I can.
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 08:26:39 PM
- I\'m sure that you can. Untill I write the entire writing you can drink one or two cofee.

I need your help about grammar and speling.Maybe I\'ll have many mistakes, but I haven\'t time to correct by myself.

Thank you very much ! Lina

squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 08:34:00 PM
- Ah...coffee...:D

You\'re welcome :D
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 08:55:38 PM
- The inhabitance from Lock Ness are visited by many reporters, researchers, photograpfers and tourists. They often visited Lock Ness because of its legend : The monster of Lock Ness.
One of the locals sharing his thoughts about this.
I live here for more than forty years but i never had the chance to see the monster.I grow up with the legend.
Many people come here in hope to see the monster.It is good that the legend exist, because our town ore open, and it is know for over the world.
These all mystery hunters, lose their time and their financial resources too. These resources would have been use for better things.
Sometimes, the insistance of this people, became anoing for all of us. To many researches without results, might transform this story in something comon things.
All these attempts , can make the mit of the monster to disappear.
The people might change their believes in the existence of the monster and our comunity will suffer.
I would like not to be disturbed with so many question for witch I haven\'t answer but I have to admit that our comunity are in our days well conected with this legend.
I just have a question on my own : \" What will hapen if here, realy exist a monster in the lake? What would the scientists do if they find the monster?\"
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 09:09:27 PM
- Sorry, if I have many mistakes and you have a hard work to do.I\'ll offer you a coffee later.

Thanks.
squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 09:24:46 PM
- It\'s fine. I\'ll post a correction in a few minutes. I\'m just going to highlight where the misakes are, so that you know what I\'ve changed. Would you like me to explain them as well? Everything you wrote could be understood, there were few spelling mistakes, but more grammatical.
squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 09:33:35 PM
- Okay, spelling corrections are in blue, grammatical corrections in red and other alterations in pink. I\'ll explain in the next post, when I can see both more easily.

The inhabitants from around Loch Ness are visited by many reporters, researchers, photographers and tourists. They often visit Loch Ness because of its legend: the monster of Loch Ness.
One of the locals shared his thoughts about this:
I have lived here for more than forty years but I have never had the chance to see the monster. I grew up with the legend.
Many people come here in hope of seeing (or “hoping to see”) the monster. It is good that the legend exists, because our town is open, and it is known (of) all over the world.
All thses mystery hunters, have lost (or “have wasted”) their time and their financial resources too. These resources could have been used for better things.
Sometimes, the persistance of these people, becomes annoying for all of us. Too many researchers without results might transform this story into something commonplace. All these attempts can make the myth of the monster disappear.
The people might change their beliefs about the existence of the monster and our community will suffer.
I would like not to be disturbed with so many questions for which I haven\'t got any answers, but I have to admit that our community are in our days well connected with this legend.
I just have a question on my own: ‘what will happen here if a monster really exists in the lake? What would the scientists do if they find the monster?’”

LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 09:44:31 PM
- I have not word for your helping...Just say, thank you!

I must to rewrite and sent it. It\'s the last day when I can sent the theme.Would you drink a cofee first ?
squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 09:46:24 PM
- A coffe would be wonderful, thank you.

You\'re welcome. :)
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 09:55:05 PM
- yes, we can analize the mistakes, if you would. Maybe, in the future,I don\'t make so many mistakes in my grammar.
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 09:56:23 PM
- Let\'s go to drink a cofee....
squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 09:59:56 PM
- Mmmmm...I can smell the coffee already. :D

I\'m just working on the explanations now. I always find grammar the hardest part of a language to learn. I think the only way I\'ve found to improve is to practise it ;)
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 10:16:30 PM
- I think you didn\'t understand my invitation.See you later
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 10:20:23 PM
- I realy went to the network cafe and drank caffee.

I\'m going to send my writing. I must rewrite it.


squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 10:24:22 PM
- Sorry Lina, I was typing this and I think I missed you :( I\'ll buy you coffee next time.

I\'m not very good at explaining things, so if you\'re unsure what I mean, just ask!

The inhabitants from around Loch Ness are visited by many reporters, researchers, photographers and tourists. Loch Ness is actually just the lake and not a village/town/etc. So the inhabitants are not from Loch Ness itself. \"Loch\" instead of \"Lock\" = Loch is the Scottish for \"lake\"

They often visit Loch Ness because of its legend: the monster of Loch Ness. You said \"they often visited\", as this is a continuing action this is not correct, although it would be if they no longer visited. So you need this to be continuous, so \"visit\" should be used in place of \"visited\".

One of the locals shared his thoughts about this: As this has taken place and is not continuing, the past tense should have been used here.

I have lived here for more than forty years but I have never had the chance to see the monster. I grew up with the legend. The verb \"to live\" in this sentence should have been in the past tense as should \"to grow up\". So \"have\" should also be used with the verbs.

Many people come here in hope of seeing (or “hoping to see”) the monster. The way you said this wasn\'t quite right. To be honest, I can\'t explain why, somebody else may be able to though.

It is good that the legend exists, because our town is open, and it is known (of) all over the world. In the third person singular (he/she/it) the verb \"to exist\" becomes exists. The word \"of\" as a replacement for \"for\" is not needed in the final part of the sentence, however it can be used.

All these mystery hunters, have lost (or “have wasted”) their time and their financial resources too. These resources could have been used for better things. As the time and money have already been lost, the first part of the sentence should be in the past tense. \"Have wasted\" is more likely to be used if you were talking to a native, however \"lost\" is probably the correct way of saying this. I cahnged \"would\" to \"could\" as the moeny and time being is used for better things is only a possibility and \"would\" makes it a definite statement. As this would have occured in the past, as the time has already been wasted, the past tense of \"to use\" is the correct form.

Sometimes, the persistance of these people, becomes annoying for all of us. \"Insistance\" does not sound correct here. Instead \"persistance\" should have been used. The definition in a dictionary I have of \"persist\" is \"if somehting undesirable persists, it continues to exist/if you persist in doing something, you continue in spite of opposition or diffivulty\". As this is an ongoing thing, the continuous form of \"to become\" should have been used.

Too many researchers without results might transform this story into something commonplace. All these attempts can make the myth of the monster disappear. Too = more than necessary/as well. Researchers is the noun, instead of the verb. \"Commonplace\" is essentially the same as how you wrote it, however \"common things\" in this context does not make sense.

The people might change their beliefs about the existence of the monster and our community will suffer. Believe is the verb, whereas this requires the noun, belief.

I would like not to be disturbed with so many questions for which I haven\'t got any answers, but I have to admit that our community are in our days well connected with this legend. I\'m not reall sure what to say about this. Other than \"witch\" is a noun and is usually a sorceress. If you\'re not sure of something, ask.

I just have a question on my own: ‘what will happen here if a monster really exists in the lake? What would the scientists do if they find the monster?’” The only real problem here was that the word order was incorrect.

Hope that makes sense. If not, like I said, ask me. :)

LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 10:38:50 PM
- You certainly are a good teacher. I\'m very glad that I\'ve met you.

I hope that we can speak later. We have 8 hour difference between us.I think, for you is too late.


squeakSunday 25th of June 2006 10:41:39 PM
- Thank you :) I\'m glad I can help.

Well, it\'s 16:40 here at the moment (according to my computer). I\'m going to have to go now for a while. I have to revise :( I should be back later though :D
LinaSunday 25th of June 2006 10:45:21 PM
- than, see you later.
LinaMonday 26th of June 2006 02:39:54 AM
- Hi,

How are you?
squeakMonday 26th of June 2006 02:44:32 AM
- I\'m good, thank you. How are you?
LinaMonday 26th of June 2006 02:50:54 AM
- Well,I think I\'ll have a lot to do tomorrow, when I try to understand, why I had make mistakes in my writing.
I don\'t now what I\'ve doing without your help.

squeakMonday 26th of June 2006 02:53:43 AM
- Do you mind a couple of corrections? [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


Well, I think I\'ll have a lot to do tomorrow, when I try to understand why I made mistakes in my writing.
I don\'t now what I would have done without your help.
[/quote]

I easily understood what you wrote, it\'s mostly just bits of the grammar that were wrong :)
LinaMonday 26th of June 2006 02:57:50 AM
- It\'s true that I \"compose\" it very fast, but I don\'t like when I\'m wrong.
squeakMonday 26th of June 2006 02:59:33 AM
- I know that feeling. I hate it when I get things wrong in Greek or German.
LinaMonday 26th of June 2006 03:00:58 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


It\'s true that I \\\"compose\\\" it very fast, but I don\'t like when I\'m wrong.[/quote]

I have a lot of English book and I\'ve learned grammar rules but I don\'t now why i didn\'t use it in my writing
squeakMonday 26th of June 2006 03:03:27 AM
- How much do you get to use your English usually?
LinaMonday 26th of June 2006 03:03:59 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


[quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


It\'s true that I \\\\\\\"compose\\\\\\\" it very fast, but I don\'t like when I\'m wrong.[/quote]

I have a lot of English book and I\'ve learned grammar rules but I don\'t now why i didn\'t use it in my writing[/quote]

Yes, that is the reason for that I speak \"English\" even I\'m wrong.I told me that I must practice more.
LinaMonday 26th of June 2006 03:06:28 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by squeak[/i]


How much do you get to use your English usually?[/quote]

I don\'t use it usually.Just here with a few friends...
squeakMonday 26th of June 2006 03:09:43 AM
- If you don\'t practise it much, that could be why. although you know the rules, you may not get enough chance to apply them. Just a thought.

I\'m afraid I must go again now. I\'ll be back tomorrow. Probably anytime from about 16:00 - 17:00 BST.

Speak soon.
squeakMonday 26th of June 2006 03:10:40 AM
- SORRY!

I\'ve just realised, BST = British Summer Time. It\'s one hour ahead of GMT.

;)
LinaMonday 26th of June 2006 03:12:43 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


[quote][i]Originally posted by squeak[/i]


How much do you get to use your English

usually?[/quote]

Good night. See you tomorrow.

I don\'t use it usually.Just here with a few friends...[/quote]
LinaMonday 26th of June 2006 03:13:49 AM
- See you tomorrow.
squeakMonday 26th of June 2006 11:40:29 PM
- Hi!

:D
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 12:51:13 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by squeak[/i]


Sorry Lina, I was typing this and I think I missed you :( I\'ll buy you coffee next time.

I\'m not very good at explaining things, so if you\'re unsure what I mean, just ask!

The inhabitants from around Loch Ness are visited by many reporters, researchers, photographers and tourists. Loch Ness is actually just the lake and not a village/town/etc. So the inhabitants are not from Loch Ness itself. \\\"Loch\\\" instead of \\\"Lock\\\" = Loch is the Scottish for \\\"lake\\\"

They often visit Loch Ness because of its legend: the monster of Loch Ness. You said \\\"they often visited\\\", as this is a continuing action this is not correct, although it would be if they no longer visited. So you need this to be continuous, so \\\"visit\\\" should be used in place of \\\"visited\\\".

One of the locals shared his thoughts about this: As this has taken place and is not continuing, the past tense should have been used here.

I have lived here for more than forty years but I have never had the chance to see the monster. I grew up with the legend. The verb \\\"to live\\\" in this sentence should have been in the past tense as should \\\"to grow up\\\". So \\\"have\\\" should also be used with the verbs.

Many people come here in hope of seeing (or “hoping to see”) the monster. The way you said this wasn\'t quite right. To be honest, I can\'t explain why, somebody else may be able to though.

It is good that the legend exists, because our town is open, and it is known (of) all over the world. In the third person singular (he/she/it) the verb \\\"to exist\\\" becomes exists. The word \\\"of\\\" as a replacement for \\\"for\\\" is not needed in the final part of the sentence, however it can be used.

All these mystery hunters, have lost (or “have wasted”) their time and their financial resources too. These resources could have been used for better things. As the time and money have already been lost, the first part of the sentence should be in the past tense. \\\"Have wasted\\\" is more likely to be used if you were talking to a native, however \\\"lost\\\" is probably the correct way of saying this. I cahnged \\\"would\\\" to \\\"could\\\" as the moeny and time being is used for better things is only a possibility and \\\"would\\\" makes it a definite statement. As this would have occured in the past, as the time has already been wasted, the past tense of \\\"to use\\\" is the correct form.

Sometimes, the persistance of these people, becomes annoying for all of us. \\\"Insistance\\\" does not sound correct here. Instead \\\"persistance\\\" should have been used. The definition in a dictionary I have of \\\"persist\\\" is \\\"if somehting undesirable persists, it continues to exist/if you persist in doing something, you continue in spite of opposition or diffivulty\\\". As this is an ongoing thing, the continuous form of \\\"to become\\\" should have been used.

Too many researchers without results might transform this story into something commonplace. All these attempts can make the myth of the monster disappear. Too = more than necessary/as well. Researchers is the noun, instead of the verb. \\\"Commonplace\\\" is essentially the same as how you wrote it, however \\\"common things\\\" in this context does not make sense.

The people might change their beliefs about the existence of the monster and our community will suffer. Believe is the verb, whereas this requires the noun, belief.

I would like not to be disturbed with so many questions for which I haven\'t got any answers, but I have to admit that our community are in our days well connected with this legend. I\'m not reall sure what to say about this. Other than \\\"witch\\\" is a noun and is usually a sorceress. If you\'re not sure of something, ask.

I just have a question on my own: ‘what will happen here if a monster really exists in the lake? What would the scientists do if they find the monster?’” The only real problem here was that the word order was incorrect.

Hope that makes sense. If not, like I said, ask me. :)
[/quote]


Hi Dani,

I just want to know why you have used a tense or an other tense.Sure, if you want and if you\'ll have time for this.
What do you say, if I didn\'t use in my writing the Perfect Tense,just Present,Past or Future,simple or continuous forms, untill I\'ll use it correctly? What do you think about this?
I don\'t want to continue with so many grammar mistakes.

Later, I\'ll write my questions about your grammar correction.

Thanks.Lina
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 01:57:52 AM
- I\'m sorry Lina, I\'m not entirely sure what you\'re asking. :(

Quick thing: until only has one \"l\" in it ;)
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 02:23:30 AM
- I would say,that I haven\'t a simple writing, present, past and future. I think I complicated too much my writing, using for example, \"is known\"- present tense \"to be\" with the past participle of the verb \"know\"(passive voice,am I wrong? ) or
\" have been used\" - present perfect tense (passive voice).
Do you understand me? Or now it\'s more complicate?
I asked you if you think that it\'s a good idea.

Would you,correct all my mistakes, please ?
Until then
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 02:26:02 AM
- correction

....using present,past and future tense\"
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 02:35:16 AM
- Sorry...

I would say, I want use just present tense,past tense,future tense,without other tenses of the verbs, just for a while.
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:03:45 AM
- I\'ve only recently come across the terms \"active voice\" and \"passive voice\" verbs. And that is in Greek, I\'ll have to check about the English equivalent.

You mean, rather than using the continuous versions as well? It\'s up to you. In some ways it could be better, you could make sure that you are ok with those for a while then start using the others again?

\"I think I complicated my writing too much\"
\"Or now it\'s more complicated?\" I think I understand.


LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:09:06 AM
- I see that you had use \"have lived here\", \"have never had the chance\", \"have lost their time\". It is Present Perfect and we used this forms because the action happened (begin)in the past time and are continue in the present.
Is right ?
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:14:02 AM
- What do you say if I wrote : \"Many people come here. All of them have the same hope : to see the monster\"
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:23:36 AM
- I don\'t understand the using,the meaning of \"got\". You sad \" I haven\'t got any answers\". What is it with this \"got\"

Please, correct all my grammar.I want to see if is better to use simple tenses of the verbs than complicated tenses.
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:30:22 AM
- If is too late for you we can stop here.We\'ll continue tomorrow.
Do you want to drink a coffe now ? I have a question for you, at the network cafe...
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:32:58 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


I see that you had use \"have lived here\", \"have never had the chance\", \"have lost their time\". It is Present Perfect and we used this form because the actions happened (began) in the past time and are continue in the present.
Is right ?[/quote]

They are the Present Perfect. But they are not the continous form. The continuous form would be \"They have been losing\", \"He has been living\"
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:33:43 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


If is too late for you we can stop here.We\'ll continue tomorrow.
Do you want to drink a coffe now ? I have a question for you, at the network cafe...[/quote]

Just give me one moment. :)
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:34:20 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


What do you say if I wrote : \\\"Many people come here. All of them have the same hope : to see the monster\\\"[/quote]

Perfect :D
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:38:13 AM
- I see your correction,thanks.I didn\'t understand why it\'s \"complicated\"( past participle) not \"complicate\"
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:40:40 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


I don\'t understand the using,the meaning of \\\"got\\\". You sad \\\" I haven\'t got any answers\\\". What is it with this \\\"got\\\"

Please, correct all my grammar.I want to see if is better to use simple tenses of the verbs than complicated tenses.[/quote]

Okay, one definition of \"to get\" is \"to obtain\". In this way it shows possession of something. \"Got\" is the past tense and past participle of this. In this way it means that he doesn\'t possess the answers. \"I haven\'t any answers\" would also be correct, although it seems to sound odd. I think this is because we usually add \"got\" to a sentence like this.

Also, you can use \"have got\" to show possesion of things instead of \"have\". \"Have got\" is less formal.

This also applies to \"have got to\", it is a less formal way of saying \"have to\".

This maybe why I find that \"I haven\'t any answers\" doesn\'t quite sound right, we usually use the more informal version.

Does that explain it?


LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:45:02 AM
- Yes, i know it isn\'t continuos form. I would say that the present perfect are conected with the present time.
\" have lived here\" in the past and now, in the present
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:45:56 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


I see your correction,thanks.I didn\'t understand why it\'s \\\"complicated\\\"( past participle) not \\\"complicate\\\" [/quote]

Because you shouldn\'t have used the verb \"to complicate\". Instead it should have been the adjective \"complicated\". As this is describing something. To complicate something is (generally) to make it more complex and usually more difficult to deal with. When something is complicated, it is complex and difficult to deal with.

Does that clear it up?
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 03:53:31 AM
- Oh...yes,I think, I have got the key...
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 04:06:38 AM
- Yes.I understand.My writing is complicated.How is my writing ? COMPLICATED
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 04:37:33 AM
- Where are you ? Don\'t tell me that you are still working.
I was to the network cafe and I make mistakes and there...You\'ll see.What do you thought? I made mistakes even I am in a public place...
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 05:03:18 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


Yes, i know it isn\'t continuos form. I would say that the present perfect are conected with the present time.
\\\" have lived here\\\" in the past and now, in the present[/quote]

Yes.
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 05:05:16 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


Where are you ? Don\'t tell me that you are still working.
I was to the network cafe and I make mistakes and there...You\'ll see. What do you thought? I made mistakes even I when am in a public place... [/quote]

I\'m back. And I\'m really sorry. Silly internet connection.

\"What do you thought?\" What do you think? or What are your thoughts?
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 05:32:02 AM
- I make a big mistakes, again.I would say, what do you think, but in the past.....
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 05:39:10 AM
- \"What did you think?\"

\"To do\" needs to be in the past tense instead.

They weren\'t that big. :)
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 05:52:32 AM
- Yes, I know.
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 05:56:36 AM
- :D
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 05:59:51 AM
- I intend to drink cofee with you all( too much cofee,I don\'t sleep in this night), but i\'m a little afraid.Your friend speak well and fluently English.
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:07:26 AM
- \"Your friends speak well and fluently in English.\" ;)

Coem on in, you\'re welcome to join us. This is what this thread is for, for people to practise their English and just talk.

Would you like a coffee? I\'m about to get myself a refill.
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:15:16 AM
- Yes, I think that you drink too much cofee.Maybe next time.
I feel more confident when I speak English,with you. I know I\'m welcome.
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:19:31 AM
- You\'d be welcome anyway. But I understand what you mean. :)

I do drink too much coffee at times :( Ah, no-one seems to be talking to me in the Cafe at the moment :(
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:20:48 AM
- I reply to your messeges.I suppouse that something is wrong with you connection and I just return to say Good night.
I want asked you - do you smoke ?
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:24:20 AM
- suppose.

Ah well, perhaps tomorrow we can finally have that coffee? hehe :)

No, I don\'t smoke.

Good night. Have a good day tomorrow
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:24:53 AM
- I\'m not sure.I am going in the cafe to verify if you are alone.It\'s a joke...but I.m going to see
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:27:30 AM
- Okay :D

I keep on having to type my posts twice because tonight I keep on spelling things wrong the first time round!
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:30:55 AM
- Sorry but I don\'t understand
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:32:56 AM
- When I am typing my posts, I am making a lot of spelling mistakes. So I have to go back and correct them. Usually in most of the post. :(
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 06:58:58 AM
- You are tired.I sow that you had exams today
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 07:00:27 AM
- I did. :( My last ones :)

Very. It\'s also 1am now! :( I\'ll have to go soon. I\'m free tomorrow, have nothing to do, but I will need to sleep.
frogg018Tuesday 27th of June 2006 09:08:48 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


I intend to drink cofee with you all( too much cofee,I don\'t sleep in this night), but i\'m a little afraid.Your friend speak well and fluently English.[/quote]

Hi Lina. I hope we haven\'t been intimidating you in the Cafe. If you are there for a cup of coffee or just stopping in to say hi, just let us know if you don\'t understand something or we if we are speaking too fancy. We\'ll stop and explain to you :) We like having you join us :)
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 10:33:21 AM
- Good Morning frog018! you are still online!
I just checked my e-mail.I have 15 Bulk on it and I drinking my mornig cofee really.
Thanks for your message.I think I find a new friend.... you encourage me very much, like Dani.
LinaTuesday 27th of June 2006 10:47:17 AM
- By frogg018,

We continued to talk in the afternoon.It\'s 6;45 a.m. and I go to my work at 8 o\'clock.Have a nice day.

Lina
squeakTuesday 27th of June 2006 04:14:28 PM
- Enjoy your day, Lina.
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 12:02:04 AM
- Hi squeak,nice to meet you at the cafe first....I just stoped there for a while. I have a lot to do today. I teach a native English to speak romanian.
Isn\'t easy to teach although it is your mother tongue language.

So,see you later. Lina
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 12:45:48 AM
- I sent you a few PM. Maybe something it\'s wrong again.

See you later.Lina
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 01:14:45 AM
- Sorry, Lina. My grandfather came to see us for a few minutes, then yes the internet stopped working. Again. It frustrates me so much!

Do you enjoy the teaching?

Maybe something is wrong again
Stopped
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 01:46:15 AM
- I\'m back.
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 01:50:57 AM
- Do you think I was nervous last evening? I feel a little unconfortable.
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 01:56:41 AM
- Why uncomfortable?
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:09:14 AM
- I renounce to \"teach\" today. I like that but now I\'m tired and I think that\'s a seriosness thing.
I preffer to speak with you.I understand you very well. You are a good English teacher.I think I\'m lucky and I\'ll make progress if we continue to speak.
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:13:08 AM
- Because, the other person speak without mistakes, are speaking free and fluently.
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:20:37 AM
- Have you see ? I became an active member.What becomes you in this evening ? You have post it for 966 times!
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:22:50 AM
- Comon, just 4 times, and you statute have been change.
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:25:22 AM
- where are you ?
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:27:14 AM
- Sorry, I was eating my dinner. I\'m back now. :)
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:29:27 AM
- \"comon\" Come on
prefer
serious

Congratulations on becoming an active member :D

I\'m glad you think I\'m helping :) I like speaking with you.
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:30:13 AM
- I hope you enjoyed your dinner.
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:32:55 AM
- I did. It was lovely. :)
Thank you

LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:34:40 AM
- I am waiting to congratulate you too
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:36:35 AM
- I\'m proud for you.Congratulation.You are a SPECIALIST
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:38:37 AM
- THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D


LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:42:53 AM
- Minunat!Wonderful! Do you want to celebrate our I didn\'t find the word in the cafe?
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:43:57 AM
- In romainia we say : Felicitari
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:46:51 AM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


Minunat!Wonderful! Do you want to celebrate our I didn\'t find the word in the cafe?[/quote]

I\'m sorry, I don\'t undertand.

\"Felicitari\"? I like that. :D
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:49:27 AM
- Celebrate your succes in the network cafe
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:51:13 AM
- success

Okay, shall I meet you in there?
LinaWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:54:09 AM
- Yes
squeakWednesday 28th of June 2006 02:56:30 AM
- Okay, see you in a minute :)
LinaThursday 29th of June 2006 06:09:53 AM
- I prefer to meet you here. After last night I need a quiet conversation.

LinaThursday 29th of June 2006 07:18:02 AM
- I\'m sorry because I didn\'t speak with you today.I would asked you how do you feel after our party and like a specialist.

Have a good night,Lina
squeakThursday 29th of June 2006 09:23:20 AM
- I\'m sorry too, Lina

I wasn\'t near my computer most of the night.

Speak soon and take care,
Dani
LinaFriday 30th of June 2006 12:58:07 AM
- Hi Dani,

I\'ve sent you a PM just now.How are you?
squeakFriday 30th of June 2006 01:03:16 AM
- Hi Lina.

I\'m very well, thank you. How are you?

I\'ve just got your PM. :) Thank you! :D

I\'m afraid I have to go out for a short while with my mum to do some shopping. I\'ll be back later. I\'m sorry I can\'t stay and talk now!

Speak soon,
Dani
LinaFriday 30th of June 2006 01:07:32 AM
- I\'m fine but tired.I can\'t to speak with you,too,unfortunately.Tomorrow is Timea\'s birthday and I have a lot to do for her party.

See you later, Lina
LinaFriday 30th of June 2006 01:08:58 AM
- Timea is my daughter. She is 7 years old.
squeakFriday 30th of June 2006 03:09:45 AM
- What is she like?
Do you just have one child?
LinaSaturday 01st of July 2006 07:34:40 PM
- She is so beautiful.I love her so much.Is a good girl, quite and wise for her\'s age. She goes to school in September, but she knows all the letters,so she writes almost good and reads a little. She is talentated at drowing and wants to plays guitar.
Timea has a long light brown hair and brown(hazel?) eyes.
She is tall and thin.She didn\'t like to eats to much,like me,when I was child.
I spend a lot af time whit her because she didn\'t like to plays with the dolls or other toys.
She likes very much to listen my fairy tales and I must invented for her a few storyies.

My dear squeak, we\'ll hear later.
Lina
LinaSaturday 01st of July 2006 07:39:53 PM
- I have a son, too. Norbert,is 14 years old.
He is keen and a good boy,too. He speak English and has a good accent, not like his mother.


squeakSaturday 01st of July 2006 10:43:50 PM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


I have a son, too. Norbert,is 14 years old.
He is keen and a good boy,too. He speaks English and has a good accent, not like his mother.

[/quote]

I don\'t know what your accent is like, but I think it is something that is easier to pick up, the younger you start learning a language.
squeakSaturday 01st of July 2006 10:50:04 PM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


She is so beautiful. I love her so much. Is a good girl, quiet and wise for her age. She goes to school in September, but she knows all the letters, so she writes almost well and reads a little. She is talentated at drawing and wants to play the guitar.
Timea has long light brown hair and brown(hazel?) eyes.
She is tall and thin. She doesn\'t like to eat too much, like me, when I was child.
I spend a lot of time with her because she doesn\'t like to play with dolls or other toys.
She likes very much to listen to my fairy tales and I must invent for her a few stories.

My dear squeak, we\'ll hear later.
Lina[/quote]

She sounds like a lovely child. It must be lovely to be able to spend a lot of time with her.

Hazel eyes have green and brown in them.

(I have to work tonight, so I won\'t be here.)

Speak soon and take care,
Dani

LinaSunday 02nd of July 2006 01:35:12 PM
- Hi Dani,

Thanks for your correction.It\'s useful for me.I compare it with my writing and I could see where I made mistakes.
I was very tired because this week I\'ve stay on computer until in the morning.You aren\'t tired ? We both, stayed on phrasebase until in the morning.
I don\'t no what\'s happen with me.It is the most thing that I like to do : writing, speaking and learning English online.I think I became dependent.
I\'ve speak on messenger with a native English from USA,posting on messages board and learning a lot to BBC - Learning English,teach romanian to a native English from USA on e-mail,and many other site to learning English.In Romania I\'ve follow a grammar course online.
Most of all I like the discussions with you.
I need your counsel.Do you think I\'ve exagerate?

yes, you are allright. Norbert have been learning English when he was 5, first, at Cartoons Network and then at school.

What\'s your job? I think it\'s hard to working in the night.

Bye,lina



squeakMonday 03rd of July 2006 11:43:58 PM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


Hi Dani,

Thanks for your correction.It\'s useful for me.I compare it with my writing and I could see where I made mistakes.
I was very tired because this week I\'ve stayed on computer until in the morning.You aren\'t tired? We both, stayed on phrasebase until the morning.
I don\'t know what\'s happening with me.It is the thing that I most like to do : writing, speaking and learning English online.I think I have become dependent.
I speak on messenger with a native English from USA,posting on messages boards and learning a lot to BBC - Learning English,teach romanian to a native English from USA on e-mail,and many other site to learning English.In Romania I\'ve followed a grammar course online.
Most of all I like the discussions with you.
I need your counsel.Do you think I\'ve exaggerated?

yes, you are right. Norbert have been learning English when he was 5, first, from Cartoon Network and then at school.

What\'s your job? I think it\'s hard to working in the night.

Bye,lina


[/quote]

You\'re welcome, Lina. I\'m glad it helps you. :)

I was lucky last week: after Monday\'s exams I didn\'t have to do anything all week. So I was able to sleep in late :) Now though, I\'m working all day, so I won\'t be here as late as I have been.

I think I\'m addicted to being here too :( Not entirely sure if that is good or bad though. PB is good, but constantly being here, is that?

I enjoy talking to you as well :)

Do I think that you have exaggerated...what exactly?

I think when you are that young, you are still developing your language skills greatly, mimicking those around you. By doing this you pick up the accent of the area where you live/your parents accent. I would imagine this makes it easier when it comes to a foreign language as well.

I work in a Greek restaurant. 7pm-closing. Used to be 7-11pm. It\'s not too bad. I enjoy what I do, like the people I work with practise my Greek and get paid for it! It can be hard sometimes, especially the day after. This Sunday my Mum and I went for a 5.5mile walk. That was hard as I hadn\'t had much sleep. But I enjoyed it :)

Take care,
Dani
LinaTuesday 04th of July 2006 10:25:59 PM
- Hi Dani,

Nice to see you again.I like phrasebase too.I think this site is the best,we could helping someone and could receiving help.The people who posted here are good in english, very kind and have patience. We can make friends,although we unknow a person, we could become friends in the future. I like that very much.
I posted just in Network Cafe and in our English conversation group. What do you think about other post in English Forum?
Dani, tell me about your studies.For what do you prepare at University? What do you like to do after you finish your studies?
When have you discovered your passion for Greek? Have you visited Grecia?I like the greek music. Do you know the song, course you know, Zorba, the greek.I have read the book: Zorba,The greek. I like it very much.
It is intersting that I and understand your writing, English writing, in general.I observe that I can write in english.In the forum, when we are online, I can \"speaking\". Why is hard to speak with voice, or face to face. Just because I didn\'t practice it or I didn\'t understand the accent. I spoken with voice with a native English from USA.I didn\'t understand something.I think I could make a monologue, but you know, if you don\'t understand what a person are talking, you couldn\'t talking by yourself. I don\'t believe that I couldn\'t speak English then.I intrerupted the conversation, kindly, and we speak now on IM.I was angry because I would like to speak with that person.He helped me, like you, to improve my English.

Have a nice evening,in roumanian : sa ai o seara frumoasa!

Lina


squeakSaturday 08th of July 2006 05:34:12 AM
- [quote]
Hi Dani,

Nice to see you again. I like phrasebase too. I think this site is the best, we can help someone and can receive help. The people who post here are good in english, are very kind and have patience. We can make friends, although we unknow (don\'t know?) a person, we could become friends in the future. I like that very much.
I posted just in Network Cafe and in our English conversation group. What do you think about other post in English Forum? [/quote]

You get to meet people here that you ordinarily wouldn\'t. People have things in common, even if at first it\'s just a love of a language. I like it because I get to meet people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. :D (As well as improving my language skills)

Just one thing about your other post: \"invite\" instead of \"invited\".

[quote]Dani, tell me about your studies. For what do you prepare at university? What do you want to do after you finish your studies?
[/quote]

Well, I\'ve just finished my \"A levels\". These are one of the ways to get into university here, and are the most common qualifications for this. I\'ve done biology, chemitsry, physics and maths. I have a conditional offer from the University of Manchester to begin studying there. The conditions attached to this are that I get minimum grades (set by the university) in my exams. Once I\'ve done my degree (and hopefully a PhD) I want to go into research.

[quote]When have you discovered your passion for Greek? Have you visited Greece? I like greek music. Do you know the song, course you know, Zorba the Greek. I have read the book: Zorba,The greek. I like it very much.[/quote]

We have friends who live in Greece, and are Greek. We wanted to learn Greek to talk to them in their language. This then became a passion for me.

We go to Greece most years. :D We\'re going soon.

Yes, I know this song. I\'ve heard it once or twice. I\'ve never read the book or seen the film though. I mostly listen to modern Greek music, although there is a little traditional music also in my collection.

Why did you start to learn English?

[quote]It is interesting that I understand your writing, English writing, in general. I observe that I can write in english. In the forum, when we are online, I can speak. Why is it hard to speak with your, or face to face. Just because I didn\'t practise it or I didn\'t understand the accent. I have spoken with voice with a native English from the USA. I didn\'t understand something. I think I could make a monologue, but you know, if you don\'t understand what a person is saying, you can\'t talk by yourself. I don\'t believe that I could speak English then. I interrupted the conversation, kindly, and we speak now on IM. I was angry because I would like to speak with that person.He helped me, like you, to improve my English. [/quote]

I don\'t know. I think practise has a lot to do with it. When I first started to work in the restaurant, spoken Greek still sounded like pretty noise, but now, although I can\'t understand most of what is said, I can distinguish words.

[quote]Have a nice evening,in roumanian : sa ai o seara frumoasa!

Lina

[/quote]

Ich wünsche, dass du ein gutes Wochenende hast. (Meant to be: I hope you have a good weekend)

Dani
LinaTuesday 11th of July 2006 01:24:43 AM
I need your advice, please - I write you a PM, thank you, Lina
squeakTuesday 11th of July 2006 01:28:03 AM
- ok :)
LinaSaturday 22nd of July 2006 05:44:42 PM
- hi my dear,i missed you and our conversation
LinaSaturday 22nd of July 2006 06:08:58 PM
- [quote][i]Originally posted by lina_line[/i]


hi my dear,i missed you and our conversation[/quote]
I sent you a PM. I would say that I accept the \"job\".I\'m afraid because I haven\'t a very good conversational skills.You said I\'m understable and i know I write \"well\" but my speaking, my pronouncion in english isn\'t good. Ok, I able to make a good job in my language, and I can translate the phrases but saying the phrases in English can make this job hard.Maybe isn\'t necesary to speak in english, just understand, translate, write and pronounce in format mp3 in romanian. We\'ll see what is happen. I tell you everything about. Thank you.
I was very busy these days.We renovate our appartment and have many housework to do.I don\'t like this kind of work - renovate......
I have a lot to do at my work and i have so a little time for me and my English.I find a very good site for exercises in English.Now I must go to do my exercises because i receive one ex. \\day and I have 8 ex. to do.
I hope we meet soon. How are you? Are you ok?

all my good thinks for my friend Dani
I hope to see you soon,
Lina
squeakMonday 24th of July 2006 01:10:31 AM
- I\'ve missed it too.

I can\'t stay for much longer tonight :(

I didn\'t receive a PM :(

How are you?
LinaWednesday 26th of July 2006 03:21:58 AM
- Hi Dani,

I\'m fine. I hope you are fine too.Are you going in Greece this holliday? Tell me please about you and your exam. Are you ok?have you pass well all the exam ? I wish you a wonderful holiday.
I think I have a problem with the using of punctuation. Is different from Romanian\'s rules.If you would to correct and teach me I been very glad. Thank you.

Bye, my friend,
Lina
squeakWednesday 16th of August 2006 03:29:51 AM
- Hi Lina.

I\'m sorry about my lack of responses recently.

Of course I\'ll correct you, if you wish.

I find out my exam results soon.

Yes, I go to Greece in September :D


[quote]
Hi Dani,

I\'m fine. I hope you are fine, too.Are you going to Greece this holiday? Tell me please about you and your exam. Are you ok? Have you passed all the exams well? I wish you have a wonderful holiday.
I think I have a problem with using punctuation. It is different from Romanian\'s rules. If you would correct and teach me, I would be very glad. Thank you.

Bye, my friend,
Lina [/quote]

DanialMonday 09th of October 2006 02:32:41 AM
- Dani!! :D :p Still in Greece, huh?

Hmm... a very late post :p I hope to join the group too :D
squeakMonday 16th of October 2006 03:46:04 AM
- Oooh...this has been moved!

Hey Danial, how are you?

No, I\'m not in Greece anymore. I came back about 6 weeks ago, but I\'ve just started university, so haven\'t had much chance to come on here. As it is, I haven\'t really time now, but I missed you all so much! I should be back on soon and posting to my old levels ;) I\'ve noticed they\'ve got me into tht \"remarkable members\" section. That\'s scary. And have I really sent that many PMs?!?!?!?! I realised they were updating it all, so I wen on to have a look...

Btw, can anyone here on a website called \"facebook\" quite a few of us at uni are on thereand I\'m curious...

Anyways, back to my biochemistry problem...I\'ll be back much more regularly soon.

Also, sorry I\'ve been neglecting this thread Lina.

I will get round to e-mailing people again soon as well.

Bye for now
Dani

squeakTuesday 24th of October 2006 02:45:35 AM
- I think I was away from this for too long :(

I\'M SORRY!
morwenWednesday 15th of November 2006 03:53:58 AM
- Hi, I\'d love joining this conversation group, if it\'s still active ^^


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