HOW HARD IS THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE?(long)

[sbwertz]

One of the best ways to learn the nuances of your own language is found in trying to learn a new one. One quickly realizes that the way we speak and the way we should speak are very different.

I learned Latin, German and ancient Greek in University. I don't recall much of any of them, but my command of English has improved; that's a lucky thing, since I teach it for a living!

Very true. It was not until I studied Latin that I understood why we say "If I WERE you" instead of "If I WAS you." It is subjunctive...contrary to fact condition...I'm NOT you.

Sharon

 

[Smitty37]

Hmmmm

One of the best ways to learn the nuances of your own language is found in trying to learn a new one. One quickly realizes that the way we speak and the way we should speak are very different.

I learned Latin, German and ancient Greek in University. I don't recall much of any of them, but my command of English has improved; that's a lucky thing, since I teach it for a living!

Very true. It was not until I studied Latin that I understood why we say "If I WERE you" instead of "If I WAS you." It is subjunctive...contrary to fact condition...I'm NOT you.

Sharon

Even so, probably more than half the English speaking folks would say "If I was you..." One of many problems with English is that it has roots in so many different language trees.