What is the difference between "alive" and "live"? And, specifically, which would I use: "An alive [noun]" or "A live [noun]"? If the noun matters, it is a mouse.
Thanks!
2007-03-14 14:55:22 · 6 answers · asked by davieboy104 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Alive is an adjective. If you say "My grandfather is still alive..."
'alive' is an adjective describing your grandfather
Live is an adjective, an adverb, or a verb, depending on pronunciation. If you say, "This is a live animal..."
'Live' is an adjective describing the animal (pronouced 'lie-v')
If you say, "We are performing live in New York..."
'Live' is an adverb, modifying the verb 'to perform.' (pronounced 'lie-v')
If you say, "Where do you live?..."
'Live' is a verb. (Pronounced 'liv')
With a mouse, you would definitely say, "This is a live mouse." You could also say, "This mouse is alive."
2007-03-14 15:13:48 · answer #1 · answered by feral_black_gryphon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LINDA D is almost right... except "alive" and "live" are both adjectives in her example sentences. Her examples are correct; you choose the correct word based on sentence structure even though as adjectives the two words have the same meaning.
English is like this sometimes... try analyzing the difference between "electric", "electrical," and "electronic" in compound nouns (electric guitar, electrical engineering and electronic mail, for example...) usage is the only thing that dictates which word is correct to use.
2007-03-14 17:04:00 · answer #2 · answered by theegorider 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The mouse is alive. NOUN -- use this one
I have a live mouse. ADJECTIVE
2007-03-14 15:26:52 · answer #3 · answered by LINDA D. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"A live mouse" would be the correct usage. You would never say "an alive ____" anything. The adjective would simply be "live".
2007-03-14 15:30:04 · answer #4 · answered by Veruca Salt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be like..."An alive cat" or "A live broadcast" i think it depends on the noun.
pertaning to a mouse it would be "An alive mouse" it also depends on the rest of the sentance..
i could be wrong.. hope i could be of some help.
2007-03-14 15:01:07 · answer #5 · answered by Natasha 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Alive- is like saying Are you Alive? meaning are you living.
A live as in something in person such as A real live wild animal, as you are seeing something live and in person.
2007-03-14 15:00:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋