Such as: "take out a pencil with which to write with". And, molest me not.. And other re-arranged sentence structures because it seems to this user's brother that the spoken language greatly varies from the written language.
2007-05-17 19:25:15 · 10 answers · asked by Mira Bella 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Yes, if you have nothing else to do..
2007-05-17 19:56:28 · answer #1 · answered by Cleopatra 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember that the English language has evolved over time; therefore things which may have been permitted long ago are no longer acceptable. Every day new words are added, and other words become archaic. English is not an exact science. Hundreds of years ago there were no dictionaries or textbooks, and most English speakers couldn't even read, so there were discrepancies in spelling and grammar.
Btw, if you are studying English as a non-native speaker there is a good chance that your textbook will have many poorly written examples, as well as examples of English that are just plain wrong!! I have found the problem to be this: YES, we do use the forms that the book is trying to teach you, but the EXAMPLES the book provides are usually LOUSY.
-----I kid you not!!!
Here's a great example: book teaches, "What a fine day this is!" (which most of us would never say). What we would say is, "Is this your bedroom? What a mess!"
2007-05-18 04:58:27 · answer #2 · answered by tiger lou 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon with whom you are speaking. The written language has grammatical rules that are well known by writers and editors. The spoken language is more fluid and influenced by regional dialects and subdialecs.
You would not speak to a child or a store clerk as formally as you would to a college English professor. Old English is considered stuffy and ostentatious in most situations, but can be charming and fun among the well educated. Best not to use it as a spoken form.
2007-05-18 02:35:38 · answer #3 · answered by bookish 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
methinks thou shouldst follow modern grammar and usage when writing anything serious.
'tis ok to drop some achaïcisms every once in a while, but do so only if thou hast read a lot of shakespeare or the KJV bible, lest thou shalt make silly mistakes spoiling the effect.
ps; "take a pencil therewith to write" soundeth better
2007-05-18 13:16:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, first of all, you'd say "take out a pencil with which to write."
It sounds very formal; most conversation is more casual. But as far as being proper? Why not?
2007-05-18 02:27:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can use the old english sentences provided the grammar is not wrong. and you can have short cuts on it.
Your example is monotonous. You can say. " have a pencil to write notes" "molest me noT" is also correct but you can say do not molest me.
You know Old english words are written on the bible that is why many readers are having hard time to translate it.
jtm
2007-05-18 02:34:03 · answer #6 · answered by Jesus M 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That's not "Old English"
The first example is just garbage. It should be "Take out a pencil to write with."
The second ex. is poetic word order.
"This user's brother.."? huh? Just talk naturally; no offense, but you seem to be confusing yourself!
2007-05-18 02:31:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to get picked up by the looney bin yeah!
2007-05-18 02:33:59 · answer #8 · answered by Faerie loue 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
where doust thou hail from pagan?!
2007-05-18 02:28:43 · answer #9 · answered by Starguru 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no
2007-05-18 02:27:37 · answer #10 · answered by ignoramus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋