Sometimes you may not be so sure if the sentence you just made or made by others is correct or natural. Or you may be so puzzled about a sentence. If that was the case, what would you do?
Ask for help or consult someone
Some members may want to make sure if a sentence is grammatically correct or natural. They'd send a message to an English teacher or an advanced member here or just leave a comment on their page to ask for help. Hopefully, you'll get the answer.
Find the answer yourself
You'd try to consult a book or dictionary instead. It's the sentence that makes you learn harder and learn more. In fact, that is the most recommended way to deal with the problem. Teach yourself.
Do nothing and remain puzzled
You'd wait until one day you read a similar sentence and you know the answer.
If I were you, I'd consult someone or a book or a dictionary instead of doing nothing or just waiting. How about this sentence 'It's time you published a blog'? Or how about this one 'It's time you went home'?
Comments
@Tara
Thanks for the comment. Yes, other members can benefit from corrections in public, too.
Great post!
Most teachers and advanced learners won't mind helping with a singly tricky phrase or sentence at a time. The best way to ask is out in public (in the comments) or on a page. That way everyone can benefit from the question and the answer.
@Alice
Thanks for the wonderful comment. Yes, this is an English-learning/teaching site - it's reasonable for a learner to ask a question.
@setareh
Yes, you can teach yourseld instead of asking others to help.
@Elen
You're welcome!
I think i understood. Thank you again Expector Smith :)
Dear Expector, it happens to me so ofton while I try to write I check the correct propesition which goes with the word ot the correct verb which is used with the noun, therefore i have learned alot through this way.
It doesn't hurt to ask for help, this is after all a learning site. Btw because of your consistent prodding to all of us here to write a blog I actually worked against the clock to write one today to add to the challenge. So I guess I have you to thank for this huh? :)
@Rajib
Thanks! I've noticed you're trying to help leave a comment on blogs by other members - I really appreciate it. Keep it up!
@Elen
Good question! 'It's time' can be so tricky. Yes, you can say 'It's time (for you) to do something, or for something', but you can also say 'It's (high, about) time did something'. When you use past tense verb, you're using the subjunctive (mood) of the verb (but meaning the present or future). Here's some examples:
It's time (for you) to go to bed.
It's time for lunch.
It's time you went to bed.
It's hight or about time you bought a new book.
@Seeker
Yes, you got it!
@Onee
Many thanks! It's time you wrote a new blog:)
Expector, it is on your previous blog. :)
It's interesting to know that. I feel lucky being here..
Again, very informative blog! Thank you so much for sharing.
Hello Expector Smith, usually when i am not sure for the grammar in the sentence that i want to write i search about it in internet or i open my old english books. It helps me. But when i am lazy i change whole the sentece, i find other words to say. LOL.
By the way i don't understand the sentence "It's time you published a blog" I thought the right is "It's time to publish a blog". Can you explain it? Thanks in advance :)
Is is informative ........