Comments on: If there was an Obama look alike contest…

By: ponderlicious

ponderlicious — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:52:27 +0000

“If I was” vs “If I were.”
It is nice to see someone talking about correct grammar nowadays. And you can see how being clear grammatically actually affects the clarity of what you are trying to say. I’ve was taught that the difference is one of possibility. If the situation could possibly be true (no matter how much of a stretch), then you use “was,” but if there is no way it could be possible, then use “were.” An example:
If I was President, I would not raise taxes. (It is possible I could be President, but it is a long stretch.)

If I were a tape recorder, then I would be a good one. (Impossible.)

This actually brings up the question of what IS possible in reality. Some people believe anything is possible, so for that crowd, they should always use “was.” For those who are more realistic, then they have to decide each time whether what they are saying is realistically possible or not.

Good question though!

By: Ant

Ant — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:41:29 +0000

Yup!! He’s Indonesian. His name is Ilham Anas. He live in Bandung, Indonesia as a Photographer. B-)

By: loy

loy — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:40:22 +0000

The real Obama looks better.

By: Trosp

Trosp — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:25:46 +0000

Here I am again going OT…

Talking about vagina. There is this story -

The new teacher introduced herself to the students as Ms. Pruque as the class was just starting.

“You may call me Ms. Pruque in and out of the class. Please always be reminded of the letter ‘r’” she told her class.

Before the class ends, she again asked one student if he can remember her name. Unfortunately, she has picked the most forgetful student whom as expected has forgotten her name.

“Remember the ‘r’” the teacher coached.

“Of course,” the student said, “you’re Ms Krepias!”

(You can tell this joke to those who can not understand the vernacular by using Ms Vragina and Ms Prussy names respectively.)

Cheers!

By: Trosp

Trosp — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 05:35:48 +0000

Ooops, I didn’t mean to make fun or to offend anybody in my previous comment. I was not stereotyping. It was just a plain personal amusement with what I’ve observed. In fact, I enjoy much watching movies and TV series with British actors and actresses.

Actually, in the case of Indonesians, Malaysians, and Singaporeans, IMO, they are not mimicking the British accent per se. It’s by default. One has to communicate in English and for them what’s available for them is the continental one.

Once when I was in Singapore, I was invited by a vendor for a dinner. Syempre VIP ako. It was in an exclusive club – members and their guest only. Right away I’ve noticed that most of the club’s staff particularly the waiters are Indians and they are all pleasant looking and were always acting with finesse. Their accent I would say are 100% British. It is an exclusive club but it was full of diners and most of them were Singaporeans in their teens or in early 20s which have really surprised me. The explanation as may baby sitter has told me – they’re from rich families and are refining their “sociability quotient” and their English 101. (Singaporeans have a hard time pronouncing words with r, l, and h).

Talagang OT na he he he…

In our country, once one has seen a caucasian, the thinking would most likely go to be – “it’s an American”. Same is true with Korea. We always consider a Tisoy as Amboy or Amgirl for Tisay. In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, the thinking would most likely go to be – “it’s a British”. For them, Tisoy is Eurasian.

For me, English grammar is not one among my strong points (or my lack of it…he he he). And one other thing, I still have to meet a kababayan with British accent when speaking in English.