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Singaporeans like to use the word "faster". Recently, I overheard a mother telling her son in a foodcourt, "Can you faster eat or not?"
And on another occasion, when two schoolboys saw a friend coming, "Quick, faster hide the book, he is coming!"
Shouldn't it be: "Can you eat a little faster?" or simply "Can you hurry up?" and "Quick! Hide the book, he is coming!"
You are correct.
The alternatives given by you are preferred:
“Can/could you eat a little faster?"
“Can/could you hurry up?"
“Quick! Hide the book. He is coming!"
Source: Edited from "English As It is Broken" on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more.
If I could, I would. If I can, I will. What is the difference?
Both can be used. “If I could, I would” is more formal.
This is a matter of ability to do something within one’s means.
For example, “If I could help you fix this car, I would do so but I do not have the time now.”
Source: Edited from "English As It is Broken" on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more.
Is there any difference between "dateline" and "deadline"? Are these words interchangeable?
"Dateline" refers to a line in a newspaper article that gives the date and the place of origin.
"Deadline", however, refers to the date or time a task needs to be completed.
Given the different meanings, we should not use these words interchangeably.
Source: Edited from the english@work e-newsletter by 938LIVE. Subscribe to the english@work newsletter.
Is there a difference between "further" and "farther"? How is each of these words used?
"Farther" is an adjective used to refer to a greater distance or a more distant place.
It is only used when we are speaking of real places and distances.
For example, "What is the farthest place that you have been to?
The adjective "further" is used to mean 'more', 'extra' or 'additional'.
For example, "Please write in to us for further information."
Source: Edited from the english@work e-newsletter by 938LIVE. Subscribe to the english@work newsletter.
People use the alternative word "incentivise" when they mean "motivate". However, the word "incentivise" cannot be found in the dictionary. Is it correct to use this word?
There is no such word as "incentivise". It can only be used in its noun form "incentive".
For example, instead of "This will incentivise him to do better", we should rephrase it to "This will be an incentive for him to do better."
Source: Edited from the english@work e-newsletter by 938LIVE. Subscribe to the english@work newsletter.
