Discussion Groups / British English / October 2004

Recently, I've been told
"[To do this exercise properly] what you want to do is ...".
For me, it sounds a bit odd. I would have said
 "if you want to do this exercise then you must do ..."

Watching some tedious travelogue on TV recently, I was struck that
every place mentioned was described as being both "vibrant" and
"exciting" Some were even "one of the most exciting, vibrant places in
____ " (add country, continent of your choice). Much excited and

I am confused by the title of the movie "Blue Soldier".
Why not "Soldier Blue"? Is there any difference?
Thanks,
ciao

Hi NG
I look for a student or someone who could translate a few pages of german
text to a perfect english.
Must be of english mother tongue.

A quiz I'm making contains the following question:
"How many portions of fruit and veg is it recommended to eat each day?"
Does this sound as awkward to you as it does to me?  I would be tempted
to recast it using "one," but that would make the whole sound a bit more

My sons and I are fans of British television shows and recently have begun
watching BBC America.  I've noticed that there appears to be a tendency
among the English to use phrases like "I would have done" or "I might do"
where Americans would say "I would have" or "I might."  Would ...

In a novel by John le Carre' a member of the Circus reported to a superior
that someone was "supposed to be..."  The superior questioned the word
"supposed" and the subordinate amended it to "meant to be..."  I've checked
a number of sources on the internet trying to determine ...

I am *very* happy to have found a very collaborative ng!
I will take profit of this by posting an old question that
has always caused headaches to me and my teachers ;-)
Suppose I'm going to the unique airport of Rome, Fiumicino,

something I still don't understand in (british) English is the usage of
'one'. In old movies, or speeches by (older) people, it is normally used
in the way 'one does', 'one knows' etc.
However, I've also heard it in mock Queen's speeches or when some person

My dull little day was brightened up the other day when the BBC
informed me that the Democratic vice-presidential candidate was due to
face Bush's number two.
No? Just me then. Everyone else has grown up.

Sorry, i may be in the wrong NG but i need help and someone here may be able
to help me out.
I have a bussiness documantation that i had translated through a
proffessional (??) online translator.

.
Do you speak English?
Or...
Parlez-vous français ?

1. My knowledge of the US and British history is
equally poor.
2. My knowledge of the US and British history are
equally poor. <- I'd use this one.

De-lurking to ask something that has been worrying me for ages.
How long, and why, if anyone knows, have some Americans been saying 'erbs'
for herbs?
Veronica.