Style

Congo

- Idiom - The proper way to say something in English is often a matter of custom. Accepted usage dictates that it be said a certain way. This is idiom. For example: We will try and see if the level of the lake is still receding. This is not idiomatic. The usual, and therefore proper, version is: We will try to see if the level of the lake is still receding. [idiomatic] Several more examples follow: It was logical to associate the new outlet and the tectonic activity. It was logical to associate the new outlet with the tectonic activity. [idiomatic] To theorize about drainage is applying science. To theorize about drainage is to apply science.[idiomatic] The lowering lake level was caused not so much by evaporation but instead by a new outlet. The lowering lake level was caused not so much by evaporation as by a new outlet. [idiomatic] Disagreement arose between colleagues and among factions regarding theories of river origins. Disagreement arose among colleagues and between factions regarding theories of river origins. [idiomatic] It was not the Luama but instead the Lukuga that drained the lake. It was not the Luama but the Lukuga that drained the lake. [idiomatic] Note: Consult a good dictionary if you are unsure whether a phrase is idiomatic. (To find it, look up the most significant word in the phrase -- it is usually a verb.)

Write Guru