On 07/12/2017 07:56, Thomas de Groot wrote:
> On 6-12-2017 18:06, Stephen wrote:
>> On 06/12/2017 15:31, Bald Eagle wrote:
>>> Stephen <mca### [at] aolcom> wrote:
>>>> On 06/12/2017 08:03, Thomas de Groot wrote:
>>>
>>>>> LOL. Not being a native speaker, I have a hard time to formulate 
>>>>> them in
>>>>> such a way that it may puzzle you... ;-)
>>>
>>> No - your English (British, American, or otherwise) is excellent, and 
>>> probably
>>> exceeds the level of mastery of most of the semi-erect hominids that 
>>> occupy
>>> space on the North American continent.
>>
>> Well Nederlanders are born speaking at least four languages, or so I 
>> suspect. ;)
> 
> Unfortunately, that is long past... :-/
> 

I am saddened :-(


> [snip]
> 

>>> where it

>>> is beside

>>>
>>
>> I'm guilty of over using the definitive article.
> 
> We all just need something to grumble about I suspect. ;-)
> 

It is more a national characteristic. See below.

> I don't really know about "the". I /know/ that I frown when I hear 
> native speaking Dutch or French misusing their own language/grammar, 
> particularly on radio or TV. In daily conversation I do not really care 
> (and I am sloppy too).
> 

We seem to sliding down the slippery slope to Americanised English. Not 
that I have anything against Americans speaking it (big of me, yes/no? 
;-) ). It is to be expected. But youngsters? I suppose it is all the 
media that comes from there.
Fortunately I don't watch TV and only listen to BBC radio. Where they 
still speak properly albeit with soft regional accents, if they can 
afford them.


> 
> [snip]
>>
>>> over copious (excessive?) quantities of excellent Scotch, etc.
>>>
>>
>> 1/ What do you mean by excessive? ;)
> 
> I wonder too...
> 

One bottle or two?

>>
>> 2/ If you can put up with my low taste in whisky (The famous Grouse) I 
>> would certainly split a bottle with you. I would even drink your 
>> Sipping Whiskey and enjoy the education. :D
>>
> 
> Nothing wrong with the Grouse...
> 

Exactly how we use "the", for emphasis. Just as Mr Trump likes to be 
called "The Donald", "The Duck" suits him better.*

* This is my own opinion and in no way reflects the views of our 
government.** At least in public. ;-)

** Brown nosing, weaselling politicians.


-- 

Regards
     Stephen

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