On 7-12-2017 12:09, Stephen wrote:
> 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]
>>

>>>> it where it

>>>> fellow 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?

What? no more? ;-)

> 
>>>
>>> 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.*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDwzcKoSUAs [North Korea in the 
background] ;-)

> 
> * This is my own opinion and in no way reflects the views of our 
> government.** At least in public. ;-)
> 
> ** Brown nosing, weaselling politicians.
> 
> 

Hear! Hear!

-- 
Thomas

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