Can you hear what he is...

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

Hello everyone and Alan,

Test No. [color=blue]incompl/elem-1 “Speaking already”, question 1

Can you hear what he is …?

(a) saying
(b) speaking
(c) telling
(d) talking

Test No. [color=blue]incompl/elem-1 “Speaking already”, answer 1

Can you hear what he is saying?

Correct answer: (a) saying

I was wondering if someone could summarize the differences among these similar words. Is it absolutely impossible to use a word other than the correct one? How does the native speakers feel if I use the wrong word?

Bob

2

Dear Bob,

There are differences between those verbs although their meanings are indeed very similar. Let’s take a look:

a) What do you say about his new girlfriend? (What do you think about her)?

b) Do you speak Japanese?

c) Please, tell me a story.

d) I’d like to talk to Mr Mizumo, please.

Can you see the different contexts?
Let me know[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: An Asian puppet show[YSaerTTEW443543]

3

Thank you, Torsten.
It seems that I need to be familiar with those typical sentences.

4

Hi Bob,

Just to add something to what Torsten has said, I have made a sentence which icludes these 4 verbs, which you may find useful:

As I was SAYING (using words to describe something) before you came in the room, I was TELLING the others (informing them/this verb usually has an object) about John who is SPEAKING (giving a speech) tonight at the club and we were TALKING (having a conversation) about the possibility of going to listen to him.

Best wishes

Alan

5

So great explanation! Thank you, Alan. It helped me a lot.

6

Thanks Torsten for your e-mail lesson!Look forward to your next email

7

Hi Conong,

It’s great to you hear you liked the email – you will receive your next lesson on Saturday.

Talk to you soon,
Torsten[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: A castle[YSaerTTEW443543]

8

i want to know the use of do,does,did,done,has,have,had,hasbeen,hadbeen,havebeen
please perfect me in using these.

9

Hi Office,

Maybe we should take it one step at a time. Let’s start by looking at the help words “do/does” first. Please read this and let me know what you think.

Many thanks,
Torsten[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: Impressive column[YSaerTTEW443543]

10

hi Torsten
i agree with u. so teach me step by step

thanks
kiran
(Office)

11

i want to know the rules when/where to use do/does

office

12

Did you read this?
english-test.net/forum/ftopic1358.html[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: Sea view[YSaerTTEW443543]

13

thx a lot for ur lessons they are really great

14

Hi… again:) I’m a little bit confused.

“What is he saying?” or “What he is saying?” ? For my money, as I learnt it, the first sentence is a good one.
So I don’t understand why is it (or “it is”?) “Can you hear what he is saying?” and not “Can you hear what IS HE saying?”.

Or maybe it makes no difference is it “What is he…” or “What he is…” ?

Help… now my confusion is getting worse :expressionless:

15

Hi Violino

The test sentence is an indirect question:

  • Can you hear what he is saying?

The following are direct questions:

  • Can you hear him?
  • What is he saying?

An indirect question is basically a question within a question. When you have an indirect question, the introductory question will have interrogative word order (Can you hear), but the following clause normally does not.

Here are a couple more examples of indirect questions:

  • Do you know when he left the office?
  • Can you tell me how much that sofa costs?
    .
16

Thanks a lot, Yankee!:slight_smile:

17

thank you very much for your explianation.
i think i can understand these words a lots.

18

Hi Torsten, thanks for the test! it’s looked easy but I made one mistake ( I mean 1 question). ok, i’m gonna look at the lesson no.2 now cause i’ve got two form you.
Have a nice day:)

19

I got 8/10, thx Torsten

20

Hello, everybody!
I’m little bit confused too.
I thought i understand different between all this verbs very well.
Now i cant got it what it wrong if i use “speaking” and not “saying”. I mean he can speak to sb and i can hear it and ask the other person why might hear too.
Or i think generally wrong and i may not use verb “speaking” whit out telling to whom should be speaking?
many thanks for answer and i hope, there are some people why would understood my English