Difference: present vs represent

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi dear and respected teachers,

Could anyone please tell me what difference is between present and represent?

AND which one of them has the same meaning with the verb show, please?

Thanks so much in advance,

KK

2

Both of these words have more than one meaning and, according to the thesaurus.reference.com they both can have the same meaning (be synonymous to) as the verb show. It all depends on context.

3

Thanks Milanya! So at customs, why do people use “represent your passport”, not “present your passport”, though for me it seemingly has no difference between them? Could you help me to get it sorted out, please?

Thanks,

KK

4

By the way, could anyone help me to distinguish “time-frame” from “time-table”, please? I’d be grateful!

KK

5

Customs of what country? Maybe their English is not perfect.

In this context there is a difference, and “represent your passport” does not sound correct; it should be “present your passport.”

Timetable is a schedule, an order of actions with respect to the times when actions are performed, as a TV program or a train schedule.
Time frame is a period of time or a deadline. We have to finish this job within a week. One week is our time frame. There is no concern in what order we do the job.

6

Thanks Milanya! Regarding differences, I’ve found the word “security”, which is used in the following context where I feel it’s seemingly not gramatically correct. Could anyone give an explanation, please?

On the cover of a package of diapers, there is an advert saying: provides comfort and security for the baby.

IMO, security should be replaced by “safe”. I am really in no way qualified to comment in depth about, however, I am really not comfortable with “security” there.

Thanks

KK

7

In this context “security” (a noun meaning “a state of being fastened firmly”) is grammatically correct, “safe” on the other hand is either an adjective that does not fit or a noun meaning “a metal container usually having a lock, used for storing valuables” that does not make any sense at all.

“Provides comfort and security for the baby” means that a diaper is soft (providing comfort) and would not leak (providing security, firmly fastened).

8

Sorry, I meant “safety”. So is “safety” contextually correct?

By the way, Milanya, could you give me some popular examples of when to use represent and present as a verb and we can highlight the difference between them, please? They are synonyms in some contexts, however, I’ve not worked out the difference of them in other contexts.

I’d be thankful!

KK

9

By the way, could anyone tell me what difference is between “Like I said” and “As I said”. I only understand the latter, for me, that means to repeat what the speaker has already said before the time of the speaking. I do not understand the former.

Thanks

KK