STRUCTURES

 STRUCTURES

Just because nobody complains doesn't mean all parachutes are perfect; Just because I don't have a college degree doesn't mean I am not Smart!; Just because we can't find a solution it doesn't mean that there isn't one; Just because you’re correct doesn’t mean you’re not annoying.

Life is too short to be scared and not take risks. I'd rather be the person that's like, 'I messed up,' than, 'I wish I did that'

I'd rather annoy with the truth than please with adulation.

There is no life as complete as the life that is lived by choice.

 

                             **************************+

1. "What ... like vs How is ...

When asking for a description of something, you should use the construction "What ... like?"

However, how is a perfectly valid question. It just doesn't ask for a description.

How seeks to learn:

• In what manner or way; by what means: How does this machine work?
• In what state or condition: How is she today?
• To what extent, amount, or degree: How bad was it?
• For what reason or purpose; why: How is it that he left early?
• With what meaning: How should I take that remark?
• By what name: How is she called?
• By what measure; in what units: How do you sell this corn?

etc...

When you ask "How is your new teacher?", you are not asking for a description. Instead, you are asking about her state or condition. The answer would involve adjectives like good,sick, happy, etc.

When you ask "How's the weather?", again, you are technically not asking for a description, but its state or condition. For questions like these, the distinction between "description" and "state" is pedantic, and you shouldn't worry too much about them.

---

To be more thorough about the "weather" questions:

Asking these questions will almost always get you the same (or similar answer):

• How's the weather?
• What's the weather like?

For example, I live in Southern Oregon, and the weather today is foggy and cold, so I might respond "Foggy and cold." The first question may also solicit "Not great. Foggy and cold." (And this is because how is asking about condition or state, something that what doesn't ask.)

However, if I ask "How's the weather usually in Toronto?" I'm trying to get a sense of weather or not the weather is "good" or "bad" usually, which probably isn't that useful. Instead, I would ask "What's the weather usually like in Toronto?", which would get me a description of the usual weather in Toronto (much more useful).

2. So (that) or in order that?

In order may be followed either by an infinitive clause, which is introduced by the infinitive complementizer (for...) to, or by a tensed clause, which is introduced by the complementizer that.

We use so that and in order that to talk about purpose. We often use them with modal verbs (can, would, will, etc.). So that is far more common than in order that, and in order that is more formal:

I’ll go by car so that I can take more luggage.

We left a message with his neighbour so that he would know we’d called.

[on a website]

In order that you can sign the form, please print it out and mail it to this address.

We often leave out that after so in informal situations:

I’ve made some sandwiches so (that) we can have a snack on the way.

When referring to the future, we can use the present simple or will/’ll after so that. We usually use the present simple after in order that to talk about the future:

I’ll post the CD today so that you get it by the weekend. (or … so that you will get it …)

We will send you a reminder in order that you arrive on time for your appointment. (or … so that you arrive on time … or … so that you’ll arrive on time …)

 So (that)

So that (but not in order that) can also mean ‘with the result that’:

The birds return every year around March, so that April is a good time to see them.

 

TEST (CAE)

In order (not) to, so as (not) to, so (that)

1. So that (but not in order that) can also mean ‘with the result that’:
The birds return every year around March, so that April is a good time to see them.

I’ll go by car so that I can take more luggage.

I’ll post the CD today so that you get it by the weekend. (or so that you will get it …)

I’ve made some sandwiches so (that) we can have a snack on the way.

We left a message with his neighbour so that he would know we’d called.

If you are walking at night, wear white so that cars can see you.


2. In order may be followed either by an infinitive clause, which is introduced by the infinitive complementizer (for...) to, or by a tensed clause, which is introduced by the complementizer that.

We are all servants of the laws in order to be free.

He left early in order for Mary to make the presentation.

We will send you a reminder in order that you arrive on time for your appointment. (or … so that you arrive on time … or … so that you’ll arrive on time …) 

In order that you can sign the form, please print it out and mail it to this address.

He left early in order that there would be enough light to drive.

He left early in order that we would be free to follow him.

I am doing it (in order/so as) to get it. Sería lo mismo que: I am doing it so that I/she can get it.

I'm studying so as to pass the exam.


3. Pronoun / there plus "To" infinitive.

I want there to be peace in the world. * He wants there to be more people there next time. * I don't want there to be any problems. * Do you really want there to be a picture of a frog on the front cover?

I wouldn't like you to be treated as I have been treated and as others have.

Would you like there to be better mobile coverage in your village / more trees where you live?

Would you like there to be less pollution?

Would you like there to be a next time, Anna?