Here goes something that is TRULY USEFUL!!!
When you don't know how to use a word or maybe how to say something in English or even how to express yourself accurately, try not to say the following sentence:
"Teacher, I have a doubt about ..."
Then, You might say: "why???"
It's not exactly what you want to say. That's why! In English, the word doubt means lack of trust; disbelief; uncertainty. Just like in the sentences below:
- There is some doubt about his candidacy!
- My friend started doubting the things he heard at Church after his wife died.
So, the following sentence would sound ODD:
- I have a doubt about when to use 'other' and 'another'.
This sentence has two mistakes.
FIRST: the word doubt is uncountable, so you can't say a doubt or the doubt, except in some expressions such as 'without a doubt', 'beyond the shadow of a doubt' or 'the benefit of the doubt'.
SECOND: the word doubt implies disbelief, distrust or uncertainty.
SUBSTITUTING:
Instead of saying 'I have a doubt!' you can say 'I have a question: blá-blá-blá?'
Check out the following other possibilities:
- I'm not sure about when I should use 'in' or 'on'.
- I'm a little confused about the use of 'in' and 'on'.
- The use of 'in and 'on' is not clear enough.
Is it all right??? Got it??? Well, if you have any ... QUESTIONS, I'll be glad to answer them.
André
