Can I use "photos" in this case?

[Thai Binh]

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #23 "Expressions and Gerunds", question 8

I've just bought one of those new digital cameras. Would you like to have a look at some of the images I've been taking?

(a) I've just bought
(b) at
(c) images

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #23 "Expressions and Gerunds", answer 8

I've just bought one of those new digital cameras. Would you like to have a look at some of the pictures I've been taking?

Correct entry: pictures
The error was: (c) images

You have found the error but your entry is incorrect.
I've just bought one of those new digital cameras. Would you like to have a look at some of the photos I've been taking?
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Can I use "photos" in this case?

Thanks
Thai Binh

[Yankee]

Hi Thai Binh

Yes, you can also say photos.

But I'd say "take pictures" is much more often used than "take photos".

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Lost_Soul]

how about "take shots"?

[Yankee]

That's an interesting question, lost_soul.

Generally speaking, yes, you can use the word 'shot' to refer to a picture you've taken. But, I'd also say the context needs to be clear beforehand. In other words, the fact that you are referring to photography has to be established since the word 'shot' has other meanings . You need to be especially careful if you use the verb 'take' since there are several expressions that use the words 'take' and 'shot'. For example:

- take a shot at someone (shoot with a gun or punch or verbally abuse)
- take a shot at something (attempt something -OR- shoot with a gun or verbally abuse)
- take a shot of something (drink a small amount of liquor or some other liquid)

Additionally, I don't like 'have been taking' partnered with 'shot' in the test sentence. It would sound better to me with the present perfect simple ('have taken').

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Bhikkhu1991a]

Hello,

[Mister Micawber]

I suspect that it was already considered in the writing of the question. As Yankee has already said, 'pictures' is more common than 'photos', and 'photographs' is even less common, since (as you say) it is rather formal – perhaps too formal to appear naturally after 'have a look at' in this informal conversation.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Bhikkhu1991a]

Hello Mister Micawber,

I am sorry that I have overlooked this test question 8, which only accepts informal answers because it is a conversation. I am grateful that you have pointed out only informal words that fit into this test sentence.

Many thanks for your help and clarification.

Best wishes,
Bhikkhu1991a.