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
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[lost_soul]

how about "take shots"?
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Alex

A native speaker of Russian

[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