Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
termination; end
deadline
expiration
attempt
terminal
TOEIC test: Word games: Free Online Noun Adjective Verb Game Answer
 
Username
Password
 Remember me? 
Search   FAQ   Memberlist   Profile   Private messages   Register   Log in 

The train runs by the second.



 
ESL/EFL Worksheets and Handouts for Students Printable, photocopiable, clearly structured
Designed for teachers and individual learners
For use in a classroom, at home, on your PC
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
"I love you so" vs "I love you so much" | What's the meaning of "RIP"?
Message Author
The train runs by the second. Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:29 am  The train runs by the second.
 

Hi,

If I want to say that the train arrives accurately to the second every time, can I use the above sentence?

Many thanks,
Cantik
_________________
Thou shalt not use yours to make the whole world jealous.
siCantikManis
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 17 Jun 2008
Posts: 218
Location: Zippon

The train runs by the second. Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:47 am  The train runs by the second.
 

Hi Cantik

No, that sentence doesn't work.
The words "by the second" might be used to mean "each second" or "with every second (that passes/passed)":

- I was getting more worried by the second.
.
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 7452
Location: Northeast US

Are you a native speaker of English? Then you should read this!This newsletter tells you all about English! Subscribe to free email English courseEnglish grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skillsWant to learn about the future tenses? Read this story and smile
The train runs by the second. Mon Jun 30, 2008 5:05 am  The train runs by the second.
 

Oh, so how can I say it?

Thanks, gal.
siCantikManis
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 17 Jun 2008
Posts: 218
Location: Zippon

The train runs by the second. Mon Jun 30, 2008 13:29 pm  The train runs by the second.
 

Maybe, 'The train always arrives (dead) on time.'? Or it arrives at one-thirty sharp.
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.
Inga
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 208
Location: Minsk, Belarus

The train runs by the second. Mon Jun 30, 2008 13:47 pm  The train runs by the second.
 

Thanks for the suggestions, Inga. Now I'm thinking of this:

The train is accurate to the second.
siCantikManis
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 17 Jun 2008
Posts: 218
Location: Zippon

The train runs by the second. Mon Jun 30, 2008 13:55 pm  The train runs by the second.
 

in english you wouldn't say that the train was "accurate"
it either "arrived" or "departed" to the second
but again this is not really an English phrase. I would still say "it arrived dead on time" is the best way.
you can also say "it arrived on the dot"
Benjamin
You can meet me at english-test.net


Joined: 23 Jun 2008
Posts: 96
Location: London

The train runs by the second. Mon Jun 30, 2008 13:57 pm  The train runs by the second.
 

Thanks Benjamin. I like the expression "on the dot".
siCantikManis
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 17 Jun 2008
Posts: 218
Location: Zippon

Display posts from previous:   
"I love you so" vs "I love you so much" | What's the meaning of "RIP"?
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms The train runs by the second. All times are GMT + 2 Hours
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on ESL EFL Forums
Colloquial expression for "make eyes at someone""no little surprise" would mean no surprise or great surprise?meaning of a phrase "he has to have it up me open..."Do you honour this health insurance?This concludes my talk.The real difference between error and mistakeopinion to be givenSentences with "she asked me..."Adjective: 'I am very pragmatic person' vs 'I am very pragmatic'the usage of 'could' in these lyricsAnother doubt: when to use 'I've got' and 'I got'?When to use 'in' and 'on'?Rewrite sentence: Simon had not expected that he would feel so weak after the...short noticestay when visitingproportion or ratio?embarrassing comment"don't seem to" vs "seem not to"The train runs by the second.

Discover English-test.net
GPA requirement: I have a CGPA of 7.65/10.00 -- is this good enough?Sight vs. siteWhat does tons mean?Several years experience?Different mistakes made by different peopleGRE Preparation: Learn English Vocabulary: Verb Noun Adjective ListsGRE test: Word games: Free Online Verb Noun Adjective GameMeaning of weather, docket, spasmodic, stymie, metallurgical, migrantPimsleur Portuguese Brazilian, Comprehensive Course I: Pimsleur Portuguese Brazilian Language CourseLanguage synonyms: Synonyms for kill and murderWealth management and business banking: Global Production and the Labour Market

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe to FREE email English course written by Alan Townend
First name E-mail