Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
cost for traveling (on a bus, train, etc.)
fare
doctor
discount
collateral
TOEIC prep test: Word quizzes: Free Online Nouns Game Answer
 
Username
Password
 Remember me? 
Search   FAQ   Memberlist   Profile   Private messages   Register   Log in 

Would it be wrong to say consume?



 
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 Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
What does "stone cold" mean? | Every been to Italy?
Listening exercises
Message
Author
Would it be wrong to say consume? #1 (permalink) Thu Oct 16, 2008 2:37 am   Would it be wrong to say consume?
 

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Postcard: France", question 5

At home we ......... a big breakfast as you know.

(a) eat
(b) consume
(c) drink

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Postcard: France", answer 5

At home we eat a big breakfast as you know.

Correct answer: (a) eat
_________________________

woud it be wrong to say consume ?
_________________
Joao Mª H. Fonseca
Your last mistake is your best teacher.
Joao Fonseca
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 31 Jul 2008
Posts: 193
Location: Brasília DF., Brazil

Woud it be wrong to say consume? #2 (permalink) Thu Oct 16, 2008 8:36 am   Woud it be wrong to say consume?
 

Hi Joaof,

It doesn't really work here and certainly not in a short note on a postcard. The first meaning of consume is use up as in: That car consumes a lot of petrol. The use of the verb with food and drink is usually only used in a formal way as in: The police reported that the accused had already consumed 4 litres of beer.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a stately home owner
Alan
Co-founder
Alan Townend

Joined: 27 Sep 2003
Posts: 9119
Location: UK

English grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skillsHave you read a good anecdote today? Subscribe to free email English courseLearn some cool expressions in the following cool storyAre you a native speaker of English? Then you should read this!
Woud it be wrong to say consume? #3 (permalink) Fri Oct 17, 2008 18:12 pm   Woud it be wrong to say consume?
 

Hi

In reference to breakfast I guess you could say:

"We consumed all the food in our house for our BIG breakie."

But in general it is not common to use it in connection with food.
_________________
Please meet Stewart Tunncilff
Stew.t.
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 549
Location: Leipzig, Germany

Woud it be wrong to say consume? #4 (permalink) Sat Oct 18, 2008 15:16 pm   Woud it be wrong to say consume?
 

Joao Fonseca wrote:
woud it be wrong to say consume ?


It would not be wrong to say "consume"; on a postcard, it might have a humorous air, or it might imply "eating to excess".

In a non-humorous context, you might use the phrase "consume breakfast" in e.g. a report on eating habits:

1. Studies have found that children who consume breakfast are less likely to be overweight.

2. The average total energy intake was significantly lower for children who did not consume breakfast.

NB In ordinary usage, in British English at least, you would usually "have breakfast", "have a big breakfast", etc.

Best wishes,

MrP
MrPedantic
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 1319
Location: Southern England

Display posts from previous:   
What does "stone cold" mean? | Every been to Italy?
ESL Forums | English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests) Would it be wrong to say consume? All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on ESL EFL Forums
What does 'making for' and 'can't follow' mean? (Multiple choice test number 19)Taking place?Meaning of "I have no idea why"How do I address an envelope to a widowed woman?What is the difference between insult and assult?What does 'show business' mean?Memory vs memoWhat is the relation between fax no. and pages?What does miserable mean?smell vs. scentwhy is not said, since to greet means say hi?What does 'in time' mean?Difference between insolvent and brokeDifference between plenty of and abundantWhat does 'platform' mean?What is a gerund please?What does "turned up" mean?Won't take her longWould it be wrong to say consume?

 
You can 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
First name E-mail