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Is it grammatically correct.



 
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ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Beer cannot be classified as liquor? | Usage of the word "Yummy"
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Is it grammatically correct. #1 (permalink) Thu Oct 01, 2009 3:55 am   Is it grammatically correct.
 

Is it grammatically correct to write

Can you advise us the number of days you spent in Thailand last year?

Thanks
David1999
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Is it grammatically correct. #2 (permalink) Thu Oct 01, 2009 4:04 am   Is it grammatically correct.
 

No: you should use a different verb, such as "tell".
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Is it grammatically correct. #3 (permalink) Thu Oct 01, 2009 4:17 am   Is it grammatically correct.
 

Thanks. This sentence is for professional advice, so we better use the verb 'advice' rather than 'tell'.
David1999
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Is it grammatically correct. #4 (permalink) Thu Oct 01, 2009 5:57 am   Is it grammatically correct.
 

It is often thought that using longer words can improve your language; but it cannot. Most good writers prefer the short word over the long one, the normal over the formal - unless there is a clear reason why the more complicated word would better express the writer's thoughts. You shouldn't use colloquial expressions in formal situations, that much is true; but normal expressions are fine.

If you want to toss "tell", how about this one: "How many days did you spend in Thailand last year?". If you insist on using a "formal" word, you could say "Please inform us of the number of days you spent in Thailand last year.". The verb "to advise" has a different meaning; I do not see how it could be used here.
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