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#2 (permalink) Fri Jun 11, 2010 23:29 pm He is punctual...if there is any mistake please correct it: Ganesh |
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Your first sentence feels odd to me.
I would just say "He is extremely punctual."
I have no objections whatsoever to your second sentence. Either needs a period, however. |
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Mordant Language Coach
Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 1964 Location: United States
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#3 (permalink) Fri Jun 11, 2010 23:34 pm He is punctual to the minute |
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Hi Ganesh,
Perhaps: Punctual to the very minute.
I think 'broken down' is rather a grand expression for a watch. Cars, machinery break down but the humble watch would simply be: My watch is broken/doesn't work/has stopped working.
Alan _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story Present Simple |
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Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 14460 Location: UK
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#4 (permalink) Fri Jun 11, 2010 23:52 pm He is punctual to the minute |
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| Good point, Alan. I agree. |
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Mordant Language Coach
Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 1964 Location: United States
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#5 (permalink) Sat Jun 12, 2010 1:11 am He is punctual to the minute |
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| I'd feel "He is punctual to the minute" is also a redundant expression. |
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Haihao I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 2471 Location: Japan
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#6 (permalink) Sat Jun 12, 2010 1:17 am He is punctual to the minute |
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I don't think it is used very much, but wouldn't call it redundant.
"Haihao is late." "Yes, it's not like him. He's usually on time." "Normally, you could set a clock by him, because he's punctual to the very minute."
I would understand the term to mean that if you are due at 8pm, then that is the time you would arrive. You wouldn't be late - and you would also not be early. I know someone like that, and have described him in these terms.
PS Haihao, have you noticed your PM inbox? _________________ Cheers m' dears! |
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Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 20428 Location: UK, born and bred
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#7 (permalink) Sat Jun 12, 2010 2:08 am He is punctual to the minute |
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| Thank you BN. And I have now opened my PM inbox. :) |
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Haihao I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 2471 Location: Japan
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| Who questions: Who are going to travel...? | Usage of "Who all" |