20171122

English Subjunctive

We don’t use the subjunctive very much in contemporary English unless we wish to sound very formal. The base subjunctive is typically used in that clauses after two structures:
1. Certain verbs  demand, insist, recommend, suggest, advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, order, prefer, propose, recommend, request
  • People demand that the troops be withdrawn.
  • The boss insisted that Sam not be at the meeting.
  • I suggest that he study.
  • Jake recommended that Susan be hired immediately.
2. After some adjectives: advisable, best, crucial, desirable, essential, imperative, important, necessary, unthinkable, urgent, vital

  • It is important that everyone register.
  • Is it essential that we be there?
You should write the base of the verb after the that cluse, for example: be, have, do, go, sing, work. The base subjunctive does not use any other forms (goes, sings, works).

 "should" is sometimes  used more frequently in British English

Examples:
  • The doctor recommended that she should see a specialist about the problem.
  • Professor William suggested that Wilma should study harder for the final exam.
  • It is essential (that) you should be given your medication
  • Compare also the following:
  • The doctor recommended (that) he should give up smoking. 
  • The doctor recommended (that) he give up smoking. (More formal)
  • The doctor recommended (that) he gives up smoking. (Less formal)

20171121

“Other” vs. “Another”

  • Another + singular countable noun
  • Other is used before plural or uncountable nouns.
  • Other can accompanied by the article "the" in singular: example: the other car
Examples:
  • I need another cup. (cup is singular so we use another)
  • I need other cups. (cup is plural so we use other)
  • I need others. (refers to other cups)
  • The other people are waiting for the same thing.
More examples

I have two pencils. One is black, and the other is blue.
The other car cost much less.
I have two brothers. One of them lives in Canada. The other brother lives in Japan.”

  • Let’s meet another day.”
  • I’d like another piece of cake.
  • Other people have problems, too.” [people = plural noun]
  • “This book has other information.” [information = uncountable noun]
    • That piece of cake was tasty. I think I’ll have another. (another = one more piece of cake)
Others is a pronoun and is NOT followed by a noun.
  • These shoes are too small. Do you have any other shoes?
  • These shoes are too small. Do you have any others? (no noun after others)

Difference between 'such as' and 'like'

Such as is more than a thousand times commoner in academic writing than in speech, whereas like is straightforward and direct. Like implies comparison and such as implies inclusion. Consider these two examples:

Chuck enjoys desserts such as brownies, cheesecake, and macaroons
Chuck enjoys desserts like brownies, cheesecake, and macaroons

When you say “desserts like brownies,” you're implying that you don't enjoy brownies themselves, but instead enjoy a different dessert similar to brownies. It's a subtle difference, but one to be aware of.

We normally use a comma before such as when we present a list of examples. Where there is just one example, we don’t need a comma:
The shop specialises in tropical fruits, such as pineapples, mangoes and papayas. (… for example, pineapples, mangoes and papayas.)

Countries such as Sweden have a long record of welcoming refugees from all over the world.

She has worked in several countries where English is spoken as a first language, such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and so on. (or, less formal, … like Australia, New Zealand, Canada and so on.)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Here’s an important question for you: Do you live your life by default…or by design?
Living by DEFAULT means that you don’t have any specific dreams for your future… and so, you just kind of float through life and let things happen to you.
Living by DESIGN means that you know exactly who you are and what you want for your future—what your dreams are. You have a plan to get to your destination, and you take consistent action on it.
While living by default is a recipe for dissatisfaction, living by design is what makes you feel truly alive and content!

20171113

Why saunas really ARE good for your health: First ever study confirms they can treat and PREVENT illnesses

Recent studies have provided the first clear evidence that taking a regular sauna can be extremely good for health – alleviating and preventing common acute and chronic conditions.
In a 2015 study, scientists from the University of Eastern Finland recorded the sauna bathing habits of 2,300 men, and tracked their health for more than two decades.
They found that those who used saunas regularly suffered from dramatically fewer deaths from heart disease or stroke. In a follow-up study by the same group the following year, regular sauna sessions were found to substantially reduce the risk of dementia. Mail

High blood pressure: Swap salt for THIS at dinner to reduce high BP

HIGH blood pressure could be lowered by cutting back on salt, and by swapping it for herbs and spices, it’s been claimed.

Don’t add salt when cooking,” said the charity. “This includes salty foods like soy sauce, stock cubes and gravy granules.
“Get extra flavour with herbs and spices, and from seasonings like chilli, ginger, lemon or lime juice.”

20171107

Arthritis symptoms: 85p spice relieves joint pain and inflammation

ARTHRITIS symptoms include joint pain and inflammation, and the condition affects about 10 million people in the UK. But, adding an 85p household favourite spice to your dinner could relieve signs of arthritis.

Turmeric contains the anti-inflammatory ingredient curcumin, which could help to relieve joint pain.

The bright yellow spice is traditionally used as a curry spice, but research claims it could be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Curcumin blocks certain enzymes that cause inflammation, it’s been claimed.
It could also be used to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease, a study has revealed. Express