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Sue, is driving her Daughter to University today, So I have little to do but ask stupid questions. I usually ask her.

What was the title of your last OT post On MGE? Don't forget the link.

Here's Mine

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?47,1543100

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Ok, Chris, I'll play. Here's mine.

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?47,1542798

Yes, but what was the last one before this one????

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Yeah, Yeah: heres mine. My boredom also led me into strange avenues.

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?47,1535554

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Quote: "
Sue, is driving her Daughter to University today, So I have little to do but ask stupid questions. I usually ask her.

What was the title of your last OT post On MGE? Don't forget the link.

Here's Mine

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?47,1543100"

Mine was about the earthquake in New Zealand. DOn't have a link, seemed like little interest.

But maybe you can answer me a semi-serious question. Seems like all folks who speak the "Queen's English" refer to "to University" or "in hospital" as you did in your post. Americans would say "to the University" or "in the hospital".

Do English schools teach it as such, or is it slang? I know the American version got me through school without getting knuckles rapped, so just curious.

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Damn it, Wayne! You've made me think :D

Just been discussing this with my wife and I'll complicate things even more.

Our grandchildren got to school. We go to the school to bring them home.

My father in law has gone to hopsital. I'm going to the hospital to visit him.

We never go to doctor, only to the doctor.

The difference being (I think) is the reason.

The grandchildren got to school to take part in the activities of the school. We are only at the school temporarily. Likewise the father in law is in hospital for treatment, not just a visit. Nobody stays at the doctor.

Those examples may be local to us and other areas may interpret things differently. I'm no expert on the Queen's English.

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Quote: "
Damn it, Wayne! You've made me think :D

Just been discussing this with my wife and I'll complicate things even more.

Our grandchildren got to school. We go to the school to bring them home.

My father in law has gone to hopsital. I'm going to the hospital to visit him.

We never go to doctor, only to the doctor.

The difference being (I think) is the reason.

The grandchildren got to school to take part in the activities of the school. We are only at the school temporarily. Likewise the father in law is in hospital for treatment, not just a visit. Nobody stays at the doctor.

Those examples may be local to us and other areas may interpret things differently. I'm no expert on the Queen's English."

I think the difference is whether you are talking about generalities or specifics.

My niece and nephew go to school [general term referring to the institution known as school], but I go to the school [a specific building] to meet them.

When I was 18 I went to university [general term referring to the institution known as university]. Specifically, I went to the University of Bristol [specific example].

Aah, English... simple to pick up, a real hard slog to master.

Edit: here's a grammar page which explains when the definite article can be omitted: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/grammar/articles/2.xml

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...I came from the seed,but I am going to seed.....

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But can you identify THE seed?

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I think SJJ is on the right track. It must be some tensey-nouny-participley-thingy. Might be some convoluted rule about what is done there as opposed to where it is.
Some English teacher will set us straight with a steel ruler soon. *shang!* "Owwwww!"

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Quote: "
I think SJJ is on the right track. It must be some tensey-nouny-participley-thingy. Might be some convoluted rule about what is done there as opposed to where it is.
Some English teacher will set us straight with a steel ruler soon. *shang!* "Owwwww!""

The beauty of the English language - in fact, any language - is that it can be evolved into so many different forms. Whilst we might take the "royal high ground" with some aspects, we're more than willing to take inspiration from fellow English-language speaking countries to improve our own "mother-tongue". American Hollywood and Australian Neighbours have a lot to answer for :P

I think this chap said it best:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IzDbNFDdP4

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Quote: "
But can you identify THE seed?"

....yes the koo koo nut..........

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This is all very interesting (seriously!) to me. I as an American speaking a form of English would never say "in hosptial". It just doesn't sound right to me.

I have had occasions when I needed to get to "a hospital" meaning I don't care which one, but need it NOW!

Once I went there, I would maybe make a return visit to "the hospital", since I now know which one.

Just a curious difference which I have noticed over the years. I suspect there is no right or wrong here, just difference.

And viva la difference!

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