Thread: using 'enjoy'
View Single Post
  #3 (permalink)  
Unread Mar 31st, 2007, 06:08 pm
HUE HUE is offline
mind like a sieve
 
Join Date: Nov 15th, 2006
Posts: 302
HUE is on a distinguished road
Default Re: using 'enjoy'

Here's the fundamental problem with "enjoy," as used here: the listener's response doesn't really answer the question. Which would be a more natural Q & A construction?

A: What did you do during your spring break?
B: I enjoyed watching TV.

or

A: What did you *do* during your spring break?
B: I *watched* TV.
A: *How* was it?
B: I *enjoyed* it. I watched a program on...

Obviously, it's the second choice because it answers the question, as well as provides additional information. The dictionary defines "enjoy" as "take pleasure in." We could condense the second example above into a more natural conversation (but still using "enjoy"), assuming that B volunteers information, as in:

A: What did you do during spring break?
B: I watched TV. I enjoyed a program on...
__________________
Chris Cotter
Better Language Teaching resource ebook.
Free flashcards at The Flashcard Hub.
Just print and teach materials at Heads Up English.
Reply With Quote