Non-native speaker here.
From a book (The God of the Woods):
Then he formally dispensed the Three Rules of Camp Emerson like a dutiful town crier.
What does the word 'dispensed' mean here? Is it a special use of the sense related to vending machine...or not really?
Also, is it usually used this way?
Non-native speaker here.
I expect to have finished by tomorrow evening.
I understand what present perfect is – a past event that has present revelance. But the example here seems to not be the case? Present Perfect + tomorrow (a word with future sense)?
Can someone explain this to me please. Thank you in advance.
Non-native speaker here.
This is an excerpt from a book I'm reading:
And then the trees broke open onto a lawn with several rustic wooden buildings in a row.
I bolded the phrase. Can someone explain to me what does it mean? I've tried looking in Dictionaries but it seems like I can't find any – at least a definition I can easily understand.
Non-native speaker here.
I believe HAVE & DO... are among the common structures for interrogative sentences. Now, which of the two are the most common? Like:
Have you eaten?
Did you already eat?
Non-native speaker here.
For reference (from a grammar book):
Could you do the ironing first, and then do the windows if you've got time?
How is this phrase used? I believe it isn't a case of present perfect right? Can't I just say ...have time/got time?
Non-native speaker here.
I came across this example from a grammar book I have been studying:
I was wondering if you had two single rooms.
Why is it in past tense? Can I also say I am wondering...? Or would that be unnatural?
Thank you in advance!
Non-native speaker here.
This is an excerpt from a book:
'Tracy had difficulty imagining how lost she would have to be before the option felt correct.'
In this specific example, what's the use of would? Is it a fixed phrase like would have or whatever.
Please help, thank you in advance!
Non-native speaker here.
Regarding past perfect, when a sentence contained two past ( current past, past before the current past) do I always need to use 'had'?
For example: I had finished all the chores, and was relaxing on the sofa.
Or can I use past simple for both? 'I finished all the chores...'
Based on my observation, it could be optional? If so, when can I omit it and when can't I?
Hi, non-native speaker here 🤚
Could someone expound this one for me? It's from a grammar book.
The present progressive can refer to repeated actions and events, if these are just happening around the present.
Ex. I'm travelling a lot these days.
Okay. I'm not sure if I can articulate my question well so please just connect the dots haha.
How is the example above differs from "I travel a lot" (Simple Present). Both are sort of repeated events. I guess I'm trying to find a nuance so I can fully understand what's meant. Hoping someone can clarify. Thank you in advance!