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동완
“Would you like to drink something?” is wrong?
Jul 5, 2018 10:41 AM
Answers · 6
3
1. I agree with Derry about the word order. Your sentence is OK, but "Would you like something to drink?" would be a more natural phrasing.
This makes the focus of the question the noun 'something' as opposed to the verb 'drink'. English-speaking cultures tend to rely on nouns for information rather than on verbs, which is why native speakers would be more likely to say 'Can I take a look?' rather than 'Can I look?'. Our natural tendency is to use verbs which mean very little on their own (such as take, have, go, get) and rely on nouns for the key information.
2. As for the 'something/anything' question, Sara is absolutely right.
It's 100% correct and natural to use 'something' when you are making an offer.
'Anything' would not be 'ideal' at all. 'Anything' would introduce the concept of 'nothing' into the situation. This would imply that 'nothing' is a very real option.... perhaps if the person is sick and struggling to drink, you might tentatively say 'Would you like anything to drink?'. It could even imply that you are reluctant to share your drink with the other person, and hoping that they'll say no!
July 5, 2018
1
I'll only add that it is totally right to use 'something' in questions when your interlocutor is likely to reply 'Yes'.
July 5, 2018
1
It's OK to say this, but it would be better to say:.. "would you like something to drink?"
July 5, 2018
It's not totally wrong but ideally according to the rules should be "anything" in questions and negative sentences. However, it doesn't affect the understanding.
July 5, 2018
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동완
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English, Korean
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English
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