English

Hi Hana.  The sentences listed below are the only ones that I felt needed correction or comment. As an aside, putting a space, after the numerals as I have done, helps in reading the text. Finally, context is important, so by placing isolated, stand-alone, sentences here without it, we are left to our imagination and experience as to what you really are trying to communicate to us. Anyway, I hope that this helps you. J.

2. We are acquainted with each other, but are not friends. – An argument could be made that this sentence is fine either with or without a comma as the sentence is short enough. I, personally, would use one though since it suggests a contrast in light of the first clause. While it is permissible to omit the commas after a brief introductory element, your sentence isn’t written with the typical adverbial clause or prepositional phrase.

4. We are appreciative of your coming. – Either “you” or “your” is correct, but it depends on what you are appreciative of since they have slightly different meanings. If you appreciate that someone came to your event (the act of attending), use “your.” If you are appreciating the person for attending, use “you.” In other words, do you like them [the actor] or what they did [the act]?

9. Jake is bent on his study – As Chloe noted, “bent” as an adjective, means making something that was straight curved and its usage here would be incorrect . The word “bent” as a noun, however, means intent or inclination, so this use is acceptable.

10. I’m determined to be a non-smoker. – Either “be” or “become” is acceptable here. A common pattern for using the “to-infinitive” with an adjective is: subject + to be + (for/or someone) + to-infinitive + (rest of sentence). In this case, all elements are present except “= (for/or someone).”

12. The situation is capable of improvement. – Capable = ability to do [I have no knowledge of it being limited to human activity…] For example: Modern aircraft are capable of flying 10,000 miles without stopping. Strange events are capable of rational explanation. My bulldog, Spanky, is capable of sleeping all day (and often does!).

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