I am bad with foreign languages. My school figures prove it. English, German and French at best a 6 (just sufficient) but most of the time a 5, a 4 and sometimes even a 3 (very bad). No talent. Happens. In the 80's and 90's I worked for a german company I had to refresh my school knowledge and after the initial hand and feet communication I was able to speak it reasonable. Then in 1995 came the internet and the language is english, another learning period started. Now anno 2018 I still have problems with some aspects and maybe some of you can enlighten me. #1. When to use "then" or "than"? The problem for a dutch is that we have one word for it, "dan". #2. Sent vs Send? I always try to avoid that word #3. Proof and choice are also hard for me. I prove You prove He proves We have proven. I have proof. Correct? I choose. You choose. He chooses. We have chosen. I made my choice. Correct? #4. Intent vs intend?
#1 then-at a certain time.- when you hear the bell, then you may begin. Than- example comparison - I would rather have apples than oranges. #2 sent is simply past tense of send. I sent it to you yesterday. I will send it tomorrow. #3 I have proof. Proof being physical evidence. I shall prove to you by giving you proof (physical evidence) Correct with your choices #4 intent-purpose Intend-plan on or intend to.
Piggyback off of Tom #4, if this helps...... Intent is a noun Intend is a verb Same basic definition. Jeremiah 23:26–27 (NAS): How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart, 27 who intend (verb) to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they relate to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal? Jeremiah 30:24 (NAS): The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back Until He has performed and until He has accomplished The intent (noun) of His heart; In the latter days you will understand this.
#1 seems interesting that the Dutch have one word because while they look similar in English, then and than have very different uses.
For what it's worth, I'd say your handling of English is better than half of native English speakers, particularly when it comes to wrriten word on the internet.
Just to make #2 more interesting, "sent" is the past tense of "send". I might say to you "I will send you the money" and in a couple of days time I'll say "I sent you the money". The word "scent" is pronounced the same as "sent" but means a smell. For bonus points if you send someone a perfume or similar you might say "I sent the scent".
"written I agree.... at least most people who speak English as a foreign language make an effort to learn it and get it right. Many people who only understand English make it very clear they have little interest in using it correctly because, you know, it's obvious what they mean. Even when it isn't, and their text is so badly mangled you have to read it two or three times to figure out what they are trying to say.
If "than" is linked with a comparison then (right usuage?) I don't understand the following; I am a programmer. In programming you use comparisons, for instance and simplified: if (member = TomH) then { do something } Why do developers of computer languages have chosen for then and not than? For a Dutch it's clear from the context, like the word "date" or "point" becomes clear from the context in English. But........ I can tell you this Dutch simplification in comparison to English is one of the very few positive exceptions. Basically Dutch is a terrible illogical language regarding spelling. My English spelling is definitely better than (right usuage?) my Dutch. English is logical most of the time. German has these nasty grammatical cases. French you always have to think if something is male or female. Thumbs up for English. Glad to hear that, it has been a long way
So you sent a scent for a cent? If the coin was particularly aromatic you could refer to the scent of the cent.
Than is used for comparisons - I am taller than my wife, I am better looking than my neighbor, A Ferrari F355 is faster than a Ford Focus and so on. Then is used for times, sequences, consequences etc. I eat my main course and then eat dessert, when it stops raining then you may go out and play, if I win the lottery then I will buy a new Lamborghini, and so on. Sometimes the word then can be omitted without changing the meaning - if I win the lottery I will buy a new Lamborghini, when it stops raining you may go out and play.