As Vs As per

Hey guys, I'm back with another question from Mune! Thanks.

This is actually quite a difficult topic because there are a few uses for “as”. So, lets start with that.

“As”
1. This is often used in a comparison “….as….as…” Example, “As beautiful as a flower” Meaning that one thing is similar or like another thing.
2. “As Mr Smith said,…..” This example is using “as” as a reference word. Meaning that you want to talk about something Mr Smith has said before.

There are several other examples that can be found here - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/as

“As per”
1. “As per” is similar to point 2 above. It is a reference to something that has been said or stated. It is similar to "According to/In accordance with/In response to" You can see some examples here - http://wsu.edu/~brians/errors/asper.html

This is quite a difficult topic and "as per" is often formal and for business situations. Therefore, I would recommend only higher level students to try to use this, maybe in a business class or letter.

Let me know if you need more help with this.

Helpless Vs Useless

Hey everyone, I'm back again with some more pearls of wisdom...lol.

Another wonderful example of confused words.

“Helpless” – This means you cannot do anything about your situation and you feel that you have no choices or options.

Example, “She felt helpless when she was lost in the countryside without her mobile phone”

“Useless” – This means that something or someone has no use or purpose. It is also for things that cannot help you.

Example, “They are so useless. They can’t organise a business class for me” (Mune this is a joke for you!)

Sorry

Hey guys,

Sorry I haven't put any new things on the blog in a while. It has been busy here. I do have a few of your questions prepared and I will update really soon.

Thanks for all your ideas and questions.

Gross!!!!

Another classic mistake!! Can you figure it out?

Chokies

So the first person to ask me about this mistake was Mune. He wasn’t sure what the problem was so I will explain.

“Chokies” has a bad/negative image. It is a terrible product name. This word is connected to the word “Choke”.

“Choke” means that when you eat something, the food becomes stuck in your throat and you can’t breathe.

I have no idea where this product name came from or where this company is based but I would never buy these cookies. Sounds dangerous!!!!! hahahahaha

Check your dictionaries!

Hope that helps.

I'm sorry vs Excuse me

*Request from an old student - She wants to know the difference between these words because she is currently living in the US and found that she would say sorry when americans would say excuse me. So, here goes!

I'm sorry - This phrase is used when you do something wrong or make a mistake and you need to apologise. For example, if your mobile phone rings in your classroom you should say "I'm sorry" to the teacher. (I'm sorry = "Gomenasai" in Japanese)

Excuse me - This phrase is used when you want to do something that might interupt or disturb another person. For example, if you want to take the salt on the table and you reach over your friend's plate. (Excuse me = "Shitsureishimasu" in Japanese)

There are some other situations where you might use both excuse me or i'm sorry. For example if you burp in public you could say "I'm sorry" but "Excuse me" would be more polite.

Please ask your teachers for some more examples.

Misunderstanding!

Hey Everyone,

One of my old students has told me that he thinks that some of you might find it difficult to understand this blog.

I made this blog for all students but mostly for higher level students who make basic mistakes. I have included examples to help lower level students to understand. Some of the sentences and vocabulary might be difficult to understand but if you have a problem understanding you can use a dictionary, post a comment and ask me or ask your teacher.

I have also added other links to websites which might help you more.

If you have a link to a good website for japanese speakers please let me know and I will add it to my site.

Thanks.