Comprehensive
Dear Dr English,
What does it mean when a person says that something is comprehensive? I thought the word comes from Òto comprehendÓ but somehow the meaning doesnÕt seem to fit in the sentence. Please explain.
Sunaree Maneewattana
Something that is comprehensive is complete and includes everything that is necessary; it is an adjective. The verb Òto comprehendÓ means to fully understand something and its adjective form is ÒcomprehensibleÓ. Things that are comprehensible can be easily understood.
Mike gave me a comprehensive book on computer animation for my birthday present; it tells me everything I need to know.
I have learned computer animation from the comprehensive book on computer animation I received as a birthday present last year. The book is comprehensible with lots of step-by-step illustrations.
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Answering negative
questions
Dear Dr English,
I wonder how I should reply to negative questions. I am very confused and sometimes make the person who asks me confused, too. Could you please help?
Silapakorn Chaiyatham
Negative questions can demonstrate many purposes for the speaker. They are common in exclamations and invitations.
'Isn't she gorgeous!'
'Why don't you come over this Saturday afternoon? We have some friends coming for a barbecue.Ó
In some cases negative questions are used as polite requests but with a critical meaning.
CanÕt you give me a chance?
This sentence gives the meaning, ÒWhy canÕt you give me a chance?Ó
Or they can be used to show that the speaker is surprised that something has not happened yet or is not happening.
HasnÕt she finished the first task yet?
ArenÕt you seeing your doctor today?
Answering to negative questions is very straightforward. You say ÒyesÓ if your answer is affirmative and ÒnoÓ if your answer is negative.
ÒDoesnÕt he usually have breakfast before going to work?'
ÒYes.Ó (Yes, he usually has breakfast before going to work.)
ÒNo.Ó (No, he doesnÕt usually have breakfast before going to work.)
ÒHasnÕt Bob contacted you yet?'
ÒYes.Ó (Yes, he has contacted me already.)
ÒNo.Ó (No, he hasnÕt contacted me yet.)
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