Contend, profess and imply
Dear Dr English,
Can you give me example sentences using the following words: contend, profess
and imply?
Thank you for your time.
Nan Tin Mya Lay
The three words are about similar actions but convey different meanings. To contend means to state that something is true or is a fact. You can use ÒcontendÓ with or without ÒthatÓ in a sentence.
The investigator contended (that) the suspect had a long history of drug abuse.
LetÕs move on to profess; when you profess to do or to have something you claim that you do or have it, even though sometimes it is not the truth. You can use ÒprofessÓ followed by ÒtoÓ or a noun.
Sandra professed to have the list of people who were involved in the case.
The professor professed extensive knowledge of the artefacts found at this historic site.
And the last word: to imply. The verb means to communicate an idea or feeling without saying it directly; it is usually followed by ÒthatÓ.
A: ÒSteveÕs car doesnÕt seem to match the income he claimed to earn.Ó
B: ÒAre you implying [that] he was lying?Ó
A: ÒIÕm not implying anything. IÕm only surprised.Ó
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What is this animal called?
Dear Dr English,
I took my family out for dinner the other day. We ordered many dishes and among them was one prepared with crabs that did not have a hard shell. While pleasurably chewing the pieces of these crabs, one thing came to mind; what do we call this creature in English? I think you know these crabs, so what is their name?
Maliwan Jirakarn
You have made my mouth water. These crabs are called Òsoft-shellÓ crabs. These crabs taste very good indeed but not very long ago somebody told me that the poor creatures are forced Òto be soft-shelledÓ for commercial gain. So I donÕt think I want to savour them any more.
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