Reply
Fri 18 Sep, 2015 03:22 pm
When I ask someone about their timetable, can I say “When have you got maths?” instead of ”What days have you got maths?”
Yes, that would be acceptable.
@Nat093,
Usu, Nat, we'd use the singular, "math"
@Nat093,
Sounds good for British English, Nat, but bear in mind that Americans use the singular "math."
Yes, I know that. I just learn British English at school and type "maths" automatically.
@dalehileman,
Quote:Usu, Nat, we'd use the singular, "math"
No, we wouldn't. Not all of us. Esp since the use of the mainly BrE idiomatic "have got" form in "When have you got maths?" gives a clue to the English variety in which the OP is operating.
@Nat093,
Quote: I just learn British English at school and type "maths" automatically.
You have no need to change from British English, however you should bear in mind that this site is operated from the United States, and that many of the people offering "advice" are from that nation, and possibly unaware of or unwilling to acknowledge that there are other varieties of English.
Any reasonable intelligent, well-educated American will understand "maths," just as any reasonable intelligent, well-educated Englishman will understand "math." For purposes of those responding here, it the individual responding knows that there are usage differences, they can either explain them, or assume that all parties to the conversation are reasonably intelligent and well-educated.
@Tes yeux noirs,
OK, I'll keep that in mind next time.
Downvoted by a cowardly troll.
That may well have been your good buddy Dale Hileman, whom i don't include in the class of people who are reasonably intelligent and well-educated. I voted your posts back up, just because that sort of thing should not be ignored.
Thank you, Setanta. I have reciprocated.
@Setanta,
By and large, I've given up on correcting the thumbs. They're just a signal that there is a jerk among us.