09/02/10 01:56:01
>>93
Too bad that English doesn't allow me to write in a more feminine manner.
In that respect, Japanese is much more useful.
Yes, I'm a woman.
You have it exactly right--the filibuster gives the minority party some power
to block bills. No one wants to get rid of it, because eventually both parties
are in the minority and they want that power. The filibuster is great for blocking
legislation, but it doesn't allow anyone to introduce new legislation. The minority
party is pretty much out of luck there, unless the majority party likes the bill
(in which case they'll introduce their own version, so they can take the credit).
Our system of government with all of the checks and balances sometimes leads
to nothing getting accomplished.
>>94
I checked that term on Google; you actually do see "often stated phrase"
in (more formal) writing. But in speech and casual writing,
you would hear or see cliche. If your exam involves an essay, I would
stay with "often-stated phrase"; it sounds more refined.
It isn't exactly taught to us, but there are formal and informal
ways to express yourself in English, and we adjust our vocabulary
accordingly.
>>97
!!
Thank God this is an anonymous forum so I don't have to worry about (not) living
up to your image of me!