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ESL forum >
Ask for help > on the Bahamas or in the Bahamas
on the Bahamas or in the Bahamas
class centre
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on the Bahamas or in the Bahamas
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Dear teachers! I urgently need your help. In or on the Bahamas? Why? Thanks in advance |
19 Nov 2019
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class centre
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Thanks for the reply. But can anybody tell me why? I am a teacher and the sts are waiting for explanation I can find nowhere. Thanks.
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19 Nov 2019
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maryse pey�
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Bahamas is a plural and that is why you need the article THE.
IN because you can say "IN THE COUNTRY OF THE BAHAMAS" as you say "IN CANADA" or "IN THE USA" or "IN ITALY".
IN THE COUNTRY OF is not expressed but it is logical in the notion.
May an English colleague confirm or complete please ? |
19 Nov 2019
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redcamarocruiser
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Michael Swan�s Practical English in Usage says "in is used for position inside large areas and in three-dimensional space (when something is surrounded on all sides) He says "on is used to talk about position on a line (for example a road or a river). A Comprehensive English Grammar for Foreign Students by C.E. Eckersley and J.M. Eckersley gives examples "She is the happiest woman in England,"and "He lives in London", and "The train arrives in London at 6 oçlock." So," He lives in the Bahamas" would suggest, in my opinion, that he is surrounded by the Bahamas (the people, the culture, geographically). "He lives on the Bahamas" sounds incorrect to me and returned no results in Google. --Mary |
19 Nov 2019
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class centre
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thanks a lot dear teachers for such full and comprehensive explanation. Now I have it clear. |
19 Nov 2019
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FrauSue
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We always use �in� with geographical place names when indicating position - in London, in the UK, in Africa. �The Bahamas� is the name of a group of islands which constitute a whole country, so �in� is correct. �On� is used with the word �island� itself or with the name of a single island - on Mull, on Grand Bahama island. However, �in� can also be used with island names to indicate geographical position - we had a lovely holiday in Jersey. With planets and moons, you must use �on� - is there life on Mars? However, you use �in� to refer to the interior of planets.
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20 Nov 2019
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redcamarocruiser
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Love the additional information especially about planets, Frau Sue!
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20 Nov 2019
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FrauSue
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Just in case someone wants to talk about their holiday in space! |
20 Nov 2019
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FrauSue
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Just in case someone wants to talk about their holiday in space! |
20 Nov 2019
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class centre
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absolutely clear and informative. New things are also useful to know for the students.Thanks a lot dear friends! |
21 Nov 2019
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