εpsγloEnglish, explained word by word
Every English translation comes back broken down word by word, each word colored by the job it does and explained, with a dictionary entry and alternatives. The politeness dial moves from bare imperatives to formal, hedged requests.
An example breakdown
Breakdown
Domani vado in biblioteca.
English marks the destination by word order and a preposition, and it will not leave the subject out.
Click any word. The same dialog opens everywhere
ISubject
- Why this word
- English will not leave the subject out. Even when the verb makes it obvious, the pronoun stays.
- Dictionary
- I — first person singular pronoun.
- Alternatives
- we (if you are not going alone)
Politeness in English
The 10 steps of the politeness dial, as the app names them for English.
- 1HostileOpenly rude — snapped orders, no please anywhere
- 2BluntCurt — bare imperatives, no softeners
- 3SlangyLoose, slangy talk between close friends
- 4CasualRelaxed everyday speech — contractions, first names
- 5FriendlyWarm and informal, with a light please
- 6CourteousNeutral politeness — please and thanks where expected
- 7PoliteClearly polite — could you, would you mind
- 8RespectfulCareful and considerate — hedged, indirect requests
- 9FormalDistinctly formal — I would be grateful if…
- 10CeremoniousMaximally deferential — Would you be so kind as to…
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