Running errands in the UK vs. U.S.
I submit the following two paragraphs for grammatic and vocabulary comparison. It's amazing how many small differences there are in language.
How I would tell the story of today's shopping errand back in Chicago:
"I drove to the local produce market and bought zucchinis for spaghetti, though I couldn't find any eggplants. I know eggplants aren't supposed to go into spaghetti sauce, but they're one of my favorite fruits (or are they veggies?) and I'd add them anyway. I didn't get any whole grain noodles, though, since I already have some in the pantry. Of course, it'd be better to use fresh tomatoes, but all I have now is canned."
How I would tell the story of today's shopping errand here in Nottingham:
"I walked to the greengrocer and bought courgettes for spaghetti bolognese, though I couldn't find any aubergines. I know aubergines aren't meant to go in spaghetti bolognese, but they're one of my favorite fruits (or are they veg?) and I'd add them anyway. I didn't get any wholewheat pasta (pasta rhymes with casta, as in castanet), though, since I already have some in the cupboard. Of course, it'd be better to use fresh tomahtoes, but all I have now is tinned."
Comments
You must remember to collect your parcels from the boot!
Posted by: Chicago Toni | March 20, 2008 03:48 PM
Well I get that it wasn't the point of your story, but courgettes don't belong in spag bol any more than eggplants do!
(And I believe we refer to it as spag bol because most Brits can't spell the full spaghetti bolognese).
Posted by: Jennifer | March 25, 2008 11:46 AM