English Grammar

From: Bryan
To: Michael

Michael,

I’ve found it handy to study up on a little English grammar before going over to Italy each time because one of the things they want us to do over there is correct their use of the English language. But they also know a surprising amount about English grammar and I’ve been caught a couple of times. I recommend you find a basic book (preferably something that’s not academic or too big) and take some time to review it and bring it with you to Italy.

In our collective email correspondence across ILabs, etc., there are a few major slips that I see over and over. One is the use of it’s vs. its. “It’s” is only and always a contraction of “it is”, as in “it’s nice to see you (it is nice to see you)”. “Its” is a possessive form of “it” (like his or her), as in “the cat was licking its paws.”

The other one is “then” and “than.” “Then” is an adverb and always has to do with time. “I will see you then”, “the dragon leaped into the sky and then unfurled its wings.” “Than” is a conjunction only used in comparisons. “The tiger is larger than the house cat.”

We also (all of us) have a deplorable use of punctuation, so that would merit some review as well.

Anyway, I didn’t want you to be surprised. Most of them have had more formal training in English grammar than we have. However, we have a more natural style of writing in English than they do. They’re looking for both that natural style and good, clean grammar and spelling.

Greetings

Hi Michael, thanks for the invitation! I will be heading to UniCredit in December and I am looking forward to my return. Unlike the previous times I've been there, I don't think there will be big events going on so I wouldn't mind ideas on how I could contribute -- especially through some type of graphics / visuals. Also, after my stay I will be flying to Rome to meet my sister and we're going to do some sight seeing before the holidays. I can't wait as we've never been there -- do you (or anyone else) have ideas for cramming in a lot to do in only 3 days in Rome? 

UniManagement Blog

This is the place where we can begin blogging about our experience leading up to and inclusive of the Unimanagement Engagement in Italy.

Dates of Various Sessions:

• Renee: September 22 - October 24
• Michael: October 27 - November 21
• Christopher: December 1 - December 12
• Xmas break: December 15 - January 11 (one week longer)
• Renee: January 12 - February 14
• Consultant B: February 16 - March 14
• Consultant C: March 16 - April 9

Link to the apartment.

Directions to the Center from the Apartment
Here are directions from the apartment to the center in Torino. It's about 2.7 km, I think, so it should be a nice walk!

From: Corso Alcide De Gasperi 41 Torino, Piemonte 10129 IT
To: Via Venti Settembre 29 Torino, Piemonte 10121 IT

Driving Directions
1. Start out going NORTHEAST on CORSO ALCIDE DE GASPERI toward VIA SEBASTIANO CABOTO. (0.17 miles)
2. Turn RIGHT onto VIA CRISTOFORO COLOMBO. (0.15 miles)
3. Turn LEFT onto CORSO GALILEO FERRARIS. (0.67 miles)
4. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LARGO VITTORIO EMANUELE II. (0.02 miles)
5. Enter next roundabout and take 3rd exit onto CORSO GALILEO FERRARIS. (0.14 miles)
6. Turn RIGHT onto CORSO GIACOMO MATTEOTTI. (0.19 miles)
7. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto CORSO RE UMBERTO. (0.11 miles)
8. Turn RIGHT onto VIA DELL'ARCIVESCOVADO. (0.19 miles)
9. End at Via Venti Settembre 29 Torino, Piemonte 10121 IT
Total Estimated Time: 7 minutes
Total Distance: 1.66 miles


To view your driving directions, click on this link:
Driving Directions

MapQuest: Where to go, how to get there!