Describe Friend for Organizations/Schools/Companies

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The discussion revolves around the nuances of expressing honesty and likelihood using language. The initial points highlight the subtle differences between stating someone "seems honest," "looks honest," and "may be honest," with the first implying familiarity, the second relying on appearance, and the third indicating uncertainty. The conversation then shifts to the use of adverbs to describe potential criminality, specifically the phrases "probably," "likely," "may," and "possibly" in relation to someone being a murderer. Participants note that while these terms are synonyms, they carry different connotations and levels of certainty. The consensus suggests a ranking of these phrases based on perceived likelihood, with "likely" indicating the strongest implication of guilt. Additionally, the challenge of writing effective recommendation letters is mentioned, emphasizing the importance of conveying credibility and trustworthiness to potential organizations or schools. The discussion reflects on the complexities of language and the importance of context in communication.
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1. He seems honest
2. He looks honest
3. Maybe he is hosnest


What is the difference between them ?:blushing: Second, in order to recommend someone to some organizations/schools/companies, what words/statements you would use to describe him so that he can get the job/bonus/an increase in salary/or be accepted, etc.? (I want to write something to introduce my friends to some big boys :blushing: )

Thanks :wink: yaye, i am not a native please bear with my awful use of the language
 
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Well the first one somewhat implies that the speaker kinda knows the person they are talking about and feels that the person is probably a honest person. The second one means that the speaker believes the person is honest based solely on looks (which is odd). The third one is the speaker saying that he/she does not really know whether the person is honest or not and is simply stating that the person could or could not be honest.
 
Thanks, how about the second question ?

I still have some questions. These uses of adverbs are not listed in my dictionaries, I have a lot.

1.He is probably a murder
2.He is likely a murder
3.He may be a murder
4.Possibly he is a murder


I am afraid I will use those adverbs incorrectly, so I would like to ask you in advance. Thanks for your kind answers. God blesses you all!
 
But I think all of them are the same, could zoo again put them in order from highest to lowest possibility ?
 
By the way, usually, a student is not allowed to read recommendation letter from his/her teacher, I wonder how I can write one for the schools to believe in the one to be introduced.
I know writing something like that must be hard. if someone could tell me what points are to be taken seriously...
 
Native speakers use them daily but why they don't feel a thing about the differences in what they are talking about ?
 
In your four questions you are making a baby mistake you would never make in your own language.
 
zoobyshoe said:
In your four questions you are making a baby mistake you would never make in your own language.
So how would you give percentage of use to each of them in order anyway ?
 
I think the problem here is connotation. To a native english speaker, these adverbs carry small differences when used this way. Their definitions may all be very similar and they may very well be synonyms, but they carry slightly different meanings when used certain ways.

In my opinion,
2. states the strongest case of him being a murderer (someone who commits murder- this may be what zoobyshoe was talking about).
1. second strongest
3 & 4 are next, though they are saying the same thing in my mind.

My interpretation, though, is subject to many factors and may not be the standard interpretation in California.
 
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