The tongue can be bent in that way; if it doesn't come naturally, then it's a question of practice and forcing it until it does become more natural. Go somewhere where no one can hear you and force the sounds until you're satisfied. :up:
How to raise the back of the tongue to touch the soft palate?
Please note that “How to X?” is not a proper sentence or question in English. It is a dependent clause lacking a finite verb.
This construction is never used by native speakers.
(This is a semi-automated reply)
Thanks for asking. There are several ways. The easiest is the way Bob suggested enigmatically above:Well, Thank you for your correction!
so, Instead of typing how to X, what sentences should I use?
Thanks for asking. There are several ways. The easiest is the way Bob suggested enigmatically above:
"How do you raise your hand to touch the tip of your nose?"
"How do you X?"
I will add this suggestion to my too-frequently needed auto-post.
Other versions which might be used, as necessary are:
"How does one do X?" - This is the real meaning of "How do you do X?" But it's fairly posh for speaking. If you ask "How do you do X?" in the context of a forum question, it will mean this, and not, "How do you, personally, do X".
"How can you do X?" - You could have used this form with your question.
"How do people do X?"
"How is X done?", for example, "How is 'phthysis' pronounced?" - This is simply the passive form of "How do you do X?" or "How does one do X?"
I didn't know that *HOW TO X* was wrong because most of the people I met,including my american facebook friends always say how to X instead of
how do you X.![]()
How to make a pot of tea:
- Put the kettle on
- Get the tea ready - loose leaf or bags
- ... etc
Yes, it's used as a heading or the title of a book:
"How to Make Model Airplanes".
But that isn't a question. It's an abbreviated title. It means something like: [This book tells you] "How to Make Model Airplanes."
But a native speaker would never ask someone, "How to make model airplanes?"
And if your American facebook friends are saying this, then they are either not American, or not native-English-speaking Americans.
It's easier (just use a to-infinitive and don't worry about conjugating the verb - do,does,did...); that doesn't make it right. Many people use it in a coaching role, as a sort of sub-heading:
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