I think part of the problem with "povas esti" or "ŝajnas al mi" and so on is that in English we would place an "it" in front, but in Esperanto we don't.

It can be (that)...
It seems to me (that)...

In each of these sentences, "it" doesn't actually refer to a noun, but instead is used as an introductory word that refers to the clause following "that". In English you could drop the "it", if you wanted, and the sentence would still be fine (although it might sound slightly abrupt). In Esperanto it is actually incorrect to include an introductory "ĝi", unless it refers to a specific noun.

But if there is a noun involved, it is incorrect not to include "ĝi". So, if we are talking about a cat, we could say

"Ĝi povas esti bona" (It can be nice),

and it is grammatically correct. In this case, "ĝi" refers to the cat, not a clause, and is therefore required.

The situation with "pluvas" (it is raining) is grammatically a little different, but functionally the same. In "it is raining", "it" doesn't actually refer to anything specific. So we are required to leave it out. "Ĝi pluvas" is therefore grammatically incorrect.

So, if "ĝi" would refer to a noun, you must use it. If "it", when translated into Esperanto, doesn't actually refer to a noun, you must leave it out.

I have looked over the 3 pages of this thread and I'd like to say one more thing, then I'll shut up.

I studied Spanish in college for two years, with straight "A" grades, yet I cannot speak it. I have purchased various courses -- one good one is "Learning Spanish Like Crazy" -- and I still cannot speak it. I've come to the conclusion that the only way to learn another language is to live in the environment where you have to hear it all the time and are forced to use it. Most of us don't have the time or resources to do this.

I like alphabets. At various times in my life, I have learned the Icelandic, Greek, Hebrew and Russian alphabets, along with a little of the languages associated with the alphabets.

This brings me to Esperanto. I'd like to learn a second language. Europeans learn second and third languages in part because the countries are smaller and borders are closer together. They are exposed to languages other than their own in a way that most U. S. citizens aren't. It is a bit easier to learn Esperanto than a national language because it is more regular, but that doesn't make it easy. I like the sound of Esperanto. There are forums like this one that are a tremendous help. Links like Radio Verda help to train your ear.

I would not like to see any changes made to the language. That's not to say that Esperanto is perfect. It has its share of "warts". But I really believe that if the Esperanto community started making all sorts of changes, changes that many 'newbies' would like to see, that Esperanto would be in big trouble. It takes years to really learn another language. Let's face it. People learn Esperanto for various reasons. For some, it is just an enjoyable passtime. For others, it is an idealistic endeavor. Still others may find employment opportunities (translators, maybe?).

If all the people who want to change Esperanto got their way, I would be one of the first to give it up. But as far as I can see, Esperanto appears to be headed in the right direction.

And now I want to ask a technical question that may make me look dumb. When posting something on this forum, how do you quote what others write? I notice when you click on "new post" and you reach the "add a message" page, there is a "quote text" button above the empty message box. I tried using this but all I get is a small window that say to enter the text, yet does not give me the opportunity to "drag and drop" sections that I want to refer to. So, what am I doing wrong.

jawq81:
I've come to the conclusion that the only way to learn another language is to live in the environment where you have to hear it all the time and are forced to use it.

You're absolutely right if you keep in mind mastering a foreign language. But you'll be able to communicate in a foreign language even if you do not master it... I have been in English speaking surroundings less than two weeks in my life, nevertheless, I do speak English - bad English, of course, but yet understandable...

jawq81: When posting something on this forum, how do you quote what others write?]

Just use the "reply" link and delete what you do not want to see in the quote.
Harri.

jawq81:
In general, I don't like English adjectives and nouns that have been changed into an Esperanto verb. It somehow sounds artificial and contrived.

Any comments on anything I've said? Thanks, everybody.

Just one:
With regard to the first paragraph above, *English* words aren't having anything done to them at all. *Esperanto* words are having something done to them which is a fully accepted aspect of Esperanto. May I suggest it sounds artificial and contrived because it sounds so in English? Personally I love this construction. but then I'll use an adverb to translate prepositional phrases or in any other situation I can do so legally . Mi iros bicikle al la urbo.

jawq81:The preposition "je" is not the only one that gives me a bit of trouble. Three others that I can think of right off are "pri, sur, en".

The preposition that always gets me is "po"....I hate(d) it in Russian and I'm none too enamoured with it in Esperanto, either .

orthohawk:The preposition that always gets me is "po"...

I'm with you on that one. No matter how many times I look it up, I can never remember the proper usage.

RiotNrrd:

orthohawk:The preposition that always gets me is "po"...

I'm with you on that one. No matter how many times I look it up, I can never remember the proper usage.

My trick was to memorize the form "with a ratio of" (Italian: "in ragione di").

Johano donis po kvin pomojn al ĉiuj.

John gave [with a ratio of five] apples to everyone.

Also it helps to remember that "po" is always located before the number or quantity of the object to be distributed. "po kvin", "po du", "po mil".

orthohawk:

jawq81:The preposition "je" is not the only one that gives me a bit of trouble. Three others that I can think of right off are "pri, sur, en".

The preposition that always gets me is "po"....I hate(d) it in Russian and I'm none too enamoured with it in Esperanto, either .

Govorite vi po-russkij?

ceigered:Govorite vi po-russkij?

Нет!

(Trans: No!)

Miland:

ceigered:Govorite vi po-russkij?

Нет!

Ха ха ха! Забавно!

So 'po' in Esperanto isn't used as in 'Mi parolas po-Esperanton', but po is used for something like 'po dudek dolaroj'?