Difference between "underneath" and "under" when we describe an action

I ask for the difference in a sense of active quality rather than a stative quality of the verbs. E.g. in "the toy is sitting underneath/under table", the verb is stative. ~~So we are dealing with adverbs~~. For example, is it correct If I say : > I will slip the envelope underneath the door or should I say > I will slip the envelope under the door.


"Mr. Dill works ________ a big library"

I'd appreciate a clarification on when it would be best to complete this sentence with "at" and when with "in".


Can the word "proxy" be used as a preposition?

At the end of a sentence, I want to insert the following (parentheses included): > (proxy my parents, of course). E.g., > I sent my brother to his room (proxy my parents, of course). But this doesn't sound right. I know that the preposition "via" is used this way quite frequently: > I accessed the internet via my school laptop. My gut tells me "(with my parents serving as proxy, of course)" is definitely idiomatically/grammatically correct, but it also gives me the feeling that that usage is tacky, and just doesn't sound like good writing. So what can I do in this situation to both use "proxy" correctly and also form a well-written sentence that's nice on the ears? Can I use "proxy" as a preposition like I originally did?


How to identify a determiner in a sentence that uses 2 determiners

In the sentence, "This is a flower." How can we both say that the "a" refers to a general noun (flower), yet also account for the presence of the specific determiner, "this?"


Is/Are "SAP Data Services" singular or plural?

I have sentences with software products, such as SAP Business Objects and SAP Data Services. The first one is the name of the company and the name of the family of software applications. The second one is a single application. So they refer to singular things, but they are in plural form. I have doubts whether I should write > SAP Business Objects provide(s) and SAP Data Services provide(s)


Is there a word for people who love everything?

The closest I could get was _xenophile_. Also, _optimistic_ would be a close second and I say that because I don't think that _optimistic_ is a better description than _xenophile_ because _xenophile_ actually includes love.


Difference between 'obliterate' and 'eliminate'

Do _obliterate_ and _eliminate_ have the same meaning? They are spelled very differently.


A state meaning "not disposed"

> If you dispose of an object, its state becomes "disposed". > > If the object has not yet been disposed of, it is called... The obvious word would be "undisposed". However, I am seeking a positive state, without prefixes.


Is it wrong to say "very almost"?

I hear phrases like > I very almost fell over! often and to me they sound awkward. Is the word, "very", wrong, just superfluous or completely valid? Should this wording be avoided?


Is it necessary to use "the" multiple times?

It seems that the question has eventually become a series of questions.... * * * **Question 1** An example goes as: > **The** 1st and **(the)** 2nd paragraphs of the article are extremely long. Is it necessary to use _the_ in _()_? **Answer** _contributed bywaiwai933 & further explained by Tragicomic_ Generally, repeating the word _the_ before items in a list list is not necessary. This is because _first_ and _second_ are adjectives modifying a common plural noun ( _paragraphs_ ). Think of _the_ as being distributed across all the elements. However, there are some exceptions. > The first paragraph, which is the funniest paragraph of the article, and > **the** second paragraph is extremely long. Here, the _the_ is necessary because you've entered and exited a dependent clause, which the _the_ cannot distribute across. * * * **Question 2** Another example: > What are **the** situation, **(the)** task and **(the)** result of your > story? **Answer** _contributed byTragicomic_ All the articles are needed since we are talking about separate coordinate nouns. However, if the coordinate nouns made up a single idea, we would not need an article for each of the nouns. **Additional notes** We would not need an article for each of the nouns when the separate nouns combine to form one single idea. A common example is: > The officer and gentleman escorted the lady to the car. > > The officer and the gentleman escorted the lady to the car. The second sentence would mean that there were two persons escorting the lady to the car, while in the first one there was just one person (who is an officer **and** a gentleman) as the subject. The use of _the_ can also be important while using adjectives with non-count nouns. Another common example is: > I would like to buy the red, blue and yellow cloth. > > I would like to buy the red, the blue, and the yellow cloth. Since _cloth_ cannot be used in the plural, it is the definite article _the_ that tells us whether I would like to buy cloth that is red, blue and yellow, or three separate pieces of cloth (one red, one blue and one yellow).


What's the difference between "overlook", "ignore" and "neglect"?

It seems these words all mean you didn't pay enough attention to something.


"Cognizant" vs. "cognisant"

Which is the correct spelling: _cognizant_ or _cognisant_?


Don't you think we went

I read the following in a book and I couldn't understand the mix of tenses. Is it related to some sort of conditional statements, requests, etc? Can't we simply say: 'Don't you think we go to London?' A thorough explanation would be greatly appreciated. > Don't you think we went to London? > > Don't you think we went a little further?


Is "averaged" used correctly here?

“These giants, averaged 23 to 27 millimeters in length, nearly double the size of crickets used in Mainland China.” Is “averaged” used correctly here?


How should I describe 2:45?

What is the most common way to express 2:45, using quarter, in the US?   * Quarter of three?   * Quarter to three?   * Quarter till three?


Up- vs Down-here

Geographically speaking, up is north and down is south (if that's wrong, my entire question is dumb). My friends keep saying they are doing something "down here" when they are actually talking about the neighborhood they live in, which is in fact 9 miles due north of me. They complain when I comment on the fact that they're wrong (I don't point it out that often, but sometimes it irritates me). Can someone just confirm for me that they are wrong and I am right? Thank you.


Why does the Sudan have a "the" in the name?

I am endlessly perplexed why the country Sudan has a _the_ in the name: "I am from the Sudan". Why not "I am from the Kansas" or "the China"? I understand the _the_ in "the United States" because a non-personal noun "states" is part of the name. But why "the Sudan"?


Is "demonstratee" a legitimate word?

Is _demonstratee_ a legitimate word? None of the usual sources think so, but it seems like _-ee_ should be a productive suffix. If it isn't, is there another word that can be used in reference to the object of a demonstration?


When denoting a company name, followed by a strap line, what punctuation mark should I use?

When writing out a company name, which would you use: > Company Name: Strapline > > Company Name - Strapline > > Company Name – Strapline > > Company Name, Strapline Or is the correct one missing from this list entirely?


"Not the same as" vs. "not the same like"

"Not the same as" and "not the same like" sound both strange to me (non-native speaker). Google finds both versions. Are both okay? Is this phrasing used anyway or would people go for "different than/to"?


What is wrong with this sentence, and how should I fix it?

I am proof-reading a short CV that details an employee's volunteer achievements. It will form part of an application for a committee position. The following sentence makes my brain itch, but I am having trouble deciding:   1. Why it sounds wrong (something with the tense, I think)   2. How it _should_ be written > I am fortunate to have been named as chair of this board shortly after I > joined. A little help would be appreciated!


What are "shrewd turns"?

In John Webster's play, _The Duchess of Malfi_ , Antonio says of the Duke: > He never pays debts unless they be shrewd turns,   >  And those he will confess that he doth owe. I really don't understand what he means. Can someone explain?


Why is the noun form of "permit" "permission"?

The noun form of _permit_ is _permission_ instead of _permition_. Why isn't it _permition_?


Can you 'agree' with something in varying degrees?

When constructing a survey question is it correct to ask a respondent:               Which of the statements do you agree with more?      Agreement seems like it should be binary. To agree with one thing more than another turns agreement into a sliding scale. Is there a better way to ask the respondent's preference?


When to use plural of "archipelago"

The definition of _archipelago_ by Oxford Dictionary is the following: > an extensive group of islands The definition of _archipelago_ given by Cambridge Dictionary is instead the following one: > a group of small islands or an area of sea in which there are many small > islands I can conclude that, by both definitions, _archipelago_ itself always means plural. Both dictionaries give us the plural of the word as well, which are _archipelagos_ and _archipelagoes_. When should we use _archipelagos_ or _archipelagoes_ which means the plural of an extensive group of islands?


Is there a word for the object or destination of a pilgrimage?

Is there a specific word for the destination of a pilgrimage? (That is, if you go on a pilgrimage to X, X is the _ of the pilgrimage.) I'm looking for a word that has the appropriate spiritual or devotional aspect, not a generic synonym for "destination" or "site" or what-have-you.


Migratory or migration?

In this phrase: > the _migratory_ activity of white blood cells is it possible to replaced the adjective _migratory_ by the noun _migration_ , which also serves as an adjective? Only one variant is correct or both? If both, do they have any difference in meaning?


What is the term that describes a group of animals; gaggle of geese, murder of crows

I'm looking for the term, word and or phrase that describes groups of animals. I'd like to know all the words that refer to all groups of animals.


"Collect in" vs. "collect among"

Is there a preference between "in" and "among" in the following sentence? > The data consist of test scores collected in/among students participating in > an international survey.


What are the degrees of synonymity?

In several questions and answers on this site I've read phrases that suggest there can be a scale of synonymity between words—something I haven't thought much about before. Some examples I've seen are _almost synonymous_, _nearly synonymous_ , _somewhat synonymous_ , _almost completely synonymous_ , and _absolutely synonymous_. I'm wondering if there's a more formal and accurate way to classify these apparent degrees of synonymity. I did find one highly specialized online article on this subject, but it made my head hurt. So I guess I'm also wondering if there's a CliffsNotes version for the layperson.


Where did the "odd" in "N odd years" come from?

I was reminded this usage by the recent question asking about the origin of "-ish." _Odd_ is often used in a similar way in the stock phrase "odd years" to mean "around" or "about" a certain length of time. For example I might say, "250 odd years" to mean "250 years, give or take." In this usage of _odd_ , I can't really see the connection with its usual given definitions of "strange" or "not divisible by 2." Could I get some history on the evolution of this meaning of "odd"?


"Behead" or "beheads"?

My question is about the use of the form "beheads" in the following sentence from Victor Davis Hanson's essay "Are the Orcs Winning?": > In contrast, Hamas only drives Christians out of Gaza rather than beheads > them. The form "beheads" sounds wrong to me; I would have said "rather than behead them." Now, I don't doubt that Dr. Hanson wrote it correctly; I'm sure he knows much more about language and grammar than I do. My question is, is "behead" also acceptable here? If so, is it a matter of formal vs. colloquial, or British vs. American usage, or what? Also, what would have been a better heading for this question? Is the form without "-s" an infinitive, or a subjunctive, or what?


"Don't know what the name is" vs. "Don't know what it's called"

What is the difference between saying: > A: Which meal do you want, Sir?   >  B: Number 4. I don't know what the name is. > > A: Which meal do you want, Sir?   >  B: Number 4. I don't know what it's called.


Question phrases to make sure that everything is understood correctly

I am looking for the best question phrases to make sure that everything is understood correctly. > – Trains to London leave on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, > Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.   > – _Do I understand correctly that_ trains to London leave daily? Does this sound nice? Would _am I not mistaken that_ do? Any other ideas?


Are "rescind" and "undo" synonyms?

My teacher insists that _rescind_ and _undo_ are related but I need to prove her wrong because I looked it up and I don't feel that way. _Undo_ is the reverse of action that has been done. A synonym of _rescind_ is _cancel_ , but _cancel_ is preventing something from happening, thus it never gets to where you can undo it. So this is where I think that _rescind_ and _undo_ are not the same.


Why should “be” come after “neither a borrower nor lender,” not before them?

I came across the maxim, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” in the following sentence of Jeffery Archer’s fiction, “The Fourth Estate” (P.54), and found that the maxim came from Lord Polonius’ speech in Shakespeare's Hamlet: > Page 72 (of How to beat the bookies) suggested that the sum required was > ￡10, but as Keith’s father was still abroad, and his mother’s favorite maxim > was “ **neither a borrower nor a lender be** ,” he had no immediate way of > proving that Lucky Joe (the author of the book) was right. Lord Polonius’ speech goes: > Neither a borrower nor a lender be > > For loan oft loses both itself and friend,   >  And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. I suppose “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” is an imperative form that usually requires the verb (be, do) up front. Why “be” is placed at the end of sentense?


What do I have to say when I enter into a house?

In Italy when you want to enter inside the house of a stranger or also of a friend you knock at the door and say, "Permesso?" meaning, "Can I enter?" or "Do I have the permission to enter in your house?" It is very mandatory to say that. Formally if you enter a house without the permission you are committing a crime, so in Italy you must say, "Permesso?" even if a lot of people don't wait for the answer. What is the equivalent of this in English?


Article before newspaper name

Suppose the name of a newspaper is _Pirate Times_ , without an article. Which of the following is then correct, and why? >   * During the recent General Assembly, Pirate Times met… >   * During the recent General Assembly, **the** Pirate Times met… > Is there a general rule for the use of articles before newspaper name?


"Above" or "later" when referencing a range of versions of software

Which is correct when referencing an operating system version "OS X 10.6.x and later" or "OS X 10.6.x and above"? Bonus points for providing the why.


Which is correct, "buck naked" or "butt naked"?

"Butt naked" or "buck naked" both refer to completely naked, or do they? Where the phrase comes from I have no idea but that would be of interest. This is a phrase I am too afraid to google and wouldn't know if I came upon an authoritative source.


An error message should display or should 'be' displayed?

If the writer means to say that an error message should 'appear' can he phrase the sentence as 'When user clicks the button, an error message should display' or is it more correct to say 'When user clicks the button, an error message should BE displayed'? English is not my native language and I don't know grammar much but I have a feeling that first sentence is wrong i.e. error message should display because 'display' is an action (verb) that has to be performed on an object. I've never seen the use of word display like this. Can someone please point out to an article which supports the argument that we can not say 'error message should display' and it should rather be 'should be displayed'? provided my understanding is right. Please correct me if I'm wrong.


Multiple sentences inside parenthesis

I have read the few questions about punctuations in parenthesis, but I think none of them answers my question. I've looked at:   * Where does the question mark go — inside or outside the parentheses?   * In which cases is a comma/period placed inside or outside of parentheses?   * Continuing a sentence in a parenthesis and then starting a new one inside the same If I have the following sentence structure (modified from one of the earlier question), is the following punctuation correct? Should I put the period within the parenthesis since it is a full sentence, or don't put it because it is still going on with the main sentence? > This morning I was distracted by a plane (or was it Superman? I'm not very > sure.), so I tripped.


Meaning of "pull up"

What's the meaning of _pull up_? > Tried pulling up on my cell(video), wouldn't work. Will watch when I get > home.


What does "gut over" mean?

What does "gutted over" mean in Javad Zarif's recent tweet? > Mr.Secretary, was it Iran that gutted over half of US draft Thursday night? > and publicly commented against it Friday morning?


what's a "sign-off process"?

I am translating a text which says that during the probation period, the direct report monitors the new employee's performance through a sign-off process. what does sign-off mean in this context? Or is "sign-off process" some kind term?


Word for "someone who injects themselves into conversations"

I'm trying to think of a word for someone who injects themselves into conversations. Typically in an uninvited manner. You know the guy that comes over when you're talking to someone else and stands around until he can join the conversation. _Nosy_ isn't quite right.


The U in "Glamour"

Why, in US English, does the word _glamour_ retain its _u_ while _humour_ , _neighbour_ , and others have shed it?


What is the meaning of lemniscate related with clothing?

Here is lemniscate is used as a part or feature of clothing. What doses it mean ? TIA


Regarding the usage of some 'bad' language

Is there a legitimate or edifying literary purpose for the many forms of blasphemy (forgive spelling) that have appeared in many modern works of literature. Does it really help a story line or plot or character study. There have been many popular movies of the 50's and 60's that have a great plot , interesting characters and hardly any bad language. This shows they could write a great story without it. Why did movies from the 70's on-wards ( and similarly with books) seem to embrace blasphemy and swearing? Does blasphemy and swearing have an important literary use?


Is there a word to represent "non-Sunday" days?

We have a word like "weekday" to represent all days from Monday and Friday. Is there a word to represent "non-Sunday" days (i.e. Monday through to Saturday)?


Alternative for "full-fledged"

I am looking for an alternative for "full-fledged". > Mister X systematised its use and meaning, and developed the notion into a > **full-fledged** concept of ... The context is academic, but not related to zoology. Its a paper about language and semantics, and I do not like the phrase "full-fledged" in those contexts, so I guess I have two questions:   1. Is this expression ok in this context   2. Notwithstanding Question #1, are there suitable alternatives?


Why is 'worthy' pronounced with a /ði/ unlike 'healthy', 'wealthy' and 'stealthy'?

I don't know how _'worthy'_ came to be pronounced with a /ði/ whereas _'healthy'_ , _'wealthy'_ , _'stealthy'_ etc., are pronounced with a /θi/. I am aware that theories of pronunciation in English are far too complex and often seem illogical. But with a curious student in my front wanting to know why _'worthy'_ has the /ði/, my task becomes very difficult. I would appreciate if you could let me in on something that might help.


Why do people use "Lady Wife" to refer to their wife?

I was listening to a play on the radio this afternoon and one of the characters was told to go home to their **lady wife**. I've heard the term on numerous occasions, and until I started reading this forum I had never given it much thought. But now it strikes me as an odd expression, as there is no such thing as a gentleman wife, or a lady husband. So why do people use it?


Using "in which year" in middle of sentence

Can I use _in which year_ in the middle of a sentence? > The industry has being growing at a record-breaking scale, excepting only > 2008, **in which year** , financial crisis stroke most sectors of the > world’s economy.


Which senses of "announce" and "indicate" are most appropriate here?

> In tournament play, the chair umpire announces the end of the match with the > well-known phrase "Game, set, match" followed by the winning person's or > team's name. > > It is similarly used in other contexts to indicate the winner, often in an > argument or a comparison. The following definitions are from OALD. Which senses of _announce_ and _indicate_ are most fitting to the above context? > announce: > >   1. to tell people something officially, especially about a decision, > plans, etc >   2. to give information about something in a public place, especially > through a loudspeaker >   3. to say something in a loud and/or serious way > > > indicate: > >   1. to show that something is true or exists >   2. to be a sign of something; to show that something is possible or likely >   3. to mention something, especially in an indirect way >


Can "be" be used with the modal verb "do"?

These two sentences are both valid > I write this sentence. > > I do write this sentence. Are these both valid? > I am writing this sentence. > > I do be writing this sentence.


"Antarctic climate" or "antarctic climate"?

When used as an adjective, can the word 'Antarctic' be spelled without a capital letter? I'm confused because 'Arctic' is always lower-cased when we use that as an adjective (e.g.: 'arctic fox', not 'Arctic fox').


Which is correct: "troubleshooted" or "troubleshot"?

_Troubleshooted_ is not a word, but _troubleshot_ is. Is this really the correct word to use? I always feel like saying: > I troubleshooted it. vs > I troubleshot it For some reason, it just doesn't sound right to me.


what are other idioms one can use to express getting on well with someone?

I am looking for an idiom describing a close acquaintanceship or getting on well with someone other than "like a house on fire'.


Origin of Blue for rude?

This question Why do we talk a blue streak?, had me thinking - why do we use blue for rude ? The dictionary has it: "lewd, indecent" recorded from 1840 essay of Carlyle's and a link to bluelaws and bluestocking, which mean almost the exact opposite, but no origin.


Which word should replace 'so-called' here?

In another post's answer, somebody used the phrase > The company sends out the documents on the so-called 'Despatch Date' and disliked my suggestions of 'defined' or 'term of art' in place of _so- called_ , since he thought _so-called_ could mean _known as_ as well as the usual meaning of 'called so by some, but not by me'. I have two queries arising out of this: How many people agree with the original poster, _i.e._ think the above phrase needs no amendment for _so-called_ to mean "known as" or "defined by the company"? And (assuming it does need to be changed), what is the single word that should replace _so-called_ to mean _known as_? I know there is one, but it's driving me mad not being able to recall it.


How to avoid repetition of "due to"

I want to say that something has happened due to several reasons. So I used word **_due to_** to say the reason but _due to_ comes respectively. I avoided it in my 2nd sentence. Would it be ok? > Missing of object relationships can be found _due to_ missing of a > classified object, _due to_ incomplete boundary estimation or _due to_ an > obstacle between two objects. > > Missing of object relationship can be found _due to_ : missing of a > classified object, incomplete boundary estimation or obstacle between two > objects. this might be confused for others... other than content I am actually looking for the correct sentence pattern.


Is "pidgeon" a correct alternate spelling of "pigeon"?

Is "pidgeon" a correct spelling for the grayish fowl scientifically known as Columba livia domestica? Pigeon appears to be the more common spelling, but it looks strange to me. For comparison, words such as bludgeon, bridge, and midget use the "dg" construct, and words like belligerent and indigenous do not. I supply the following Ngram to save time for anyone who may need to refer to it. ![enter image description here](http://i.stack.imgur.com/xuxkY.png) Additionally, can one predict which way a word with the "idge" sound will be spelled, or is this a case-by-case kind of thing?


How to say: I only speak spanish

Are these sentences correct?   * I only speak spanish.   * I speak spanish alone.   * I just speak spanish. Are there other ways to say the same thing?


What is the story behind the phrase 'as it were'? Where did it come from?

This is a question my High School English teacher could not answer 20-odd years ago and every time I encounter it, it bugs me. I only know what it means in terms of other phrases such as 'per se'. I have a general idea what it means, but I can't really wrap my head around it. 'As it were' when exactly? Does anyone know the origin?


Wordplay - "Owl" being used to say "I will"?

Is there a name for a type of wordplay such as "owl" being used to say "I will"? I did realize this was a pun, but hoped there were perhaps more specific categories of puns. I'm looking for some kind of reference material for a neighbor who wants to use written puns in a craft project.


Name of sound when final drops of water drain down basin

What is the name of the sound when the last remaining drops of water are about to drain down the plug hole of a basin when the plug is removed? Here is a sample. The last part is not loud enough for one to hear that characteristic sound. EDIT (FF): Here's a better sound sample, where the change in tone just at the end is really clear.


separated unto the gospel of God

I would like to know what _separated unto_ means in this context. This is taken from _Romans 1:1_.


Correct name of an agreement used as a template for individual ones

I can't decide on the most preferred taxonomy regarding agreements. A chain can sign an agreement that each of its franchises can suborder and sign their own individual deal. When I looked it up, I got two suggestions (and can add others by my own). Now I'm sitting here scratching my head indecisive on which one to pick.   1. General agreement   2. Framework agreement   3. Collective agreement   4. Group agreement   5. Suborderable agreement Which would be the most preferred term for such an agreement? I'm formostly looking for a formal nomenclature and American English is preferred (if there's any difference). # Edit The said agreement will also be used for individuals (e.g. members of a labor union, where the union is the signer, while the members are suborderers). Franchise was just an example (perhaps poorly chosen).


How to determine which definition of 'contingent'?

This quote was revealed to exemplify Definition 1, but working backwards, how would you determine the meaning of **contingent**? Even after seeing the context, I'm still vacillating between definitions 1 (not 1.1, the one above 1.1) and 3. Don't they both look right? > But, while personal biographies and group histories are mutually immanent, > they are relationally irreducible. The same context may produce several > different collective 'histories', differentiating as well as linking > biographies through **contingent** specificities. In turn, articulating > cultural practices of the subjects so constituted mark **contingent** > collective 'histories' with variable new meanings. Source: PP 177, Cartographies of Diaspora: Contesting Identities, by Avtar Brah


"Excel at something" vs. "excel in something"

I've come across a question while writing an exam > Roger really excelled **___ __** sports > > A) at   >  B) on   >  C) in   >  D) for My first thought was 'in', later I remembered using 'at' also. I've searched for this in a few forums, there they say both 'excel in' and 'excel at' are correct expressions and could not really make out any differences. Now my problem is that I'm an ESL and the above question doesn't give options like 'both a and c correct'. I'm not sure what option to pick for these kind of questions. So, what is the correct option for above question?. Answers from experts are much appreciated. If both are correct what is the intention of question paper setter?


meaning of "whereof"

_I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God._ (Romans 15: 17) I would like to know what _whereof_ means in this context. I would also like to know what part of speech it is.


Suffixes in "grandiose" and "grandeur"

"grand-" means "big". "grandiose" and "grandeur" have different meanings. So I would like to know what their suffixes "-iose" and "-eur" mean respectively?


What word or phrase describes the quality of an assertion to be inbetween a fact and an opinion?

I'm looking for a word or phrase that describes a statement that is neither a scientific fact nor an opinion. Google defines opinion as "a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge" but I'm looking for something that is based, at least indirectly, on knowledge. For example, if I believe it is pointless to brush teeth in the morning since no food has been eaten since the previous night, what would this statement be called? I don't think it's a scientific fact since no studies or experiments have been made to prove it, but I don't think it would be called an opinion either, because it is at least logical. Would it be correct to call it a _philosophy_? Another example I came across is as follows: one person was arguing that if a person (i.e. a hacker) was trying to guess the password to something, nothing is known about which order or which passwords they would try. Therefore, having minimum requirements for passwords is pointless (e.g. "8h4fhA" may seem like a more complex password than "apple", but technically there's no guarantee a hacker wouldn't test "8h4fhA" first). Would this be an opinion or fact or something else? While the premise seems true and the conclusion logically follows, I personally disagree; for example, it seems much more likely a person would guess "password" (or something easy) than "8h4fhA". Another good example is deciding which car to buy. It's a matter of opinion which car is better than others but at the same time there are facts and reviews that can back up claims so it's not purely opinion. A general example is when experts in an area disagree on a subject, for example if eating cheese before going to bed helps sleep. If one scientist claims that it does, should this be referred to as his _opinion_ since there are other scientists and studies done that show that it does not?


How do students respond to the "roll call" and how do you pronounce it?

I have two questions. In the UK, to do (or is it read?) a _roll call_ is commonly referred to as "calling ~~out~~ the register". It's been so long since I was a child that I'm not absolutely sure how students responded. I think it was _"Present, miss/sir"_ I also seem to remember students just raising their hands. Are there different responses in the rest of the English speaking world? Secondly, I am experiencing difficulty in pronouncing _roll call_. I can say each word separately without any trouble but when I join the two together it sounds as if I'm saying "rolkol"; "rolekol" or "rol kol" I've looked in wiktionary and TFD but neither have the pronunciation. Should I pronounce _roll_ in "roll call" as /rəʊl/ or /roʊl/? EDIT It seems responding to the roll call with " _present_ " has become dated both in the UK and the US whether it holds true for Canada and Australia is unknown. Apparently, British students responded with " _Yes, miss/sir_ " until the 70s but now the simple, " _Here_ " is heard on both sides of the Atlantic. The _Longman Contemporary English Dictionary_ , claims that call/take the register is old fashioned in the UK, but I wonder if that really is the case, and whether in the US "calling the roll" is becoming dated as suggested by the Google Ngram chart in @bib's answer.


What is the difference between "responsibility" and "obligation"?

I must admit that I am confused with these two words. For so long a time, I have been using them interchangeably. I have consulted the dictionary (of course) but I can't seem to pinpoint the glaring difference between the two (if there is any). This may be similar to this question.


Reading comprehension questions

I have some reading comprehension questions and don't know how to solve them. The passage: The kids are hanging out. I pass small bands of students, on my way to work these mornings. They have become a familiar part of the summer landscape. These kids are not old enough for jobs. Nor are they rich enough for camp. They are school children without school. The calendar called the school year ran out on them a few weeks ago. Once supervised by teachers and principals, they now appear to be “self care”. Passing them is like passing through a time zone. For much of our history, after all, Americans arranged the school year around the needs of work and family. In 19th-century cities, schools were open seven or eight hours a day, 11 months a year. In rural America, the year was arranged around the growing season. Now, only 3 percent of families follow the agricultural model, but nearly all schools are scheduled as if our children went home early to milk the cows and took months off to work the crops. Now, three-quarters of the mothers of school-age children work, but the calendar is written as if they were home waiting for the school bus. The six-hour day, the 180-day school year is regarded as something holy. But when parents work an eight-hour day and a 240-day year, it means something different. It means that many kids go home to empty houses. It means that, in the summer, they hang out. “We have a huge mismatch between the school calendar and the realities of family life,” says Dr. Ernest Boyer, head of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Dr. Boyer is one of many who believe that a radical revision of the school calendar is inevitable. “School, whether we like it or not, is educational. It always has been.” His is not a popular idea. Schools are routinely burdened with the job of solving all our social problems. Can they be asked to meet the needs of our work and family lives? It may be easier to promote a longer school year on its educational merits and, indeed, the educational case is compelling. Despite the complaints and studies about our kids’ lack of learning, the United States still has a shorter school year than any industrial nation. In most of Europe, the school year is 220 days. In Japan, it is 240 days long. While classroom time alone doesn’t produce a well-educated child, learning takes time and more learning takes more time. The long summers of forgetting take a toll. The opposition to a longer school year comes from families that want to and can provide other experiences for their children. It comes from teachers. It comes from tradition. And surely from kids. But the most important part of the conflict has been over the money. > **Which of the following is an opinion of the author’s?**   >  A. “The kids are hanging out.”   >  B. “They are school children without school.”   >  C. “These kids are not old enough for jobs.”   >  D. “The calendar called the school year ran out on them a few weeks ago.” Some people think **A is correct** because the author uses "hang out" to show his disapproval of students hanging out. While some think **B is correct** because B is the opinion, while others are facts. I don't know which is the best answer. > **“The long summers of forgetting take a toll” in the last paragraph but one > means that ___ _.**   >  A. long summer vacation slows down the progress of learning   >  B. long summer vacation has been abandoned in Europe   >  C. long summers result in less learning time   >  D. long summers are a result of tradition Some people think **A is correct** because this is the meaning of the quoted sentence. While some think **C is correct** because the author emphasized that more learning needs more time and long summer means learning time is short. I still don't know how to choose. Can you help me understand the answers?


Is there a formal version of "he's the real thing"? As in: >   * Man, she's really good at tennis! > >   * She plays national. She's the real thing. > >


Do you "program with language X" or "program using language X" or something else?

What is the correct way of saying the following sentences (python is the name of the language and numpy is one of the libraries):   * I made this program with Python using numpy library.    * I program using python with numpy library.    * The program is written utilizing python and numpy library. The goal is to explain to non-programmers (that in this case are scientists) some general details about the program.


Converting a sentence to passive with "would"

I know how passive voice is created in general: > He is rich => He is said to be rich. > > People say that he's not able to win => He's said not to be able to win. There is a sentence: > He would like to increase our profit. How can I make a passive of that, I am confused because of the "would". How to transform this sentence to a passive voice? > He is said to (?)


we have had or we had

> I would swear that we have had this conversation already. I have two questions regarding the sentence above:   1. Can it be put just "I swear" instead of "I would swear". What is the difference?   2. If they had the conversation already, why "we have had" not "we had"?


To be able to toggle something

So I'm programming something, and it has the property to be toggled. Now I want to enable or disable this property. In other words, I want to toggle the toggle property. This property, whether or not something can be toggled, should it be called ' _Togglable_ ' ? If not, what **should** I call it?


"Yard" in the sense of pulling hard on something

I'm from New England. Here we use the expression _to yard on_ something meaning to pull hard on it. For instance, you might hear > She's stuck up in that tree. If you want to get her down, you're going to > have to yard on her tail until she comes loose. I was curious where this sense of the word came from, but I can't so much as find a dictionary that has this definition. Most don't have _yard_ as a verb, and of the ones that do, it is defined in a way I am not familiar with ("To enclose, collect, or put into or as if into a yard.") Does anyone have a reference or more information about this sense of the verb _yard_?


Pool or billiards in 1890s American South?

Which term is more likely to have been used in Georgia around 1893? I found a British website which explains the origin of the modern game known as American pool (http://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Pool.htm.) They say that all the predecessor of all modern "pocket billiards" games was American fifteen-ball pool or "sixty-one pool." They also say that "continuous" pool (the same as fifteen-ball pool but with a different scoring system) replaced fifteen-ball pool as the championship game in 1888. What I am not sure of, however, is if the generic term for these games was "billiards," "pool," or something else in the 1890s American South.


Should I use a semicolon or comma in these statements for greater impact?

I am struggling with the use of semicolons, commas, and periods in my writing of a specific passage of my personal statement. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. “What is the worst thing you have ever seen?” This question inevitably arises when others learn that I work as a paramedic on a helicopter. I hate this question; I always struggle to answer it. Yet this wasn’t always the case, as I have come gradually to understand after greater than a decade in emergency medical services (EMS). The other way I have written this is as follows: “What is the worst thing you have ever seen?” This question inevitably arises when others learn that I work as a paramedic on a helicopter. I hate this question for I always struggle to answer it. This wasn’t always the case, as I have come gradually to understand after greater than a decade in emergency medical services (EMS). The second entry seems much more cumbersome and doesn't flow as well. It also does not seem to have the same impact as the first. UPDATE: In response to F.E.---I am trying to discuss that I have gradually come to dislike this question because my interpretation of the question has changed. As a novice provider I answered this question in the same way that rhetorician described-gore. In an attempt to not become too philosophical, my impression of the "worst thing I have ever seen" really doesn't matter. Due to the nature of 911, every event is the worst thing that has ever happened to that patient, at that particular time. I am attempting to say, without sounding cynical or jaded, that my experiences have led me to disliking the question because I have discovered a much deeper meaning to it.


Grammatical name and function of "whose shoes were damaged"

> The boy **whose shoes were damaged** could not go with the others. What is the grammatical name and function of the bolded part?


Is there a single word for "interesting" and "varied"?

As in "NotAlwaysRight.com is the perfect website for those of us who have had the 'pleasure' of working in the -interesting and varied- field of employ that is customer service." A word that replaces the 'pleasure' with something more appropriate that means "quixotic, confounding, disturbing, hilarious, and unbelievable" would be useful as well, but I don't think such a word exists, at least, not in English.


What is a froth-blower?

Can anyone explain this word to me? I found it in Robert Byron's book 'The road to Oxiana'.


Why do courts use "What say you?"

... instead of "What do you say?" I am not sure if "What say you?" is even grammatically correct.


What is the origin of the phrase "pinky promise"?

A **pinky promise** (or "pinky swear") is a gesture in which two parties interlock little fingers in a symbolic gesture of agreement. What is the origin of this phrase? One possibility, and probably the most straightforward one, is that it is an independent invention to describe an existing cultural practice of sealing promises by interlocking little fingers. Another possibility, however, is that it originates from Japanese. Japanese sources frequently suggest that the English phrase "pinky promise" is a translation/adaptation of a similar Japanese concept called 指切り ( _yubikiri_ , lit. "finger-cutting") which supposedly has its origins in _yakuza_ loyalty practices (if someone promised to do something and performed a _yubikiri_ , and then broke their promise, their finger would be cut off). However, as Wikipedia notes, this practice (if not the exact phrase "pinky promise") has been attested since 1860, as recorded in _Bartlett's Dictionary of Americanisms_. The Japanese _yubikiri_ predates that1, so it's still _possible_ that "pinky promise" derives from _yubikiri_ , but I can't imagine there were many borrowings/translations from Japanese that long ago. 1 The Nihon Kokugo Daijiten, which is closest thing Japanese has to the OED, attests _yubikiri_ in the sense of "a promise" from 1638, and in the sense of "cutting off a finger" from 1692.


"Solicit" vs. "elicit"

Looking for general information with regards to _solicit_ vs _elicit_ , as well as which would be the correct word for this phrase: > Before spending time learning your system, I just wanted to [solicit or > elicit] some feedback from you. Some background: A person had written an advertisement basically for their system, and I asked a question and then wrote the above phrase using `solicit` I've seen both _elicit_ and _solicit_ used almost interchangeably in this kind of phrasing about getting feedback. I've also read that _elicit_ should be used if it is a process and/or it doesn't necessarily benefit the person. There is definitely some confusion on my part with regards to the use of those two words in this example.


"Linder" or "linnder" for lunch/dinner

> We have plans for a late lunch / early dinner planned for 4:00 pm in mid > December. I would like to indicate that it's more than lunch and less than dinner. I have heard it called _linder_ or _linnder_. Advice is sought on spelling.


Is there a word or expression which defines a text or sentence which does not explain all of its terms?

I think I summed it up in the title, but to be more specific, check this sentence: > "ECM is an umbrella term covering document management, web content > management, search, collaboration, records management, digital asset > management (DAM), work-flow management, capture and scanning." In this case, "collaboration", "DAM", "work-flow management" are all very generic terms which can give us an idea about what is being explained, but if you don't know the specific usage of these terms, you'll end up clueless about what really is an ECM. This simpler sentence, instead, is more "self-containing": > "ECM is a formalized means of organizing and storing an organization's > documents, and other content, that relate to the organization's processes." In short, is there a word or expression which defines a text full of (difficult or not) words, expressions and acronyms which the reader cannot understand without further information about the subject?


Does the word "amen" have anything to do with men? Which is the correct pronunciation?

I don't understand how the word _amen_ was coined by breaking it down to what I presume to be its constituents, _a-_ and _men_. It seems to be a phrase of affirmation -- I don't see what _men_ has anything to do with it. Does it? Also, which is the correct pronunciation? "Ah-men" or "ay-men"? When should I use either?


What's the difference between a "fen" and a "dale"?

What's the difference between a _fen_ and a _dale_? Are these words used precisely at all? **EDIT** : My question comes from this Kipling poem, _The Spirit of England_; if you'll notice, each couplet, _plain_ and _hill_ , _towns_ and _downs_ seem to be opposing, and I was wondering if that were true for _woodland_ and _fen_ and _dale_ : ![enter image description here](http://i.stack.imgur.com/0Z6Lx.png)


What's the meaning of the symbol ‡?

I am trying to get the meaning of the symbol ‡. I saw it a couple of times: as a tattoo in a little boy finger, and on Wikipedia. How is this symbol called in English?


Pronunciation of the apostrophe

Is there a rule regarding the pronunciation (or lack of) of the apostrophe? I have seen this on tv: > "Enchantress' wrath" pronounced as "Echantresses wrath" > > "Gus' schedule" pronounced as "Guses schedule" According to that the following examples should be pronounced the same: > Jones's car as "Joneses car" > > Jones' car as "Joneses car" Just to make it clear, this is not a question regarding the use of the apostrophe, it's one regarding the apostrophe's pronunciation.


What is a more sophisticated way of saying "grand finale"?

I want to say big deal/grand finale, but more professionally.


Answering "Have you got" questions with "I do"

For the question _"Have you got any ice cream?"_ which is correct:   1. Yes I do   2. Yes I have or inversely   1. No I don't   2. No I haven't got any


"Pretty" as an adverb

How correct/common/proper is "pretty" as an adverb? It is hard for me to see, since it's my native dialect, but I say "pretty often" pretty often, and "fairly often" fairly rarely. Does "pretty" mark me as informal or uneducated or rustic?


Words to mean one taking only part of the other's words?

I was wondering what some words are to mean one person taking only part of the other's words? For example: B is A's advisor. A says "I would like to focus on just two projects, because otherwise I will be tied up and nothing probably will be done well." B says to A that he is adamant regarding this and requires A to do four projects at the same time. A has no choice but to follow what B says. B then makes judgment, by saying that A is reluctant to do projects, to A and possibly other people. Most likely A is not happy about what B says. He believes that it is not a simple matter of not willing to do projects, but is because of the amount that A can handle well. If you were A, how would you describe B and his only taking part of A's words without repeating A's reasons, which otherwise might make A's choice more understandable?


Is there a more tactful way to tell someone they are “difficult to work with”?

I want to tell someone they have been “difficult to work with” in writing, but I don’t want to put it quite so directly. Is there another way to write it so that doesn’t sound as if it were some behavioral issue? I am trying to think of words to lighten it up so as not to affect a working business relationship. Also, the person could be going through a stressful time outside work, and I don’t want to offend.


What's the act of darkening windows to disallow visibility?

What's the word to describe the act of darkening windows to disallow visibility from outside yet visibility from inside to outside is possible? I was thinking of _tinting_ , to _tint_ a window, but visibility is still possible from a tinted window. In this case, the windows are darkened and visibility is completely impossible; all that you see from outside is a reflection of yourself, like in a mirror. You see these kinds of windows in places like hotels and offices. What's the word to describe the making of these windows and what are these windows called?


What do you call an indoor water tap?

I always thought water sources were called taps in kitchens, bathrooms etc, but a Google search only returned outdoor taps. So my question is, what are indoor taps really called? Like this one: http://biltema.no/no/Bygg/VVS/Baderom/Blandebatterier/Servantbatteri-86568/


What is one word for "more or less equal"

The want to convey the meaning of a phrase "more or less equal". The quality being compared is skill. For example: we are more or less equally skilled to code.


Where did the word "cocamame" come from?

Where did the word "cocamame" come from, and how did it get its connotation of meaning "idiotic"? Is "cocamame" considered to be more or less severe than "idiotic" on the scale of idiocy? Are there any words that would be even more idiotic than cocamame?


Meaning of palm

What is the meaning of Palm and grease in this sentence. He then listed out the **palms** we had to **grease** in order to open a place to teach kids in our country. I read this sentence from the book "Revolution 2020".


What does "not biting" mean?

In a recent exchange with a highly eloquent friend (we were discussing a particularly peculiar episode he has pointed to me in a book) he replied to my comments on the episode with an idiom I've never heard before (being an ESL guy). He said literally "Not biting, eh?". What does this mean?


"stars on heaven" vs "stars in heaven"

Which expression is correct? > stars **in** heaven or > stars **on** heaven I want to express that something comes in really, really large numbers. For instance: " _There are more Blabla than stars on/in heaven_ ".


How would a native British speaker say "Betteredge"?

I am reading Wilkie Collins' _The Moonstone_ , and a prominent character in the story has the name of Betteredge. My question is (since I like to imagine the dialogue in a British-English book as if spoken with a British accent), would "Betteredge" sound more like "Better edge", more like "Bedderitch", or is it pronounced completely differently?


"My late friends" — they're not dead!

Context: We're discussing about how we used to get penalized in school for being late to classes, many years ago. I wanted to say: > In my old school, it was hilarious to see my late friends get penalized. Here, _late friends_ is supposed to mean that they were not on time. But to me, it almost sounds as if I'm talking about my friends who are now deceased. How else can I refer to a person who is late?


"Time zone" vs. "Timezone"

My spell checker shows that both "time zone" and "timezone" are correctly spelled. Which one of these is the correct one to use?


How should blockquoted quotations be formatted?

If I quote someone in a context where a blockquote is appropriate and there isn't lead-in prose which identifies the source, how should it be typeset? I'm quoting a saying or remark, as would be done in a "list of quotes" or the front matter for a book or chapter. How would this example be improved? Is there anything wrong with it? > Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod > tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...   >  -- Fred Nurk This varies by which style guide is being used and is essentially a trivial problem, so please qualify answers with any details about when they'd be appropriate. I'm assuming an audience of the general population, much like for this site.


What is the difference between "Per year" and "Per annum"?

I know _per annum_ is from Latin, but what are the real-world differences between these two phrases? Is one used in certain contexts and the other in other contexts?


Is it correct to use "train has surfaced"?

Can you say _The train has surfaced_ to describe the moment when a train emerges from a tunnel?


Why isn't "safely disposing" written as "safe disposing" instead?

> The cost of safely disposing of the toxic chemicals is approximately five > times what the company paid to purchase them. The _-ing_ and _of_ seem indicate that "disposing" is a noun, and since "safely" is modifying "disposing" then shouldn't we use the adjective "safe" rather than the adverb "safely"?


attendance or attendees

Let's say I want to distribute written agenda this week to people who will attend a meeting scheduled the next week and I say: >   1. I circulate the agenda to the attendees of the meeting held next week >   2. I circulate the agenda to the attendance of the meeting held next week. > 1) seems fine to me, but how about 2)? For example, M-W dictionary defines this word as the persons attending. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%20attendance By this definition, it seems you can use the sentence 2), but you might find this a bit awkward (or maybe not). If so, I would like to know why it is.


separability, and a question of emphasis

The sentence in question: > In short, the so-called “balance of power” is nothing but a policy that > masks beneath a desire to preserve a favorable nuclear status quo designed > to keep an entire region in awe. While I want to place emphasis on "an entire region" by having it come immediately before the full stop, the lack of separation between "to keep" and "in awe," by removing the object "an entire region" from the in-between position, sounds off to me. [ . . . ] a favorable nuclear status quo to keep in awe an entire region*. Any thoughts?


How to pronounce "nₒ" properly

People here (Hong Kong) like to pronounce _n 0_ ("n subscript zero") as "N-nor"; "N-zero" seems to be acceptable. I am wondering what's the most popular pronunciation in English.   I am actually a little confused by "N-nor". Where does it come from? Is it understood in America or England?


When would one use "burnt" and when would "burned" be more appropriate?

More out of curiosity than anything, when would one use "burnt" and when would "burned" be appropriate? For example, > This coffee tastes burnt. > > This coffee tastes burned. or > They burnt the coffee again. > > They burned the coffee again. Does it make a difference? I know when I speak either phrase they sound almost indistinguishable (my "t"s do not always sound sharp and come across like "d"s at times); can they be used interchangeably? [ As an aside, the problem with the coffee at the local Dunkin Donuts is what prompted the whole curiosity about this :) ]


Noun + participle as adjective phrase

There's a construction in English that allows us to form a compound adjective from a noun and a past participle. Examples: > This is a **volunteer-built** home. > > Our newspaper is **student-run**. > > After the spill, beaches were littered with **oil-soaked** birds. The way it works is pretty transparent: [subject noun] + [verb participle] modifies [object noun]. However, it occurred to me that we can't just plug any subject, object, and verb into this formula. Some sound completely wrong/impossible: > *This is a **cat-used** litterbox. > > *I wanted to buy my daughter the most **child-wanted** toy. > > *I was uncomfortable lying down in the **hobo-slept** bed. Thinking about it, I couldn't come up with a clear rule that determines why some words can fit this construction acceptably and some can't. Why is that?


Sam Weller in The Pickwick Papers: What accent is Dickens portraying?

In Dickens' Pickwick Papers, there's a character "Sam Weller". Weller's dialogue is written somewhat phonetically, I presume, but I'm struggling to understand what accent Dickens is trying to portray. The main peculiarities of Weller's speech are using "v" where there should be a "w" and a "w" when there should be a "v". For example, he says "wery" instead of "very" and "avay" instead of "away". Weller is supposed to be from London, but this doesn't seem like any kind of London accent I've heard. Is this a particular archaic accent? More importantly, what is Dickens telling us about Sam Weller by having him speak like this?


From mothers to mammals

I was wondering what the relation is between mother and mammals. I know mammal refers to the mammalian glands which every mammal uses for the production of milk. Now, the word mammal is very similar to Mamma - Mam/Mom/Mum - Mother. I've read about the Proto Indo European origin of mother - but I can't find anything about the link between this and mammals... Anyone who can help me out?


"to enquire of"

I referenced Prepositions used with "inquire", yet I'm still strained about the verb plus the preposition "to enquire of"". I can't pinpoint why, though. When is it legitimate to omit "of" (ie: "to enquire"), but to retain or impart the same meaning as "to enquire of"?   Are there any similarities or differences between these two verb forms? For example, how can the following Notice to Counsel at the US Supreme Court be rewritten using only "to enquire", without any succeeding prepositions? > "Counsel shall not inquire of the Chief Justice how much time remains."


A word for "Painful Anticipation"

I am looking for a word to use in this context... A teacher is scheduled to teach English 100. He has taught it before and knows it to be a grind. He believes that, like always, it will be populated by students who have built up a healthy disdain for English. So, he is sitting in his office minutes before the class begins feeling _painful anticipation_ over his first lecture. Psychology uses "Negative Anticipation" for these moments. I am hoping for a single word. The closest word I've found is "pang", but it sounds incomplete without "of something." So, I would like a word that signifies _the painful looking forward to an undesirable inevitability_. This isn't a feeling of fear, just discomfort at knowing that what's to come will be arduous and tedious.


One word/phrase to describe the reaction when you eat a very spicy-hot food

I've read the discussion here about Difference between “spicy” and “hot”. I've also read this one: How to say that food is hot (temperature) without the listener thinking that I mean “spicy”?. But I did not find any word or phrase that describes the reaction someone has when eating a too spicy-hot food. You know, they tend to sweat, catch their breath, and even sometimes shed tears; due to the spiciness of the food. So my questions: >   1. What do you say to describe the reaction someone has when being > excitedly "suffered" by a very spicy-hot food? In Indonesian, we would call > it **kepedasan**. >   2. What do you say when you get that thing [the answer to question 1] with > you, other than the list I enclose below: > >>     * Oh, spicy! >>     * My God, it's spicy-hot! >> Is that it? >>


Word referencing time of creation

I've been wondering if there is a word to express that something was current at the time of its creation. It (in bold) should plug-in into a sentence similar to: > The results are based on an analyses that deal with the _then-current_ > methods. As far as I can tell, both "contemporary" and "current" refer to now, whereas I would like to express something was "current" in the past.


What is the correct tense to use for a sentence like this?

The below sentence is wrong. I do not know why. It reads funny. I'm not an english expert, but... > This website was first on the list of priorities and your feedback over the > past two years is much appreciated.


What does "it takes a tough man to make a tender chicken" mean?

I read it here. > The New Jersey guy said that the Unix solution was right because the design > philosophy of Unix was simplicity and that the right thing was too complex. > Besides, programmers could easily insert this extra test and loop. The MIT > guy pointed out that the implementation was simple but the interface to the > functionality was complex. The New Jersey guy said that the right tradeoff > has been selected in Unix-namely, implementation simplicity was more > important than interface simplicity. > > The MIT guy then muttered that sometimes **it takes a tough man to make a > tender chicken** , but the New Jersey guy didn't understand (I'm not sure I > do either). I don't understand it either. Is there an American cultural reference in there? Can anybody here explain?


Why is "that" used here?

Why doesn't the author just simply say "trusting your gut"? > He lit up when talking about movies and people that have influenced him, > particularly Billy Wilder’s “Sunset Boulevard,” which he said he discussed > with Mr. Eastwood during the making of “J. Edgar.” They wanted to emulate > how that 1950 film handled voice-over narration. But Mr. DiCaprio also > seemed to go on auto pilot from time to time, answering in the way that > actors tend to answer. (Lucky to be employed this, trusting your gut > **that**.) And personal questions are not appreciated. Just why is it that > he dates all of those supermodels?


Is this sentence correct: I could not keep calm?

How can I say when I know that I do something badly, but I can't keep calm. E.G. - She asked me don't tell you, but I couldn't ... I hope you understand what I meant. :)


"As part of" versus "as a part of"

When should I use "as part of", and when "as a part of"?


Difference between "art exhibition" and "art fair"

What is the difference between _art exhibition_ and _art fair_? It seems both show something to an audience.


What is the difference between "skills", "abilities", and "talents"?

Are there differences in meaning of the words "skills", "abilities", and "talents" within the context of describing what a person can do?


Why we always use "Listening to music" why not "Listening music"?

I am confused; why we always use "Listening to music" why not "Listening Music"? Can somebody please explain.


What does “Small words” in “They are small words that reflect a dark and negative point of view.”?

Washington Post (June 27) picked up Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s comment digging in Sen. Wendy Davis for her filibustering the abortion bill in his speech delivered at a convention of the National Right to Life organization in the article titled, “Rick Perry: Wendy Davis should know better,” and Davis’ counterblow. Perry said in his speech; > “She’s the daughter of as single woman; she was a teenage mother herself. > She managed to eventually graduate from Harvard Law School. \-- It’s just > unfortunate that she hasn’t learned from her own example that every life > must be given a chance to realize its full potential, \--” > > Davis responded to Perry’s statement “is without dignity and tarnishes the > high office he holds. They are **small words** that reflect a dark and > negative point of view.” - http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post- > politics/wp/2013/06/27/rick-perry-wendy-davis-should-know-better/ I’m drawn to the word, “ **small word**.” It doesn’t appear in none of Cambridge, Oxford, and Merriam Webster English Dictionary. Google Ngram shows incidence and currency of “small words” since 1980 up to date at an average 0.000002 to 0.000004 emergence level. I used to be told by my English teacher at college 60 years ago(!) to use as much a plain and short word as possible and refrain from using a “ _big word_ ” when speaking and writing in English, so I understood " _big words_ " means lengthy and pedantry words like legal terms. However, I don’t understand what “ _small words_ ” mean. It doesn’t seem to be an antonym of ‘ _big words_.’ Does it mean a short, terse, but poignant expression? Is it a common word, though I can’t find it in any of leading English dictionaries?


Direct and indirect object with the verb "kick"

Are both theses sentences correct and commonly used: "Kick the ball to me." "Kick me the ball."?


What is the right user-friendly name for something that is done regularly?

For a website I am developing, I have to decide which name give to an action that is done with regular periodically. As I am not a native English speaker I am not sure which word to use, as I need a name that is easy to understand for everyone and that's a bit cultural (right?) So, some of the options that would have sense...   * Repetitive action   * Regular action   * Periodic action   * (...) ? Which would be the most user-friendly name? @Update To give some context, these actions does not necessarily need to be boring or fun; they are defined by the User. For example, I set a new "periodic" action; running every Monday at 20:00. Another one, review my week, every Sunday at 16:00. So that is why the name has to be friendly! It is important that people does not see periodic actions as a boring, technical thing, but as a human healthy habit.


Why does a good gardener have a green thumb and not a green finger or hand?

Why is a gardener's thumb singled out for especial greenness? Where did that idiom come from?


It's advertised = It was advertised?

Can I say/write "It's advertised" instead of "It was advertised"


Are “bunk” and “bunker” directly related?

When did the term _bunk_ (in the sense of sleeping berth) arise, and what if any connection does it have to the noun _bunker_? Merriam-Webster's Eleventh Collegiate Dictionary (2003) gives a first occurrence date of 1758 for _bunk_ (in the sense of "bunk bed") and observes that _bunk_ is "prob. short for _bunker_ "; but that dictionary’s first occurrence date for _bunker_ is 1839—which is 81 years after the first occurrence date that it reports for the noun _bunk_. MW also gives a first occurrence date of 1840 for the verb _bunk_ (defined as “to occupy a bunk or bed”). My copy of the Oxford English Dictionary (1985), in contrast, gives a first occurrence date for the noun _bunk_ of 1815, and a first occurrence date for the noun _bunker_ of 1758; but it reports that the noun _bunk_ is “Of unknown etymology.” The OED’s first instance of the verb _bunk_ is from 1861. Can you shed any light on when _bunk_ and _bunker_ arose, and whether one is responsible for the other?


Change of form of some (Latin) prefixes like ex-, ad- into ef-, a-: are there rules or conditions?

There are many cases of prefixes changing their forms. For example   * ex- can change to ef- in front of f, e.g. effusion.   * ad- becomes a- in front of b, e.g. abate. Are there some more general rules or a summary of such changes that can help me figure out the meanings of unfamiliar words, and recognize the prefixes in the words?


"ASP.NET web-based applications is my primary focus."

Is this grammatically correct? Should I use **is** instead of **are**? > ASP.NET web-based applications **is** my primary focus.


What exactly does "I'm sorry for your loss" mean?

I find it strange when someone hears about another's dead lover and he says " _I'm sorry for your loss_ ". Why would they apologize when they have nothing to do with his or her death? Is there a better expression, something like "Don't feel sad" or "It's something natural"?


What is the difference between the prefix iso and homo

I haven't found a ancient Greek site on stack exchange, so i hope it is ok to ask it here: What is the difference between 'iso-' and 'homo-'? Do they both mean 'same'? For example: isotope, isomer, isostasy, isomorphism... homophone, homosexuality, homomorphism...


"Motherland" vs. "fatherland"

What are the different connotations of motherland and fatherland? NOAD defines both as "a person's native country," though it adds "esp. when referred to in patriotic terms" for fatherland. The words, though, are not one. How are they different? Do they convey different meanings? Are they affected by other languages which use gendered equivalents--as in, is fatherland influenced by Spanish _patria_ , etc? Before you start yelling _duplicate!_ I am aware of the previous question Homeland vs Motherland vs Fatherland. The answers there, though, only differentiate motherland and fatherland from homeland; they make no distinction between the gendered terms.


Is this a proper use of a semicolon and the word "whom"?

> PCAs are usually assigned to an individual with a physical, mental, > behavioral, or emotional handicap; whom they work with throughout the year. Is this sentence grammatically correct? I know that semicolons are sometimes used when you have a list at the beginning of the sentence, to prevent confusion. Is that accurate? Also, would "who" or "whom" be proper in this usage? I thought it would be "whom" because it's referring to the person who is helped, not the person who is helping, but I am not completely sure.


Is this participle or gerund?

"Disturbed, she consulted her doctor about the symptoms."


Meaning of "popping" in "I've bought some corn for popping"

> It doesn't show signs of stopping   >  And I've bought some corn for **popping**   >  The lights are turned way down low   >  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! What does "corn for popping" mean? What is he going to do with the corn?


Full stop, double stop, period and colon

At different times I see "full stop" used online. Does this just mean a period, or is it something more or less? I would assume it refers to a period specifically at the end of a sentence, but does it mean more than that? In the King James Version of the Bible, the colon is often used as what appears to be a "double stop". It seems to break apart groups of sentences. Other times it seems to be used as the period version of a semi-colon, almost connecting the two sentences. How is it actually used? Is there such a thing as a "Double Stop" or is it just called a colon? I know colons are _supposed to_ be only used for lists, but are there other ways they can be used as well?


How to turn adjacent into a verb

Is there one word which means "to make adjacent to," or a conjugation of adjacent that would satisfy that? For example: The editor _moved that paragraph to make it adjacent to this one_. Is there a way to make the bold words into a less awkward phrase, so that the sentence would read "The editor [mystery verb here] these two paragraphs"?


Usage of diffuse vs. defuse

I often hear phrases such as "infantry were sent in to diffuse/defuse the situation," and I am never _quite_ sure which people are saying, and which is correct. Both seem to make sense. To me (a chemist/physicist) the primary definition of the _intransitive_ verb "diffuse" has a very specific meaning: to move randomly through a medium. I also understand the _transitive_ verb "diffuse" to mean to make something less concentrated, or to lower its energy. "Defuse," on the other hand, has one clear meaning: to remove the fuse from a bomb (or situation), making it less dangerous. So the question is, when I hear "diffuse/defuse the situation," is there a more correct word to use, or is this a case where words are both homophones and synonyms? (Which would be pretty cool.)


Why is there a period after a royal title?

In _The Wealth of Nations_ , whenever a royal name appears, there is a period after the roman numeral. Why is this, and why has the practice been discontinued? If you search this online copy for a royal name ("George", for example) you can see what I'm talking about.


Variant pronunciation of "obesity"

A question mainly for Americans: Could you please confirm if some Americans indeed pronounce the "e" of "obesity" as the "ea" of "steady" rather than the "ee" of "bee" (o-be-si-ty instead of o-bee-si-ty? Merriam-Webster lists it as a variant pronunciation, yet, i haven't heard any American say the word this way. Thanks a lot!


Am I taking a course "on" or "at" an educational website?

I recently wrote a blog post and found it incredibly difficult to decide whether to state that I am taking a course "on Coursera" as one might say if Facebook, for instance, started offering courses, or - as one would say of a University course - "at Coursera". What is the correct usage?


Difference between some sentences involving tense

What is the difference between the two sentences in each of the three cases? > 1A. I should like to have sat down. > > 1B. I should have liked to sit down. > > 2A. He acts as if he knows the subject. > > 2B. He acts as if he knew the subject. > > 3A. He felt better when she gave him medicine. > > 3B. He was feeling better when she gave him medicine. The first pair confounds me the most.


"You are likely to [verb]" vs. "you are like to [verb]"

In a recent answer to another question, a fellow poster just used the following turn of phrase: > The nearest **you’re like to get** is [word][.] I only ever saw and used "you’re _likely_ to..." myself, but something told me it wasn't a typo. So I started looking around and sure enough it wasn't. After some discussion in chat, here's what we have determined so far:   * 50–60 million Google hits for "you are like to"; 3 million for "you are like to get". (120 million for "you are likely to", 11 million for "you are likely to get".)   * 2 hits on BNC, 0 on COCA. The poster is from the UK. Seems to be a British thing. More stats follow:                                     COCA   BNC     you are likely to [v*]  150   167     you are like to [v*]      0     2     we are likely to [v*]   126    67     we are like to [v*]       0     0     I am likely to [v*]      18    12     I am like to [v*]         0     1 Until we come to this outlier:              he is likely to [v*]    143    92     he is like to [v*]        2     1 The two COCA cites looking legit:     * > There's a danger that some of **the weapons of mass destruction he is like to have had** may have leaked out of the country.  — SPOKEN, 2003, CNN.     * > A Californian! This is herring man, a favorite to vodka. **He is like to have hammer and sickle tattooed on his chest**. — FICTION, 2001, Harper's Magazine.   * Some hits on Google Books. For example, from _Burke, Paine, Godwin, and the Revolution Controversy_ , Marily Butler (ed.), 1984: > Can I be blamed to point out to him in what manner **he is like to be > affected** , if the sect of the cannibal philosophers of France should > proselytize any considerable part of this people, and, by their joint > proselytizing arms, should conquer that Government, to which his Grace does > not seem to me to give all the support his own security demands? Again, Cambridge University Press, so could be a British thing, if not for the spelling of _proselytize_ that suggests otherwise.   * The quick straw poll in chat produced reactions ranging from "Really? Never heard of." through "It's an odd one. I suppose it's fine colloquially." to "I have heard this, and I think it is a modern mal-back-formation of _likely_ when the sentence structure resembles a copula." So, my questions are:   * Is this or is this not a strictly British thing? Does it sound grammatical to Americans? And what about Indian/Australian English?   * How recent is this use of _like_? Who knows — does it perhaps even predate the corresponding use of _likely_?


Is it valid to use "literally" to mean "actually" when composing a hyperbole?

Whenever I see someone corrects another person on their use of "literally", it often seems to me like the corrector did not realize the sentence was supposed to be a hyperbole, and in fact depends on the correct usage of the word "literally" (to mean "actually") in order to be a hyperbole. For example: "It is so amazing it will literally make your head explode". Sure, nobody's head is going to "literally" explode from the sheer awesomeness of whatever "it" is, but isn't that exactly the point? If heads do not explode from something being awesome, then something would have to be _extremely_ awesome in order to actually explode someone's head. This sentence basically says: "The intensity of how amazing this thing is is so great, that your head will actually explode from it." This seems semantically correct to me, but people seem to criticize this use of "literally", as if it actually isn't semantically correct. Why is that?


Their or there legacy

Is this a proper sentence? Be it good or bad their legacy will supersede you.


Is there a word for the phrase "I don't know what I don't know"?

In my current job, I'm constantly trying to figure out when the next thing I don't know that I don't know is going to bite me in the butt and cause me to have to rework my code. I've been working on a certain project for nearly a year, and still find out things that people have neglected to tell me, or are just considered tribal knowledge and everyone assumes you just "know", or is buried in the code (that I have to replicate in another language). It's not malicious, it's just how it is here, but it's incredibly frustrating. So far the closest word I've found that sort of describes this situation is agnotology (the study of culturally induced ignorance, coined in 1995), but that's not exactly it. What word adequately describes the situation where you don't know what you don't know?


Use of the article "the" with proper nouns

I'm writing a leaflet for children from primary schools who will visit our school. Is it correct to write: > the "amerigo vespucci" school is waiting for you!!!! Is the use of the definite article correct in this case? I am defining which school is waiting for them, I'm saying **we** and no others but **us** are willing to meet them?


To what extent is hardly a negative adverb?

The American Heritage Dictionary notes about adverbs like _hardly_ that > they are not truly negative in meaning. The sentence _Mary hardly laughed_ > means that Mary did laugh a little, not that she kept from laughing > altogether, and therefore does not express a negative proposition. However, they are similar to negative adverbs in that they combine with _any_ and _at all_ , as in “I hardly saw him at all.” With this in mind, which sentence below would be correct? > _A) Putin is **hardly** popular among Germans, but **so** is the prospect of > a scrap with Russia on Ukraine’s behalf._ > > _B) Putin is **hardly** popular among Germans, but **neither** is the > prospect of a scrap with Russia on Ukraine’s behalf._ [Source for (A): ‘Was Ukraine Betrayed at Geneva?’ by Rajan Menon, http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/was-ukraine-betrayed- geneva-10306?page=1] I would say (B), since the idea could be paraphrased as follows: Putin is not popular, but neither is war with Russia. But would this be true for any compound sentence where the first clause contains _hardly?_ Or would it depend on whether _hardly_ is indicating a truly negative quality or a minimally positive one?


"Data source types" vs. "types of data sources"

Is there any difference in meaning between "Many different data source types" and "Many different types of data sources"? I have no strong understanding on the use of "of".


What do you call "to be to" constructions and are they proper/good English?

Consider the following examples: > You have to be really patient if you **are to go** shopping in the > afternoon.   >  It must be active if it **is to record** the film. What is the construction in bold typeface called and should it be used in formal English texts -- is it good or bad style?


How do you describe a test that puts you in one of a number of grades (specifying the grade)?

If a test puts you in a particular grade (result), how is it described? For example, "Five tier graded test"? The test might be a language test and the results might be A, B, C, D, E. _Please note that I would like to include how many grades there are in this phrase._


Can you apply an apostrophe to any word?

If I were to say `The skill is` could I say it as `The skill's`? Or would this not work? Also, if it does work, could I apply to it to any word?


Word for specific behaviour irrationally ascribed to gay people?

Nowadays, there seem to be a lot of men/boys who behave in my opinion, more feminine. For example saying "Oh my gosh" with a bit high voice and making gestures that mostly young woman do. Teenagers mostly call this person "gay", because stereotypes say that this behavior is mostly seen among homosexual men/boys. Not everybody who behaves like that, has to be gay. But is there any other word for this?


A word like "engooden"

And I don't refer to the baseball player. I was asked today for a word which would indicate the changing of something considered bad into something good. But this isn't about "improvement." This is about the transformation, that singular inverting moment. The example given to me was "xxx did not deny he was a racist but insisted that racism, more than a necessary evil was a good thing." His action of recontextualizing or reunderstanding a negative as a positive -- does that have a word? I could say phrases like "he turned it on its head" or "made it its opposite" or "converts his gyves to graces", or I could just coin the titular "engooden" but I'd sort of like a real word which, as a specific verb, explicitly crystallizes the idea.


Abbreviations for nouns / noun phrases used as non-nouns

In an answer to another question, steven_desu argued that it was “technically incorrect” to use the word “e-mail” or “email” as a verb because it stands for “electronic mail.” I do not argue whether he is right or not because I am not interested in whether the word is “technically correct” or not. As far as I am concerned, it is enough to know that the use of “e-mail” as a verb is widely accepted. However, his answer has certainly pointed out an interesting fact: when people use “e-mail” as a verb, they no longer care about the fact that the word was originally an abbreviation for “electronic mail,” which is a noun phrase. “Please e-mail me” is fine, but “please electronic mail me” is simply wrong. Although “please _electronically_ mail me” may be ok, I do not think that people consider “please e-mail me” as a short form for “please electronically mail me.” So my question is: what are other examples of words like this:   * The word is originally an abbreviation for a noun or a noun phrase, and   * It can be used as a verb (or, even better, another part of speech!) in a way that the original word/phrase cannot substitute for the abbreviation.


Meaning of "break over"

I read this in Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, > The fugitive-slave clause of the Constitution and the law for the > suppression of the foreign slave trade are each as well enforced, perhaps, > as any law can ever be in a community where the moral sense of the people > imperfectly supports the law itself. The great body of the people abide by > the dry legal obligation in both cases, and a few **break over** in each. Is _break over_ here related to the waves breaking over? Oxford Advance Learner's Dictionary: 20. when waves break, they fall and are dissolved into foam, usually near land: The sea was breaking over the wrecked ship. Do you think that _break over_ here is just another figurative way to refer that a few people _fail to fulfill_ their legal obligation?


Can I use "over and above" here?

> There is no natural law over and above the positive laws. (self-made) I saw others using “over and above”. Can I use it this way, meaning that x is higher in rank than y? Or “over and above” only means “apart from…”? By the way, what does the over in this phrase mean?


Antonym of "nonsensical"

I'm interested in finding out two things:   1. Why is _sensical_ not a valid antonym for _nonsensical_?   2. Is there an antonym of _nonsensical_ that can be used instead? I haven't found any in dictionary searches.


What's your understanding of "suit" here?

Context (Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address), > I do not forget the position assumed by some that constitutional questions > are to be decided by the Supreme Court, nor do I deny that such decisions > must be binding in any case upon the parties to a **suit** as to the object > of that **suit** , ...


Should I use "as a song goes" or "as ...went"?

> When I was a small boy, or as a famous song went (goes), when I was shorter > than a Christmas tree, I fell in love with a little girl. (self-made) The “as song went” seems to match the tense of the whole sentence. But the song might not be generated back when the story happened, it is adduced to by me now. So how to express my idea grammatically in terms of tense?


Which word is better, damage or defile?

> I think I look like Brad Peter. – Oh, you are damaging my idol. (He is far > from Brad’s look). I mean my friend’s words made me feel uncomfortable because my idol was compared to something much lower. I want my idol be there in my mind, just be there. No one shall try to pull it down, or combine it with mean and ugly things. So the idol is very fragile, I must protect it. Is this thought too much for “damage” to convey? May be “defile” is better in this context.


What is the antonym for the verb "support"?

For example: `I support Bob's decision to quit his job.` What word could you use in place of support to make that sentence have the opposite meaning?


Is it correct to call something an "objective speculation"?

I'm currently writing a review for a book for school, and I'm having some trouble as to how I should express that event though I may show some bias, I can provide an "objective speculation." Is this the correct way to say that?


How to use the word Used followed by to

Is it proper to say something "used" to be a certain way? Not sure how the word used should be used.


How/When did English transform to the modern version we use today?

I know that a language evolves with time and constantly keeps itself up to people's needs. But when I read a bible or a poem of Shakespeare, I can see English was very different by then with sentences like:   * "I love thee."    * "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name! Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet."   * "Draw, if you be men. Gregory, remember thy swashing blow."   * "Such is my love, to thee I so belong."   * "Come, night; come, Romeo; come, thou day in night; For thou wilt lie upon the wings of night Whiter than new snow upon a raven's back. Come, gentle night; come, loving, black-brow'd night; Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun." I concur that "Thou" is a single version of "You". Maybe I'm wrong but what happened to it? How did it get lost? Bible is relatively old but not Shakespeare. So how did English transformed that much in such a short time? Or were there any official attempts like governments enforcing some grammatical rules at schools?


Plural words/singular modifiers

Something I've always been confused about even as a native English speaker... Say, someone is discussing a concert and they say: "there was a huge amount of people there". Is this correct, or should it be "there _were_ a huge amount of people there"? _People_ is plural while _huge amount_ is one singular thing. Can someone explain this to me?


Why do 'fine words butter no parsnips'?

I was at a dinner last night where some rather nice herb butter was served with the vegetables. Conversation close to me then turned to the English expression 'Fine words butter no parsnips'. It seems rather odd in English, because by tradition the English tend to use gravy with their vegetables. That is until one appreciates that the expression exists in French 'Mots doux ne beurrent aucun panais'. Now French cooks, I can well imagine are more inclined to butter their parsnips, so it makes sense. But I would be interested to hear of the possible use of this expression in other countries where English is used. Do Americans, Australians etc 'butter their parsnips', either actually or metaphorically?


Are references to names, proper nouns?

We all know proper nouns refer to a specific person, place, organization, ect. Are names that do not refer to specific entities still considered proper nouns such as _Samantha_ in the example below? If not, is there a term for nouns that are normally proper but are not when used in a general sense? * * * > _**Samantha_** is a feminine given name. (Source)


Which is correct - "most quiet" or "quietest"?

A friend of mine saw a gun at the store that was labeled as the "most quiet gun". Is this correct English or is it more correct to say, the "quietest gun"?


"Let's see who wins" vs. "let's see who will win"?

I have seen the following sentences: > Let's see **who wins**. Why not "who will win"? > Let it be decided tomorrow **who will win**. Why not present here, then?


"A good memory" vs. "good memories"

If I say, "I don't have a good memory of my childhood", would it imply that I cant recollect it or that I have bad memories (bad stories, unhappy) childhood? I think that "good memories" implies the latter and "a good memory" implies the former. Is it correct?


Does double negation turn "neither" into "either"?

Peter Guess posted tongue twister with a construct where _something_ occurs that creates what looks like a paradox to me. > neither _either...or...or_ nor _neither...nor...nor_ are either particularly > wrong or strictly right stripping of tonguetwisting: > Neither A nor B are either X or Y. like in: > \-- You have a van and a truck. Do you have any red or yellow cars?   >  \-- Neither the van nor the truck are either red or yellow. They are both > blue. (meaning both A and B are not X, and they are not Y too.) But following the common, intuitive usage of: > A is neither X nor Y. this would seem like the sentence should read > Neither A nor B are **neither** X nor Y. What rule is applied here that the negative (neither X nor Y) turns into a positive (either X or Y)? Is the double negation unrolling double-"neither" back into "either"?


Word to mean "iterations that are different"

I'm trying to find a word to complete the following phrase: > The experiment went through several [blank]s prior to the final design. I'm simply trying to say that the experiments went through several different designs; several different formats etc. Previously I had settled on the word _incantations_ , although I now realise this is incorrect usage. Any ideas?


What is a single word for a ruling representative of a supreme leader who carries out his orders?

What is a single word for a ruling representative of a supreme leader who carries out his orders and at the same time has almost complete rule over the portion of the earth in which the supreme leader has placed him?


In which context is the word "libation" more often used?

I noticed that the word libation has 2 meanings:   1. the pouring of a liquid offering as a religious ritual   2. Intoxicating beverage  But which of the meanings applies more often?


Term for "will consume time and almost certainly yield nothing"

Can anyone point to an eloquent word or term that means " _will consume time and almost certainly yield nothing_ "? Could be used in response to: > I'm going to have one of the developers contact Apple and ask them to add a > new feature to Apple Maps. The effort has a tiny chance of being successful, but if you knew how the sausage was made, you'd know that asking the question isn't even worth the time. At first I thought " _invading Russia_ " might have been apt, but that kind of implies that you're going in with a lot of firepower only to slowly lose and retreat. It's also competitive in nature. That's more more appropriate if someone said " _I think we can take Amazon.com head on._ " The only other thing that came to mind was " _mining for unobtanium_ ". I'm open for better, though.


Paraphrase request

How might you rephrase this sentence using different words than these? > Soil is in hydraulic near-equilibrium


A word to define somebody that uses different objects not for their original use

I'm looking for a word that is used to describe somebody that can build or fix things with objects that aren't used for that specific task. Synonyms for this would be _resourceful_ and _ingenious._


Appropriate word for non-regular procedure

One can think of a routine or common procedure to be applied (here it is in case of technical sequence of operations) on any system. When some exception occurs - the common/ normal routine is NOT followed by another one is followed. I want to use an appropriate word for this. Few words i have thought of myself that doesn't quite fit.   * `alternate procedure` sounds like a replacement so doesn't indicate that it should be used only for exception.   * `exceptional procedure` is not appropriate because exceptional is quite often connotative to "great"    * `non-standard` `non-regular` or `irregular` is not appropriate because this secondary method is also standardized for the given situation. I want one appropriate word (as an adjective to the process) that indicates that it is not a "normal" procedure but to be used under some exception.


Grammatical analysis of "feared drowned"

What is the precise meaning of "feared drowned" in http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/6-gitam-students-feared- drowned-rushukonda-326. I got the intended meaning, but I am confused in spotting the main verb. Is "fear" is the main verb and "drown" the past participle, or the other way round - "fear" is p.p and "drown" is main verb? I'd appreciate any broad explanation regarding this type of usage, which sounded odd to my ears.


Synonym of many, multitude, etc., but starting with ph-

I have been working on my tongue, but not able to get it. The word means many, multiple, multitude and so on. The closest that my brain can think is something rhyming with " **phelanthra** ". A phrase might be, " _phelanthra_ of objects".


Euphemism for fundamental conflict between two things?

Is there a euphemism for, within a given scenario, the fundamental conflict between two things? Almost akin to 'double-edged sword'. But that would not be right. I can clarify more. Open to any thoughts.


Singular or plural when referring to an event and a specific case of that event

In sentences in which a verb references an event, and a particular case of that same event, should i use the singular or plural form for the verb? for example: "milk production, and in particular white milk production, **is/are** subject to severe scrutiny"


Phrases similar to "pleased to meet you"

What phrases can I use instead of _pleased to meet you_? I'm especially interested in using it as a greeting when chatting to a person for the first time online.


atemporal means not relate to specific time; is there a word for "not related to specific place"?

I can write "the story is atemporal" as a specific "time" (as in setting) can not be established from the context; there must be a word that means 'not specific location" -as in setting also but meaning 'not located place'... do you know such word? Thanks!


Singular pronoun in "The Cardinal and Ferdinand… he warns her”

> The Cardinal and Ferdinand, the brothers of the Duchess, are very much > against her re-marriage. He even warns her by showing his father's dagger > and that he would use it to take revenge on her if necessary. source   1. I think the first sentence would be "The Cardinal and the Ferdinand...(they are two person and for this they are taking plural verb"are" in the above sentence (sentence 1). My problem is coming to the second sentence, beginning with the pronoun _he_. If we consider the first sentence plural,then why we are using _he_?   2. I don't understand the structure of the above sentence _He even warns her by showing his father's dagger and "that" he would use it to take revenge on her if necessary._ Why we are using _that_?


The precursor and the predecessor. What's the difference?

Wherefor does this section called 'body' must have been filled out by the 30 words? it should help people to perceive the simple questions like this a bit better? -there's close to 30 words. at any rate, you may correct my harsh language. :D