What exactly is the "schwa" sound?

What exactly is the "schwa" sound? As a non-native speaker, I hear this sound as not being a pure and clean sound. I mean I know that every vowel sound may vary depending on whether the syllable is stressed, on the accent of the person that makes the sound, etc. But generally this sound is the same in the sense that it does not depend on the consonant sounds that come before or after, and might or might not be heard as being different by the non-native speaker ear. The schwa sound is a very difficult one for me because I cannot find a pattern to follow. When I was learning the other vowel sounds I could analyze a long list of words being pronounced (by the same person of course) and then abstract the sound so I can produce it perfectly. But this does not work for the schwa sound. So for example I hear one sound in words like **a** -bout, b- **a** -loon, decim- **a** -l, and a different sound in words like s- **u** -ppose and impet- **u** -s, t- **o** -day or t- **o** -night. Also in words like Ros- **a** -'s and ros- **e** -s, the schwa sounds differently. When it comes to words that have the schwa sound on vowels **e** an **i** like in the word insan- **i** -ty then the sound is almost the one for the **i** in t- **i** -p, but also in words like b- **e** -hind I hear some people say it with a schwa sound like in **a** -bout and some other people pronounce it like the **i** in p- **i** -t. So, I would really appreciate an explanation about how you perceive this sound and how you would explain it to someone who, like me, is not a native speaker.


What's a short phrase meaning "visited and ascended" (e.g. a tower)?

Is there a short and clear word or phrase, that is not pretentious-sounding, meaning "visited and ascended", as in buildings, e.g. Bert visited the lobby of Empire State Building, but Ernie went up to the observation deck? > Ernie **___ __ ___ ____** the Empire State Building


Etymology of close |kləʊz| (klōz) & close |kləʊs| (klōs)

In doing research for the question _Is it “close-minded” or “closed-minded”?_ , which was in turn prompted by the discussion under this answer to another question, I realized that some of the confusion around the word _close_ had to do with its versatility (it can be an adverb, adjective, noun or verb). We have two primary pronunciations of _close_ (klōz and klōs) that help us distinguish how the word is being used. I thought at first that this was fairly straightforward. When the 'z' sound is used, it is usually a verb: > I _close_ the door. The 'z' ending is also used in the following noun form: > I'll bring my argument to a _close_. When the 's' ending is used, it is usually either an adjective in these ways, > The hotel is _close_ to the sea.   >  My brother and I are very _close_. or an adverb in these ways: > Please sit _close_ to me.   >  I'll keep your secret _close_. But as I read through the lengthy entries on _close_ in my _New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary_ , things started to get confusing. I found _close_ (klōs) listed as a noun meaning _a closed place_ and _close_ (klōs) also listed as an adjective meaning _closed, shut_ as well as _secretive_ , _stingy_ , and _hidden_. **Questions** :   1. How and when did the different uses of _close_ take on different pronunciations?    2. Are _close_ (klōs) as a noun and _close_ (klōs) = _closed_ familiar to others?    3. If these rarer uses of _close_ (klōs) were once common, when and why did they fall out of favor?    4. Etymologically, what overlap exists between _close_ (klōs) = _near_ and _close_ (klōz) = _shut_?


Alternative for the word "options" as in "extra purchase possibilities to go with a booking"

Is there a better alternative to the word _options_ when referring to "extra purchase possibilities next to a booking you have already made"? For instance, you can think of food and beverages, audiovisual equipment and parking spots. I think the word _options_ in that context is a bit too vague, since it also refers to options on a stock exchange or choices one can make. I was thinking about _add-ons_ , or _items_. Do these suit better? Is there a more apt word still?


What is the name of the pronunciation symbol /o/ with a dot over it? We know it is pronounced /aw/ but need to know what the name of the symbol is.


"Position" as verb to use in graphical user interface discussions?

What's the correct term to use for "positioning" elements in a graphic user interface? For example, if I say: > Where should we position the button A? Is that a correct (and professional) way to say it?


Word that means "one out of a series must be true"?

I am trying to come up with a word or phrase that means "one out of a series must be true". **Example #1** : I have a list of roles that a user can belong to. What is a word that describes a list of roles where the user may belong to one of them? They could belong to more than one. **Example #2** : There is a list of requirements to be eligible for a prize. You may meet multiple requirements, but you only need to meet one requirement to be eligible. Sentence example: The following roles are `_______`. The best that I can come up with is "required roles", but, that seems funky to me as not all of the roles are required.


Word that means "outdated name"

Is there a word that means "outdated name"? For example:   * _Record_ , although very little music is on vinyl   * _Film_ , although most movies are digital   * _Horsepower_ , although no one uses horses as a metric anymore   * _Phone_ , although it's mostly used to access the web and so on.


Obscenities considered less obscene in compounds? [NSFW]

There are at least a few cases in which a compound word or phrase, transparently containing an obscene word, seems to be considered less obscene (in some dialect/registers/circumstances) than the word itself. The two examples on which I’m fairly sure of this are:   * _clusterfuck_   * _bullshit_ Unfortunately I have no hard references beyond my own experience here: I’ve heard people use these whom I’ve never heard swear otherwise, and heard _clusterfuck_ on the radio in programmes where I’d be amazed to hear _fuck_. But I recall also seing this mentioned somewhere online — a comment on Language Log, or similar — though I can’t now track that down. So… is this phenomenon documented? well-known? quantified? And are there other notable examples? The other potential example I can think of is _motherfucker_ — it has I think become partially decoupled from _fuck_ in its level of obscenity, but in the circles I know, it’s typically considered more not less obscene. (Since I don’t have any references, I'm open to the suggestion that I’m imagining this phenomenon, over-extrapolating from a few unusual occurrences.)


How do you parse the sentence "He had Elizabeth read the letter aloud."?

The Stanford parser gave the following output. I think the word "read" should be tagged with VBN (past participle).               (ROOT       (S         (NP (PRP He))         (VP (VBD had)           (S             (NP (NNP Elizabeth))             (VP (VB read)               (NP (DT the) (NN letter))               (ADVP (RB aloud)))))         (. .)))


"One and the same" or "One in the same"?

Which is correct? > One **in** the same... or > One **and** the same... A quick google-vote says the former is "correct".


Word-choice, meaning

Which one is correct to use in a sentence. **My day was * _usual_ *** or **My day was * _ordinary_ ***


The meaning of “rack” or “rock” in “The Peasant Poet” by John Clare

From “The Peasant Poet”, a poem by John Clare: > He loved the brook's soft sound,   >  The swallow swimming by.   >  He loved the daisy-covered ground,   >  The cloud-bedappled sky.   >  To him the dismal storm appeared   >  The very voice of God;   >  And when the evening rack [rock?] was reared   >  Stood Moses with his rod.   >  [...] I wonder what is the meaning of _evening rack_ here, and why does it bring up thoughts of Moses with his rod in the hero’s mind? The word _rack_ has too many meanings and I'm at a loss here. Note: I initially thought the word there is _rack._ But as FumbleFingers pointed out, the word is actually _rock_ in the majority of the books (searchable online) containing the poem. That does not detract from the mysteriousness of the sentence though.


Difference between "sky" and "air"

"The bird is flying in the sky" or" The bird is flying in the air" kindly explain the difference in detail...


Is there a term that defines nostalgia for something you've never experienced?

Often I find I have a sense of nostalgia for things I've never actually experienced, in a way that rivals the same sort of feelings I have for things I have experienced. For example when listening to music that was big before one's own generation or seeing old black and white photos of how people lived their lives generations before you were born. It's an odd feeling I've heard many people talk about, but I've never quite had a word for explaining it. Is there a term that describes this? Or is it still nostalgia?


What determines whether a numerical prefix is allowable for a unit?

1. The prefix _centi-_ means 10-2. But while _centimetre_ is common, I have never heard of a _centiwatt_ or a _centisecond_.   2. The prefix _Mega-_ means 106. Hence _Megabytes_ exist. So why do we not have _Megametres_?


Is there difference in common usage between 'I have an answer' and 'I know an answer' sentences

In common everyday usage is there any diffrence between these sentences:   1. 'I have an answer' and   2. 'I know an answer' My clue:   Ad 1. I have some proposition of an answer but I'm not 100% sure   Ad 2. I know what the exact answer is.


Is a film actor a "thespian"?

Can I call a film actor a **thespian** , or does this term exclusively relate to acting on a theater stage?


Does this sentence sound good?

Today a coworker wrote the following sentence: > How are you think to handle this problem ? I cannot explain why but this sentence doesn't sound good, maybe because he used a verb - think - followed by an infinitive - to handle.   Does this sentence seem natural for a english native speaker ?


How to express that one is making the conversation long for fun

How can I tell someone that I was just making the conversation long for fun? I am looking for some American idiom to express it.


What do people usually mean when they ask "Do you have a family?"

When American people ask you, "Do you have a family?" does that mean "Do you have any children?" or just "Are you married?"


Why did the personal pronoun "you" "survive" and not the others?

I was just wondering, since we started talking about the Early Modern English Period, for England the period of Renaissance, Shakespeare .... There were four cases in EMEnglish, thou (Subject case) thee (Object case) ye (Subject case) you (Object case) As far as I know "you" was used by lower class speakers to address higher class speakers. And higher class speakers used thou in return to address lower class speakers (non-reciprocal) I am not sure about the others but my question is why became the addressing reciprocal (using the same form to address each other) "you". Why was it the "you" form that "survived" and not any other one? Was is French influence from Middle English (when the Normans conquered England: has it something to do with the word "vous"?) Thanks,


When did "kid" start to mean "child"?

When I read period authors, i.e., Dickens, or Verne, or Hugo, etc., I always see things like: > My dear child/Child, come here/He is but a child! But I don't see _kid_. In fact, I didn't see _kid_ even in the contemporary work _A Series of Unfortunate Events_ when I was reading it (unless I missed it). _Children_ was still used there. So, my question is:   1. When did "kid" become used to mean "child"?    2. Is it less formal to use "kid" than "child"?


What is the action of writing with both hands simultaneously called?

I can write with both my hands so I am ambidextrous. But it means adept and deft in using both the hands equally. So if someone was exhibiting their skill of ambidexterity by writing something with both their hands simultaneously, what would this piece of action be called? Is there a word for it? I need the word that means simultaneously using both the hands, for writing or whatever.


"Sleep in" versus "Sleep out"

Over the years, I have often debated whether the phrase is "In the morning, I'm going to sleep in." or "In the morning, I'm going to sleep out." My best guess is that it is a regional difference of convention. Is it? Are there any real, historical or otherwise, reasons to prefer one over the other? (It would be particularly nice, arm-chair linguistically, if it were "I will sleep out." but "I slept in.", though I quite doubt that fits anyone's usage.)


Which preposition to use in "lack of knowledge __ the manager"

The preposition _by_ is faulty in this sentence but I don't know which preposition I have to replace it with. > The inaccurate planning is caused by the lack or insufficient presence of > relevant technical knowledge **by** the responsible software manager.


Phrase for a problem that seems impossible, but actually has a simple and obvious solution?

Daniel M. Russell poses what he claims is a deceptively simple brain teaser in his blog: > What short 4-word idiomatic phrase (in English) captures [the] idea of a > problem that seems impossible, but actually has a simple and obvious > solution? "Deceptively simple brain teaser" is the best I could come up with, but I don't think it's particularly idiomatic. _UPDATE_ : So, the originating blogger has posted his intended answer. I would agree that there was no stand-out candidate amongst all the plausible suggestions, so kudos to all those who found a solution.


Expressions to describe having immediately understood someone's personality

What words could I use to describe the event of having successfully and completely "read" or understood someone's personality, upon first meeting that someone?


Present Perfect vs Present + Adjective

What are the similarities and differences, for example, between "they are agreed" vs "they've agreed." Also, is there a formal grammatical term for the construct "they are agreed" ? http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/96405-We-are-agreed avers no differences: > _In agreement_ is simply a phrase that means having the same opinion. > _Agree_ , as you use it, is an intransitive verb meaning to be in accord or > having the same opinion. > > So, they are structurally different, but almost semantically the same. That > is, they have the same meaning. Yes, consensus has almost the same meaning, > but its used in formal contexts. Per contra, this avouches a difference: > They "are" agreed is stative, they are in a state of agreement, and this > doesn't necessarily mean that they spoke to each other and made the > agreement, it might simply mean that **they have all taken the same position > independently**. But when you say "they have agreed" it does imply that they > have got together and agreed a position. I'm contending against this argument. If **they have all taken the same position independently** , then haven't they agreed? Does it matter whether they acted alone or conferred? [http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=843621&p=4528830#post4528830](2 more examples here)


In “can hear singing”, is “singing” a verb or a gerund?

In this sentence is _singing_ a verb or a gerund? > Look at the children whom you can hear singing.


"Was" or "were" for "half a dozen"

In Microsoft Word, the following sentence is flagged. It tells me to use "was" instead of "were" > There **were** half a dozen books strewn about the floor. I would think that you would use "were" since it's a quantity more than one. You wouldn't say, "There was twelve books strewn about the floor." Does the use of the "half" modify it somehow? Thank you.


Difference between "whereby" and "in which"?

Are there any differences between them? For example, > Conversion is the process **whereby** a value of one type is transformed > into a value of another type.


Word for someone who loves to create and organise noisy, lively, chaotic events

Some people love creating or fostering the creation of events that are noisy, chaotic and fun, such as parties, arguments, reunions, etc. Sometimes there's a negative connotation to this (like in provoking an argument), but sometimes there is not (like in organising a big, noisy party). The word I'm looking for would be the English equivalent to the Spanish _armadanzas_ , just in case this is helpful. Any ideas?


An alternative to "stakeholder"

Here's a sentence taken from an executive memo, "Action item: get feedback from stakeholders on SuperDongle 9000". Is there something that can replace "stakeholder"? The word is not being used in the first sense given in the OED: >   1. An independent person or organization with whom money is deposited, > esp. when a number of people make a bet or other financial transaction. > If there is a finanical interest for some of the included people, it is a fuzzy one. It is closer to the second: >   1. A person, company, etc., with a concern or (esp. financial) interest in > ensuring the success of an organization, business, system, etc. > When I've heard it, it has usualy been directed at a vague (that is, not formally defined) group of people within an organization who have some input (often by technical necessity) or interest into a project or component of a project. These would be, e.g., programmers, technicians, sales and marketing people, project managers, operational support(IT), and so on, possibly with the addition of a 3rd party or outside group that will work with the product (e.g., Swedish Chefs would use SuperDongle 9000, since it is designed with the needs of the discerning Swedish Chef in mind). What can be used instead of "stakeholder" in this situation? I'm looking for a term that is more inclusive of all involved, without the sense of it being a financially-related commitment.


Proper way to handle plurals with “whose”

I came up (re)phrasing a question like this : > What's so special about directories whose name begins with a dot? But now, I'm wondering whether this is correct handling of plurals or not. Should the following be preferred? > What's so special about directories whose name **s** begin with a dot? (In French both are correct and have different meanings — singular suggests that each directory has one name, plural suggests each directory can have several names —, but it might be different in English.)


"Coquette" vs. "flirt"

What is the difference between _coquette_ and _flirt_? They seem to mean the exact same thing; is it only their historical or etymological baggage that determines different usage?


He will never be forgotten and He can never be forgotten - Which is stonger in emphasizing?

Can you tell me which sentence gives a stronger feeling > He will never be forgotten or > He can never be forgotten I personally think that _He can never be forgotten_ makes more sense as it is a negative sentence due to the presence of 'never'. But, 'will' is a word which is used to say something certainly. So I am bit confused about using it in the negative sentence. Any advice is appreciated ( I may be wrong about the sentence being negative).


What does Pope Francis’s remark, “You can always add more water to the beans,” mean?

In connection with my question about Pope Francis’s remark I posted today, there was the following statement in the same article of New York Times (July 29): > “In contrast, Francis spoke on the beach, engaged with the masses and was > greeted like a rock star by followers entranced by his approachable style > and homespun folksy adages. “ **You can always add more water to the beans** > ,” he said at one point.” What does “You can always add more water to the beans,” mean? What benefit do you get by adding water to the beans? How does it relate to the basic value of Christianity? Do you have the counterpart English adage to this?


What is the name of the sound-measuring bar on your computer?

When testing to see how loud your voice is in a microphone, there is a visual bar/graph that increases as you get louder--what is this called? I'm not looking for the name of a device the measures sound (e.g. decibel meter).


Is it OK to omit the "there was" in the following sentence without changing its meaning?

> Never in her life had she seen such shocking footage, not to mention two in > one day. The experience had shaken her like nothing before. **But there was > something else in them that had disturbed her.** Something that still > lingered in her mind, like the afterimage of a picture she had overlooked. I thought of omitting the "there was" in the sentence above: > But something else in them had disturbed her. Is that grammatically correct? Does the meaning change?


English words that derive from religous origins

Hi I am looking for a list of examples of words coming from a religious pretext. Ex: "goodbye" came from "God be with you" The religion it comes from dose not matter. Just a list of word that fall in this category would be great. Thanks.


What does it mean "to rock a coat"?

What does it mean "to rock a coat"? Does it mean to wear it? > Still rocking my J Crew navy peacoat. Thing is warm as f-k. > > Zara-man coat I bought in Copenhagen in 2008. Still rocking it, still > holding up.


Abstracted indulgence

I found this sentence in a text: > Her customary manner was one of abstracted indulgence Context - She was kind of famous in her neighborhood, and naturally when she came out to the bus stand to greet one of her guests, the people of that place gather around her. Her customary manner was one of abstracted indulgence. Yet she is able to command prompt obedience when occasion demands. I believe it means that she has patience and that is her quality of character. But I am curious to know why "abstracted" is included in this quoted sentence. Why not "indulgence" alone?


Is the "overseas" bushism really so absurd?

A famous quote by George W. Bush is > More and more of our imports come from overseas. Which is spread with the implication of being particularly stupid because "overseas" is a term to describe foreign countries, which would mean that every single import would come from there, not just "more and more". However, doesn't "overseas" also mean the more literal "coming over [a] sea, e.g. with a ship" or at least "coming from a country that is separated from the USA by water"? In that case, imports from, say, Canada would _not_ come from oversea and the statement could make sense if the USA was reducing its imports from Canada (whether it's true or false would be a different question and off-topic, here). Is that a legitimate interpretation of the statement or can it really only be interpreted in the tautological way?


Is “irritance” not a word?

I thought the word _irritance_ was a word — but it isn’t one according to Google and my dictionary. It sounds correct; what is the word I should use? By _irritance_ I mean something that’s being irritating, like a person kicking the back of your plane seat is an irritance. * * * After researching more, I’ve found the word I was looking for was **_nuisance_**.


A one word replacement when referring to multiple family members

When you are saying something like > I'm going Christmas shopping with my **aunt and uncle**. is there a replacement for ' _aunt and uncle_ ' that is one word? If not, is the sentence grammatically correct?


What does “burrow (one’s) nose deep” mean? Is it an idiom?

November.30 NPR Books introduces Emily Dickingson’s poems on leftover envelopes under the title, “Emily Dickinson's Envelope Writings” > “Readers always seem to want to get closer to Emily Dickinson, the godmother > of American poetry. Paging through her poems feels like **burrowing nose- > deep** in her 19th century backyard — where "the grass divides as with a > comb," as she writes in "A narrow Fellow in the Grass." As I was interested in the phrase, “burrow nose deep in sth,” I checked both Cambridge and Oxford English dictionary to find whether it’s an idiom or not. Neither of them carries “burrow nose deep” as an idiom. However, I found some of examples using “burrow (one’s) nose deep: “If Obama replaces her with an accursed DINO who will **burrow his nose deep** between Bankster cheeks, it will be because that's what he wants to do, not because it's what he has to do. - www.politicsplus.org/.../will-warren-or-a-dino-head- th... “Where do I live if not in your woods? I **burrow nose deep** in dead leaves and silt soil by the river's edge. Your crows march wicked sentinel steps.”- gilliancornwall.blogspot.com Does “burrow nose-deep” literally mean “dig in / bury deeply,” or have other figurative meanings like intimacy? To me “burrow nose-deep” in episodes of Emily Dickinson and Obama’s replacement of staff appear to be used in different meaning? Is it an idiom or simple combination of “burrow” and "nose deep.”?


"The more..., the less..." sentence with the same verb

I'm kinda ok with basic "The more..., the less..." type of sentences, like > The more you think about it, the less likely you are to take action, but what if I want to say next: > The more repetitive this action becomes, the less sincere it... er... > becomes? Something is wrong here. Replacing "becomes" with "is" in any or both parts doesn't make it better I think. Or should I give up on this and paraphrase it as "Repetitiveness of this action makes it less sincere"? This particular sentence is not very important but I would come up to this question anyway sooner or later because I often say things in that way in my native language.


"holding their own internal lives at bay"

The following is a passage from this article: > The shift from emails to texts simply accelerates the process by which > people are holding their own **internal lives** at bay. After all, if some > future editor had the misfortune of combing through an archive of your text > messages, I doubt she would find much that revealed who you truly were. What does _interal life_ mean mentioned in the passage?


When writing out a phone conversation can you use multiple capitals in a row?

When writing out a phone conversation for the purpose of transcription or translation, is it correct to write: 1) Hey, Hi, Well... OR 2) Hey, hi, well... I personally think 2, but others disagree... so just wanted to check. Thank you!


at which point I can shift from past perfect back to simple past?

Imagine I'm writing a story in past tense. Here come some questions: SENTENCE 1: "Tom simply couldn't imagine how different the world had been when his father was at Tom's age: there hadn't been fancy smart phones, people had appeared to be more altruistic, and the parents wouldn't have had to be worried about their kids being killed at school." Many pulperfects are used. It looks very clunky to me. I suppose the readers would perfectly understand what I mean if I changed all the pulperfects to simple past, which could be: "Tom simply couldn't imagine how different the world was when his father was at Tom's age: there weren't fancy smart phones, people appeared to be more altruistic, and the parents would have to be worried about their kids being killed at school." Could anyone, especially native speakers, give me some advices? Do you think it's awkward? Or you think although it looks alright, it would convey different meanings? My second question is about the back shift of subjunctive mood in reported speech. SENTENCE 2 & 3 "Tom always said if he had lived in his father's time, he wouldn't have been able to survive for a week. His father always replied that he had used to say the same thing to Tom's grandpa." Again, for me, they're very cumbersome. I'm not even sure if subjunctive sentences should shift back when they are reported. Can I just write:"Tom always said if he lived in his father's time, he wouldn't be able to survive for a week."? Also, in the 3rd sentence, "had used to" sounds very awkward to me. Can I just write: "His father always replied that he used to say the same thing to Tom's grandpa."? I've been confused by these grammatical questions, and they really put me off from writing stories in English. I'd really appreciate your advices.


What's the meaning of 'TRWTF '?

> TRWTF is they were running as root, at a nuclear sciences research facility! > > TRWTF is that the World Cup was in South Africa. What's the detailed meaning of the above sentences? How many catchphrases like "IMHO" in English? Be thankful to any advice.


Is it offensive to call a redhead a "ginger"?

So I just re-watched this great comedy by Tim Minchin, and here are the questions:   1. How bad/offensive is the g-word really (other than being an anagram of the n-word)?   2. What are alternatives? Is "redhead" more appropriate?


How to use the expression "lo and behold"

How should this expression be used, and what is its origin?


"This is not Scandinavia."

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/06/opinion/thomas-friedman-revelations-in-the- gaza-war.html says: > The second pillar, which debuted in the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, is to > nest Hamas fighters and rocket launchers among the densely packed Gazan > population and force Israel into a war where it can only defeat or deter > Hamas if it risks war-crimes charges. No one here will explicitly say so, > but one need only study this war to understand that Israel considers it > central to its deterrence strategy that neither Hamas nor Hezbollah will > “outcrazy us.” I don’t believe Israel was targeting Gaza civilians — I > believe it tried to avoid them — but, at the end of the day, it was not > deterred by the prospect of substantial collateral civilian casualties. > Hamas used Gaza’s civilians as war-crimes bait. And Israel did whatever was > necessary to prove to Hamas, “You will not outcrazy us out of this region.” > **It was all ugly. This is not Scandinavia.** What does "This is not Scandinavia" mean? Why does Thomas Friedman precede that sentence by "It was all ugly"? EDIT: In a Google search, I also found http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/central-south-asia/65337-india-just-woke-up- north-korea-what-11.html, which says: > As I condemn those anonymous instigational mischief mongers who started this > whole spiral of violence. Neither should be spared the full weight of the > law. Because frankly I hold both responsible. > > Once again this proves what I have been saying to the Ivory Tower residents > here. **This is India. This is not Scandinavia.** Use your brains. Be > responsible, be vigilant, clamp down if you see or know someone who's doing > something you feel has the potential to hurt others. Do not be silent. Do > not be apathetic. And do not let false loyalty come in the way of doing what > is right.


Difference between "exercise" and "workout"

We can say: I will do exercise today or I will do workout today. Is there any difference between them?


To pleasure someone, to bring pleasure to someone, to make someone happy

Is there any difference in meaning or nuance between "to pleasure someone" and "to bring pleasure to someone?" What about between "to pleasure someone" and "to make someone happy?"


Generic term for something you say

Is there a generic term/noun for something one says. I'm specifically looking for something you say in a conversation, but maybe there is even a more generic term. I'm looking for a word like 'sentence', 'remark', 'reply', but these are too specific.


What does "to revive the 2-for-1 model" mean?

What does "find a clever way to revive the 2-for-1 model pitched by the Clintons so long ago" mean in the following quote from _The Washington Post_ of today? The author, Michelle Cottle, wrote that Obama’s > Ivy League degrees, career success and general aura as an ass-kicking, do- > it-all superwoman had some women fantasizing that she would, if not find a > clever way to revive the 2-for-1 model pitched by the Clintons so long ago, > at least lean in and speak out on a variety of tough issues. It was not to > be.


why is it always "on foot" not "on feet"?

While we normally use both our feet to walk, why is it grammatically acceptable to say "on foot" not "on feet"?


Using "and" twice for four items

What is the best way to say that a book treats single variable differential calculus, single variable integral calculus, multivariable differential calculus and multivariable integral calculus? I can think of > This book treats single and multivariable differential and integral calculus but is this clear and unambiguous?


I hung my head in shame

Does the phrase "I hung my head in shame" mean that the person hanged himself? Suicide?


What is  the Tacoma Narrows bridge doing in this picture?

When the plate of the bridge assumes the unnatural shape showed in the below picture, what is this phenomenon called? **Contortion** (example: _the bridge was contorting ..._ ). I'm not so sure, as I think _contortion_ is normally referred to the (unnatural) shape of human/animal body. Is there a better word? ![enter image description here](http://i.stack.imgur.com/GfkGh.jpg)


Is "you don't understanding why" just a mistake or yet another not widely known idiom?

From here > Good advice comes with a rationale so you can tell when it becomes bad > advice. **If you don't understanding why** something should be done, then > you've fallen into the trap of cargo cult programming, and you'll keep doing > it even when it's no longer necessary or even becomes deleterious. The person who wrote this is a very smart fellow which usually writes well, so this makes me wonder if it's an idiom I don't know instead of a simple (and ugly) mistake.


Short-sighted and Near-sighted

I've always thought that Short-sighted means that you fail to look far into the future when planning. I thought near-sighted meant that your focusing ability in your eyes becomes less powerful as you move further from the object you are looking at. I noticed thesaurus.com has them as essentially meaning the same thing; multiple things. What is the correct definitions of these phrases?


Literal breakdown of the phrase "case in point"

A "case in point" is something like a relevant example. How does the phrase break down literally, though? For example, "with bated breath" makes sense because "to bate" means to hold, so "with bated breath" means with breath held in anticipation. What about "case in point"?


"You and I combined" versus "you and me combined"

Which is correct, "you and I combined" or "you and me combined"? as in: > Bob and I combined had 91 points The "combined" confuses me.


What is the origin of the term "hit point"?

I've looked this up on several sites, including Wiktionary.com, Dictionary.com, and etymonline.com, but the results in all three are the same: no results. I was just wondering, where did this term come from? Who coined it? When did it come into use? Does anyone have information regarding this word? Edit: The only context would be in gaming, where the hitpoints of a character are shown.


Origin of 'hit the sack'?

I know it means to go to sleep but where did it originate from. I'm looking for first use. Just curious.


The difference between "diatribe" and "harangue"

Could you tell me the difference between _diatribe_ and _harangue_?


"She stole to keep her boyfriend in luxury"

Could anybody please tell me the exact meaning of it? Is it used in everyday English? And could we use it in written?


Something about "information" and "insights"

In this sentence, > Sharing insights and answers freely is what makes the Internet such a great > medium for learning. Why is "information " not the right answer?


"Adjacent" is to "adjacency" as "contains" is to what?

An _adjacency_ relation is one which denotes whether two objects are _adjacent_. > The two neighbors are adjacent, and hence have an adjacency relation. What is the equivalent for a "contains" relation, for example: > The box contains oranges, and hence they have a _???_ relationship. I am not sure whether _"containment"_ is appropriate given its connotations. Note that the word may not necessarily be based on _"contains"_ , perhaps on a synonym.


What does it mean when people ask 'Do you have a credit card, at all'?

There is a fashion in the UK, these days for adding the words 'at all' to the end of almost any inquiry that people make. For example you are likely to be asked by a ticket collector 'Have you got a ticket, at all'? Or when checking in to a hotel 'Will you want a newspaper, at all'? Or when taking your car for MOT ' Do you have the previous certificate with you, at all'? What does it mean? Either I have the certificate with me, or I don't. There is no gradable alternative. I cannot partly have the certificate, and partly not have it, unless I have torn it in two. Why do people say 'at all'? Indeed what is the meaning of 'at all'? Am I right in thinking it might more properly be used when asking someone if they spoke French 'at all'. Since that is a gradable condition. When, how and why did it begin to be used for non-gradable inquiries? My theory is that it is a means of softening an otherwise brusque request. And what I would like to know is what is such an expression called?


Is it offensive to use "Red Tape" in a sentence?

I need to reply to an email and I wanted to clarify to the other person that: > I understand exactly what needs to be done on the technical side but I'm not > familiarized with the red tape involved in the process. Would that be, somehow, offensive?


Expressing like for like comparisons

I am trying to research common reporting practice, but somehow fail to find the right keywords for Google. Essentially when a large retailer compares their reports from last year to this year the year on year changes are frequently smaller than the investment in new business. There's a phrase that is commonly used for that which I cannot find. It's something like: 'outlet corrected sales' or 'outlet adjusted sales' does anyone know the correct terms for this?


Difference between two statements

Difference between these two sentences:   1. I was the first person to leave.   2. I left first. * * *   1. You will be the first to know   2. You will know first


What to call someone who, apart from very inappropriate acts, doesn't care about what others think about him?

So, for instance, someone who doesn't occupy himself with the opinions of others and what they think of him, however who wouldn't go naked on the streets, because he completely doesn't care about what people think.


Is "lay" in this sentence in the correct tense?

I'm making a description for an app, this strikes me as a bit awkward for some reason: > "I wanted to create an app that lay somewhere between an ecosystem and a > musical instrument." Is the word _lay_ in the correct tense?


Word for suggesting solutions to a problem solely to demonstrate contempt for the expected problem-solver

I have noticed that, with certain kinds of problems - political problems spring to mind - some people (who are not in a position to make decisions about the problem) are prone to suggesting a certain kind of non-solution. These solutions are along the lines of "I know how to fix problem X. Let's enact law Y, which has only a small impact on X, but severely punishes group Z, whom I hold personally responsible for (causing/failing to solve/objecting to my preferred solution to) the problem." I think this is akin to, but not equivalent to, schadenfreude. The act of suggesting solutions is much like kibitzing, but kibitzing is intended to be neutral-to-productive, whereas the word I'm looking for would be explicitly about negativity. Is there a word for it? **EDIT:** Let's try this somewhat anonymized example. "The best way to close the deficit is to confiscate the profits of politicians who give paid speeches about their 'great service'." Here's another one that I made up: "There should be a law that slow people lose their driver's license for life." Another: "People who litter should get their garbage delivered right onto their front lawn."   * If we don't critically reason about the statement at all, then it works;   * If we think about it too much, then it's quickly clear it can't work or is totally infeasible;   * The speaker _knows that it's infeasible_ , or at least thinks so; it is not a genuine attempt to solve the problem;   * It rains righteous punishment on those that are either at fault, or failing to improve the situation;   * The audience is expected to enjoy listening to the statement; the statement isn't targeted at anyone present, but at third parties who aren't in the room. _(If you think any of the above are reasonable statements, then please don't comment about it. I'm not here to start arguments, just to try and find a word.)_


Attributes of a TIME: Compared With/ Compared to

In the below question, should we be looking at comparison between two times in history or comparison between two attributes at different times? Intuitively, we compare between 2 people basing on their different attributes and not the attributes themselves. > A. In California today, Hispanics under the age of eighteen account for more > than 43 percent, compared with a decade ago, when it was about 35 percent. > > B. Of the Californians under the age of eighteen, today more than 43 percent > of them are Hispanic, compared with a decade ago, when it was about 35 > percent. > > C. Today, more than 43 percent of Californians under the age of eighteen are > Hispanic, compared with about 35 percent a decade ago. > > D. Today, compared to a decade ago, Californians who are Hispanics under the > age of eighteen account for more than 43 percent, whereas it was about 35 > percent. > > E. Today, Hispanics under the age of eighteen in California account for more > than 43 percent, unlike a decade ago, when it was about 35 percent.


Origin of "Erry" (every)

I have noticed a trend in some rap music where _erry_ replaces the word _every_ (see 1:35 of "The Motto" by Drake). Can anyone shed light on the origins of this pronunciation? I thought it might trace to Southern (U.S.) rappers, although Drake is Canadian. I'm not sure if there's a regional basis, or if perhaps it spread through the subculture to facilitate rhyming. Is it considered Black Vernacular English? Can anyone provide some details about its origin–the dialect it may have come from or artists that may have propagated it?


Multiple "in"s in a sentence

I always wonder whether the sentences which contain multiple *in*s are proper / a good practice. For example, **Edit** Ok. May be it was a bad example. Sorry about that. But it's a real question. I meant to refer to spoken/written sentences which contain fragments like below (* is a noun phrase). > in * in * in * For ex. (Courtesy @fluently) > I'll look at this issue **in** closer detail **in** 15 minutes **in** my > bedroom **in** the other wing of the inn. **before edit** > He studies **in** the Stephen college **in** New City **in** Canada. Doesn't it look odd? Any better alternatives?


What are the differences between "element" and "item" regarding a list

Does it make a difference if I use _element_ instead of _item_ in the context of a list (list-member)?


Is there a British English equivalent for the expression "X has nothing on Y?"

I'm American and I'm writing a short story, one of the characters of which is British. I'm trying not to go overboard in my attempt to replicate British English in this character's speech, but I'm stumped about how to casually express the sentiment that one thing cannot compare to another. I want to say "they've got nothing on me," but I'm not sure this is idiomatically British. It sounds American to my ear. Is there an equivalent, or is this expression actually used in (some form of) British English; or should I just use "cannot compare to?"


What is the collective noun for "clouds"?

I've been looking at various forums with people proposing suggestions, but is there a consensus on what the collective noun is for "clouds"?


Is one allowed to use capitalization for emphasis?

In written English, is it okay to emphasize words by capitalizing them? As in: > I would NEVER do that! Are there other methods to achieve this? On an aside: Dutch uses acute accents for emphasis: > Ik zou dat **nooit** doen! [normal]   >  Ik zou dat **nóóit** doen! [emphasized]


Difference between control and manage?

They seem to function the same. Manage is even "control in action or use" according to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/manage. Control is a verb so isn't that in action as well? Thus, is it the same? I don't see them being listed as synonyms. If they are different, can anyone point out how they are different? This is driving me nuts. It is here used in this context: "You will have the capability to control the system." Compared to "You will have the capability to manage the system."


I am not a native English speaker, i don't understand deeply English language. So i just want to ask you this. Many years ago, maybe before 2000, i seldom heard English people say “Uh huh”, “Uh huh” when expressing that they are understanding in a conversation. Instead, most people use "ok","ok" to express that they understand what the opposite person is talking. But now i heard this word every where, they even use this term in country like China & many other countries (I means some Chinese people use "Uh huh" in their conversation is not rare though English is not their language). I think “Uh huh” in other countries (especially in Asia) is a quite rude expression if u say like that to older people. So, When was “Uh huh” invented? is “Uh huh” a formal English?


Connotation of "visceral"

I understand that "visceral" with respect to a reaction or feeling is a very intense one. But I haven't found an authoritative source that describes a visceral reaction as being an exclusively bad one. Examples: **Visceral = bad?**   * Seeing an intruder in your home.   * Be suddenly and intensely repulsed by someone's comment. **Visceral = good?**   * Being moved to tears after an unexpected photo of something good.   * Figuratively having your wind knocked out in a "love at first sight" situation. Sorry my examples may not be as good as they could be. Does visceral mean just a bad feeling or can it mean a good feeling in your gut too?


Is it ever more appropriate to use "cognizant" over "aware"?

In every sentence I have ever read that uses the word "cognizant," the word could easily be replaced by "aware." On top of that, "aware" sounds much less pretentious and to-the-point. Are there situations or contexts which lend themselves more to "cognizant"?


Use of "-wise" in phrases or words

What is _-wise_ in phrases or words that end with it? How do we use it correctly? > Floor is obscenely expensive **computational-wise**. I found a similar thread here but I don't understand much.


How to unambiguously ask a question with "OR"

I want to ask a question about a piece of text. > Is the text about McDonalds Corporation or McDonalds Products? I want the answer to be "Yes"/"No", rather than "McDonalds Corporation"/"McDonalds Products." How do I ask the question unambiguously? Should I start with "Answer Yes or No:"?


What is the opposite of pollutant, in the sense of "victim" or "casualty"

I am busy writing a report where I need a word which would mean "the recipient of pollution". Specifically I want to mention domestic sewerage which has been polluted by industrial sewerage. The reason I don't want to describe it is because the word I am looking for should be the header in the column of a table. thank you all for the help around here!


Using "might as well have been" in analogies

I've seen this phrase in many literary works. Does it have the same purpose as _like_ , _as if_ , and _as though_ (in the context of similes/metaphors)? For example: > She might as well have been a skinny doll made of reed Is that the same as: > She looked like skinny doll made of reed


Someone sociable who prefers quiet environment when outside

Someone I know who is fairly sociable, prefers unbusy (ie no crowd) environments when they're outside. They prefer to go, say shopping in late hours, in order to avoid other shoppers. Or they prefer commuting on empty streets. And they act on their preference and do the above. Is there a word/phrase to describe such a person?


Is whow a word?

According to this chart describing an extension of 5W1H, the word _how_ originates from the word _whow_ which means “how much”. I can’t find any references to such a word on the Internet. Is (or was) _whow_ really a word? If not, where do you think the author of the chart got his information from? Here is the chart (Japanese only): <http://homepage2.nifty.com/thinking- way-8W1H/8W1H(A4).pdf>


Use of 'in which ...' to modify a noun

Consider the sentence > Why did the Egyptians not develop sculpture **in** which the body turned and > twisted through space like classical Greek statuary? Could someone please explain the use of "in which" here, and paraphrase this sentence. Thanks.


Can an affirmation be negative?

>   1. I'm angry. > >   2. I'm _not_ angry. > > Are both (1) and (2) _affirmations_? I ask because Merriam-Webster defines _affirmation_ as 'a positive assertion', so this make me confused as to whether (2), which technically is a negative assertion, is an _affirmation_.


the difference between “really” and “very”

Is the statement below true about the difference between _really_ and _very_ when _really_ means “very” in the example “It’s very/really hot in the summer”? > “Really” shows more involvement, even feeling, on the part of the speaker, > thus is more personal sometimes. “Very” is more neutral. —englishforums.com Thanks.


What is the meaning of "backslash"

I have seen several people use the word _backslash_ , it sounds like something similar to disaster, bad result, etc. But I am not quite sure what it means and when I should use it. Examples: >   * But if big layoffs result at home, corporations and the US government > will face a backslash. >   * Celeb Boutique saw a major backslash as result after the inappropriate > usage of the word _Aurora_. >


In the context of cooking, what is the difference between "flipper" and "spatula"?

I'm genuinely confused about this because at first I thought a spatula was a cooking tool resembling a flat pallet attached at an angle to the handle that could be used for activities such as flipping eggs. Then I noticed in stores what I thought was a spatula was labelled "flipper" and a "spatula" was something else that was flat in profile as having the handle parallel with the head of the device. Now people are telling me there's no such thing as a flipper in terms of a cooking device. I believe the terminology may vary by region. What is a flipper and what is a spatula and in which parts of the world do the definitions apply? For completeness sake, do some people call one of the devices a "turner" (I've never heard this before @choster used it)?


Correct spelling and/or hyphenation for electronic commerce

What is the correct spelling and/or hyphenation for the abbreviation of electronic commerce? I have seen the following variations.   * eCommerce   * E-Commerce   * ECommerce   * E-commerce


"understand" or "understood"?

When I explain something to my friend and I want to make sure they got what I said, what should I say?   * "Do you understand?"    * "Did you understand?"    * "Have you understood?"  etc.


Usage of hyphens with numeric measurements

What is correct:   * two 1-Gb links;   * two 1 Gb links; or   * two 1Gb links? I suspect the first, however I do not know the name of this situation, which makes it difficult to for me to find via Google. I have found some examples of typical units of measure (cm, inch, kg, etc.) but nothing for units such as Gb and KB -- I suspect they should follow the same rules, but in practice I rarely see such units hyphenated. ### Related   * HYPHEN - National Geographic Style Manual   * Punctuation Guidelines


Why does "it" have a dehumanizing connotation?

There are a number of questions here on gender neutral pronouns, and one of the things that always comes up is that "it" should never be used to refer to a person (usually an adult). The general reasoning for this rule is that "it" is used to refer to animals (in some cases), and inanimate objects. Basically, it's considered dehumanizing. What I haven't seen, though, is an explanation for **why** it's considered dehumanizing (other than the circular logic that it's only used for non-human subjects).


Word for design homage to previous versions of technology

I've lost and found this word several times in my life, and now I've gone and lost it again. Basically, it describes mimicry of a previous version of the same technology. Often a feature of this kind will be included to increase discoverability of functions or provide recognizable feedback. Examples include:   * The digitally recreated sound of a camera shutter that plays when taking a picture on some smartphones (or the iris effect on the screen that make it look like an aperture is closing and opening)   * Using the gesture of swiping in from the side of a touchscreen to access the next page of a digital document


Need samples of different "English" styles

I'm developing an application that requires samples of various forms of the English language. Each sample must be at minimum 2-3 paragraphs long and preferably be of a conversational manner, for example, it can't just be "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet" over and over, neither can it be "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" repeated 100 times. At the moment the list of language styles I'm looking for includes, but is not limited to, the following (forgive my cringe-worthy attempts at examples):   * Contemporary (21st Century) every day language - "Hi Bob, how are you?"   * Pirate speak - "Ahoy there Bob, me hearty, how sails you on the 7 seas today?"   * Txt / Sms Lanuage - "Hi Bob, how r u?"   * "Leet/1337 Speak" - "|-|1 7|-|3r3 b0B, |-|0// R j00Z?"   * Shakespearean / Elizabethan language - "I bequest thee, Bob - tarry a moment and tell me of thy comings and goings."   * Add your suggestions here... My question is, where on earth could I obtain such samples of the English language? I welcome users providing samples in their answers(!), or pointing me to resources that may help me. Short of copying down text from books that use each of these language styles I'm completely stumped about where to obtain the text I'm after.


Is "Sent from my iPhone" correctly punctuated and capitalized?

I'm sure everyone has seen this phrase at the bottom of many e-mail messages. My question is about the combination of punctuation and capitalization. The capitalization of the first word makes me think this phrase was intended to be a complete sentence, but when we get to the end, there's no period, as you might expect when reading a mere fragment. Is this widely considered wrong? It feels they are half in the water and half out.


Word for having a low opinion of something

More specifically, I would like a verb that means to hold something with low value to oneself in a low opinion and/or to treat it as such. I am looking for a verb that might fit into this sentence with the aforesaid meaning: > I **__** this TV show. Rather than saying: > I _have a low opinion_ of this TV show.


What would be the right way (grammar) for a law firm to wish a client a happy birthday

Would you say… Johnson & Johnson wish you a happy birthday or Johnson & Johnson wishes you a happy birthday I don't believe these are complete sentences and have read that a company really should be more formal when trying to send a message because a company can't really wish as it is not a person. Maybe something along the lines of… All of us at Johnson & Johnson would like to wish you a happy birthday I am just trying to find a short correct way of stating this. Thanks


"Adapt himself to being/be free"

A sentence from my reference book is > He can't adapt himself to **being** free again. Why is _being_ used instead of _be_? Isn't `verb` form and not `verb + ing` form used after _to_?


What does 'cool toy' mean?

I found a word 'cool toy' in the following sentence in today's New York Times article: 'Spending money on tablet computers may seem an extravagance, but some educators say they are more than just a cool toy.' What does 'cool toy' mean? What are typical items of cool toy, for instance? Are they electronic toys?


What is the correct meaning of "held up" here?

Is it grammatically correct to use the phrase "held up" in the following sense?   * "I got held up with some other work", or    * "Let's reschedule the meeting. Looks like you got held up."


What is the difference between "nothing but", "anything but", and "everything but"?

What is the difference between these phrases? When is it valid to use which? Should they be avoided as being ambiguous?


What is the meaning of 'probe' in the Linux command 'modprobe'?

My understanding of `modprobe` is that it is a command to load kernel modules. Based on this, I'm wondering what the meaning of word _probe_ is in general English?


Is it ok to say "Don't visit the internet"?

I read the following recommendation of our IT department: > Don't **visit** the Internet with Windows XP machines We're a German company. Is this sentence ok? I would have expected > Don't browse the Internet with Windows XP machines. or > Don't use the Internet with Windows XP machines.


Differences between Case Frames and Semantic role labeling

I'm learning about some basic linguistics theory and have come across case frame analysis and semantic role labeling as methods of determining agents within sentences, and arguments for verbs. However I can't find a clear definition of the difference between the two. Can someone clarify their similarities and differences? Apologies if this is too linguistics-related and not appropriate for this area.


Does the term "witch-hunt" apply when referring to dealing with a real problem?

Should the term "witch hunt" only be used when dealing with a problem that does not exist, as in witchcraft, or does the term also apply when a problem does exist, but those dealing with it are ignoring due process?


What's the difference between "egotism" and "egoism"?

I am interested in the difference between these to seemingly synonymous terms.


When and why has "bike" developed from "bicycle"?

It's not obvious for me why and when _bike_ developed as short form from _bicycle_. Could you explain that, please? And is it odd to say _mountain bicycle_ or _motor-bicycle_?


When to use "not to" and "to not"

I wonder what "structure" should one use, "to not" or "not to"?   Is there a difference? is one more accepted? > "It's human nature to not do what someone else wants"   >  "Like I needed another reason not to like dogs." Can those sentences be re-written as: > "It's human nature not to do what someone else wants"   >  "Like I needed another reason to not like dogs"


There is/are one or several apple/~s?

To be clear, among > There is one or several apple. > > There are one or several apple. > > There is one or several apples. > > There are one or several apples. which is correct? * * * My guess: ![enter image description here](http://i.stack.imgur.com/8YOCd.png) Because of the _shortest distance_ rule 1, _apples_ is correct as it is near _several_. Though _there_ seems to be near _one_ , the actually object is _apples_ , and thus _are_ should be used. Thus > There are one or several apples. is correct. To make things clearer, > There are one or several apples and a table. illustrates the long connection between _there_ and _apples_ better. 1 Sorry, I do not know its English name. I just translate it from my language back. * * * By the way, I do not want to emphasize _at least one_.


What are antonyms of "tolerant" or synonyms of "cautious"?

I posted the following on Meta Stack Overflow, and I believe that there was a better word that I could have used rather than "a little too harsh". > Considering that my post fails all but possibly one or two of the low > quality post heuristics, is something malfunctioning or is the detector > perhaps _a little too harsh_? Essentially, I believe that there is a word that is more precise in its definition, perhaps an antonym of _"tolerant"_ , that could have substituted in as "perhaps too [insert word here]". The definition of the word would be something like "erring on the side of caution, possibly to a degree of excessiveness"; it would be beneficial for a Secret Service Uniformed Division agent to be [this quality]. I've considered _"cautious"_ , but I don't think it carries the right tone for that context. Does anyone know of a better word?


"thesis work" vs "thesis"

What is difference between the terms "thesis" and "thesis work"? What would you use to describe the content and achievements of your thesis / thesis work. > My thesis / thesis work has treated new concepts in general relativity.


When should one use the "recent past"? How much time should have passed?

When we can use "recent past"? How much past time qualifies for "recent past"?


What do we call the GUI "box" which groups elements together?

What's the English ( _non-technical_ ) word we use to refer to a GUI "box" which groups different elements together? For example, we can see a `Performance` "box" in this image: ![enter image description here](http://i.stack.imgur.com/dkyuY.png) What's an alternative ( _non-technical_ ) word to use instead of calling it a "box"?


Antonym of "suspend" as in "Suspend a user account"

An administrator of a website or network may decide to suspend a user, preventing them access for a period of time. Is there an antonym of 'suspend' meaning to re-allow that user access?


Are "brim" and "rim" related in etymology? I remember there are some other words which have similar meanings after adding "b-" in their fronts. It seems as if "b-" is a prefix. But I can't recall them right now.


Yes/no answer to "Have you closed all of your tickets?" if there were no tickets to begin with

My boss asked the question, "Have you closed all of your tickets?" to me and my co-workers. One of my co-workers, who did not have any tickets to begin with, answered yes. We are conflicted as to weather yes is the correct answer to this question, vs. "Are all of your tickets closed?" or, "Do you have any open tickets?"


"With the purpose of" vs. "With the intention of"

A private student of mine had to complete a gap fill text, which contained the following excerpt: > Pronunciation isn't my strongest point, **therefore** I've decided to > improve it. I've borrowed some Spanish DVDs from the library, with the > **purpose** of listening to native speakers and trying to copy them. The correct answers, according to Cambridge English _Complete CAE_ , were _so_ and _intention_. Although I would have written **so** because a comma preceded the gap, and explained this to the Italian student (who rightly huffed) I could not explain why the noun, **intention** , was preferred. To me _with the purpose of_ and _with the intention of_ are synonymous. If the phrase had been written as follows: > I've borrowed some Spanish DVDs from the library **for** the **purpose** of > listening to native speakers and trying to copy them. Would _purpose_ have been more appropriate here? Should there be a comma after _library_? I ask because in the text above there is a comma preceding _with_ (I loathe having to explain punctuation, but seeing as it's towards exam preparation I'd like to be as thorough as possible). P.S. The exercise was not a multiple choice one, the learner has to supply the _one word_ answer that best fits. EDIT There is indeed an "and" in the last sentence, which I missed when writing the excerpt. Many thanks to Edwin Ashworth and @DavidSchwartz for pointing out the (mea culpa) transcription error.


Meaning of "Just So Stories"

What does "Just So" mean as in the "Just So Stories"? Sometimes "Just So" might mean "just right", but that makes no sense here.


Curtiosity and dretful

In The Elephant's Child by Rudyard Kipling he writes > But there was one Elephant--a new Elephant--an Elephant's Child--who was > full of 'satiable curtiosity, and that means he asked ever so many > questions. and then later > 'Have I seen a Crocodile?' said the Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake, in a > voice of dretful scorn. 'What will you ask me next?' Are these simply made up words never to be seen again or is there some way of interpreting them?


Analogue of "orphan" for someone who's lost their siblings

As per title - is there such a word? Either a noun: > John is an ?????? (his only brother died when he was 3) or verb (or past tense as an adjective): > John was ????ed today (his only sister died today)


Is "further strengthen" or "further bolster" redundant?

For example, > To further strengthen my graduate school application, I studied Spanish in > Argentina for a semester. The wording seems redundant and awkward to me, but it's common and I'd like some SE users' input.


About the etymology of Bachelor

I ran across this while I was browsing some Arab websites: The Arabic Origin of ‘Baccalaureate’ and ‘Bachelor’ By: Abdul-Settar Abdul- Latif > When Oxford and Cambridge Universities were erected as two cradles of > sublime learning, the scholastic masters at the time wondered as to the > title of the degree the two centres would bestow their graduates maintaining > the latter’s rights. > > Modern research points to the year 1167 as the date at which Oxford became a > stadium generale (A place of study). The research tells that studies at > Oxford were suspended nearly in 1209 and accordingly three thousand scholars > dispersed, some to Reading, some to Cambridge, some to Paris. > > By the end of the twelfth century, Cambridge was to come a town of > importance, but it is not still early in the thirteenth century that genuine > history records the presence there of a concourse of clerks. In order to be > out of their bafflement, there was no harm, the masters believed, from > borrowing from the experiences of other peoples who had earlier established > their own institutes and centres of learning. Thus Oxford and Cambridge > masters tended their faces to the universities of the Moslems’ Orient in > order to check, and learn what degree the Islamic universities awarded their > graduates. > > The famous institute of learning at the time was Al-Ma’moon’s Bait Al-Hikma > (The House of Wisdom) which later came to be known as Al-Mustensiriyah > University in Abbassaid Baghdad at the early decades of the ninth century. > Bait Al-Hikma was founded by Caliph Al-Ma’moon (Haroon Al-Rasheed’s second > son) whose tenure ranged from 813 to 833. > > The research testifies that Baghdad, as a centre of learning, preceded both > Oxford and Cambridge by at least three or four hundred years in defining the > prerequisites of learning and education. Also, the research proved that > Ancient Al-Mustensiriyah awarded any Moslem student that was graduated a > certain license legally, technically, and professionally covering him to > “restate what its holder had learnt in the university on the hand of his > referred-to Moslem scholars in order to re-teach others elsewhere who could > not afford to come to Baghdad to study, for one reason or another”. This is > the crux of what was written in the license. But Arabic language is > synoptic. > > In the license was written a brief term annexed to the holder’s name. It > honoured him the legal and professional right to behave within the limits of > its privileges. The term can be literary transcribed into English as it is > pronounced in Arabic. It is “Bihaqq al-riwayatt” " بحق الرواية ". The term > incorporates three Arabic words: ‘Bi’ stands as preposition (with); ‘haqq’ > (the right) and “Al-riwayatt” (to restate the learning to somebody else). > That is to say ancient Moslem graduate was awarded “with the right to > restate the learning to somebody else”. > > And this is the true meaning of “Bachelor” or “Baccalaureate” used in almost > European languages. Now the term with its preposition “Bihaqq Al-riwayatt” > later was taken as a title of the degree itself by European scholars, > students and translators who frequented the nearest parts of the Ancient > Islamic Empire to, Christendom; these parts were Cordova, Toledo, Castello > in Spain and Sicily in Italy as well as Malta as the main Arab centres of > learning and rendition at medieval ages. > > “Bihaqq Al-riwayatt” thus was exposed to many alterations and modification > related to the different new linguistic region the term reached and resided. > The above mentioned variations of the term- "Baccalaureate and Bachelor” are > in use. This fact is unknown to many people of well-established scholarship. > > For instance, The Random House Dictionary of the English Language sets queer > etymology for these two variations. While (Bacca + laures), according to The > Random, means “laurel berry”, (Bachelor), again according to The Random, is > taken from a vulgar Latin word spelled as (baccalaris) that descends from > (bacca), itself a variation of a Latin word for (cow=vacca). One wonders > what the connection between (dairy farm) or (cows) and (a university > degree). The story of the trip the Arabic word took to reach Europe was the > topic of an article entitled “Did the Arab Invent the University?” published > in The Times Higher Education Supplement, No. 185 (May 2, 1975), p. 11. by > R. Y. Ebied & M. J. L. Young So, what's your opinion about it? Is this etymology plausible, or is it debunked?


Is “help out” an inappropriate phrase?

I have seen statements like: > She helped out her grandmother. OR > The boy was helping out in the laundry. But, does it make any sense to have the “out” there? Is it even incorrect, in spite of the prevalent usage?


"Run over XXX" or "run XXX over"

I would need to clarify which one is correct. My dictionary says “run somebody over” (meaning hit by car) and an example: > I ran over the dog. On the internet I found: > I’m afraid we’ve just run a rabbit over. But it too says “run somebody/something over”. What is the correct word order? What about the passive (e.g., somebody committed suicide)? > He got himself ran over.


What does ‘Move the bar on somebody’ mean?

According to Maureen Dawd’s article titled “Field of Dashed Dream’ appearing on August 16 New York Times, President Obama took a strong verbal punch on the chin from a woman supporter at a town hall meeting at the Seed Savers Exchange in Iowa. She asked the President "what had gone wrong" with him, and continued: > “So when you ran for office you built a tremendous amount of trust with the > American people, that you seemed like someone who wouldn’t _move the bar on > us_. --- And it seems as if your negotiating tactics have sort of cut away > at that trust by compromising some key principles that we believed in, like > repealing the tax cut, not fighting harder for single-payer. Even Social > Security and Medicare seemed on the line when we were dealing with the debt > ceiling.” I don’t understand what ‘ _move the bar on somebody’_ mean. I checked the meaning of this phrase on the Google, but couldn’t find out any definition.


In what sense do we use "carry a torch for"?   Can it be used as a formal, or is it informal?


Usage of 'z' in the word serialized in English?

Is it correct to use 'z' or 's' in the word "seriali **z** ed" when writing correct English? (I.e. not a variant of English like "American") Or should it be spelled like "seriali **s** ed" ?


What does "since he was so high" mean?

I came across this sentence in a Wodehouse book (talking about spots on skin) > ...he knows his spots from A to Z and has been treating them since he was so > high. What does the phrase `since __ was so high` mean here?


What do you call someone who uses Twitter?

Are they a   * twitterer   * Twitterer   * Twitter user   * tweeter   * tweep? Is it just a matter of preference? For comparison, I think "Facebook user" is the accepted term.


"Not hindered with any knowledge"

In Dutch we use the translated equivalent of _not hindered with any knowledge_ to indicate somebody without any knowledge on the subject. It is not necessarily negative. It can mean that somebody is complete open and new to the subject, which may lead to new ideas, insights etc. But in a different context it may also carry a sarcastic tone indicating somebody with the biggest mouth and slightest knowledge. Is this equivalent comparable and usable or are there better constructs?


Trying to achieve something, but ending up with something contrary

Do we have a word to describe the situation when someone wants to achieve something, but plans and takes the way which would take him to a different result. For example, a person might want to have a better relationship with others, and as a plan, starts joking, by which others get offended and the first goal won't be met. Or when a company wants to make a fast car, but because of high-speed ans stability, increases the weight of the car, which in turn reduces the overall speed. In Arabic, I think it's called "نقض غرض", literally translated means "aim violation" or "aim reversal". Do we have anything for this in English?


How to say that something doesn't take a lot of memory

I'm working in small marketing company, and we got a task to promote mobile app, we usually work only with our native language which is Bulgarian, but the client insisted to translate promo text on English as well, and since my English is not so great, I've been busting my head searching for the right expression. What is the right way to say: "It doesn't take a lot of memory" I've come up with expression "It's lightweight" but that can be understood in so many wrong ways. So what is the right way to say: "it doesn't take a lot of memory" Thanks and sorry for my bad English.


An Exocentric compound for Children

I have written a story for children in Persian. Somewhere in the story, I have mentioned "pear". "Pear" In Farsi is _gool-abbi_ , which translates literally as "blue flower". I have mentioned that as something that is neither blue nor a flower. Now I am about to translate the book into English and am looking for an exocentric compound in English that a 6- or 7-year-old English-speaking child can understand easily.


One word for "Having to accept something after numerous co-incidences even though it is against your rationale"

Sometimes you have to accept something based on numerous events asserting it without any tangible proof. For example, let's say a person survives an accident thrice in a day. It is likely that people, in such a case, would accept the reason to be some divine intervention, even if it is against their rationale. Perhaps because of lack of proof. Is there a single word for this situation? UPDATE: It would be preferable if that word can be used as a verb.


"Does he go bowling?" or "Doesn't he go bowling?"

Let's say we know a boy called Jonny and he goes bowling twice a week. My daughter has asked me which of the following questions are correct. >   1. Does Jonny go bowling? >   2. Doesn't Jonny go bowling? > We are wondering, why is it that the answer to both questions is "yes", although the second question starts with a negative word?


The ambitious/arrogant tone of "I"

I don't understand why but I feel arrogant or ambitious when I use a simple sentence in active voice using "I" especially while I was writing my college essay or curriculum vitae e.g. "I managed a team." "I wanted to become successful." This could also be limited to past tense. How could I re-phrase these such that the tone doesn't seem arrogant? Is it just me?


Why did English become a universal language and when?

As we all know, English is the universal communication medium. Now we know how powerful it is to convey our thoughts. When did it become a common language? Why did they opt for this language?


Proud by thinking that one cannot be surprised by what others know

I would like one word for "proud by thinking that one cannot be surprised by what others know". Arrogant is explained as "having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities." So the word I am looking for could be explained by "having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own knowledge and understanding."


Does the word "crutch" imply a temporary support?

I recently used the word "crutch" to describe a reliance of online resources as a substitute for actual knowledge. The exact sentence I used was "How do you ensure that the Internet is a helpful learning tool, rather than a crutch?". My intent was to discuss how to avoid what I perceived as possible long-term repercussions to children learning to Google for quick answers rather than learn the subject matter to a depth that makes such searching unnecessary. However, I was surprised to get a response that indicated that "crutch" meant a "short-term" solution. In support of this position was a dictionary.com reference to this definition of the word: "anything that serves as a temporary and often inappropriate support, supplement, or substitute; prop: _He uses liquor as a psychological crutch._ " I have never considered the word crutch used in that context to be temporally limited. Rather, I have always assumed that "a shortcut or tool relied upon to overcome shortcomings" was a valid meaning. Is my interpretation correct, or does the phrase "relying on [x] as a crutch" always imply a short-term situation?


Are there any cases of a word that originated in English replacing another word in English in common usage?

I'm curious if there's any cases of a word that originated in English (didn't come from a foreign source) replacing another word in every day usage?


When do we use "rarely, hardly, seldom"?

I'd like to know when should we use "rarely" and "hardly" and "seldom". Can we use these adverbs in the same situation? Or do we need to follow some criteria for using those different adverbs?


What does "I am married with three kids" mean?

Where did this come from? It sounds nasty to me (I am not a native speaker). But it seems correct. Can somebody explain this?


What words are similar in meaning to "monosyllabic" or "disyllabic", but refer to the letters and not the sounds?

The words "monosyllabic" and "disyllabic" seem to describe words with one or two sounds. I'm looking for a similar word, but that instead describes a word constructed from only one or two letters (e.g. "I" or "it").   * What words means "made of one letter" or "made of two letters"?   * Of these words, which English word is best or most often used used to describe one-or two-character words from an ideographic language?


Is this 2nd sentence grammatically correct?

The parent requested a copy of the minutes from the Discipline Committee meeting. However, Discipline Committee meetings, nor Discipline Appeal meetings, are formally recorded in any manner.


Expressing infinite amounts

I know > There is an infinite number of prime numbers is correct. But is > There are infinite prime numbers correct as well?


"What led to you doing this thing" grammar?

I'm current curious about this sentence's grammar: > What led to you doing this thing? It sounds like "you doing this thing" is noun. What is this grammar?


What does it mean to "walk the wall?"

From the same people who brought us "ask" as a noun comes a new idiom that I haven't heard of before: to "walk the wall." I haven't heard this myself, but my sister (who is an IT consultant) asked me what it means, which means that I will likely be subjected to this very soon as well. My speculative guess is that it means to try to get an idea of the scope of a problem by "walking" around it at a high level, but I have no idea as I haven't heard it in context.


What word describes a person who signs an official document?

For example, I have a document that has the signatures of three people, all public servants: a tax collector,an inspector, and a school principal. How could I collectively describe these three people? This entry offers signatory but it implies a party to a contract.


"Please advise" -- why is this a common turn of phrase for foreign speakers of English?

I was just browsing through StackOverflow just now, and randomly hit on this question, where the question-asker signed off his request with a "please advise." Certain I'd heard this turn of phrase before from foreign speakers, I searched "please advise" in quotes and received about 25,000 hits, from what seemed to be many non-native speakers, which was enough to be intriguing. Now, pardon me if I'm wrong, but this isn't common in American English is it? If I'd ever heard it, I'd expect the phrase to be _please advise **me**_ , where _advise_ takes an object. Moreover, "advise" as an ending pleasantry seems a bit stilted and formal to my ear. Perhaps this is U-English, that I've read is commonly taught to foreign speakers in ESL courses? Or is it a kind of a direct translation of a common construction in many languages? Does anyone know where it comes from? I'd appreciate any enlightenment. Incidentally, it seems that I'm not the only person to have noticed this. **EDIT** : So, to be clear, constructions such as "please advise if...", "please advise on...[XX topic]", "please advise for..." are commonly used in business emails?


he has got a supply

My friend talked to his friend about his result. His friend said that you have failed in anatomy subject. After ending up a call he said to me "I got a supply in anatomy". Using past simple with the action that has still linked with present, Is it fine? I think he should have said . I have got a supply.because I got a supply means in past. Supply means someone failed in a subject.


Correct tense for "I wish I had worn socks today"

I had an argument in the office today, about structuring something I said about not wearing socks. I said the first of the four lines below, then everyone had their input. All the arguing gave three more options. What is the correct way to say this? > I wish I had worn socks today.   >  I wish I'd worn socks today.   >  I wish I'd had worn socks today.   >  I wish I'd have had worn socks today.


An antonym for "premium"

More specifically, in economics and finance for example, there is the "equity premium puzzle" (Wikipedia). This is the puzzle of why equities seem to enjoy a "premium" relative to (government) bonds. We could therefore also refer to this puzzle as the "bond **__** puzzle"? What is the best word to fill in the blank here? I can think of only "dispremium" but I don't think that's a proper word.


Distinguishing between plurals and posessives

Example of what I mean: > If I have more than one google I have googles, if Google has goggles the > goggles are Google's. When Google's down, people get upset. But if Google's Google's best friend, then this sentence becomes a little confusing. Is there an elegant solution for this seemingly messy usage of apostrophe's and 's''s?


Is there an English term that describes a comment on feedback?

I have the following form that requires the receiver to submit a comment on the feedback that they receive from the requester. I would like to know if there are any good English terms that describe this situation so that I can replace the words 'Receiver Comments on Feedback' with better ones. (I would prefer to use a single word.)               ============================================================     | Requester Feedback:                                      |     ============================================================     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     ============================================================     | Receiver Comments on Feedback:                           |     ============================================================     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     |                                                          |     ============================================================


"Almost" vs "near to"

Consider the phrase below: > He produced almost no news reports this week. And this another one: > He produced near to no news reports this week. Do "almost" and "near to" have the same meaning here? Are they both grammatically correct? Is one more formal and/or more idiomatic than the another?


What is this menagerie doing in my bread-basket?

I have just been visiting the supermarket, and been bewildered by some of the products on offer. I have previously enjoyed _tiger bread_ , which appears to be a long flat loaf with sesame oil on top. I encountered a novelty this evening, though which was _giraffe bread_ , the ingredients of which are unclear. It is long, but otherwise not all that reminiscent of a giraffe. Could anyone refer me to a source to help me out with the meanings of these strange names? Are there others of this sort? Where should I look for a definitive list of bread names? **Edit** , as Mark Beadles suggests: this shopping was done in the North-East of England. I didn't notice any tiger or giraffe meat being involved.


what is the adjectival form of the word "noun?"

What is the adjectival form of the word ' _noun_ '? Every result I get is for the adjectival form of a noun, not the word ' _noun_ ' itself.


Does the phrase “don't even pass the laugh test” pass as an idiomatic expression, or only a set of words?

I was intrigued to the phrase, ‘the argument doesn’t pass even the laugh test’ in the following statement of Bruce Schneier, a security technologist on the debate about whether Edward J. Snowden who leaked NSA's surveillance programs is a whistle blower or criminal in the Opinion Page of June 11 New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/06/11/in-nsa-leak-case-a-whistle- blower-or-a-criminal/before-prosecuting-snowden-investigate-the-government): > “Keeping things secret from the people is a very dangerous practice in a > democracy, and the government is permitted to do so only under very specific > circumstances. Reading the documents leaked so far, I don't see anything > that needs to be kept secret. The argument that exposing these documents > helps the terrorists **doesn't even pass the laugh test** ; there's nothing > here that changes anything any potential terrorist would do or not do. “ I wonder whether the phrase, “the argument doesn't even pass the laugh test” can be an idiomatic phrase, or just an ad-hoc expression, though I think it’s too early to count it as an idiom, or idiomatic expression in light of the relative recency of the word, ‘laugh test.’ According to Google Ngram, the word emerged only in circ 1980, although the incidences of use have been on a sharp rise. At present, none of Cambridge, Oxford, and Merriam-Webster English online dictionaries registers ‘laugh test.’ Can I say “Your idea (invention / rhetoric / logic) doesn’t even pass the laugh test” – I know it’s offensive - as a quip in conversation, and be understood by my people, or is it safer to stop short of using such a phrase? As the disclaimer in advance, I would like to add that my question only regards the usage of the phrase in question, and has nothing to do with the pro and con of the political argument on the leak case.


Does the idiom "stop shooting the ball to my opponent" make sense?

Getting into a fight with someone, I think the other person is accusing me of being the wrong one and is trying to show that everything that has happened is my fault. _Stop shooting the ball to my opponent_ is what I would say because it is what I would translate the idiom in my native language into. Does it make sense to native English speakers? What is the common English idiom in such situations?


What word or phrase can I use to replaced the word "stopped" in the following text?

This is the text: > Erin scanned the room for a moment. She suddenly **stopped** , and went over > to the bookshelf. Then, as if she were searching for a secret passage, she > examined each book carefully. (By **stopped** , it means that Erin suddenly stopped scanning the room and fixed her eyes on the bookshelf). I'm not very sure about this but I think words like **stopped** and **came to an halt** are more commonly used to refer to someone who stopped **walking** or **running** (not sue if **came to a stop** sounds better). Is there any other word or phrase that I can use in my example above? (unless **stopped** is perfectly right in this situation).


"Oh, for Pete's sake!"

Just curious as to where this expression came from and when it came into being. It's one that is commonly used (among other variations, e.g. "Oh for crying out loud!"), but where does it come from originally?


"One-Day Only Promotion" or "One-Day-Only Promotion"

A copywriter I'm working with wrote "One-Day Only Promotion" but my feeling is that "One-Day-Only Promotion" is correct. The first three words describe 'Promotion'. I know you don't hyphenate adverbs, but does that apply when one is part of a compound adjective?


Is the expression "moderator's set" used in English? What would you call it?

We are talking about a small suitcase which contains different presentation materials like markers, felt pens, post-its, paper in different shapes, laser pointers etc. for convention organization. Is the expression _moderator's set_ used in English for a set of materials like this? If not, what would it be called?


What is the meaning of this joke: "Oklahoma Pronounced Success."

I have tried my best, I absolutely don't understand this joke. ( Found on language learning sites). And it puzzles me so much... I don't even grasp what can be laughed about, I'm just completely intrigued: It's about a man, Japanese, or Russian according the case, learning English all his life. One day it comes to London. While wandering he reads on a newspaper, (or on a theater bill board): "Oklahoma Pronounced Success." And he shoots himself (if Japanese), or err aimlessly drunk and arrested by police (if Russian).


What does Mitt Romney's “Telephone Tips: ‘Just Left,’ 25 cents; ‘On His Way,’ 50 cents; ‘Not here,’ $1; ‘Who?’ $5.” mean?

There was the following paragraph in Maureen Dowd’s article titled, "Mitt Romney is the president of white male America” in November 10 New York Times: > Maybe the group can retreat to a man cave in a Whiter House, with mahogany > paneling, brown leather Chesterfields, a moose head over the fireplace, an > elevator for the presidential limo, and one of those men’s club signs on the > phone that reads: “Telephone Tips: ‘Just Left,’ 25 cents; ‘On His Way,’ 50 > cents; ‘Not here,’ $1; ‘Who?’ $5.” As it is customary to her writings, I was puzzled with the sign on Mitt Romney’s phone: Telephone Tips: ‘Just Left,’ 25 cents; ‘On His Way,’ 50 cents; ‘Not here,’ $1; ‘Who?’ $5. Can you decipher for me what this line means?


Better header labels than Current, Previous and Previous of Previous in a Spreadsheet?

I am trying to find better header labels than Current, Previous and Previous of Previous in a Spreadsheet. For Example:               EmployeeID | Compensation | Previous Compensation (1) | Previous Compensation (2)          ssmith374  | $45,983      | $43,436                   | $40,176          hbrown394  | $37,736      | $36,154                   | $34,643          Wgold872   | $67,734      | $64,232                   | $62,433      Any suggestions?


Is the usage "To + transitive verb" following nothing else grammatically incorrect?

In the website HKNA, 5 transitive verbs are used: promote, conduct, disseminate, undertake, facilitate. Is such usage "To + transitive verb" grammatically incorrect?


What does "hero of ages" mean?

Talking about a great fantasy hero, it was said that he "was the hero of ages". What does that mean?


What is the origin of "nonchalance?"

While reading a newspaper I saw the word nonchalance, looked up in dictionary, and read it is a negative word meaning "indifference; carelessness; coolness." It looks like the opposite of _chalance_ , but I was surprised to see there is no word as _chalance_. I am wondering if:   1. Isn't _nonchalance_ made by adding _non_ to _chalance_ similar to nonsense?   2. What is the opposite of _nonchalance_? Can I write _nonnonchalance_ just for the fun of it?


Is there English version of French army cliché, “A friend when you’re lieutenant, companion when captain, ... the enemy when you’re general"?

I found a French army cliché; > “A friend when you’ re a first lieutenant, a companion when you’re captain, > a colleague when you’re major, a rival when you’re colonel, the enemy when > you’re general” introduced in a Japanese translation of “L’ étrange Defaire – Témoignage écrit en 1940,” written by French historian and résistant fighter, Marc Bloch (1886-1944), who was arrested and killed by the Nazis in June 1944, only two months before the liberation of Paris by the Allied Forces. I think it’s a very intriguing axiom to describe the nature of human race - the harder, the higher you climb up, which is common to the races / struggles in every field of politics, business, academy, sports, entertainment and you can name it. Is this an axiom proper to French? We have Japanese saying, “両雄並び立たず- Two heroes can never stand side by side (coexist),” which I think is akin to Chinese cliché, 両虎相闘 - liang hu xiang dou - meaning two tigers in a prairie are distined to fight to death, i.e. Caesar couldn’t stand together Pompeius, and Octavianus couldn’t live and let live Antonius. Both Japanese and Chinese cliché match only the last part of the French cliché. Is there English version to the same effect?


"Talk with" vs "talk live with"

What is the difference between _talk with people_ and _talk live with people_? I think all kinds of talk is _live_. If so, why we would say _talk live_ with people?


What is the superlative of long-term?

I was writing my history essay earlier today on the effects of the First World War and in my conclusion I was comparing the four causes I had discussed in the essay. I then was half-way through my sentence when I struggled to think of the superlative of long-term. Both > the longest-term cause was... and > the most long-term cause was... struck me as viable options, however neither sounded correct to me at the time. I also thought of`greatest` and `most chronic` afterwards, although by then it was too late. Greatest also perhaps connotes importance, which is undesirable in the context. In the end I rephrased my sentence to escape the predicament and although I cannot remember what I wrote instead I believe it was less effective than a sentence with the superlative of long-term.


Capitalisation of "Many thanks" as a stand-alone term

I am having a brochure designed and wish to place the words "Many Thanks" on the very back of it after all the policies are listed. Which is more correct? to capitalise the first letter of the first word only-- or the first letter of both words?


Expression that means something like "killing the sheep to keep them from being kidnapped"

I'm looking for an expression that conveys an excessive risk management approach that ends up having a worse effect than what it is trying to protect against.


Number agreement between subject and object

The other day, my father and I were expecting my brothers to come home. Upon hearing a car enter the driveway, my father said, "Your brothers are here." When I looked at the door, I could see that it was actually my sister who had arrived, and not my brothers, so I responded, > She's not my brothers. This seemed like a very awkward construction, but I could not think of any reason that it would be ungrammatical, other than the subject being singular and the object being plural. I can think of several examples of sentences where the subject and object are different in number (with an intransitive verb: obviously there is nothing wrong with a transitive verb like "kick" having a subject an object differing in number) that do not seem to have any grammatical awkwardness. > We are a family. > > His mind and body are one. > > God is three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Is the sentence, "she's not my brothers" grammatically correct, and what makes it different from these other sentences?


What does it mean when someone says "Would you please indulge me for a couple of minutes?"? The context in which I heard it makes it seem self-evident, but I may be wrong. Somebody was talking to another person, and the person being addressed was asked by the lecturer to please indulge him. The lecturer went so far as to say, 'I beg your indulgence.' What does this mean? I thought indulgence meant 'something enjoyed as a special pleasure': Good food is my only indulgence.


A word to describe feeling less of an emotion

What is a verb and also a phrasal verb to describe to gradually feel less of an emotion (anger) over a period of time to the point of almost non-existent? For example: John was ridiculed by Dave during class, making him want to punch Dave out, but at the time it was inconvenient to do so. By the time class is over his anger has already **___ __** and he no longer wanted to give him a beating.


Is "further" now used for both physical and metaphorical distances?

Is it true that 'further' and 'farther' are becoming interchangeable? > He drove further north. > > His furthest destination to travel is 167 miles. This link says that _further_ is now widely "used and accepted in all senses, even to designate physical distance."


What does “sheafs” mean in “The rays cut straight sheafs”?

This sentence is from _Atlas Shrugged_ , depicting rays of light running through coils of steam enveloping a building: > The rays of a few strong lights **cut straight _sheafs_** through the coils. Could anyone please explain to me how _sheafs_ is to be understood here? Does it denote the verb _sheaf_ , as in _bundle_? That was the first thing to come to mind, but that seems wrong to me.