Infinitive use in “whether or not he be” compared with its use in “if he be”

Here is the phrase in question: > . . . but whether **he be** , or whether **he be not**. . . . Is the usage of the infinitive in that phrase above the same sort of thing as occurs in this quotation: > “Whosoever holds this hammer, if **he be** worthy, shall possess the power > of Thor.” Are those two uses of the infinitive _be_ the same syntactically, or are they different constructions altogether? I find it rather weird that this formal or archaic usage coincides with the colloquial use of _be_ as in > “Dudes be like. . . .” Is this last quote perceived as a new colloquialism, but in fact has roots stretching back to Middle English (like for example the word _ain’t_ )? I’d really appreciate it if you could both parts of my question.


What are the differences and similarities between what "asocial" and "antisocial" mean?

Is an "asocial" guy hostile and destructive or is he just unwilling to interact and avoiding company of others? Is antisocial the same thing? The dictionary says it means opposing established thoughts and laws and rules. So can it be used describe actions that are detrimental or harmful or should I use "asocial?" Why are they different at places and why are they alike at some?


What word means "inspire towards action"?

I've seen _inspire_ mean two things,   1. To be inspired to go out and make a difference   2. To be inspired, and feel good about something. Is there a better word to refer to the first definition? I want to say I was _inspired to act_.


How to distinguish the pronunciation of "year" and "ear"?

Can people easily distinguish the difference between the sounds of |O| and |WO|, as well as |U| and |WU|? By no means have I been able to figure them out, for all of my life. To my surprise, many native speakers I have talked to seem unable to distinguish between them, either. Can anyone help make my life complete?


Is there a name/term for "multiplied vowels"?

For example if somebody is saying: " _Ooooooh myyyyyyy Gooooood_ " or if they realize something and go " _Ooooooh!_ " or Darth Vader's " _NOOOOOOO!_ ", usually all of these extra vowels aren't included in the words(you won't find it in a dictionary), but does this phenomenon of multiplying have a name or a term? I've got a hard time formulating the description to be short enough for google to help, so even if you don't know if there is a word for it, help with description/formulation would be appreciated too.


Ambiguity from the placement of a prepositional phrase

Consider: > The executive director presented to the board her final recommendations on > fundraising and the dissemination of those funds. This does not read well and moving _to the board_ would be a natural thing to do, > The executive director presented her final recommendations on fundraising > **to the board**. if it wasn't for the last part: > The executive director presented her final recommendations on fundraising > **and the dissemination of those funds** to the board. This, I presume, would introduce an ambiguity (are the funds disseminated to the board?) Is there a solution? Context (near "Final Gardner recommendations published").


”We're looking forward to helping you find X” vs “We look forward to help you find X” etc

I’m trying to link the following items into a single sentence:   * we   * look forward to   * help you   * find X So _for example_ , here are some ways I was thinking of doing that:   * We look forward to help you find X.    * We’re looking forward to help you find X.   * We’re looking forward to helping you find X. Well, you get the gist. I'm just unsure how to approach this issue.


Does removing the comma before 'which' in a non-restrictive clause change the meaning of the sentence?

There are many 'rules' on the net saying that a comma should be placed before the relative pronoun 'which' in a non-restrictive clause. (http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/relative-clauses) But would the sentence have the same meaning without the comma before the relative pronoun? Does omitting a comma before a relative pronoun change a nonrestrictive clause into a restrictive clause? For example: 'We ate the pizza, which was nice.' 'We ate the pizza which was nice.' If so does the same apply to relative pronouns other than 'which'?


Word for something that spreads

What is a word (possibly an adjective) for something that spreads (perhaps rapidly)? This would refer to a virus but without the obvious bad connotation.


Is "skin and bone fighting it out and the bone winning" an idiom?

I found this sentence in Peter Orner's _The Raft_ : > They turned their backs to the light, so all we could see was their > backsides, skin and bone fighting it out and the bone winning. I think the meaning is “they are very thin”. But I am not sure if the expression, _skin and bone fighting it out and the bone winning_ , is an idiom?


Which sentence is correct and why? (1)

> **a** \- There will be an employment fair held tomorrow. > > **b** \- An employment fair will be held tomorrow. *IF (a) is correct, kindly explain the structure of the sentence. Thank you.


Dictionary which shows plural form?

I am looking for a dictionary (program / app) that tells me about the plural form of a word. I have tried Dictionary.com, Meriam-Webster and OED but they are not. I know if I look for media, it will tell me it's plural of "medium", but is there a dictionary which does it the other way round? Thanks


Name of lines drawn to indicate movement?

This is a bit of a cryptic one; I was wondering whether English has a word (or at least a phrase) to describe the lines typically drawn on a cartoon to indicate movement? A good example is the Windows XP 'Run' icon (in the top- left): ![enter image description here](http://i.stack.imgur.com/5HkyC.png)


Does responsibility come with consequences?

When somebody says to me that he “ _takes full responsibility for_ ” his actions (or inactions), but then requests that I remove the consequences of those actions, it seems to me he does not actually take full responsibility. Rather, he is merely admitting that he is at fault. I looked in a few dictionaries and found _liable_ as a synonym for _responsible_ , which sounds like it implies acceptance of the consequences, but I'm interested in other informed opinions. Is the more common usage of _responsible_ closer to _liable_ or _at fault_?


What is a word that describes a person who has difficulty speaking with girls?

What is a word or phrase that describes "a person who is having difficulty speaking with girls?"


"will" vs "would" in this sentence

I am talking about events taking place in the known future: > Would it be okay if I'll confirm around 3 pm? or should it be > Would it be okay if I'd confirm around 3 pm? What is the difference and which one is correct? Why?


Does the adjective "swell" have anything to do with the noun/verb "swell"?

Dictionary.com: > **swell**   >  **1.** to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes > of growth. The other verb meanings and the noun meanings all tend toward the same underlying concept of this first definition. But as an adjective, the meaning of the word becomes completely different: > **26.** (of things) stylish; elegant: _a swell hotel._   >  **27.** (of persons) fashionably dressed or socially prominent.   >  **28.** first-rate; fine: _a swell party._ Also, one of the noun meanings is _dandy_ , which doesn't to my mind tie in very well to "growing in bulk". Whence came this disconnect?


Verb similar to "synchronize" but not for time

I am looking for a word that describes adjusting status to conform another. Let us say the status of the account is active but in our system shows inactive. _Synchronize_ describes the situation with respect to time. Can I say "I conformed the status" if I want to say that I adjusted the system status to be active like the account status?


"Whomsoever" as a subject

In the big-budget game _Warcraft III_ , the following is written on a pedestal: > Whomsoever takes up this blade shall wield power eternal. Is it correct to use _whomsoever_ as a subject, as in this sentence?


Where did the expression 'playing the world's smallest violin' come from?


Do nonsense and bull**** have corresponding plural forms?

For example, I've heard _nonsenses_ , but I've never heard _bullshits_. Why one is plural and the other is singular? They mean the same thing.


Is this xkcd sentence grammatically correct?

So I saw this xkcd, and when I tried reading it, I always felt like the ending was a bit... unbalanced. It says: > You're in a box on wheels hurtling along several times faster than evolution > could possibly have prepared you to go. (Next 5 miles.) I can't figure out what's wrong with it, though... it's as if some word (e.g. "at"?) was supposed to follow the word "go". So I was wondering, is the sentence grammatically correct, or is it indeed missing something?   If so, what?


Is ‘smaller-bore’ proposal (or plan) an ordinary expression?

I found the expression (Obama needs to present the Congress) _smaller-bore_ job proposal in the August 22 article of _Washington Times_ written by Chris Cillizza under the title _Economy has Obama facing major political test — and Democratic strategists divided._ The text reads: > Some suggested that Obama needs to think big when it comes to his jobs > proposal. -- “Go long and big,” said Steve Rosenthal, a senior party > strategist. -- Others advised him to take it one step at a time, forcing a > series of votes on _smaller-bore jobs proposals_ rather than going for one > major victory. I understand that bore means diameter of a pipe and tube and caliber of a gun, hence it means sharply focused proposal on job creation. However, it’s the first time for me to see the word _small bore_ being used as “smaller-bore proposal (or plan).” Is this just a casual expression in English, or rather a stylish expression of the writer? Can I use “small-bore” casually, like ‘He made a small-bore remark on the nuclear power issue,’ instead of a hard-edged remark?


Tagged question and perfect tense

I've just passed one of numerous English grammar online tests. And I agree with all the mistakes I've made except this one: > You ______ put it back before the boss comes back, won't you? > >   1. will have >   2. won't have >   3. will >   4. have > The system has marked my answer 3 as incorrect, and 1 as correct. And I'm still confused about it, the phrase with 1 makes no sense for me. So — is 1 really the correct answer? If so — why is it, and not 3?


I panicked or I was panicked?

I want to refer to a situation that happened months ago. So what should I use? I panicked or I was panicked?


What is wrong with the word "performant"?

I keep getting the red underlining in Word whenever I write the word " _performant_ ". Here I intend to refer to something that performs well or better than something else (ie it's more _performant_ ). Is there something wrong about that word? Does it mean what I actually want to say?


Secular alternative to "cardinal sin"

I'm looking for a secular alternative to the term _cardinal sin_ as used to describe a significant act that goes against established knowledge, beliefs, and practices. Any ideas?


What’s the meaning of ‘smooth chin’?

> “Well … it is amazing,” said Bagman, rubbing his **smooth chin** and smiling > down at Harry. “But, as you know, the age restriction was only imposed this > year as an extra safety measure. (…The rest is omitted.) (p274, Harry Potter > 4, US edition) **NB** – Before Triwizard Tournament, underage Harry Potter was chosen one of the representatives of three schools. No one knew the reason. Everyone was confused. **Bagman** is an organizer of the tournament. The author has described Bagman's features a lot since he showed up. However, as far as I know, she refers to his chin in this sentence for the first time. I felt a little bit strange with its suddenness. How come she says _smooth chin_ , not _chin_? Is smooth chin associated with his character? What’s the meaning of ‘smooth chin’ in the first place? Beardless? I might read too much, but I need your help to know whether I’m hairsplitting or not. Let me straighten it out. I’d like to know   1. what 'smooth chin' is.   2. if 'smooth chin' is related to Bagman's character. I’d be happy if you could help me.


What does 'age out' mean?

The context is as follows. > The buffer is now unpinned and is a candidate for immediate **aging out** , > if the current contents (data block) are not referenced again.


Does this ‘be going to’ have an emotional meaning?

Here is a skit from a radio English conversation program, dealing with American English. > A: guest B: front desk clerk C: A's wife > > (at the front desk of a hotel) > > A: I have a reservation for a room under the name of Hal Lloyd. > > B: I can't seem to pull up your reservation. Do you have a confirmation > number? > > A: It's 7228. > > B: Here it is. We don't have any more standard rooms available. I' **m going > to** put you in our deluxe room with a kitchenette. > > A: That's fine with us. > > (in the deluxe room) > > A: The room is decorated very tastefully. > > C: It's very nice! I' **m going to** sit down in this plush sofa and read. I understand the difference between 'be going to' and 'will' like this.   1. I'm going to go fishing today. (I planned it yesterday.)   2. I'll go fishing today. (It suddenly occurs to me.) However, two 'be going to' in the skit seem to be said without plan; it seems to me that two of them are exchangeable with 'will'. Therefore, I took it that 'be going to' is sometimes used in … kind of … will-using-like situations. That’s fine enough. However, … What feeling makes you decide to choose 'be going to' over 'will' in this skit? I'd like to know the emotion you express by choosing it. (or, are they equal in every way?)


Is it an understandable sentence?

> Throughout the paper, we suppose that a,b,c and d are fixed and we will not > write them when they appear as indices in the notations to make the > notations more readable.


Meaning of "float a deadpoint"

In a book about climbing technique (written by an American) I found the following expression: > ...: floating a deadpoint from any one of a million different body > positions. While the meaning of any single word in the sentence is clear, I don't understand what "floating a deadpoint" means.


What's the term describing employer-employee and similar role relations?

What do you call a word relation such as _employer-employee_ , _parent-child_ , _teacher-student_ or _doctor-patient_ , i.e. the relation between two roles that are dependent on each other? You can generally only be an employee if there is an employer, you can only be a parent if there is a child (as in _offspring_ , not _minor_ ), etc. For some reason, I find the term _antonym_ too general since the term I'm looking for would be for describing a very specific relationship between roles.


Word for a company that doesn't generate any profit on its own, but that generates customers for its parent company

Word for a company that doesn't generate any profit on its own, but that generate, customers for its parent company. Someone told me there is a word for that but I have since forgotten it. For example a fishing magazine company that loses money every month, but is kept alive, as the parent company which sells fishing gear needs the magazine to keep the interest for fishing up. Probably not the best example, but anyway...


Why do some English speakers pronounce “fête” as “fate”?

In French, from whom we’ve borrowed the word, it’s `/fɛt/` “fet”. But if we pronounced it as if it were an English word after dropping the accent, it would be `/fi:t/` “feet”. Yet the pronunciation we actually use is `/feɪt/` “fate”. Does this derive from a confusion between the acute and circumflex accents, or is there some other reason for this?


Word for word meaning of "to beard a lion in his den"

I'm going to illustrate a word for word meaning of some English idioms. Just a fun drawing. Get stuck with the phrase “to beard a lion in his own den”. I understand the meaning “to confront someone on his own territory”. But I need to draw it in exact words. Would it be evident to English speakers if I draw a character who shaves the lion or cuts his beard with scissors? Maybe not a good idea?


What is a more politically correct way to call something a "Red-Headed Step-Child"?

I can't use the phrase "second-class citizen" either. This is for a professional blog post, so I'd rather stay away from "red-headed step-child". I can't use "second-class citizen" because I'm talking about a topic with very few similar posts and one related post uses that same term. If I really need to use "second-class citizen" then I'll probably just reference the other post. EDIT: For those of you who are not familiar with the term, it is meant to be like a child who is cast away and treated differently than the rest of the family. If you watch Game of Thrones, Jon Snow is the red-headed step-child of the Stark family. I think the term "black sheep" might be similar, but "black sheep" usually means that the person did something to harm his own standing. EDIT2: I'd rather not get into the details of the blog post because it's pretty niche. Let's just use the following example: "When you talk about smartphone OS development, iOS and Android are the over- achieving college kids, Windows Phone is the unemployed pot-smoking brother, and Blackberry OS is the red-headed step-child." I won't actually be mentioning the other competing products, but I just wanted to illustrate what the term would be calling out.


What is the closest synonym to 'overpopulation'?

I've been looking for a word which is very close semantically to 'overpopulation'. Popular Internet dictionaries show words like 'overcrowding' or 'congestion', which are too general for me. I know that there is no such thing as 'the exact synonym', but if anybody can think of anything more adequate than my examples, I would be delighted if that person shared it with me.


"The more time a person invests" vs. 'the more time a person will invest'

Consider the following two sentences: >   1. Because the more time a person invests into specific interests, the > better their results. >   2. Because the more time a person will invest into their specific > interests, the better their results. > Why is it that the first one is preferred on stylistic grounds?


What verb could I use to mean "make less anxious"?

What verb could I use to mean "carry out the appropriate actions to **make them less anxious** "? I thought of using _to calm_ , but this doesn't explain what the current state of emotion (being anxious) is. To clarify, I am looking for a verb that is used most often with the nuance of "making less anxious". I understand that anxiety has various causes such as fear, lack of confidence, or just plain medical reasons. What I hope is to find a verb that addresses anxiety as a whole (perhaps one used most often in this context), and not individual causes of anxiety. Perhaps if the verb is used in a sentence, "we are trying to [verb] the people", most listeners will tend to understand that people are in a state of anxiety, rather than in fear, uncertainty, anger, or pain.


"Thereby" vs. "therefore"

Is this correct use of "thereby"? > There is currently a new improvement in the education system, which was > originally proposed by A and who thereby received the credits. Would it be better to use _therefore_?


What's a word for "properly oriented"?

While editing and improving a question on the Cognitive Sciences site, I came across the following sentence: > Infants can detect an upside human face right after they are born This sounded awkward to me and I struggled to improve it. I believe the author's intention was to say: > Infants can detect a human face right after they are born, as long as the > face is not rotated or: > Infants can detect a human face (in proper orientation) right after they are > born. But I really feel like there must be a word for "in proper orientation" in a context such as this. What would be appropriate?


In the word “quantum mechanics”, is quantum a noun or an adjective?

In the phrases containing the word _quantum_ , like quantum mechanics, quantum information, quantum computation, quantum field theory,etc. is _quantum_ a noun or an adjective? I mean, is it really _mechanics /field theory/etc. of quantum_ or a mechanics/field theory/etc that has some property (like the word _classical_ in classical mechanics)? The word _quantum_ itself is a noun, but sometimes like in the phrase _quantum information_ it seems to be an adjective (like _classical_ information), and sometimes like in quantum mechanics it's ambiguous. (motivation:I have problem translating it to other languages)


What does “Jus’ folks is jus’ dumb” mean?

I found the article titled “5 myths about Rick Perry” in today’s New York Times literally dealing with the mystery of Texas Governor who is running for 2012 GOP Presidential nominations entertaining. However I was caught up with the following lines in the article: > “He’s a hillbilly dimwit. That’s bias against Texas, pure and simple. > --Don’t make the mistake of thinking that jus’ folks is jus’ dumb.” I interpret ‘Don’t make the mistake of thinking that “jus’ folks is jus’ dumb’” means “Don’t think an average (or ordinary) person is just a dumb.’ Is my understanding correct? Is “jus’ folks is jus’ dumb’ “a proverbial expression? I also came across my usual question about the discordance of numbers of the noun and verb in the above paragraph. Why ‘jus’ folks, which is plural in number is followed by ‘is’ and ‘a dumb,’ both in singular?


A word (or two) for people who explore for the joy of learning

I'm making a card game, and I need a title for a card which describes people who travel and explore for the joy of learning and sharing that knowledge - a combination of scientists and explorers. I'd like a name for them that doesn't sound too pretentious or contrived, but gets the point across. Any ideas?


*In* or *On* Contacts?

I'm making a chat application and when the user chooses to delete someone I need to show a confirmation window, but I'm unsure which to use. Option 1 > Are you sure you want to delete? You will no longer see this person in your > Contacts. Option 2 > Are you sure you want to delete? You will no longer see this person on your > Contacts. Is one more correct or more often used than the other?


What does the expression "to stick the finger high in the air" mean? It is used in the text about politics.


Are there any English one-word equivalents for "je ne sais quoi"?

Wiktionary defines _je ne sais quoi_ as > An intangible quality that makes something distinctive or attractive.   >  _She has a certain je ne sais quoi about her._ Is there a single-word equivalent?


"That awkward moment when"

I know when people use the phrase "that awkward moment when", it is clearly a sentence fragment. What exactly is it called though? A dependent clause? A noun clause? I have no idea.


Articles in conjuctions

The following is taken from a book: > As a result, hosting in IIS 5/6 is notorious for instability and the > frequent need to reset the server or IIS 5/6. In the context above, why doesn't "instability" have an article, while "frequent need" does?


"Cannon" as plural

I'm reading a novel based in ye olde pirate-times, and I have come across the author's usage of "cannon" (without the "s") to refer to multiple cannons. > The ship boasted 32 cannon onboard. Is this just an archaic usage that the author is employing for purposes of story-telling? Also, how/why did this evolve to "cannons" in modern usage?


"Assist someone do" vs. "assist someone to do (or "in/with" doing)"

I just recently came across "assist someone do" searching Google for examples to my previous question, and would like to check with you whether it is an acceptable option to "assist someone to do (or "in/with" doing)", or a snapshot of language in transition -- analogous with "help someone do" -- that I caught here. Please consider the following examples for this: > NAFDAC is to assist you do your business right.source > > Our company will assist you do your assignments...source > > (Go down to bottom of page and look up "Transtec Inc., Robert Rasmussen PE") > We are a specialty engineering company with award-winning expertise in > pavements and pavement materials. We can assist you do your job > better.source


Could "bastard" have a positive connotation?

I'd always thought that the word "bastard" had a negative and impolite meaning, but when I came across this wine (Fat _bastard_ Chardonnay) I started to doubt my belief. Can some native speaker explain if this usage of "bastard" is possible in positive sense nowadays? If so, what is the positive sense in this case? ![enter image description here](http://i.stack.imgur.com/irEsG.jpg)


Formal approach to choosing between "there is" and "there are"

Consider: > There (is/are) a banana and two oranges?   >  There (is/are) two oranges and a banana? I'm looking for a non-colloquial and formally correct way (British English) of writing these two sentences if there is any. Any references are welcome.


"factoring" subordinate clauses with verbs that require indicative and subjunctive clauses

For some verbs a subjunctive form is used in the subordinate clause, and I would write > I demand that he read the appendices. Other verbs demand that you use an indicative form, for example > I expect that he will read the appendices. So how do I terminate the sentence > You cannot demand nor expect that he... I know that you can always avoid that sort of construction, but I was just wondering about the grammatical rule in this case.


Meaning of "for the day"

I Google'd " **for the day** " but it seems that it is not precisely an idiom. Does it mean during day time or for a whole day? Here is the sentence where I found that expression: _Now I could take a holiday but suddenly I don’t feel like going anywhere on my own. Jan talked about us going somewhere together, but we’ve never even been out **for the day**._


Meaning of "bloody" in "Full Bloody Italian"

I have once seen somebody in a chat expanding _FBI_ ( _Federal Bureau of Investigations_ ) as _Full Bloody Italian_ , after I said I was from Italy. While I can understand to what the person who wrote it was referring, I don't understand what _bloody_ would mean in the phrase.   * What does _full bloody_ mean in _full bloody Italian_?    * Should _blooded_ be used instead of _bloody_ , in this case?   * Would _full blooded Italian_ be understood as _who completely has Italian blood_?


(Presumably) an address without preposition

I'm trying to translate a contract between two parties, and I came across this: > Package and delivery Dual Gadgets, Kempston, Beds UK as defined in TERMS > 2001. and > **Delivery Point** > > The Equipment shall be ready Dual Gadgets, Kempston, Bedford UK 4 weeks > after The Seller has received a confirmed order / contract and the deposit > payment. What does that mean? Why is there no preposition? Does it mean that "it will be delivered _to_ Dual Gadgets, Kempston, Beds, UK" or does it mean that "it will be delivered _by_ " them? Or some other meaning that I can't get?


Looking for a word for concealment of faults

I'm looking for a word for concealment of faults. In this case, someone has a specific fault and actively, purposefully hides it from others, going out of their way to conceal these faults from others. It's a close-opposite of _hypocrisy_ or _deceit_ , where one pretends to have a good quality that one does not possess. This would be a superimposition of a non-existent good quality, while the word I'm looking for would be the deprecation of an existent fault or negative quality. Also, not a mere denial or non-acknowledgement of the fault, but an active secrecy or pretence. Is _dissimulation_ my best bet? That doesn't seem to necessarily include concealment of a fault, just concealment in general. Examples: 1) Fearing what his parents might think, John pretended to be a non- smoker. When they asked him directly about it his words faltered, not wishing to lie but also not wishing to reveal his shortcoming. In the end, the best he could manage were a few unclear words denying the fact and, hoping his parents believed him, quickly changed the subject. 2) John thoroughly enjoyed hunting, but in the company of others, from fear of damaging his reputation, was scrupulous in concealing this and even went out of his way to appear outspoken against hunting. The close-opposite (hypocrisy) would be: For fame and fortune, John pretended to be able to read others' minds and offered his services at a reasonable rate. To avoid being discovered as a fraud, he kept his readings vague and used intrigue to keep his clients hooked. So I hope these help give a clearer idea of what I'm looking for. I am not so much looking for a word to slot into those sentences, but rather a word for what such an attitude or behaviour is called. Many thanks for all the work!


“Astronomy images” vs. “astronomical images”

Are there any differences between the two? A Google search says that _astronomy images_ is much more used, but I think that _astronomical images_ sounds better.


earnest vs earnesty vs earnestness

I have come across all these phrases   * in all earnest   * in all earnesty   * in all earnestness Is it ok to use any of them? Example sentence with the first version:   _I intend to complete my assigned tasks in all earnest_


What vivid verb should I use when someone "turns into" a zombie?

In conversation, when someone says they appreciate my brain, I need an effective comeback. I was going to say, "I hope that you are not turning into a zombie with your love for my brain." But I feel that "turning into" is not a sufficiently vivid verb to use. What verb should I use when someone turns into (or possibly might turn into) a zombie? **EDIT:** To clarify, above in my question description I specified that I wanted a _vivid_ verb. I want the verb to tell a bit of the story by describing the what and why of zombies.


"Committed to build" vs. "committed to building"

If this were a mere tagline, not a complete sentence in a full paragraph, which would be more correct? >   1. Committed to build a better world >   2. Committed to building a better world >


Can "among" and "amongst" have different contextual meanings?

After reading the answers to What is the distinction between "among" and "amongst"?, I realize there are no dictionary differences between the words and most would consider "amongst" a bit archaic. However, the following example seems to suggest there are at least contextual ambiguities that can arise if we use the words interchangeably. > Let’s discuss the issues among the departments. > > Let’s discuss the issues amongst the departments. > > The first sentence using among means there are issues between departments. > The second sentence using amongst means we want to talk to the departments > about the issues. \- source: from the comments Is this explanation correct, or are the proposed differences presenting a false sense of clarity where "issues" remains ambiguous regardless of using "among" or "amongst?"


Is the past tense of "go" related to the word "venture"?

I'm wondering whether the word "went" is a cognate of or otherwise related to "venture". Is it, despite the different spelling?


What is the origin of phrase "for fun and profit"?

Sounds like something a snake oil salesman on the wild west could come up with. Can the origins be traced? **Edit:** In a transcript of a state trial from 1798: > What did you give it him for? Did he make use of it? Was it to protect his > copper from being changed that you did it? — He was very officious to make > things in a light easy way without much trouble, to make nis bread light. > But I did it _more in fun than profit_. This is clearly not the same phrase, but it seems to be more than an accidental use of those two words togather.


Origin of the term "fast asleep"

I know some people who can fall asleep pretty fast, but the term "fast asleep" doesn't seem to mean that. When I looked it up, all it showed was "someone sleeping tightly". How did fast come to be associated with sleeping?


Better than expected as an adjective?

Is there an adjective that can sum up "better than expected"? For example: "Progress was better than expected." Is there a single word I can use to describe what the progress was like? I'm looking more for in the context of progress that went beyond initial expectations. I saw some suggestions online like "fantastic, amazing, wonderful", but those to me don't symbolize "beyond expected", but more like "beyond great".


Which preposition to use with "social media"?

I have this sentence, and I'm not sure which preposition is best to use with _social media_. **Teens take videos and post them through social media.** Should it be-- through social media? to social media? on social media? or rewrite: on social media sites? Thanks.


Are "I scream" and "Ice cream" homophones, or do we have another term here?

When two phrases are pronounced alike but have different spelling and meaning, can they be called homophones? e.g. "ice-cream" and "I scream", "nitrate" and "night rate", "that's tough" and "that stuff". Or is there another term for them? What linguistic phenomenon distiguishes these near homophones? I've checked the putative duplicate at "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream"\- Is there a term that describes this 'word play'?   but it isn't exactly what I'm asking here.


"Percent" vs. "percentile"

> Just because .01% of people may be at risk of frying themselves on the third > rail doesn't mean they need to modify the system for that miniscule > _percentile_. It just means you need to let Darwinism run its course. What's the difference between _percent_ and _percentile_? And how do I use _percentile_ in context?


Which is correct: kind or kinds?

The shopkeeper had hardly any of those kind/kinds of goods.


What are proper words to describe "one of the five finalists at a competition"

I am writing a SOP for grad school. When I was in undergrad, I once became one of five finalists at an IT competition. I want to write a sentence about it, but I'm not sure this is understandable enough or not: This project was advanced **to the big five finalists** at X, the biggest IT competition in my country.


Is "am going" a verb phrase?

What part of a sentence is the phrase "am going", as in "I am going to pray"?


What is correct "Blazing Fast Speed" or "Blazingly Fast Speed"?

Which is correct? "Blazing Fast Speed" or "Blazingly Fast Speed"? In my opinion, the latter because one can't say, for one, "Amazing Fast Speed", right? Admittedly NY Times use it a lot but...: NY Times search for 'blazing fast' (via Google)


"Carry on" vs. "go ahead"

I am confused about whether it is okay to say, > "Ok, **carry on/go ahead** with your job then." Any help on this simple issue is highly appreciated.


What's the reason for calling cheap seats at the theatre nosebleed seats?

I've never heard of this idiom before today and thought it was an especially curious one. What's the origin of calling the cheap seats the nosebleed seats at the theater?


Single word for company's internal solution?

What word can define an internal solution created within company in contrast to the "external" solutions? Something like "home-made", but more formal and reffering to a company.


Fashionable photographers

I saw somewhere this quote from Wodehouse's _Meet Mr. Mulliner_ (1927): > "Statistics show that the two classes of the community which least often > marry are milkmen and fashionable photographers – milkmen because they see > women too easily in the morning and fashionable photographers because their > days are spent in an atmosphere of feminine loveliness so monotonous that > they become surfeited and morose. I know of none of the world's workers whom > I pity more sincerely than the fashionable photographer; and yet […] it is > the ambition of every youngster who enters the profession some day to become > one." From context, "fashionable photographer" doesn't mean a well-dressed photographer, but probably what we would now call a "fashion photographer". Searching on Google Books found a lot of results for "fashionable photographer". Searching on Google Ngram Viewer showed that "fashionable photographer" used to be more popular until it was decisively overtaken by "fashion photographer" some time in the 1950s: ![Fashion photographer, fashionable photographer](http://i.stack.imgur.com/GIICi.png) To focus on 1865–1965: ![Fashion photographer, fashionable photographer](http://i.stack.imgur.com/3PJfX.png) To modern ears (at least one pair of them), "fashionable photographer" sounds odd: it's not the photographer who is fashionable, after all. My question:   * Why did the switch from "fashionable photographer" to "fashion photographer" happen? (Is this a special case of some more general pattern: are there other similar phrases in which "⟨adjective⟩ ⟨noun⟩" changed to "⟨noun adjunct⟩ ⟨noun⟩", say?)   * Is there also a change in the _meaning_? Does "fashionable photographer" mean something different from what "fashionable photographer" does? (I guess the steep rise after 1960 in the above graph corresponds to a rise of the fashion industry, but I don't know anything about the history of the fashion industry… perhaps a "fashionable photographer" was something else.)


Can I use "grinding" meaning "screeching"? For example, > Jack, you need to add some oil to your bike's hubs. The cogs are grinding so > loud, they are really annoying me! or it sounds awkward?


Americans stereotype Canadian pronunciation of "about"?

Americans think that Canadians pronounce _about_ as _aboot_ (I've never heard anyone pronounce it that way) yet they pronounce _route_ as _root_. They know how to pronounce _out_ , _about_ , _router_ (as _rauwter_ ) but then why do almost every American pronounce _route_ as _root_ and they don't see the double standard?


Why is the movie named "Hot Fuzz"?

"Hot Fuzz" is a british comedy-action-thriller movie from 2007, "fuzz" being a derogatory slang term for police. Is there any additional pun or play of words in the use of "Hot"? Or is it simply referring to the "hotness", the "awesomeness" of the police officer who plays the leading role? For example, it would not have surprised me if "hot fuzz" were slang for a beverage or dish. But as far as my research shows, that is not the case.


If collective nouns use the plural verb form, are they plural in other contexts too?

According to Wikipedia, in British English, _it is generally accepted that collective nouns can take either singular or plural verb forms_. How does this affect their property of being singular or plural in other grammatical contexts? We use plural verb forms, but do we then also use plural personal pronouns? For example: > England have won the World Cup! Now is/are England actually plural, or is/are England just used with the plural verb form without being plural in other grammatical contexts? > I am sailing to England themselves or > I am sailing to England itself? Which one is correct, and why?


"Parishioner" vs. "congregant"

I've always thought that the words _parishioner_ and _congregant_ meant the same thing and could be used interchangeably within the context of someone who attends a place of worship. Are there any differences in meaning between these two words or appropriate usage for each?


Would "well done" also apply to a presently proceeding action?

Would "well done" also apply to a case, in which the performer of the action, the one for which he is receiving a praise, is still performing it at the moment of receiving the praise, in other words, when he is not done yet? For example: > Dad: "Okay, now start jumping over these obstacles and keep doing it for 5 > minutes" > > Son: "Okay, Dad!" > > Dad (1 minute later): " **Well done**. You are doing really well!" or something like that.


Is it okay to say "I can play the piano by music notes"?

Is it okay to say "I can play the piano by music notes" (meaning that if you gave me a sheet of paper with some music notes on it, I would have no problem reproducing that piece of music by looking at that sheet of paper and simultaneously playing the piano) or there is a better way of expressing this thought?


What's the difference between "lonely" and "lonesome"

Both words seem to be used interchangeably. E.g., >   * I'm feeling lonely tonight. >   * I'm feeling lonesome tonight. > I guess I always felt "lonesome" was somehow more severe and heart-wrenching, but is there any real basis for that interpretation? It looks from google n-grams that like both have coexisted for some time. ![enter image description here](http://i.stack.imgur.com/0Hli9.png)


What is the opposite of "in-image ads"?

The term _in-image ads_ describes ads that are inside of images. What would be the term that describes ads that are outside of images? Could it be _out-image ads_?


How to use "no sooner... than..."?

The structure "...no sooner...than..." is reported to be used only in past tense, yet I wonder whether it is OK to use it to describe a daily habit. For example: > Every day, as soon as I return home, I turn on the computer to post some > messages. Is it Ok to say: > I have no sooner returned home every day than I turn on the computer to post > some messages. Or the structure can only be used in past tense. Please explain in detail, thanks very much!


"Self-assured" vs. "self-confident"

Are there any differences between the words _self-assured_ and _self- confident_?


Meaning of "work better for silence"

Holmes and Watson are alone in the room. > Holmes: I shall **work better for silence**. > > Watson: Oh, well. I dare say I can find something quiet to do. Does he mean he needs silence to work? And why does he use _for_? Isn't it right to say _in silence_?


Meaning of "herding the cats"

What is the meaning of the phrase _herding the cats_? I've found one description on Wikipedia but it is not clear enough.


"again" in "Today is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you'll ever be again."

Saw this sentence today. It has two variations, one ends with _again_ and one without it. While the _again_ does have a nice ring to it, I kind of feel that it makes no grammatical/semantic sense for it to appear in this sentence, but I don't know why. Does it have to do with whether the "ever...again" part is in a negative/interrogative situation vs. non-negative, which this sentence is? Is there any grammatical justification for this _again_? What does it mean? Are there any other sentences that involve such a non-negative _again_? Hope I'm making myself clear enough :-) On another note, I also see _Today, **you are** the oldest..._, which is admittedly "more" grammatical but less "catchy". In either form, the question about _again_ remains.


Verb for meeting the requirements of a policy

I'm looking for a verb that would go with _policy_. Our company has a policy, which defines a set of requirements. I want to say that I am responsible for ensuring that the company meets the requirements of the policy, but I don't really want to use the word _requirements_. Is there a word that I could use like this: > I am responsible for [some verb] the policy.


Meaning of "having to sneak"

> One in ten has to "gear himself up" to rejoin hectic family life at the end > of the working day and one quarter admit **having to sneak** in naps during > week days in order to cope. What is the meaning of _having to sneak_? Can this sentence can be said in some other way? Also, can you give another example where _having_ is used like this?


Difference between terminology and nomenclature?

What is the difference between terminology and nomenclature? If I want to say that I use the same words with the exact same meaning as author X, what would you say?   * "We use the same _terminology_ as author X" or   * "We use the same _nomenclature_ as author X"


Does English possess a term for the study of all aspects of language in primary/secondary schools

Does academic English employ a concise/idiomatic term corresponding to the Russian term _словесные дисциплины_ (literally, "verbal subjects")? The Russian term is from 19th century academic circles (well, it is still used) and included the teaching of reading/writing/rhetoric + foreign languages. Is there a good, overarching academic field or recognized English term that covers them all together, as far as education is concerned?


Meaning of "cry creek" and "cock of the game"

I'm reading an excerpt from John Lyly (1554–1606), and there are some phrases that I can't find anything about on the net or elsewhere. Here is the context: > Though Cutio be as hot as a toast, yet Euphues is as cold as a clock; though > he be a **cock of the game** , yet Euphues is content to be craven and **cry > creek**. Does anybody know what the highlighted phrases mean?


What does "get some life" mean?

I made a comment and received the following reply: > Ha ha! Go get some life you stupid. I know that this is some kind of insult. But what does "get some life" exactly mean?


Is there a rule in preposition-using?

Like the title, I randomly checked my son's textbook one day and found out some interesting things, like: "I'm on a bus," "I'm in a car," "I'm on a scooter," "I'm on a skateboard," "I'm on a bike," etc. My son asked why is it "IN a car" only? I thought about it and just can't come up with any idea. Maybe it's more comfortable for the seats in a car? Like you'd sink into it? Could that be the reason? Anyway, just want to know: is there any rule when it comes to preposition- using? Or is all we can do is to recite them all not knowing why? :)


"Properties" versus "settings"

When speaking about e.g. computer "objects" (files, documents or other things manipulable through a graphical user interface) what would you say is the difference between the object's **properties** and its **settings** \- if the properties (as well as the settings) can be edited/changed? **EDIT:** I should clarify that I refer to the presentation in a user interface (from a user perspective) - not in relation to programmers/programming languages.


Are 'accuracy' and 'precision' interchangeable nouns?

The dictionary for **accuracy** says: >   1. The quality or state of being correct or precise. >   2. The ability to perform a task with precision. > And for **precision** : >   1. The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate. >   2. Marked by or adapted for accuracy and exactness > Are these nouns interchangeable? If not, how to decide whether to use one or another?


Meaning of "crawling up the walls"

What's the meaning of _crawling up the walls_? > I work at home and I could easily stay here for a month or two... I rarely > get to stay in for so long cause I always have stuff to do in the weekends, > bills to pay or stuff with the wife but I love staying at home. > > F*** that, I couldn't do a week without getting out. 3-4 days and I'm > **crawling up the walls**.


Is this worded correctly if it was spoken in an interview? > I am like a clean slate. I do not have any preconceived notions about how > the company runs


Does the word "system" have any special meaning in literature?

I'm writing an English rendition of a Farsi passage. There's a word I'm hunting for which means **methods of literary styles of writing**. I came across with the word " **system** " in a "Farsi to English Dictionary", which in my opinion fits the passage. I checked some dictionaries for special meanings of system in literature and found nothing. Is the word used in literature with an especial meaning? Are there any other meaning used in literature?


"Affordable price" vs. "affordable prices"

Is it _affordable price_ or _affordable prices_?


What do you call doing something just to do it?

In competition to give away grants, we're asking for a response to a particular question because we always have, but not because we will actually use it to determine the outcome of the competition. I'm trying to explain why we shouldn't do that and I'm looking for the word to describe it. What would be the word to finish this sentence... "IF we continue to use the [name of evaluation tool], we could leave the [rating factor] in, but it would be… perfunctory? Superfluous? I think we could get across the value of the [policy] without making it a factor in the competition."


Which verb form for helper in question?

I encountered the question, "Which trait does a savings account and a checking account have in common?" I suggested that it should read, "Which trait do a savings account and checking account have in common?" For which I was rebuffed. Shouldn't the helping verb _do_ agree with the compound subject, the two accounts?


Has "utilise" lost its meaning in America?

My understanding is that "utilise" means to use an object for a task for which it was not intended. However, in American English, it seems that "utilize" is synonymous with "use", and it seems that "utilize" is used to make a sentence sound more complex or formal. Is this the accepted usage now? Is the benefit people find in making a sentence sound more complex overtaking the benefit of being able to express the different meanings?


Plural of "Runner-Up"

Why is it "runners-up", as opposed to the naïve "runner-ups"? Is there a rule to remember for these situations?


Express an ability not to do something

How would I express my ability not to do something? "I cannot dig" means that I definitely cannot dig. But how do I express my ability not to dig? The first thing that comes to my mind is "I am able not to dig", but I was wondering if there was a better way to express that. In essence I want to say something like "I can (not dig)"; parentheses are just for clarification. **UPDATE** Ok, so in order to clear things up, I tried to think of a better example. Lets imagine that I am walking in the park and see some big guy bullying a nerd. In this case I would like to say "I am able not to interfere, but I will!" (or in our case what I would like to say is "I can (not interfere), but I will!"). And someone working in the circus might want to say "I can (not fall) while walking on a narrow plank". And the main question is - is it possible to express those examples using "can"?


What word means a rare but destructive natural event?

Is there a word that describes a natural phenomenon which rarely occurs, yet when it does so, it causes widespread destruction?


How do I perform presidential proper noun declension?

I'm unfamiliar with how one approaches the declension of proper nouns, especially as it pertains to presidents, e.g., Jeffersonian. I suspect it's kind of a black art. I need to do this with Coolidge and have no idea where to start. What would be an acceptable form? Coolidgean?


What is a word for a taking a non-romantic relationship to the "next level"?

I was thinking one day, and was trying to describe some of the latest events in my life. To my dismay, I could not think of any word to describe becoming better friends with someone (in a platonic way, not a romantic one). Is there such a word?


What is the word for a certain melodramatic pose?

* not akimbo   * not arabesque   * ? I think it's related more towards an ingenue in distress; stage and silent movie era stuff – part of the language of that era. Today it might be used to imply sappy self-conscious melodrama – as kitsch. THIS! ---> http://tinyurl.com/mfbh2nq I believe there is a specific 'technical' word for that pose. Edit: 1.) Note: - not “tableau” specifically, although the pose could be held in tableau . 2.) This is the actual link - http://content.lib.washington.edu/cgi- bin/getimage.exe?CISOROOT=/social&CISOPTR=2247&DMSCALE=100.00000&DMWIDTH=800&DMHEIGHT=1004.1841004184&DMX=0&DMY=0&DMTEXT=&REC=10&DMTHUMB=0&DMROTATE=0


What's wrong with this sentence?

I've noticed a few times recently that _a generic, but well known text editor_ seems to be flagging up stuff that I'm sure is correct. For example, in the below sentence, _the generic, but well known text editor_ thinks I should be using _its_ instead of _it's_. ![Bad Grammar Checking](http://i.stack.imgur.com/DAJKp.png) When I click on the `Grammar...` option, or go to the `Explain...` option within the spell-checker, _the generic, but well known editor_ takes me to a page that just lists a few "Commonly Confused Words". I am confused! I think the sentence: > "I think it's rubbish, too." ... is a perfectly valid sentence that could also be written: > "I think it is rubbish, too." Am I wrong, or is _the generic, but well known editor_ wrong?


What is a word called that has more than one syllable?

You can say e.g.: > The word "on" is a monosyllable. but it seems that the word " **multisyllable** " has been outdated since 1913. **What is the correct term for a word that has two or more syllables, e.g.** > "The word "beautiful" is a _________.


Nomenclature or alternatives

Suppose I invent a phrase to describe a particular thing, such as _"the three- particle paradigm"_ , which is a new paradigm that I have developed to think about a certain field within particle physics. I'm looking for alternatives to the words **phrase** or **term** to describe _"the three-particle paradigm"_. Is it correct to refer to this one phrase as a **nomenclature**? Or is nomenclature more for a collection of words encompassing a bigger body of knowledge? If nomenclature is invalid, please provide alternatives. The reason I'm looking for a word like this is that I want to explain why I chose these words, such as: > Allow me to explain the nomenclature "the three-particle paradigm": First, > there are three particles. Second, ... Using **phrase** doesn't sound too good to me.


I meet this sentence in the first page of one book: > To Keith - always part of what I do.   >  S.B. What's the meaning of "always part of what I do"?


What does “on day 50” mean?

In this sentence: > “Since the aggregates sank so rapidly and the water column was more or less > ‘empty’ on day 50, they must have settled out,” Smetacek argues. “Layers of > fluff have been reported from various regions, including the Southern > Ocean.” What does “on day 50” mean in that sentence? Does it mean “in 50 days”?


Is there a difference between "to go forth" and "to go further"?

Last week I studied with some friends at college and after a short break, I decided to proceed with the exercises. I said "Well, let's go further." and one guy (native american) said "Okay then. Let's go forth." I did not really think about it then, but yesterday this question spontaneously arose. Is there a difference, maybe just a subtle one?


Where does "spinning in his grave" come from?

To quote Demitri Martin ( _taken fromthis session at around 0:57_): > When there's someone who's dead and then someone does something that that > person would not have liked, they say that that person is spinning in their > grave. But I don't understand why they say that; why is spinning the way > that a corpse shows disapproval? [...] If we showed disapproval like that > when we were alive, that would make more sense. Where did this expression _spinning in his grave_ come from? Did it originate in English, or did it come in from another language or culture?


"release a burden"?

I was wondering if it is correct to say "I finally release a burden?" Or should I say "I finally get released from a burden, as like "release somebody from something"? What are some other usual ways to express the same meaning?


Use of colon before reasons

If we say something has advantages over something else, should we write ":" before the reasons or not? For example, > A has advantages over B: The value of A is more than B and… or > A has advantages over B. The value of A is more than B and…


Is "any" correctly applied in the example?

I suppose in this sentence "any" means "all" and/or "every" reference occured in DEF_2 and DEF_3. > One shall remove **any** reference to those items in DEF_2 and DEF_3. Is this correct?


Word for the sound made while vomiting

Which word can I use to describe the sound somebody makes while vomiting? Is _burp_ the right word for it?


"Guild" versus "association"

Is there any difference? Why would you say _authors guild_ and not _authors association_?


Is a lengthy combination of words with hyphens like “the worst not-technically-in-a-recession year in American history” a new fashion of writing?

I found a hyphenated word , “ _not-technically–in-a-recession_ ” in the sentence of September 28 New York Times’ article titled “Why Obama Is Winning,” written by co-ed columnist, Ross Douthat. It reads: > “Today, just as he predicted, the unemployment rate is 8.1 percent. The > year’s second-quarter growth rate was just downgraded to an anemic 1.3 > percent, real household income dipped in the month leading up to the two > political conventions, and the American Enterprise Institute’s James > Pethokoukis suggests that 2012 might turn out to be the worst _not- > technically-in-a-recession_ year in modern American history”. I was interested in the format, “not-technically-in-X” deliberately combining six words into one word with hyphens. Why doesn’t the writer simply say “2012 might turn out to be the worst year, (though) not technically recession, in modern American history” without linking words with repetitive hyphens. Is it a fashon, or is it a normal way to say or write “not-technically-in- an-X.”? Do you normally write “The report is arranged with _not-technically–in- statistic-accuracy_? Does a doctor inform his patient that their cancer may turn out critical _not- technically-in-clinical-database_? P.S. I witnessed ubiquity (or abuse) of hyphen-linked-phrasing in the following sentence of Time magazine’s (Oct. 22) article – “The Third Debate: Obama Wins on Style and Substance” written by Joe Klein. > “This may seem petty, but it is part of the _other-than-reality-based_ world > of RushFoxland — like the alleged Apology Tour that wasn’t. That world, so > far as foreign policy is concerned, came crashing down tonight.”


use hyphen in this sentence four times

Does this sentence seem correct grammatically? > I made a strong relationship with a four-years-older-than-me guy.


What's a good word that means extraordinariness or exceptional-ness?

I have a sentence that currently reads "All they want is to be extraordinary." There's nothing wrong with that. I can certainly live with it. But what I want is a sentence in the form "All they want is 'extraordinariness.'" Is there a good word for that in English? My vocabulary doesn't usually fail me so spectacularly. In case it helps anyone, I'm writing an essay about the inevitable choice between dual mediocrities which characterises the identity of East German youth in _Sonnenallee_. ....I'm also writing it in German. So if anyone happens to know a word in German that doesn't necessarily have a good English translation, I'd be happy to learn of it (preferably in a comment.) :)


Going to the seaside and going to the sea

The British say "go to the seaside" (meaning I'm going to spend some time at the beach, swim, sunbathe etc.) It's like "going to the mountains" or "going to the lake." However, I once heard an Aussie saying: "I'm going to the sea" not the "seaside" meaning the same. My question: Are both possible and common? How about Americans? As far as I know Americans don't "go to the seaside" because they do not live in a small seaside country. So an American would say "go/take on vacation at the beach" or just "I'm going to Hawaii" "I'm going to the lake and so on. Am I right? Or maybe "going to the sea/seaside" is a phrase used by Americans as well? I remember I read a Canadian text once that used this phrase. Please leave your comments.


'though however' used together

I have come across a video in which the speaker says something like _What the Commons is, though however, is ..._ Why use 'though however' together? Is the sentence with double ' _is_ correct? You can hear the whole utterance here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8101854.stm


what does "provide for" mean?

> Interviews that asked past behavior questions demonstrated superior validity > for predicting performance because they **provide for** an assessment of > motivation to apply knowledge/skills more effectively than situational > questions. In above sentence, what does "provide for" mean? I'm confused with the extra(?) "for".


word/phrase for initial set of data or givens

I'm searching for a neutral phrase that conveys the concept of the initial condition/situation/position/set of givens or factors impacting an outcome. For example, the idea of a 'headstart' conveys an advantageous initial position toward pursuing a goal. I am searching for something similar without the connotation of an advantage - but simply indicating the 'start' position, and a certain 'opening' configuration of facts.


Meaning of Lady Macbeth's reply

In the play _Macbeth_ , Macbeth was king, and he was asking Lady Macbeth a question: > Macbeth: What is the night?   >  Lady Macbeth: At odds with the morning, which is which. In Lady Macbeth's reply, I couldn't quite understand what "which is which" meant. What does it actually mean?


"Sit in a chair" vs. "sit on a chair"

What is the correct usage? I know you sit 'on' a sofa/couch. What about chair?


Meaning of "ask of"

What is the meaning of the phrase _ask of_ in the following sentence? > Trust and security are important for any application; before we move on to > the meat of accessing data, let’s make sure the browser itself is capable of > doing everything you’re **asking of** it. It is extracted from a technical book.


How to say something sponsors another

If book A is sponsored by entity B, how can I say: > . . . in the upcoming B **'s** sponsored book A . . . or > . . . in the upcoming B sponsored book A . . .


Out at the house (Hemingway's To have and Not Have)

This is from Hemingway's To Have and Not Have. It's not clear to me where they were having lunch. Out at the house Marie and the girls were having lunch. "Hello Daddy," said the oldest girl. "Here's Daddy." ... (conversation omitted) when the girls were out of the room he said to Marie, "Cut it up, will you?" This looks strange to me. At the first sentence, they were all having lunch "out at the house." And after conversation "the girls were out of the room." I wonder where Marie and her girls were having lunch first. May at terrace? Or the yard?


Using "run" as a noun

How do you say the verb _run_ in a sentence as a noun?


How do we refer to body odour delicately?

Perhaps one of the most difficult things I ever had to do as a manager of staff was to talk to someone about their 'body odour'. Can anyone think of a term to use and appropriate language in which the subject might be introduced in a private conversation?


"I would have a car, which would ALLOW me to take myself from point A to point B faster"

Is there such a sentence with "s" ("which `allows` me to ....")? I'm talking about myself, it means I'm talking in first person (singular)


Origin of "fat lot of good"

**Fat lot of good** is a phrase that I grew up with and continue to use occasionally as in the following: > He is working hard to fix the problem, but a **fat lot of good** it will do > him without the proper tools. Which means that despite his best efforts, he is not likely to fix the problem until he starts using the proper tools. I've only heard the phrase used with a sarcastic tone as if the phrase is supposed to mean that it will do a lot of good. (Similar in tone to when someone says _I could care less_ when they really mean _I could **not** care less._) What is the origin of _fat lot of good_ and was it ever in common usage with a positive meaning?


How do you tell when you're reading a poor translation?

John Ciardi, in his foreword to his translation of Dante's _Divine Comedy_ , observes that any translation is, at best, a failure. He means it is impossible to convey the depth and levels of meaning of the original into another language. That point conceded, however, translations must be made and used. If there were texts in Finnish one needed to understand by next week, it is absurd to suppose that one should (or could) acquire mastery of that language in the time allotted. The fact is, there is important information in many languages that one may wish to know, and it is further absurd to suppose one can acquire anything like a thorough understanding of all those languages. In many cases, a bad translation is obvious. In the English version of a flyer promoting a Japanese amusement-park ride, for example, park-goers were promised that they would be "brandished and inverted." In such cases the bad translation announces itself in strident tones, and one doesn't have to be John Ciardi to realize that a re-translation of the translation will be required in order to piece together the actual meaning. But what about translations that do not set off grammatical or usage alarms, yet may still be poor renderings of the meaning of the original? Are there other, perhaps subtler clues you would look for that would make you question whether the translator has done the job well or poorly?


What is the origin of Americana?

I have checked on the NOAD, but I didn't find the origin of _Americana_ ; it's reported that it means _things associated with the culture and history of America, especially the United States_ , but not the origin of the word. I have a hypothesis, but it doesn't explain why _Americana_ is a plural noun. Does anybody know the origin of the word?


Are there clear differences in formality of words between British-English and American-English

I wonder if there are any clear distinctions regarding using formal words in British-English and in American-English. Do American and English people use different words when for instance asking a question or handling a formal situation?


"I think ..." or "In my opinion..." or "From my point of view..."

If I want to express my opinion about something, what's the most correct form? What are the differences? What is more formal and what more colloquial? For example, in Italian, nobody says _In my opinion..._ , but _My opinion is..._


What is the correct spelling of "dependent"? Which preposition should follow it?

**Dependant** or **dependent** really confuses me when to use, especially with the combination **of** , **on** , **from** or **to**.   * Mike was dependant to/from/on his mother.   * The states are dependent to/from/on the federal government. When to use what term with what?


Are freshwater fish considered seafood?

Can freshwater fish, crayfish, etc. still be referred to as seafood or is there a special term?


Is there a word for describing a person who experiences schadenfreude?

One word to denote a person who derives pleasure from another's misfortune?


Saying about many related events in the future

My question relates to these questions :   * Conditionals in the future   * Future tense in conditional clauses   * “If I go..” vs. “If I will go..” referring to the future   * About two mutually related, future actions What is the common way in English (and American English) to say about many related events that can happen due to some condition: > I suppose if this gadget [will be] packed in cardboard box there [will be] > less chances that the package [will be] stopped at customs for any > additional inspection of its contents. or even: > I suppose if this gadget [will be] packed in cardboard box there [will be] > less chances that the package [will be] stopped at customs for any > additional inspection so there [will be] no delay in delivery. Note: I used "[will be]" to depict that action will occur in a future - I understand that it is incorrect.


How to use "if you will" in third person

How would one say "if you will" in third person POV? I'm constantly finding myself wanting to type this phrase in papers but I usually refrain from it since "you" is second person and my teachers are exceptionally strict when it comes to POV in research papers. Normally, I just replace "you" with "one" but that doesn't sound very... smooth, if you will.


‘It’ – ambiguous antecedent?

Take the following sentence: > And even if the program inputted one token and then invoked newLine(), > wouldn't it input a blank? I've been told that this sentence has a clear pronoun reference. Why? Couldn't _it_ refer to either _program_ or _token_?


Is it grammatically correct to say "X person turned to Y person"?

Here are some examples: > Erica turned to him > > Erica turned towards him > > Erica turned to face him > > Erica turned to look at him I'm not sure if the first one is grammatically incorrect and/or ambiguous?


“Nota Bene” in technical writing

I am currently writing my thesis for a MSc in computer science. In some places I came up with short but crucial explanations or remarks that I wanted to show in a stand-out display to emphasize their importance. So I show a little grey text box, with a title. As for now I chose **Nota Bene** as the title — see an example here: > **Nota Bene:** If the dashed lines in the interface-graph (cf. Figure 7.2, > on the right) are not explicitly included, a VPN network will essentially be > represented by several disconnected graphs. Now I am wondering if _nota bene_ is something that I can use in this context. I know that is has the right _meaning_ but I am unsure about the _style_. Does this feel pompous to you? Or old-fashioned?


Verb for "to make optional"

Is there a verb for "to make optional"? I've searched questoins on this site, thesaurus.com, and looked in my paper thesaurus and dictionary, but don't see anything. Context for how I plan to use the word is in changelist. The changelist identifies items that were "added", "removed", "updated" and "made optional." I'm looking for a single word to replace "made optional." Thanks in advance!


Do animals "live, reside or inhabit" in a place?

I am working on a standardized test, where one of the questions asks whether a certain type of animals live/reside/inhabit in Alaska. To me they all sound okay. But the answer key marks "live" as the correct answer. Any idea?


Kipling's "If" explanation

I don't understand what Kipling means by "Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”". Could you please explain it to me?


"Semitic" and "anti-Semitic"

Why does _Semitic_ refer to several groups of people, including Babylonians, Assyrians, Arabs and Jews, whereas _anti-Semitic_ only refers to Jews?


Term for assistant of assistant manager

Do you call an assistant of an assistant manager _vice-assistant manager_ , _deputy assistant manager_ , _assistant-assistant manager_ or something else?


"If I knew you're coming I wouldn't have come"

Is the statement > If I knew you're coming I wouldn't have come correct? Should we use > If I had known you're coming, I wouldn't have come instead? Please consider American-British differences.


Use of the word 'mete' without using the word 'out'

NOAD defines _mete_ as: > dispense or allot justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment When talking about this sense of the word, we normally hear the verb _mete_ used in verbal phrase _mete out_. However, I don't think we'd usually say, “ _dispense **out** justice_”, or “ _allot **out** a harsh treatment_”. This got me wondering about the omission of the word _out_ , and simply using _mete_ instead, as in: > _The stern judge would often mete the harshest punishments_. In my research, I found that such usage is not without precedent, but it seems to be rare. I found:   * When looking up the word _mete_ in Macmillan, the site automatically directs the user to the phrasal verb _mete out_ , in both their American and British editions.   * When looking up the word in Collins, the definition is preceded by: "usually foll by _out_ ".    * When looking up the phrase `"will mete a"` in Google books, only 5 results are returned, and two of those are using the word _mete_ in a different sense. Changing the search phrase to `"will mete out a"` returns more than four pages of hits. A similar disparity is found between `"would mete the"` and `"would mete out the"`.   * The example sentences at Reference.com all use the phrase _mete out_ , such as: > _It would be far better to conduct investigations and mete out punishments > at the national level_. Still, I managed to find this in one of the book searches, from a 2008 romance novel: > _A king might lead this action, but a queen would mete the punishment if it > failed._ My conclusion is that one _can_ omit the word _out_ , but it seems to be rather rare. **My question is:** How awkward does it sound when the word _out_ is omitted? Would a writer be advised to err on the side of convention, and leave it in? Or is it purely a matter of preference? Even the ( _gasp!_ ) prospect of ending a sentence with a preposition didn't deter this biographer from using the phrase _mete out_ : > _...it was obvious to the father that the son would pay a price as part of > the punishment that the king would mete out_. (James Srodes) As a footnote, I'm only asking about the word _mete_ used in the context of administering some kind of punishment. Other definitions of the word (e.g., to _measure_ ) are excluded from this question.


Council, man, woman, or member?

If a board is called a "Council," and those on it are now called "Council Members" rather than "Councilmen" and "Councilwomen" for the purpose of gender neutrality, please explain if there is a difference between the title of the position and the title by which they are addressed in conversation at meetings. Would it be appropriate to refer to them as Councillors? Are attorneys sometimes called Counsellors? Does this seem confusing if both are interacting at the same meeting? Your thoughts are much appreciated. Thank you.


"Only humming a little, the quiet sound in the head"

I found a poem named Any Morning, I'm not sure if "the quiet sound" in the second line is represented to what somebody in humming or something related to trouble? > Just lying on the couch and being happy.   >  Only humming a little, the quiet sound in the head.   >  Trouble is busy elsewhere at the moment, it has   >  so much to do in the world.


Is there a word which describes being unable to see the stars because of the brightness of the moon?

I'm looking for something like "eclipsed" or "occulted", but caused by the brightness of the light rather than by anything solid being in the way.


The Royal Order of Adverbs

I know that the pattern _manner-place-time_ shouldn't be taken too seriously if one wants to speak natural English. In real life, people rarely use a string of adverbs. Speakers will easily break the pattern for emphatic or stylistic reasons (usually placing the adverb at the beginning of the sentence). Other factors such as length and specificity will also override the arrangement. But I'm constructing illustrative sentences that highlight (and stick to) the Royal Order of Adverbs. What all the online sources are doing is mixing adverbs and prepositional phrases, but I can't have the concept of prepositional phrases in my examples just yet. This means I should include only one-word or two-word adverbs (without prepositions). So, I have these:   * He sat quietly upstairs all day.   * She waited impatiently outside this morning.   * They gather noisily downtown every Saturday night. Are the sentences above still correct, as in natural-sounding? Somehow they started sounding a bit off to me. I guess I just need to test them with a second pair of ears.


What is the origin of "journal" to mean a mechanical shaft? A more common modern use is in "journal bearing" which refers to the sliding surface between a rotating shaft and a hole it passes through and supports it relative to some other component.


What is a person who works on applying makeup called?

I've read 'Makeup technician' in some places, but I am looking for a single word. 'Aesthetician' and 'Cosmetologist' refer to persons who apply general aesthetic treatments, but I haven't found any words which refer specifically and exclusively to applying makeup.


What is the plural of "Freight"?

What is the plural of _freight_? _Freights_ just doesn't sound right to me. Perhaps, _freight_ is already the plural. If that is the case, what is its singular? **Edit** After doing some research, most online dictionaries have _freights_ as part of their listing for _freight_ , but none seem to have an example, leading me to the conclusion that _freights_ is not a word that is in common use. The definition provided by Brian Hooper seemed to be the most reasonable and clear reason why it is only _freight_


What is the difference between "daemon" and "demon" in a religious context?

Is there a difference between _demon_ and _daemon_ in a religious context?


Are the words "backdrop" and "background" interchangeable?


Is there an idiom to describe someone who is really skinny and whose clothes don't look good on them?

Is there an idiom to describe someone who is really skinny whose clothes don't look good on them at all? This should not refer to the person but instead to how the clothes look on the person. In my native language, we say: > Those clothes are crying on your body. Or > It seems like you wore your father's clothes in this picture.


Earliness: the quality of being early

Which words help convey the concept of _being early_? _Prompt_ is not exactly what I want, as it means "on time" in the context I am considering. If spring (the season) was a spirit and arrived two weeks early this year, and was content in doing so, how could I describe the idea that spring doesn't mind its ___ __ness (quality of being early)?


Origin and meaning of "damn straight"

The phrase "damn straight" is now used as a way to emphatically agree with a statement, but where does it come from, and what did it mean originally?


Is 'peaceful demonstration' an oxymoron?

Oh, we know the standards: Jumbo Shrimp, Real Phony,Living Dead..... is _peaceful demonstration_ in the list: reasons why/not are, of course unexpectedly anticipated.


Do "owed" and "due" mean the opposite?

I wonder if "owed" and "due" mean the opposite in the following quote from Wikipedia? > In banking and accountancy, the outstanding balance is the amount of money > **owed** , (or **due** ), that remains in a deposit account (or a loan > account) at a given date, after all past remittances, payments and > withdrawal have been accounted for. It can be positive (then, in the balance > sheet of a firm, it is an asset) or negative (a liability). I think owed and due both mean someone owes someone else another something. But in the quote, it looks like owed means someone else owes someone something, and due means someone owes someone else something. I am confused. Thanks!


What word should I use to express the feeling of stepping on a banana's peel or walking on an oily floor?

I am curious about the word I should use to express my feeling when I step on a banana's peel, touch on an oily surface, or walk on an oily floor. My feeling is smooth and moving fast. I don't know what word should I use to express this feeling.


What countries is "early mark" used in? It means being let out of something, typically school, early. onelook.com only reports it being mentioned in Urban Dictionary, and it doesn't have information on what varieties of English use it. Google ngram isn't very useful - too many uses of early mark without it having the meaning above. Oz Words is even claiming that it's only used in some parts of Australia, while Superlinguo says its reach extends as far as New Zealdand. Is "early mark" only used in Australia and New Zealand?


what do you call a person who wants others to be the way they think?

What do you call that person who wants others to behave like them?


Is it okay to use "has been" here?

My Dad (diabetic) and I went to a doctor for a checkup. The doctor advised my dad to increase his insulin because his sugar was high in those days. Furthermore doctor told my dad to call him after a week to let him know about his sugar. It's day 3, but my dad's sugar has been low so far. Would the following sentence be fine for telling the doctor about his blood sugar? > Its _has been_ 3 days since you told me to increase his insulin but his > sugar _has been_ low, now what to do? The main thing I want to know is the use of _has been_.


How do I refer to two things together that have different adjectives?

I want to express these two facts: there is a front view; and there is a side view. Which of the following are valid ways of referring to the two views together? >   1. a front and side view; >   2. a front and side views; >   3. a front and a side view; >   4. a front and a side views; >   5. front and side views; > For the valid ones, which of "there is" and "there are" would I use with it?


What does this strange complicated sentence mean?

**Blue rolled the sky...** What does this sentence mean?


How to deal with irregular plural(s)?

What happens if you have a written phrase like > We were looking at the same poster(s). but with a noun that has an irregular plural? E.g. with baby/babies, would this be the correct form? > We were looking at the same baby(ies). Or, as a more exotic case: > We were looking at the same matrix(???). (plural is matrices) Is there a rule or guideline for this?


What is the difference between "bracelet" and "strap" when talking about watches?

I talked to my friend about his watch. I used the word "strap" to refer to his watch's strap while he used the word "bracelet." Is there any difference between these words? Can I use them interchangeably?


Military personnel normally put their badges on their shoulders - what is that area called?

I want a word that can sum up one's experiences in a battlefield but I am unable to find the proper terminology for this purpose. Military badges are normally placed on the left shoulder as well as the upper left chest of military personnels. What is the proper name for these areas which badges would be placed on?


Help me understand the meaning of a phrase I use regularly- "just ducky"

When people ask me; "how are you"? I love to answer with "just ducky" (sp?) and it usually gets a disarming smile and sets a light-hearted tone for conversation to follow. I adopted it as part of my personal argot when I was a kid watching the classic 70's sitcom _Night_ _Court_. (Moose always used to say it). I believe it's a British phrase but unfortunately, if the person happens to ask me what it means, I can only admit That I don't know. I'm pretty sure it is a sarcastic way of saying "fine" (e.g.; F.I.N.E.)but really wish I knew for sure and how the phrase came into the fringe if the English language. Does anyone have a definitive answer? I'd be happy as a pig in a poke if you do.


"the left arm and the right arm" vs "the left and right arms" vs "the left and the right arms"

I did a lot of research over the internet to try to figure out the correct way. But I still don't have a definitely answer. I wonder which of the following are correct? a. The left arm and the right arm are equally important b. The left and right arms are equally important. c. The left and the right arms are equally important. d. The lengths of the left arm and the right arm are similar. e. The lengths of the left and right arms are similar. f. The lengths of the left and the right arms are similar. g. The length of the left arm and that of the right arm are 20 inches and 20.5 inches, respectively. h. The lengths of the left and right arms are 20 inches and 20.5 inches, respectively. i. The lengths of the left and the right arms are 20 inches and 20.5 inches, respectively.


Correct usage of "will be" vs. "will"

Consider these two sentences: >   * It will be storming all day tomorrow, we need to go shopping tonight. >   * It will storm all day tomorrow, we need to go shopping tonight. > The difference being "will be storming" and "will storm". What exactly is the difference between these two sentences? Could they possibly mean something different (even if slightly)? If they are different, when to use each one?


What term means "covering a wall entirely"?

The term "relief mural" describes a mural which uses a relief-technique. I need a term, preferably one used in fine arts, which places emphasis on the fact that the piece is a relief, but with the scale and properties of a mural, e.g. "(term) relief". Here is a sample sentence: > The sculptor made the (term) relief. I could not find any adjective form of "mural" and "wall-covering relief" sounds too unprofessional. Is there an adjective or similar term used in fine arts which describes the property of covering a wall?


Specific usage of the word 'but'

The Aesop's Fables translated by George Fyler Townsend book has a line which reads as follows: > ... If you had but touched me, my friend, you ... I've seen the word 'but' used this way a couple of times, but I'm not sure I understand the meaning of this phrase correctly. What is the general rule for using 'but' this way?


Problem with the usage of "but"

> **Possible Duplicate:**   >  Specific usage of the word 'but'   >  Interpreting the meaning of 'but' as an implication for exclusion/inclusion   >  “nothing but” vs. “anything but” vs. “everything but” What does this sentence mean: > For girls who love everything under the sun, but cricket. I'm a bit confused with the "but" usage here.


Where did the phrase "don't spend it all in one store" originate?

I've heard the phrase "don't spend it [money] all in one store" a number of times, virtually always in a joking manner. Where did it originate from and has it always been said as a joke?


"Return" and "come back" as intransitive verbs

Does "return" imply a longer absence than "be back" -- in analogy with "Batman returns (after a ten-year absence) -- in such a way that it would sound sort of awkward or weird to say of someone that he or she has just returned from a quick break to the bathroom? In the same logic, would it sound pretty much the same sense-wise if Schwarzenegger as the Terminator uttered "I'll return" instead of his iconic line "I'll be back"? Also, can intransitive "return" be used for things in the same manner as "be back" or "come back", in such a way that it's acceptable to say that an item has returned, or will or might return in stock, for sale, or into fashion -- or even to say that it has simply returned, period (without any specification as to the source or destination)?


"Through" vs. "by" in this sentence

While solving a question, I came in to a situation where I was left wondering between two of the choices. The sentence was: > Acquisition of certain specific skills can be facilitated **by/through** > general awareness, education to novel situations. According to my understanding _through_ sounds more apt. But I am not sure. Could anyone explain the correct usage. In which condition one is preferable over the other?


Too many commas in Harry Potter

The Harry Potter and Philosopher's Stone starts with the line - " _Mr and Mrs Dursely, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much._ " Hasn't J.k. Rowling used **too many commas**? Instead, had she written _"Mr and Mrs Dursely of number four Privet Drive were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much._ " Wouldn't it be better? Also, what does she try to indicate by writing 'thank you very much' ?


Derivation of the phrase "what the dickens"?

What is the derivation of "what the dickens"? It features in the Merry Wives of Windsor "I cannot tell what the dickens his name is." So the meaning doesn't seem to have changed ie synonymous with "what on earth".


A word that has changed its meaning from late eighteenth century

I was first used in late eighteenth century.My meaning has changed from an odd man to mocking someone to the modern day meaning.I am often classified as a mind sport which like all other sports determines a winner.Who am I?


Order of words in sentence

I am asked the following the question: > **Question: Why are your results important?** > > **Answer:** > >   1. For segmenting and classifying a stream of documents dynamically > without a fixed training dataset > >   2. For segmenting and dynamically classifying document streams without a > fixed training dataset > > Which answer is correct to you? Grammatically, the word _dynamically_ is intended to be related to _classifying_ not _segmenting._


Word/phrase for something that succeeds in first attempt

You are a creator. You are fearless. Though you lack expertise at the moment, your work has the ability to be decent most of the time. You tinker, you fail. You keep failing and start seeing the light. There are moments, though sometimes short lived, where you create a masterpiece and it becomes an instant hit. A wild hit, where your inner self knows it has a hit in the pocket. This can be a photograph, a dish or an ingenious solution to a difficult problem. How would you define such moments? Is there a phrase or a word to describe this situation?


Can “beefcake” serve as a verb to mean showing off big muscles?

I was confused by the ending line of the following sentence from the article titled, “The last, disposable action hero” in the February 28th edition of Time magazine: > “American movie market now makes up less than a third of global box-office > receipts, studios tend to favor projects featuring explosions, car chases > and doomsday scenarios — a universal language of violence that translates > easily in China, India, Brazil and Europe. Almost without exception, **the > movies stars some beefcake with pecs** that make Ben-Hur’s seem puny.” Oxford Advanced Learners’ English Dictionary defines beefcake as: > Noun: (slang) men with big muscles, especially those that appear in sex show > and magazines. But the text drops a "be" verb between 'the movie stars" and "beafcake." It doesn't appear to me somehow flow smooth. Is “beefcake” being used here as a verb to mean _showing off their big muscles_? Why is the word “some” necessary, after emphasizing “Almost without exception,”? What meaning does the word, “some” add to here? **P.S.** As hindsight, I came to realize that “the movies” is the subject, “stars” is the verb, and “(some) beefcake” is the object. In my above question, I took “the movies stars” a subject as I thought it should be “star,” not “stars,” if the ‘star” is a verb, because the subject (the movie) is in the plural form. Is “The movies star* _s_ * some beefcake with pecs” grammatically right expression?


Using longest word in context

I came across with the following word > **antidisestablishmentarianism** How do you pronounce this word, meaning and how can i use this word in a context? Thanks


"It would the best thing I have ever seen" vs "...I had ever seen"

Just heard a song "Majestic" and as I am continuously trying to improve my English, I noticed something a bit unclear to me. > A sight for sore eyes   >  To the blind would be awful majestic   >  It would be the most beautiful thing   >  That they ever had seen Why is there the past perfect tense? Would it work with the present perfect ("have seen"—because they still might see it in the future)?


"Creation team" or "creative team"

In a text about videogames I was requested to form a term from the verb _create_ in this context. > Time is running out on the production of this videogame. The game's > **creation/creative team** must be feeling the pressure. I've been discussing the two expressions with my family and we haven't reached an agreement. I would choose _creative_ but I'm not sure.


Word for "background works"

What is a word to describe complicated _background works_ , _internal works_ or _behind-the-scenes works_? These works are complicated and often people wouldn't want to know about it. An example is the complicated internal processes of a machine. All the phrases mentioned sound awkward and long.


Sleeping aside me

My friend used this sentence: > I wouldn’t be able to sleep at nights if she is sleeping _aside_ me. Is the usage of the word _aside_ correct here? I always thought “sleeping _besides_ me” is the right way. Please help me understand.


Question about sentence structure and semicolons

Suppose the following sentence:   * When the sun comes in the morning; the sky is blue. Are "When the sun comes in the morning" and "the sky is blue" two clauses of the sentence? So, is it correct to use a semicolon?


Word for someone who thought of an idea

I was looking/wanting a word to describe a person who thought and kindled an original idea and was the first to do it. Say you come up with an idea for a device or an idea for software or something what would you call the person who though of it? I thought author but an author is someone who wrote a book not thought of an idea. Anyone able to provide me with a word? Thanks.


Phrases with as many different letters as possible

I remember there was a term for such sentences. Does anyone know what they are called?


"Rich in" vs. "Rich with"

_The free dictionary_ provides two definitions for "rich with" and "rich in".   * _rich with_ : having a lot of something; abundant in something   * _rich in_ : having valuable resources, characteristics, traditions, or history It seems like the differences between the two definitions is rather subtle. My understanding is the following. The former case means that an _object_ contains a lot of _something_ (and we don't know anything about the quality of this _something_ ). The latter means that the _object_ contains _something_ which is valuable (and we don't know how many instances of this _something_ our _object_ contains). Is this observation correct? Can someone clarify the difference and provide some further references? The context of this questions is that I want to write something like "The literature is rich in/with examples".


"Dictionary" and "vocabulary" — when to use either?

What's the difference between the two? Is _dictionary_ mostly applied to written or printed forms and _vocabulary_ to others (like "someone's active vocabulary")?


Word for referring to incomprehensible sounds produced by stuttering/stammering?

At first I just decide to use **stutter** as a noun: > David pulled himself away slowly, his face as pale as a ghost's. Some words > came out of his mouth. At first, they were just incomprehensible > **stutters** , but then they gradually began to take shape. > "Y-you're...you're not Sophia." But then for some reason, it started sounding a little strange to me. Is there any other word to use in cases like this?


What does the word "pass" really mean in this context?

Philanderer is someone who makes love insincerely, someone who engages in passing love affairs. NB I looked it up in dictionaries but there was no thing such as "pass love affair" in non of them. Does it mean ongoing ? or de facto?


What does "the grit of something" mean?

I read this sentence: > those problem are the creative grit of a theory What does "the creative grit" mean?


Why is the used here?

> But when **the** several nations of Europe had acquired distinct though rude > written languages of their own, sufficient for the purposes of their rising > literatures, then first **1** learning revived, and scholars were enabled to > discern from that remoteness **2** the treasures of antiquity.   >  Walden Chapter 3 Reading Why is _the_ used here? The following "the" is "all the heroic books written in Greece." or "all the major heroic works of Greece." But the first one looks unnecessary, so why did he do it? > The student may read Homer or Æschylus in the Greek without danger of > dissipation or luxuriousness, for it implies that he in some measure emulate > their heroes, and consecrate morning hours to their pages. **The** heroic > books, even if printed in the character of our mother tongue, will always be > in a language dead to degenerate times; and we must laboriously seek the > meaning of each word and line, conjecturing a larger sense than common use > permits out of what wisdom and valor and generosity we have. **1** Is the "first" an adjective here explaining "learning?" or just a way to say things in order, like first, second, third...? **2** "From the remoteness" - what does it mean? Does this mean from the vantage point of the present?


Looking for a 2 syllable word for the scenario described

I am looking for a 1 (or) 2 syllable word for my website. I need something thats really cool, but is easily understood by everyone. This is the concept - "People meeting up in predetermined (or) well-defined location in order to buy or sell products or exchange items" I want a 1 (or) 2 syllable word that highlights these two key points :   1. People meeting up in a safe location   2. Sell products The words that I came up with are - "safemeet" , "meetsale", "safelist", "safedepot" ... Can anyone think of something awesome, may be something thats easily understood, or something that dates back to medieval century "trading" and anything like that ?


the USA vs the US

I am writing an essay where I need to make a reference to the United States of America. Often I hear this shortened to `the US`, but sometimes people also say `the USA`. Are there any difference between the use of the two? Is one more formal or correct than the other? As a random example of what I want to write is `Is the US the most beautiful country in the world?`


"miss you" vs "missing you" in the present

Both the simple and the continuous are out there, but if you had to pick one: > I miss you. > > I am missing you. ... > She misses her family. > > She is missing her family. I want to say that the *stative form of this verb in the simple tense is INHERENTLY CONTINUOUS and that the continuous tense can be done without. (Should be done without for a cleaner language usage?) Edit #2 (I meant to say stative every time I wrote *intransitive) and I found this: > http://is.muni.cz/th/178421/ff_m_b1/Stative_verbs_with_the_progressive.txt > > http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/support-files/stative-verbs-list.pdf I thank you for the debate.


What does "boogeyman for everybody" mean?

I was watching a TV show about an air crash where an air traffic controller was partly responsible for the crash. In an interview an official says: > "You don't deserve to be a **boogeyman for everybody.** " I did a google search to see what that usage means, but I did not find any useful results. What is the meaning of "boogeyman for everybody" in this context. Can you please provide some examples?


Where did the idiom "scot-free" come from?

As in, that criminal got off scot-free despite a mountain of evidence that would seem to indicate his guilt.


Thanks be to you, John

Is "Thanks, John." a short form for "Thanks be to you, John."? Is "Thanks, John." a sentence?