| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Need Help to Correct Grammar Mistakes | 11/13/2009 |
Q: HANDLING ADVERSITY It was summer of the 2008, when Linda got her working permit status in Canada. ...
A: I have made a great number of corrections to your little essay. I hope in studying this, you'll be ...
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| 'tread lightly' | 11/12/2009 |
Q: I'm a translation student. I have difficulty in translating 'treads lightly' in certain context. The ...
A: I enjoy looking at the use of language in advertising, where the goal is to communicate to customers ...
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| a vs. an and the letter "H" | 11/10/2009 |
Q: Nell, America's education seems to be on a fast downhill track. I recently saw a bumper sticker that ...
A: You are probably like me, and I'll bet you are not too bad with music, and remember the lyrics of a ...
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| grammar question; meaning of "a hair" | 11/9/2009 |
Q: What is the meaning of "a hair" in the following two sentences? 1. If I had to rate her beauty on a ...
A: In both these sentences, "a hair" indicates a very tiny distance between two things -- such as, nice ...
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| the word "volunteer" | 11/9/2009 |
Q: I've got another question here: If the vacations are longer, we could have much time VOLUNTEER. ...
A: Hope this finds you well. :) If the vacations are longer, we could have much time VOLUNTEER. The ...
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| usage | 11/9/2009 |
Q: I am not so sure about the usage of "either" in the following sentence: He sat in the car with a ...
A: Don't worry -- this usage, and even the word "either," itself, don't follow the usual rules of ...
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| Integrity | 11/7/2009 |
Q: If I have (possess) brave-ry, I am (to be) brave. If I have courage, I am courage-ous. If I have ...
A: Yes, you have anticipated the answer I was going to have to give you. I think you understand the ...
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| usage | 11/5/2009 |
Q: I am not so sure about the usage of "either" in the following sentence: He sat in the car with a ...
A: Yes, you are correct. I am not so sure about the usage of "either" in the following sentence: He ...
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| compare to/with | 11/5/2009 |
Q: Here I am with a new question "which is better": 1. (Hawkings:) By comparing yourself "to/with" ...
A: Ohhhh mmleft -- Sorry, I overlooked this! Yes, you are right again! Let me see if I can think ...
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| usage | 11/4/2009 |
Q: I'm here again with anotherHow do we use it/them correctly? 1. Crisp and crispy can be used as ...
A: When you talk about using English and words correctly, really you are talking about "usage." So you ...
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| compare to, come up with, found out | 11/3/2009 |
Q: Here I am with a new question "which is better": 1. (Hawkings:) By comparing yourself "to/with" ...
A: It's nice to see you. :) 1. comparing yourself to other people = compare to / CORRECT / Compared ...
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| letter format | 11/1/2009 |
Q: . i want to ask about the correct formats for letters in english(advice letter,apology letter) i ...
A: With this question, I will refer you to an extensive, helpful and popular EFL site, UsingEnglish.com ...
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| how to paraphrase? | 10/30/2009 |
Q: Another sentences are also puzzling me: 1. He loves to read, and he "puts this love to good use" by ...
A: ssDear mmleft -- Hello! Hope you're doing well. :D Another sentences are also puzzling me: ...
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| syntax differences | 10/30/2009 |
Q: I wonder if the following sets of sentences are the same in meaning or if there are any differences ...
A: Welcome back, mmleft! My, it's been so long since I last saw you! Where have you been? (hehehe ...
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| "keep in check," "a first", "a second, a third, a fourth," | 10/29/2009 |
Q: Hunt, Keep in check: Could you tell me what exactly "keep in check" means? Does it mean strict ...
A: You seem to have the meaning of "keep in check" firmly understood and correct. It would always mean ...
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| word placement in sentences | 10/27/2009 |
Q: I wonder if the following two sets of sentences are the same in meaning, if the sentences themselves ...
A: For the most part, your sentence groups create the same meaning. However, I'd like to try ...
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| auxiliaries | 10/25/2009 |
Q: 1. A: Will David be able to join us for the party tonight? B: I just called him. He is sure that he ...
A: Hey oppo -- In these sentences you've made, there is indeed a problem. Your very first answer is ...
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| any difference? no difference! | 10/18/2009 |
Q: It's said that the following sets of sentences are not the same in meaning, but I cannot tell the ...
A: You know me, I don't take the short road if the long road is the best way. But in this case, in ...
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| finished essay, ESL Essay Composition, ESL Opinion Piece on Drug Abuse | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I have revised the essay we discussed earlier. Please help me proofread it and give me some ...
A: Heyyy Oppo -- Hope you are well! I just read your essay, and it's great. Why haven't you given it ...
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| learning English, UsingEnglish.com, Internet ESL/EFL | 10/15/2009 |
Q: hello i was wonder if is there any websites that really is helpful for learning english
A: Nice to meet you. :) Yes, I know just the place for you! You will need to register, which is very ...
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| Grammer of Vocabulary, Synonyms | 10/15/2009 |
Q: please tell me any way that i can find the usage of different same related words like ...
A: I recommend Using English.com (web address below.) I've copied a list of the quizzes they have for ...
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| English is a difficult language because of idioms | 10/14/2009 |
Q: Nell. I don't know whether you know in China, there are always many meanings after the new word.It ...
A: Here are some things I think may be good for you to have a look at: the many idiomatic uses of verbs ...
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| Grammar question; meaining of "really"? | 10/12/2009 |
Q: In the following sentence, "What he said really isn't important because everyone thinks he's ...
A: Hey Glen -- In the sentence you've presented, the meaning of "really" can be seen as being both 2 ...
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| proofreading | 10/12/2009 |
Q: Please help me proofread the essay below and give me some feedback. Introduction: Drug use is a ...
A: I just finished working with you on your essay, writing you a very long note along with my own ...
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| Grammar question; I need more time / I will need more time | 10/11/2009 |
Q: What is the difference in meaning between the following two sentences? 1. If you want me to finish ...
A: which I know does seem confusing. Both of your sentences, above, are correct, technically. Both ...
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| editing | 10/5/2009 |
Q: do you edit paper please send inform and cost i really need someone to prooread and edit a paper for ...
A: If you need a proofreader and editor for a paper longer than two pages, I can do this for you at a ...
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| sentences | 10/4/2009 |
Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? I am suffering from a bad cold and can’t get out ...
A: Great work! (As always!) Every sentence here is perfect. Now I have a suggestion for you. Why ...
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| Free Verse in Western Poetry | 10/2/2009 |
Q: Sirs, I see in old poetry, nouns used as verbs, verbs used as nouns etc...I understand that this is ...
A: When poets back in the mid-1800s in the western world, especially in France (Baudulaire) and in the ...
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| Words acting like adjectives | 10/1/2009 |
Q: Hunt, When we say "World Trade Centre" or "world business report", which following word does "world" ...
A: These "noun phrases with premodifiers" pose different problems and considerations for all of us -- ...
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| putting / to put (verb + ing/ to + verb) | 9/29/2009 |
Q: use the correct form of the verb (verb+ing or to+verb)to fill in the blanks. The old nurse got ...
A: There are two ways, then, to write the statements in the two forms you request. 1 - The old nurse ...
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| situational adjective phrases, noun clauses | 9/28/2009 |
Q: (My maths book is missing.) I really need my maths book because I have a (maths) test tomorrow. ...
A: Hey mmleft -- Yes, you are correct. "It is crucial that ...." means "(That I study for the math ...
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| may vs may only | 9/27/2009 |
Q: i.e. Susan may eat an apple buy some eggs go to her friends house make a cupcake In this ...
A: May and might ARE ALWAYS EXPANSIVE when used to refer to POSSIBILITY or PROBABILITY. Susan may go ...
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| Animal | 9/25/2009 |
Q: Hunt, The Longman English Dictionary online explains that "animal" is a living creature such as a ...
A: Hey Antoine -- Very nice question; rather philosophical. The Longman English Dictionary I know is ...
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| Words acting like adjectives | 9/25/2009 |
Q: Hunt, When we say "World Trade Centre" or "world business report", which following word does "world" ...
A: Hey Tony -- Very interesting question! Please call me Nell -- and I am a she-person. :-) This is ...
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| grammar question; meaning of "even" | 9/25/2009 |
Q: What does "establish" mean in the following sentence? The context for the sentence is I'm trying to ...
A: Are you familiar with the use of "even" below? - I am not only taking my mother, my husband, and ...
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| situational adjective phrases, noun clauses | 9/24/2009 |
Q: (My maths book is missing.) I really need my maths book because I have a (maths) test tomorrow. ...
A: Hey mmleft - First, I wanted to let you know that I am a woman. :-) It is not a real important ...
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| Complete the following using 'needn't' or 'don't need to' or 'don't have to'. Use the clues given in brackets. | 9/24/2009 |
Q: 1. I'll give you the money _______________________________ [Don't return it immediately]. 2. I ...
A: You have made me laugh a bit, because, like many students of English, you want to be "perfect." But ...
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| Complete the following using 'needn't' or 'don't need to' or 'don't have to'. Use the clues given in brackets. | 9/24/2009 |
Q: 1. I'll give you the money _______________________________ [Don't return it immediately]. 2. I ...
A: I'm glad to help you with completing these sentences as I would, a native North American speaker of ...
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| commas in a sentence. | 9/23/2009 |
Q: ..it was very useful. As you I find english difficult, I would be grateful to you if u could explain ...
A: You are always welcome to any help I can offer you. (Remember, you must capitalize any language you ...
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| grammar question; meaning of "establish" | 9/21/2009 |
Q: What does "establish" mean in the following sentence? The context for the sentence is I'm trying to ...
A: Please forgive my taking so long to answer your question. I'm having a problem not only with my ...
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| defining and non defining relative clause | 9/21/2009 |
Q: can we use defining relative clause changeably? for example: A location scout, who finds places to ...
A: First, please forgive the long period of time it's taken me to answer your letter. I'm having ...
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| English expressions | 9/20/2009 |
Q: I wonder if the following two options are of the same if the three sentences are OK: 1. ----This ...
A: Please forgive how long it has taken me to get back to you with an answer to your questions. I am ...
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| Conversations | 9/18/2009 |
Q: Do all the conversations below make sense? A: What do you think of my weight loss plan for my ...
A: Please forgive how long it has taken me to get to your questions. I am having computer problems ...
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| "simply" as a word of distinguishing a situation | 9/18/2009 |
Q: What is the meaning of the words "just" and "simply" in the following sentences? 1."You shouldn't ...
A: So sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. Yes indeed, you are correct. "Simply" has both ...
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| only the rich | 9/16/2009 |
Q: 'only the rich can afford works of art.' how far is this true?1) whats your notes on interpreting ...
A: It seems like you are writing some kind of paper or report, and there is truly nothing I can do with ...
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| meaning of the words "just' and "simply" | 9/16/2009 |
Q: What is the meaning of the words "just" and "simply" in the following sentences? 1."You shouldn't ...
A: Hey Glen - I think this is much easier than you realize, but I want to make sure it is clear, and ...
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| Grammar | 9/15/2009 |
Q: I am back. Is it correct to say 'How much is 2 plus 2?' or 'How many is 2 plus 2? Please help and ...
A: Hey Dinocatty - Nice to see you! Ok, first of all: it looks very strange to write out the word ...
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| headteacher | 9/14/2009 |
Q: I wonder if there is a HEADTEACHER, who is a teacher in charge of a class, not of a school, in every ...
A: Hey mmleft - This is a somewhat complex question. In the U.S., the public school systems have ...
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| meaning of the word "complex" | 9/14/2009 |
Q: What is the meaning of the word "complex" in the following sentences? 1. Non native English speakers ...
A: This is a good question, because often the meanings of words have layers that articulate the meaning ...
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| sentences | 9/13/2009 |
Q: 1.Do the sentences of each set have identical meanings? I’ll text you (a message) on your cell ...
A: 1. The last pair of sentences in this group (pair #5) do on share the same meaning. - The first ...
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| action verbs used with form of Be+ ING | 9/13/2009 |
Q: sir please tell me what is the difference beetwen these two words HELP and HELPING.i mean when we ...
A: ...
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| anymore/ any longer & end up | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I wonder if the following two sentences are the same if they're OK: 1a. His brother didn't work in ...
A: Your sentences 1a and 1b need some correction: they are both Simple Perfect Tense. any more = ...
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| and, commas | 9/11/2009 |
Q: I always have trouble using the conjunction "and" and the punctuation "," (comma). What's the rule ...
A: During my life of writing, for any reason, I've changed the way I use commas many times. This is ...
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| casual discussion of English, International E-Zine of global English | 9/10/2009 |
Q: I am back. Can you please help me with the following sentences. Are they all right? 1. I am angry ...
A: Hey Dinocatty - Thanks for your kind and generous spirited comments. Perhaps I enjoy working with ...
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| angry with/ angry at | 9/9/2009 |
Q: I am back. Can you please help me with the following sentences. Are they all right? 1. I am angry ...
A: Hey Dinocatty - Welcome back! It's good to see you! :) The two-word verb involving "anger" and ...
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| Words taken out of context | 9/8/2009 |
Q: i.e. Susan may eat an apple buy some eggs go to her friends house make a cupcake In this ...
A: Ok Carole, I see what you're asking now. You are not actually asking for an explanation of the ...
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| may vs may only | 9/7/2009 |
Q: i.e. Susan may eat an apple buy some eggs go to her friends house make a cupcake In this ...
A: Usually, "may" and "might" can be used the same way, . In the sentences below, "may" can be expanded ...
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| English conversation | 9/6/2009 |
Q: Do all the conversations below make sense? A: How did the game turn out? B: It was a real ...
A: 1 - Correct [ very good sentence, sounds very American!] 2 - "They aren't required." Correct, but ...
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| essay | 9/2/2009 |
Q: Please help me proofread the essay below and give me some feedback. Introduction: In every field ...
A: I'll just go through your small essay, here, and try to be specific about how I think it might be ...
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| Proper English? | 8/31/2009 |
Q: Since the crux of my question is all about nationality, I thought I should start by letting you know ...
A: Hey Nick - This is such a fun and intelligent question, whether you realize it or not. It's not ...
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| The meaning of the word categorically | 8/29/2009 |
Q: Respected Sir/Madame, I would be very happy if you could explain this sentence ...
A: It is true that finding a word in a dictionary will not always help you know which of several ...
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| Sentences | 8/27/2009 |
Q: 1. Should I write the term “cheat sheet” as two words or as just one word? I looked up Google and ...
A: 1. I looked up the word cheat sheet in the dictionary I always use, Merriam Webster Online ...
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| In/On my mind | 8/27/2009 |
Q: When should I use "in my mind" and "on my mind"?
A: I have borrowed most of my answer to your question, here, from the very helpful online ESL learning ...
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| Writing a Cover Letter for a Job | 8/27/2009 |
Q: I am trying to write a cover letter, could you please suggest a re-write for me: (I am really ...
A: I certainly know what it's like to have a cover letter to write and feel a bit frantic about it; you ...
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| passive voice in English | 8/25/2009 |
Q: would you please help me I am a teacher of English language seeking a better and the simplest way to ...
A: I have found a good place on the Internet that can help you with both active and passive voice, and ...
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| Two- and Three-Word Verbs, Idioms | 8/23/2009 |
Q: 1. Ex: They are going out to sea. They are taking out to sea. They are setting the sail. Do they ...
A: Please forgive me for taking so long in responding to this message from you. I had written it all ...
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| conversations | 8/21/2009 |
Q: I have created some conversations below. Please help me proofread them. A: The school bus will be ...
A: I have read your conversations, and at first I found them all to be "technically" correct, i.e. ...
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| Subject verb agreement | 8/20/2009 |
Q: Recently while taking a class, I got stumped by a question asked by one of my students. I had this ...
A: Hey Yasser - Thank you for your great questions. There is an expression about teaching I have ...
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| Take & Get? | 8/20/2009 |
Q: What is the rule for the difference between or using Take and Get?
A: I hope you don't mind, but I found a very good answer to your question that was written by one of ...
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| Parts of Speech | 8/18/2009 |
Q: I have a quick question about parts of speech. I am writing a Word template and need to reference ...
A: Hey Ken - I share your frustration in not being able to find citations to materials or websites on ...
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| Grammar | 8/18/2009 |
Q: I have a question about grammar. Could you explain why some as-clauses cannot have an overt subject ...
A: Wish I had a degree in linguistics, or could find some literature that specifically references this ...
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| Sentences | 8/16/2009 |
Q: I have created a few sentences. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? This plan is ...
A: Hey oppo, hope you are well! 1) The plan is economical "in terms of" time and money. (This would be ...
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| Grammar | 8/14/2009 |
Q: I have a question about grammar. Could you explain why some as-clauses cannot have an overt subject ...
A: Implied subjects function in the same way overt subjects do. - has been said throughout = implies ...
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