Expert: John Zalewski - 9/18/2005

Question
1.What's the difference between "cafeteria" and "buffet"?


2. What's the difference between "credit card" and "debit card"?

3. I don't have any red pens now, so I use a green to write instead.

Is the above sentence correct?  

Answer
Hello, Martin.

A cafeteria is a large spacious area which is primarily used for dining. Cafeterias have tables to sit and eat at. All schools (presumably) in the United States have at least one cafeteria.

A buffet is a type of meal. Patrons of a buffet are encouraged to 'serve themselves' (unlike 'normal' dining, in which a server brings you food). Patrons of a buffet serve themselves in a buffet line (long line of food which rests on a table or similar object).

A credit card is a plastic card issued by a credit union or bank. Many varied purchases may be made with this card, in place of a check or cash. If you use your credit card, your financial institution will send you a bill for the card (payment for whatever you purchased). If you do not pay the credit card bill in a timely fashion, the interest will build up (this is a big reason why a lot of people struggle with credit card debt).

Debit cards are basically the same as carrying checks around. If you make a purchase with a debit card, the amount of the purchase will be subtracted from your corresponding checking account, just as though you had used a check.

Your final sentence is fine, if you add a word. If you leave it as is, I can ask: 'a green what?' A green pen? A green piece of chalk? A green marker? The reader can't assume that you are still speaking of pens in the second half of the sentence.

'I don't have any red pens now, so I use a green pen to write instead' is an acceptable fix.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
John