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General Writing and Grammar Help/Questions Answered by Expert Martha Beth Lewis
| Subject | Date Asked |
| use of =like= | 2/11/2012 |
| Q: Okay I'm looking for what the word like means when someone says I like your shirt or your outfit ... A: Shirt sentence: Seeing your shirt pleases me. I admire your shirt. I think your shirt is ... | |
| the | 2/11/2012 |
| Q: How are you? What is the best answer.?Please explain your reasons.Thanks "He ate ...... food at 4." ... A: Did he eat the food on his own plate, or did he eat the food on someone else's plate? ~~ If he ate ... | |
| hyphen | 2/7/2012 |
| Q: Regarding Chicago Manual of Style 16th ed.and the term healthcare. It appears from my manual that ... A: An interesting question. The hyphen is used in adjectival structures. A noun format has no ... | |
| anyway/already & use of commas | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: Is a comma necessary prior to the word "anyway?" My comments that follow would apply to either the ... A: Yes, necessary. I have gone to the store, anyway. ~~ Bonus! Before =already=, also. I've gone ... | |
| by | 2/5/2012 |
| Q: Is the following sentence correct? "I have never traveled by a small plane." Thanks ANSWER: It's ... A: =Small plane= vs. =airline= is what I had in mind when I made those distinctions. ~~ In U.S. ... | |
| by | 2/4/2012 |
| Q: Is the following sentence correct? "I have never traveled by a small plane." Thanks A: It's ok, but in U.S. English it is more likely to be: I have never traveled by small plane. This is ... | |
| beside [a?] fire | 2/1/2012 |
| Q: How are you? Which of the following sentences is correct? a) He was thinking about other ... A: Use =a= always. I am sorry I have been unclear. ~~ Parallel constructions would be: I want to ... | |
| one, you, everyone, people | 1/29/2012 |
| Q: How are you? What is the best choice? "........... expects to be respected by other people." a)one ... A: Use =one=. Yes, in the sentence you give, it is gender bias. One correction is to use =his or ... | |
| one, you, everyone, people | 1/28/2012 |
| Q: How are you? What is the best choice? "........... expects to be respected by other people." a)one ... A: It depends on whether (1) it is formal writing; (2) it's a generality. =You expect= can be used ... | |
| resignation letter | 1/26/2012 |
| Q: I want to write my resignation yet politely: Could you please suggest a re-write: Dear XYZ, It is ... A: It is with deep regrest that as at today I hand in my resignation 27/01/2012. It is with deep ... | |
| commas before adverbs at sentence end | 1/23/2012 |
| Q: I hope you are well. I would like to know if a comma must be placed before an adverb if the adverb ... A: No, you do not need a comma. It's just a simple adverb. In this case, =seriously= tells how he ... | |
| cancel - canceled - cancelation? cancellation? | 1/17/2012 |
| Q: I've come across another situation involving consistency with words throughout a book. (regarding ... A: Miss P! I agree you should be consistent within the document. Unfortunately, these two forms do ... | |
| adverb and auxiliary verb ("helping verb") order | 1/16/2012 |
| Q: Do I have the word "always" in the correct position in the following sentence? Don't think that you ... A: No, you have split the verb (=must= and =be=). Your second sentence is correct. Good for you! You ... | |
| please make corrections | 12/16/2011 |
| Q: Hope you are well! would you please make the following sentences look like native English? Please ... A: It's almost right, provided when "I" pondered, I did it exactly before having a talk with Peter. If ... | |
| do you vs did you; texting shortcuts in written English | 12/16/2011 |
| Q: hye,i hope u are in good condition.sorry for bothering u. i would like to ask u, how to start the ... A: Does =tq= mean "thank you"? If so, I recommend you not to use it. I would remove all of the ... | |
| do you vs did you; texting shortcuts in written English | 12/16/2011 |
| Q: hye,i hope u are in good condition.sorry for bothering u. i would like to ask u, how to start the ... A: =Do you smoke?= means "are you a person who smokes cigarettes?" =Did you smoke?= can mean two ... | |
| clear the house, clean the house | 12/15/2011 |
| Q: Hope you are fine and thanks for being in touch.Is there any difference between "clean the house" ... A: I guess I had already given it to you; sorry. It was about "Clear the house! Fire!" ~~ =Like= ... | |
| clear the house, clean the house | 12/10/2011 |
| Q: Hope you are fine and thanks for being in touch.Is there any difference between "clean the house" ... A: I guess you could say =clear the house= when you are preparing to move: take everything out of the ... | |
| clear the house, clean the house | 12/9/2011 |
| Q: Hope you are fine and thanks for being in touch.Is there any difference between "clean the house" ... A: =Clean= means such things as scrubbing the floor, washing the windows, and picking up things that ... | |
| grammar | 12/7/2011 |
| Q: 1. Do all the sentences below have identical meanings? When it comes to tennis, there is no match ... A: 1. =Opponent= is incorrect. It means there is no one to play with Graf, rather than a statement ... | |
| commas/to whom | 12/3/2011 |
| Q: Which sentence do you think is best? The person I was transferred to wanted paperwork from my ... A: Believe it or not, I think this sentence does not need a comma, even though it is lengthy. ~~ What ... | |
| Double Punctuation | 12/2/2011 |
| Q: I'm editing some things of a British friend of mine, and she frequently uses two punctuation marks ... A: She certainly may do it if she likes, but it is incorrect. At least, it's incorrect U.S. English. ... | |
| =like= to introduce clause; nominative case in =to be= clause | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: I can't decide if I need a comma prior to the dependent phrase that begins with "if" in the sentence ... A: You are correct...and thanks for putting the comma before =which=! Well done! ~~ I would caution ... | |
| comtemtible/contemptuous | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: 1. Ex: Nobody can tolerate his mean and contemptible/ contemptuous behavior. Should I use ... A: 1. These words have very close meanings, but their uses are different in modern U.S. English. ... | |
| between, than | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: How are you? Is the following sentence correct? "I have three friends, Paul, Peter, John. Paul is ... A: Ok, here we go! I think your original question was about using =between= and =among=. Then it was ... | |
| between, than | 11/29/2011 |
| Q: How are you? Is the following sentence correct? "I have three friends, Paul, Peter, John. Paul is ... A: 1. No, not your version. In yours, the comparison is between Peter and John only - 2 people. ~~ ... | |
| between, than | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: How are you? Is the following sentence correct? "I have three friends, Paul, Peter, John. Paul is ... A: Good morning! =Among= is used when there are three or more things/people. =Between= is used for ... | |
| comma? | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: Martha, you've helped in the past and would appreciate help with the following sentence, I'm sending ... A: A return "customer" is a fine recommendation! ~~ You need one more comma, yes: =since 2003, ... | |
| "regular weekday" vs. "Monday through Friday" | 11/22/2011 |
| Q: I have two questions regarding the following sentence I made up: I also like to avoid being ... A: 1. Either is fine. I don't think one is preferable to the other. Use whichever sounds or seems ... | |
| Grammar - passive and active voice | 11/21/2011 |
| Q: 1. John was reported by his fellow student for cheating on the exam. A fellow student reported John ... A: 1. All mean the same thing. ~~ These sentences are good examples of active and passive voice, so ... | |
| Tag Question Sentences | 11/21/2011 |
| Q: I am somewhat confused as to how to respond to tag questions. Here are some examples: [1] She can ... A: You decide whether it's yes or no based on the main sentence. In your first example, the main ... | |
| punctuation | 11/18/2011 |
| Q: How are you? Is the following sentences correct in terms of punctuation, capitalization,etc? Also, ... A: To me, =take a seat= indicates that chairs are present, whereas =sit down= doesn't imply that. ~~ ... | |
| female, male | 11/17/2011 |
| Q: How are you? Please look at the following sentence: "A servant works for them." Here is theIn the ... A: We don't know the sex of the servant. We also don't know the sex of the employer(s)! ~~ Yes, ... | |
| sentences | 11/16/2011 |
| Q: 1. Ex: I have diverse interests. I have a great diversity of interests. Do both sentences have the ... A: 1. Both are correct. I prefer the first, as it's less "word-y." ~~ 2. Do you mean a business ... | |
| apostrophe use in plurals | 11/16/2011 |
| Q: cc is a measure of volume Do I need an apostrophe for it in the following sentence? Ask how many ... A: No, you should not use an apostrophe because an apostrophe indicates possession (or omission of ... | |
| punctuation | 11/7/2011 |
| Q: How are you? Is the following sentences correct in terms of punctuation, capitalization,etc? Also, ... A: They are both correct as you have written them. I would recommend, however, that you remove the ... | |
| research | 11/2/2011 |
| Q: . can i seek help in my research? it's all about grammatical errors... :) ANSWER: I will help with ... A: I think our emails must have crossed in the "mail," so I don't think you need an answer to this one. ... | |
| wake up, get up | 10/29/2011 |
| Q: I've got two questions: 1) What is the difference between "get up" and "wake up"? 2) What the ... A: =Got up= means you physically got out of the bed. It usually means you didn't go back to bed but ... | |
| if clauses | 10/28/2011 |
| Q: When sentences have an "if" are commas really necessary - as in the following example. This ... A: You are most welcome. I am happy I was able to clarify for you. ~~ As to clauses, here's my ... | |
| wake up, get up | 10/28/2011 |
| Q: I've got two questions: 1) What is the difference between "get up" and "wake up"? 2) What the ... A: =Get up= means stand up and leave your bed. =Wake up= means to be awake, as opposed to be sleeping. ... | |
| if clauses | 10/27/2011 |
| Q: When sentences have an "if" are commas really necessary - as in the following example. This ... A: The skeleton of this sentence is information is ~~ The two =if=s introduce clauses. A clause is ... | |
| compound sentences & commas | 10/27/2011 |
| Q: Do you think the sentence below is gramtically correct? When I asked him why, he responded that ... A: Yes, you DO need the comma. This is a compound sentence. The presence of =thus= doesn't change or ... | |
| the difference between... | 10/26/2011 |
| Q: What is difference between " Coconuts grow at the top of tall trees" and "Coconuts grow on top of ... A: =At the top= tells that coconuts are parts of the trees. =On top= is vague. We don't know for ... | |
| Unusual Sentence | 10/26/2011 |
| Q: Let's say I had a sentence such as this one: Bethany rode to the store and met her friend, ... A: The structure is an appositive. =Friend= and =Benjamin['s]= refer to the same person. Because ... | |
| auxiliaries | 10/24/2011 |
| Q: 1. Jean got a new cell phone but she can't use it. You can use my cell phone if you need to make an ... A: 1. =Can= means "ability to," so =can= is correct in the first sentence. =May= should be used in ... | |
| top | 10/23/2011 |
| Q: Is the following sentence correct? "coconuts grow at the tops of tall trees" Sounds like it is a ... A: I think it's widely known that that's where coconuts grow. Anyone who doesn't believe you can look ... | |
| begin | 10/22/2011 |
| Q: In my last question, I asked you to say some examples with "away" and one of your examples was: "He ... A: =Away= in this context means "not toward me/whoever/whatever". ~~ Mary was an English girl [insert ... | |
| away | 10/21/2011 |
| Q: In the sentence below, does "away" has any special function? " The man got into the car and drove ... A: He ran away. He sneaked away. He walked away. He swam away. He turned away. He glanced away. =Away= ... | |
| away | 10/20/2011 |
| Q: In the sentence below, does "away" has any special function? " The man got into the car and drove ... A: Your friend is sort of right. Both words are adverbs, and adverbs can modify adverbs. Beyond ... | |
| have to, has to, must, should | 10/1/2011 |
| Q: I've got a question. What is the difference between "have to", "has to", "must" and "should"? ... A: =Has to= and =have to= are singular and plural of each other. They mean =must=: it is required. ... | |
| shall | 9/29/2011 |
| Q: First of all, thanks very much for being in touch and taking the time to help me with my questions. ... A: I am delighted to help. That is why I am a volunteer. ~~ I do use =shall=. It is future tense: ... | |
| To end a sentence with a preposition?! | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: When you were proofreading my sample, you said that one should not end a sentence with a ... A: I have read the article. Thanks for the link. ~~ I continue to hold my stance: ending a sentence ... | |
| restrictive clauses | 9/26/2011 |
| Q: I have often have trouble determining if something is considered restrictive or non-restrictive in a ... A: Your first pair of sentences does not deal with restrictive or non-restrictive clauses at all. It ... | |
| To end a sentence with a preposition?! | 9/24/2011 |
| Q: When you were proofreading my sample, you said that one should not end a sentence with a ... A: Well, not really - if you are saying what I think I am. Grammatically it is correct, but the way ... | |
| To end a sentence with a preposition?! | 9/23/2011 |
| Q: When you were proofreading my sample, you said that one should not end a sentence with a ... A: The example you give is incorrect, as you suspected, even though it is in published piece and ... | |
| questions regarding the proofreading | 9/22/2011 |
| Q: First of all, thanks very much for the proofreading. Some questions regarding the proofreading: I ... A: I did answer, first thing on first answer. ("I am, and I am.") Yes, native English-speaker. Taught ... | |
| usage of the word "release" | 9/22/2011 |
| Q: I'm not sure if I'm using the word "release" correctly in the following sentences. Can you say ... A: 1. Yes. =I release my stress by eating chocolate.= ~~ 2. No. This use is pressure applied by ... | |
| questions regarding the proofreading | 9/21/2011 |
| Q: First of all, thanks very much for the proofreading. Some questions regarding the proofreading: I ... A: this will be short - no caps/punctuation; burned hand; hard to type ~~ =it's about 7 seven months= ... | |
| information | 9/20/2011 |
| Q: If I send you a sample of my writing, would you please proofread it? Thanks P.S. Are you an ... A: As I've already told you, it's about 7 months that I've started reading novels. I have been ... | |
| sentences | 8/17/2011 |
| Q: 1. The male bird is distinguished from the female by its red beak. The male bird is distinguishable ... A: 1. Both are ok. ~~ 2. Second one is better; it has an active verb (=should systematize=). ~~ 3. ... | |
| Noun Modifiers | 8/11/2011 |
| Q: Is it incorrect English usage to use a plural noun to modify another plural noun? Here is an ... A: Interesting observation! I had never thought of this before! Use =freshman= (singular) because ... | |
| Please read my essay and help me fix anything that may be wrong with it. | 8/10/2011 |
| Q: The life of a kid with a drug addict father and a drunken mother was always hard on me. I was nine ... A: I'm sorry, but I do not critique essays. You might try another Expert. If you have a question ... | |
| sentences | 8/10/2011 |
| Q: 1. The doctor uses animal bodies as incubators to grow some germ stuff. Would it be better if I ... A: Sandra! Glad to help. ~~ 1. =Culture= is better. ~~ 2. Both are ok, but the first is better. ... | |
| grammar | 8/8/2011 |
| Q: Could please explain to me what is the different between education program and educational program, ... A: Willing to help; that's why I'm here. I do, however, get some "suspicious-looking" questions. ~~ ... | |
| word choice | 8/3/2011 |
| Q: 1. I never use a sauna or bath for the concern of public hygiene. I never use a sauna or bath ... A: First, sorry for the delay. My email has been down for 4 days! Ugh. ~~ 1. Second one. I'd ... | |
| lower/upper case in table of contents | 7/28/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me the proper punctuation for the following titles in a table of contents? (regarding ... A: No quote marks. Yes, you are correct about lower/upper case. The rule for titles is that the ... | |
| sentences | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: 1. Ex: All of a sudden, it started to rain. So, I took shelter in a bank. Does the sentence have ... A: 1. =Took refuge= would be used in a more dire situation, such as taking refuge from a hurricane. ... | |
| naming 'domestic engineer' | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: In America, a lady as a wife is referred to as domestic engineer at home. When do they start ... A: It is really a joke - sort of. About 30 years ago (& earlier), people made fun of stay-at-home ... | |
| sentences | 7/3/2011 |
| Q: 1. The furthest the Mongolian Expedition once reached was into Europe. The Mongolian Expedition once ... A: 1. The second sentence is sort of correct and is the better of the two. a.)=Expedition= is ... | |
| sentences | 6/29/2011 |
| Q: Can I use the synonyms interchangeably in the following sentences? She has a fondness/ liking/ ... A: 1. I would not use =favors= unless red wine is the drink she prefers over most others. The other ... | |
| sentences | 6/29/2011 |
| Q: Can I use the synonyms interchangeably in the following sentences? 1.Some advertisements ... A: 1. Both are correct. 2. Both are correct. 3. Here, neither has the nuance you want. You want ... | |
| capitalization of academic degree | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: How should the following sentence be in terms of capitalization? Patty graduated Magna Cum Laude ... A: Actually, you need to set =magna cum laude= in italics (and lower case) bcs it's Latin and not a ... | |
| grammar | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: Can I use the synonyms interchangeably in each of the following sentences? 1.I can’t bear/ stand/ ... A: 1. Yes. ~~ 2. =Trend= is better. ~~ 3. Yes. ~~ 4. =Requirements= is more like a list ... | |
| commas | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me if I have the comma placed correctly in the following sentence? Whether you have a ... A: Yes. Perfect. The first part of the sentence is a clause. A clause has a subject (you) and a verb ... | |
| word choice | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: Can I use the listed synonyms interchangeably in each of the following sentences? She bought/ ... A: It will be helpful if you number the sentences! This makes my work easier and thus my answer ... | |
| "I will issue a credit...." | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: One netizen purchased a product from the foreign market. And he sent an e-mail complaining about ... A: It means the seller accepts that the product was defective/did not do what it was supposed to do and ... | |
| not of much help/not much help/not any help/no help | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: How do you do? Thank you for your quick reply last time! Now I have anotherThe local people are ... A: Either is correct. Also =not any help= and =no help= if they are of zero help, which is another way ... | |
| alias | 6/18/2011 |
| Q: My question concerns general rules when writing aliases. An example, Mike, "the demon slayer". Now, ... A: It depends on whether Mike is particular demon slayer: this might be his nickname, a rank, an ... | |
| grammar | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: 1. He was so absorbed in the detective story. He was so engrossed in the detective story. He was so ... A: Usually a sentence like this using =so= treats what you've written as an introductory clause, and ... | |
| grammar | 6/10/2011 |
| Q: 1. A: You look familiar to me. Have I seen you somewhere before? B: I don't think so. You ... A: 1. Yes, the conversation is perfect. No, don't use mistake. =Mistake= is a verb in the present ... | |
| Grammar mistakes | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: Makoto is a trainee geisha. She lives in Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. She lives in the city ... A: Both of these seem correct to me! Word choice is fine; spelling is fine; punctuation is fine. You ... | |
| word choice | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: 1.When he has a quarrel with his wife, he always compromises first. Would it sound better if I said ... A: 1. Either is ok. 2. Any of those is ok. 3. Yes, I think =positive= is better. =Supportive= ... | |
| sentences | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: 1. Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? (1.)Ethnic restaurants and supermarkets ... A: 1) =Commonplace= has the additional connotation of being "not special because it's so common." Use ... | |
| sentences | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: I am sorry that I forgot to clear your doubts about my questions last time. Yes, you are right. All ... A: 1. Nearly identical. =Acquaint= implies learning something new, in the same way one "becomes ... | |
| usage of the word "reason" | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: I'm confused about the usage of the word "reason". In sentences number one and two, do I need to use ... A: Yes, of course I'll answer! How very strange....... 1 and 2. This can go both ways, depending on ... | |
| use of semicolon | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: what resource do you recommend that would be helpful to me to fully understand the proper way in ... A: Here it is (save your money!). It's simple. Two uses. ~~ 1. Use it to join two sentences. You ... | |
| grammar | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: Can I use the synonyms interchangeably in each of the sentences below? 1.A wire conveys/ transmits/ ... A: You're welcome. ~~ 1. =Transmits= is the one. The others aren't quite right. 2. These mean ... | |
| sentences | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: Can I use the synonyms interchangeably in each of the sentences below? 1. When I lost my favorite ... A: You're welcome. ~~ 1. Either, but =thought= is probably better, if this is a formal situation. ... | |
| sentences | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: Can I use the synonyms interchangeably in each of the sentences below? 1. You should allocate/ ... A: 1. Both are correct, but eliminate =the= from =the studying=. 2. =Rationed= is better because it ... | |
| grammar | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: Can I use the synonyms interchangeably in each sentence? The sales of the product are declining/ ... A: 1. Yes, the same, although =declining= is better. Note: Do not use =due= in this context. =Due= ... | |
| grammar | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: 1. I will attend to the manager’s affairs while he is on vacation. Would you please attend to the ... A: 1. Yes, both correct. The first one - I'm chuckling! - means you will be present numerous times ... | |
| general writing | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: Which is correct: Jack my son-in-law or Jack, my son-in-law or my son-in-law Jack? A: Jack, my son-in-law, is clearing the table. or my son-in-law, Jack, is clearing the table. ~~ In ... | |
| grammar | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: 1. They have arranged for the celebration to be put off for two days. Can I leave out “for” after ... A: 1. You may remove it as long as you replace it with =the=, as you noted. The =for= you may leave ... | |
| best English dictionary | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: Hello Can you recommend a good dictionary? A: The standard by which all others are judged is the OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY. It has a gazillion ... | |
| apostrophe use | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: We send out invitations to a luncheon each year, and every year we debate the use of an apostrophe. ... A: Yes, you need apostrophes. ~~ Now, then, how many of each determines placement of apostrophes. ~~ ... | |
| grammar | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: Do both sentences of each set have the same meaning? The lecturer made a very persuasive speech and ... A: 1. These two sentences are different only in the amount of success the speaker had in changing the ... | |
| write a used car want-ad | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: Series 3 BMW 4 door Grey/Silver car for Sale, 1999 is the year. Reason for sale is partner and me ... A: Not sure what you want, but maybe this is: For Sale. 1999 Series 3 BMW; 4-door; grey/silver. ... | |
| grammar | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: Do all the sentences of each set have identical meanings? Your test score demonstrates your English ... A: Yes. ~~ In the first sentence, =rated= is fine; the implication is that everyone thinks this is a ... | |
| who & whom | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: "A person whom I admire is my father." 1.) Is the word whom used correctly in this sentence? What ... A: 1. Yes, correct. =Whom= is the direct object. A direct object is always =him/her/us= (and =you=, ... | |
| Reading/Vocabulary/Speaking | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: With my reading sometimes I don't understand or have difficulty comprehending what I am reading. ... A: You write very cogently and fluently! I think probably you need to go to the counseling/tutoring ... | |
| Commas | 3/28/2011 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could help me out with a few things. I'm busy writing something and wasn't ... A: 1. Yes; all commas correct. 2. Should be a comma after =tiger=. When doing a list, make sure ... | |
| what is a critical analysis | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: I need to write an essay. It is a critical analysis on Dickens' Great Expectations. Can you give ... A: A critical analysis is breaking down something into easily-discussed parts and showing what the ... | |
| grammar | 3/26/2011 |
| Q: 1. A: As a citizen of the country, what obligations do you think we have? B: paying taxes, going to ... A: 1. A. When you say =we have=, that means more than one citizen. Therefore, the beginning of your ... | |
| sentences | 3/26/2011 |
| Q: 1. Ex: With the approach of the test date, I am determined to study harder and go all for it. ... A: I thank you for your confidence in my expertise, but, you will recall, some time ago, after ... | |
| principe | 3/26/2011 |
| Q: I think 'ti' is a typographical error below. In the second line, it's hard for me to clearly ... A: It should be =to=. This is an error in typing. =Typo= is what it's called in U.S. English; from ... | |
| period after =thank you= | 3/25/2011 |
| Q: Is a period necessary after a thank you? For example, Allen called the school but there was no ... A: Yes, in this context. ~~ No comma is needed in this context: Thank you for the lovely flowers. ... | |
| Is vs Are in a Sentence Question | 3/23/2011 |
| Q: I am making a cover letter and of course do not want any mistakes. Should I use "is" or "are" in ... A: Use =is=. It is the verb that does with =magazine=. What fooled you, I think, is that you also ... | |
| Writing help | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: Could all users ensure that they are not in Test on Friday 18/03/11 and Monday 21/03/11. This is ... A: Wow!! This is horrible writing! I don't think I've seen anything worse! I wouldn't have known ... | |
| grammar | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: 1. Ex: I can’t comprehend this formula and its usage. According to my grammar book, “apprehend” has ... A: 1. Yes, they are interchangeable. =Understand= can be used also. The three are equivalent, ... | |
| word choices | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: 1.His story of success is typical of the American dream coming true. Do I need the article "a” ... A: 1. No =a=. =Typical= is an adjective. Don't use a pronoun in front of an adjective. I think what ... | |
| concluding sentence in essay | 3/9/2011 |
| Q: how to get an concluding sentence when writing? A: I am assuming you are writing a paragraph or a multi-paragraph essay. One way to do this is to ... | |
| sentences | 3/9/2011 |
| Q: 1. We have collected some data before we start the project. We have collected some statistics ... A: 1. Yes, as long as the data collected are statistics only. If there are several kinds of data, ... | |
| Take revenge of | 3/5/2011 |
| Q: "I'm going to take revenge of him soon because he dared to stab my best friend on the back with a ... A: Use =on= instead of =of=. I'm going to take revenge on him soon ~~ Use =in= instead of =on=. stab ... | |
| grammar questions | 2/25/2011 |
| Q: 1. Talking to him is like taking to a brick wall. What does the sentence imply? 2. Are you up late ... A: 1. He's as responsive as a wall made of bricks, which is to say, not responsive at all. ~~ 2. ... | |
| word choices | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: 1. The police dispersed the crowd at the protest by shooting high pressure water and firing tear gas ... A: 1. No, use =dispersed=. Also, you must change =at them= to =at it= because this prepositional ... | |
| is versus are for reference to couple or a few | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: Which is correct verb in the following sentences using "a couple" or "a few". Here is/are a couple ... A: =Couple= and =few= are both plural (that is, more than one), so they take =are=, even though =a= or ... | |
| essay | 2/18/2011 |
| Q: I hope you are doing well. I was looking at your profile and although I know you do not do homework ... A: I will give it a quick look-see, but I don't have time to do line editing. As you know, I don't ... | |
| comma usage | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: I work for a group of psychologists and the following sentences (or similar sentences) frequently ... A: A comma is needed in all cases. All the examples you give are incorrect. The structure is a ... | |
| grammar | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: 1. The dentist recommends her take good care of her permanent teeth. I wonder if the above sentence ... A: 1. No, it's not correct as it stands. You need =to= between =recommends= and =her=. Or your ... | |
| Nickname | 2/16/2011 |
| Q: Using smart quotation marks ( 66 & 99) .example - Dean 66 Bubba 99 Nelson or should it be Dean ... A: When writing longhand, don't worry. Use straight lines, or, if you like, you can curve the quote ... | |
| essay | 2/6/2011 |
| Q: I hope you are doing well. I was looking at your profile and although I know you do not do homework ... A: How many words is it? And, I don't find it. I am going on "sick leave" but will leave my ... | |
| words | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: Is there a difference between finding someone 'attractive,' and being 'attracted' to someone? I was ... A: =Attracted= is a verb form, and =attractive= an adjective that encompasses beauty of facial and body ... | |
| friendly vs. friendlies | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1023687.html Mozambique warmed up for a 2010 FIFA ... A: This is a use of =friendlies= that I have never heard. I have heard it only in terms of war, in ... | |
| sentences | 1/26/2011 |
| Q: 1. He is averse to come. He is reluctant to come. Do the two sentences have the same meaning? 2. He ... A: 1. =Averse= is a very strong loathing. He's reluctant if he is unsure or not wanting to make a ... | |
| side effects/aid/time/aid | 12/13/2010 |
| Q: 1. Some blood pressure medicines may produce side effects. Does the sentence mean the same if I ... A: 1. =Produce side effects= is what the manufacturers use in the advertising to mitigate the negative ... | |
| usages | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: 1. Our home is our best and only refuge when we’re in trouble. Our home is our best and only shelter ... A: 1. If you mean safe haven, where you're warm, not outside in the rain/snow/wind, and with ... | |
| past tense vs. past perfect tense | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: I read this explanation on the internet about this error and I don't seem to understand what does it ... A: 1. Past tense is something that was begun in the past and ended in the past. Example: He ate ... | |
| who/whom | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: I read this explanation on the internet about this error and I don't seem to understand what does it ... A: I don't know why the discussion you cite is so complex! Goodness! It's not that difficult! Let's ... | |
| grammar | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: 1.Do both sentences of each set below have identical meanings? What is your specialization? What’s ... A: 1. =Specialization= tends to be used in academic and professional situations, as a sub-set of a ... | |
| sentences | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: 1. Do both sentences of each set below have identical meanings? The store windows were displaying ... A: 1. =Exhibiting= has more the sense of a gallery or show. =Display= is better. Both are correct. ... | |
| foot frame and trailer | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: What do they mean by 'Foot Frame' and 'End of Trailer' in the movie? A: Don't know what a foot frame is. A trailer is a video advertisement for the movie; sometimes seen ... | |
| article the | 12/5/2010 |
| Q: I've got a question. Why do we use article the before flu. Is flu wrong without article the? And ... A: This is a very good question! I think it's just an idiomatic expression. Come to think of it, a ... | |
| whom vs. who | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: Doctor: She was attacked! Will: By whom? Why is "whom" used, since the attacker is the one doing ... A: Whether it is a human doing or receiving the attacking doesn't matter. It's the part of speech that ... | |
| Comma Placement | 12/2/2010 |
| Q: Can you please check this sentence for proper comma placement? Thank you so much. :-) Jill shuffled ... A: As (!) to =as= and =while=.... =As= and =while= may be used interchangeably, as far as I am ... | |
| Comma Placement | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: Can you please check this sentence for proper comma placement? Thank you so much. :-) Jill shuffled ... A: Well, you have several problems here, primarily a long sentence with a lot of stuff "hanging" on ... | |
| grammar | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: 1. The dragon is highly respected in our culture. The dragon is highly regarded in our culture. Did ... A: 1. Yes, but I would insert =the= before =last class=. Since the following sentence is correct, ... | |
| Roots/Prefixes? | 11/29/2010 |
| Q: Is it possible that "vent" is a root word for words such as "prevent, event, circumvent, advent," ... A: Probably some form of =to come=, but I don't know. I suggest you try the =Oxford English ... | |
| sentences | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: The supplies were used up quickly. The supplies depleted quickly. I’ve attached a copy of the form ... A: Yes. ~~ I would break this sentence into two for clarity. If you don't want to do that, you need ... | |
| sentences | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: 1. The teacher ruled that everyone turn in a composition every week. The teacher regulated that ... A: 1. Yes, but =regulated= is not a good verb choice. You could say: The teacher's regulations were ... | |
| sentences | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: 1. With the approach of the Chinese New Year holiday, employees are anxiously waiting to get their ... A: 1. (1) Yes. This clumsy, however. (2) Yes. You also could say =anxiously awaiting their bonuses.=. ... | |
| Is vs. Are | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: I recently wrote a report that I sent to a student of mine. Our QA department read the report and ... A: In this case, genetics is used in a composite sense. If =genetics= is used to describe an arm of ... | |
| usages | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: Do both sentences of each set below have identical meanings? He got arrested for his disturbance of ... A: I would use =disturbing the peace= if you want American English. Of your sentences, choose the ... | |
| Use of see, look and watch | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: I want to please know the difference between see, look and watch. From what I read "see" is used ... A: =Watch= can relate to a stationary item, too: I watched the dog scratch itself. Inherent in this ... | |
| Punctuation | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: 42. What is the correct punctuation of this sentence? a) To succeed in life you must learn which ... A: #2 =To success in life= is a phrase and, when a phrase appears at the beginning of the sentence, it ... | |
| synonyms | 11/14/2010 |
| Q: #1: Demand for a new line of cars is up, so the company has to increase production. Does the ... A: #1: Yes, but know that =range= is British English. American English is =line=. ~~ #2: Yes, =one ... | |
| how to use if clauses in these sentences? | 11/14/2010 |
| Q: Could you please help me to find out why we use the “if clauses” in the following manner, even ... A: As, I am SO happy I was able to help you with this thorny area! And I so appreciate your very nice ... | |
| reach or reach for | 11/14/2010 |
| Q: 1. They will do anything to attain that purpose. They will do anything to fulfill that purpose. They ... A: 1. The purpose of something is its use. Substitute =use= for =purpose= in all these sentences. You ... | |
| how to use if clauses in these sentences? | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: Could you please help me to find out why we use the “if clauses” in the following manner, even ... A: As to your "structures" at the beginning of your query: Form: if + Simple Present, will-Future If I ... | |
| grammar questions | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: 1. Have you filed your tax returns? Have you filed your tax? Have you filed your tax form? What’s ... A: 1) The first version is the one to use, although #3 is ok. #2 is not the same; it would mean ... | |
| grammar | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: 1. Can you give me an example when "bear" and "suffer" are used interchangeably? 2. Can I use ... A: 1) In American English, =suffer= is used almost always as a noun. We would use =bear= if a verb ... | |
| The use of 'have' | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: I am an esl teacher but am having some difficulty with this particular grammar point. eg. I finished ... A: I finished my homework. This is [simple] past tense. It is something begun in the past and ... | |
| how to use these structures? | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: Hope that you are doing well. Could you please help me to for the following sentences? 1) What is ... A: 1) I don't think any of these is correct. They don't make sense to me (American English). It seems ... | |
| Writing and punctuations | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: I am want to know how to write the following sentence correctly? The team reviewed the case study ... A: Since I don't now what the ROWE program is, I don't know if it should be written R.O.W.E. Check ... | |
| grammar | 11/6/2010 |
| Q: How do we differentiate between "luxury" and "luxurious"? Can I use "luxury" and "luxurious" ... A: =Luxury= tends to be a more general term: for example, =luxury automobiles= vs. =economy ... | |
| phrasing the meaning into another plain word(s) | 11/6/2010 |
| Q: Martha. Please, help me. What does the 'exhaust' mean here in this sentences? The defendant moved ... A: Usually =exhaust= means "pursue and complete all possibilities=. This sentence is a bit ... | |
| grammar-syntax-noun-verb | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: a) the claimant has, since we last spoke, deceased. b) the claimant has deceased since we last ... A: I think =died= is a better word choice today. =Decease= is an ancient present tense form of the ... | |
| point of view vs. outlook; further vs. farther | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the sentences below. Please help me clarify them. 1. From my ... A: 1. No. You could say =point of view= for the first one, however. ~~ 2. You can use either. ... | |
| usages | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: 1. Being sick, he didn’t want to participate in the meeting. Does the sentence have the same ... A: 1. Yes. 2. Yes, BUT =upset= would not be a synonym because the Giants were favored to win. (That ... | |
| word usage | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: Would you please answer which word to use AND why! Thanks! The only ones staying are Deni and I. ... A: =Dani and I= because the verb =to be= (=are=, in this sentence) is what's called a "state of being ... | |
| vocabulary an phrases | 10/31/2010 |
| Q: 1. He took the lead in the swimming contest and won the swimming ( ). A: champion B. winner ... A: 1. Your sentences are correct. In fact, they are far better because the original sentence does not ... | |
| Re: shoal-3 | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: would you please correc this: This morning the PPR Committee has a special presentation to make: ... A: =Shoal= is a bunch of rocks in the ocean. You want =stole=, which is what only preaching elders ... | |
| Sentences | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: I am currently writing an admission essay and I need help with forming certain sentences.I am ... A: 1. Empathy and sympathy are not synonyms. I think you should choose one and stick to it in that ... | |
| grammar | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: 1. Do we ever use "rectify" to talk about a society? For example, our society needs to be rectified. ... A: 1. I would write the thing that needs rectification. Example: Our medical system needs to be ... | |
| Pls Help with my essay! | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: do you mind to check my essay for me? Especially the grammar, i'm really bad at it... And if you ... A: 1. One way a job can affect a student [singular is that it distracts them [plural] Pick one! ... | |
| use of commas | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: I am learning so much from you :-) I didn't get a link to your response emailed to me for some ... A: Your suggestions and corrections are so, so helpful! Thank you a million :-D Glad to help. ~~ One ... | |
| use of then in a list of chronological actions | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: I am learning so much from you :-) I didn't get a link to your response emailed to me for some ... A: I would save the =sugared mint leaves= for closer proximity with =iced= and =rarely smiled=. Try ... | |
| "lateral hire" | 10/23/2010 |
| Q: What does the 'lateral hire' mean in the below? The company was badly in need of a person for that ... A: It means that the woman was brought in to the new company at the same level she was at the company ... | |
| me or my with -ing word | 10/21/2010 |
| Q: Something about me always tanking the breaststroke... Should this say, "something about me...," or ... A: I'm sorry; he's wrong. "Genitive with a gerund" is the ritzy way of saying the rule. ... | |
| me or my with -ing word | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: Something about me always tanking the breaststroke... Should this say, "something about me...," or ... A: You need =my=. Good for you! I am doing the tanking. The tanking is mine. Therefore, it is =my ... | |
| Commas after intro phrases, etc. | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: I know I say this every time, but I can't thank you enough for your help and time...I'm still kind ... A: Do you know what? I'm tickled I can help you. And even more gratified that you appreciate it. ... | |
| Thanks in advance | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: I have heard that "thank you in advance" at the end of a letter, e-mail or memo is inappropriate. ... A: I have never heard that this is improper (manners). This phrase also emphasizes that the other ... | |
| One thing I hate "is / are" people who lie. | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: I'm not sure if I should the word "is" or "are" in the following sentences. 1. One thing I hate "is ... A: 1. The subject is =thing=, which is singular (and its adjective is =one=, which is also singular). ... | |
| Comma placement, etc. | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: :-) 1. I couldn't be more embarrassed that I don't know this. Which is correct? I'm guessing the ... A: You are very welcome! ~~ 1. Why should you be embarrassed? It's a clumsy construction that gives ... | |
| correct grammar | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: Which is correct : (1)Meanwhile, our officer will advise the public if similar incident is to ... A: (2) is correct. It is a case of subjunctive mood: whether something might happen. Indicative mood ... | |
| he/him/his | 10/10/2010 |
| Q: In the sentence below is the right pronoun to use he or him? At first this passage could be seen as ... A: Actually, it's neither. It should be =his=. The reason is that the -ing form takes a possessive, ... | |
| Punctuation and meaning of sentence | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a question about punctuation and inference or intention of meaning/person. If someone ... A: This is rather confusing, isn't it? It means "I'm unsure what you want/what I should do", as you ... | |
| Dialogue | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: If someone is talking and says something else do you begin a new paragraph like in the exaple below ... A: In general, it's all one paragraph. To make it "look" better, insert some action between dialogue. ... | |
| rammar question: Be careful (about) what you tell him. | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm not sure if I need to use the word "about" in the following sentences. 1. Mike isn't ... A: You do not need =about= in any of these examples. ~~ You do have errors in the first three (the ... | |
| which one is better | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: I'm writing an email to someone and don't know how to word something. Is the second one wrong? The ... A: Neither is correct. ~~ =Myself= is a reflexive pronoun. This means that the action reflects to ... | |
| She vs Her | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: Here is the sentence: He is going to America with she. Should read, with her. Why? A: =Her= is the word that is used with prepositions. =She= is used as the subject of the sentence ... | |
| runner | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: What, in your opinion, the word "running"/"runner" from the passage below means: Asphalt cut the ... A: Howdy, Luke! I'm not sure whether =runner= has any other meaning in Poland; that is, in addition to ... | |
| sentences | 9/29/2010 |
| Q: I have several questions about the paragraphs reated to an essay. Topic: What advice would you give ... A: 1. Main points are what the exam will test, presumably, although other significant points will be ... | |
| Comma Placement, "Every day" vs. "Everyday" | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: :-) 1. Can you please tell me if comma placement is correct in this paragraph? Also, is "laid" the ... A: 1. =Lay= is correct. It is the simple past tense of =to lie=. This verb means =to recline=. ... | |
| Using the right word | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: After completing the questionnares please enclose it in the stamped envelope provided and mail it ... A: I guess it's =have=. I can't think of anything else that could be replaced. We >should have< ... | |
| Using the right word | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: After completing the questionnares please enclose it in the stamped envelope provided and mail it ... A: =Stamped= means there's a stamp on the envelope, and the sender doesn't have to put his/her own ... | |
| Grammar, Quotation Punctuation | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: Your answer really helped to clarify things in my mind. Thank You! :-) I'm writing a fiction piece ... A: You are very welcome. I'm glad I could help. In fact, it's a pleasure to help those who are ... | |
| Can you correct this for spelling and grammar | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: There is a culture difference between American and European women. Most European women want some ... A: I do not do things like this through AllExperts. For the sort of help you wish, I charge $90 hour ... | |
| Using Past Perfect In A Past Tense Narrative | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: ..any help would be so much appreciated. Thank You in advance. Is this writing sample grammatically ... A: 1. I think so. If you wanted to leave out the past perfect, however, I think the meaning is ... | |
| apostrophe - not possession | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: what is the rule for use of apostrophes - when they do not denote possession i.e. Teachers College ... A: It is =teachers' college=, no matter the meaning. Not sure of the context of your second example; ... | |
| word choices | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: 1. I am deciding whether to buy a flat screen TV or traditional TV. I am deciding whether I should ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. Both are correct, and either is good. 2. Ditto. 3. =Are done= is ... | |
| word choices | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: 1. I go to the beach very often because I like sunshine and a tan. I go to the beach very often ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. =Tans= is more general and could apply to people other than =I=. My choice ... | |
| Punctuation question - semi-colon vs. comma | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: I work for a group of ten psychologists. They often write sentences that include a specific ... A: I think parentheses would be the best solution, but if punctuation is needed and/or parentheses are ... | |
| auxiliaries | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: 1. Will you reserve a table for three? Can you reserve a table for three? Could you reserve a table ... A: 1. =Will= is a question of whether the person can be counted on to do it. =Can= is whether he is ... | |
| Grammar is vs are | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: I have the sentence: "Fresh onions, garlic, and tomatoes are the foundation." is that correct, or ... A: =Is= would be correction if you said: The combination of fresh onions, garlic, and tomatoes is the ... | |
| word choices | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: I have several questions about the sentences in a cover letter. 1.Ex: I read the advertisement in ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. It depends on to whom you are writing. To reply to the ad: I read the ... | |
| order of adjectives | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: In the below, which is more common, 'The Five [Korean Traditional] Colors' or 'The Five [Traditional ... A: The colors are both traditional and Korean. It is a judgment call, but I think the fact that they ... | |
| Proper Use of Had | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: My question is when do you actually use or insert the word HAD before a verb? Please exclude the ... A: 1) This is correct. As a minor point, you don't need =during=. =Later in the day=, as you use in ... | |
| Conversations | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: 1.I created some conversations below. Do all the conversations make sense? A: You look tired. Why ... A: I guess you're welcome........ ~~ A: You look tired. Why don’t you take this afternoon off? yes ... | |
| grammar question | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: Lewis, Thank you for taking the time to read my question. I had a friend send me a picture of a ... A: These kinds of things can make for messy constructions, for sure! =This is John's and my truck=, ... | |
| grammar | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: 1. You can take the files to the record room unless Kim does it. Can I use the perfect tense after ... A: 1. Yes, you may. 2. Yes. #2 and #3 mean the same thing: you have spent three hours (or the time ... | |
| Proper Sentence Construction | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: The determinants are divided into five categories,out reach of micro finance,the product of micro ... A: It's a little unclear, yes. I would use a bullet list rather than make it all once sentence. ... | |
| Sentences | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: 1. Increasing the number of traffic policemen and surveillance cameras will let drivers follow ... A: 1. Yes (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) =To increase the number of... will allow drivers....= is what you ... | |
| Nicknames | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: I have a friend named Patricia Bates. She goes by "Pat". Until she got married, she wrote her ... A: It depends on whether it's a business or personal situation. ~~ I'd go with the former if people ... | |
| Grammar | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: 1. (1.) Ex: We haven’t eaten at that restaurant in a few months because we have been too lazy to go ... A: You're welcome. ~~ 1. Both are correct. Yes, you can use =in a= and =for a= interchangeably. 2. ... | |
| Grammar | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: I'm having some difficulty with the following sentence: "Curtains lining the windows have been ... A: In my opinion, =lining= is an incorrect word choice here. A messy construction. ~~ =Lining= has ... | |
| Grammar | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: Topic:time phrase The time phrase “by the end of the month” appears in each of the following ... A: If this is formal writing, I'd use forms of =be paid= instead of =get paid=. All are correct. ~~ ... | |
| Sentences | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: 1. Ex: Participants walk along the arch from the east to the center of the bridge’s span, around 134 ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. In the first one, =descending= is modifying =walk=. ~~ Yes, if you want ... | |
| essay help please | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: I hope you are well. I have a paper due tmw and I was wondering if you can please edit it for me, ... A: I'll give it a quick read. In the half a century half-century OR 50 years (better) he Frenchman ... | |
| essay help please | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: I hope you are well. I have a paper due tmw and I was wondering if you can please edit it for me, ... A: I am sorry that I do not have time to help you with something this extensive. I believe there are ... | |
| Sentences | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: 1. I like my new job and find it very satisfying. I like my new job and find it very satisfactory. ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. Yes, both are correct. ~~ 2. You could say =ordered everyone to leave ... | |
| grammar | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: 1. How do I differentiate between "deceive" and "cheat on"? Can you give me some example sentences? ... A: You are welcome. ~~ =Cheat on= refers to relationships. It usually involves sex outside the ... | |
| Use of only in grammar, confused here... | 6/15/2010 |
| Q: I'm writing a articles for my online magazine, but am just slightly confused by the word only. This ... A: * Only the trees were somewhat damaged by last year's storm. Nothing but the trees were damaged. * ... | |
| grammar | 6/11/2010 |
| Q: When do you use a word as an adjective, and when do you use it as a noun? Example: He gave me the ... A: Yes, both are correct. It's an adjective if the word gives detail about the noun. In the first ... | |
| can/may | 6/11/2010 |
| Q: Could you help me for the following sentences? >>> In the event that a person loses the mental ... A: =May= does show probability, but this situation is "be able to" vs. "permission to do." 1. It is ... | |
| Writing names for certificates | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: I am creating certificates for employees. How should I put their name if they go by a nickname? ... A: This is the "Bill Clinton vs. William Jefferson Clinton conundrum"! If it's a formal certificate, ... | |
| articles | 6/5/2010 |
| Q: Could you please help me to understand the following grammar point? I have some problems about the ... A: This is a complex question! I will do the best I can to answer it. ~~ Your opening example. ... | |
| Sentences | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: 1. Children today are exposed to TV violence too much. Children today are exposed to too much TV ... A: You are welcome. 1. Sentence #3 has a slightly different meaning: the child puts himself in front ... | |
| can't decide | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: Martha, I usually pick you to ask because then I don't have to mess with rating, lol. I do ... A: Heh heh! Here I thot it was for the quality and conciseness of my response! ~~ #1 is incorrect. ... | |
| unusual writing style | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: Below are sentences written by a native speaker (more exactly speaking, a British person). I found ... A: You are correct. There is an error in this sentence: Can you please explain further this request, ... | |
| Of the morning...grammatically correct? | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: Is the phrase of the morning grammatically correct? Example: I brush my teeth of a morning. I'm ... A: I think =of a morning= is an archaic use, probably brought to the U.S. by the Scots-Irish immigrants ... | |
| salutations | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: what is the proper way to list a husband and wife when the husband has a Jr. suffix and the wife's ... A: Jane Ann Smith and John Doe Jones, Jr. Jane Ann Smith-Jones and John Doe Jones, Jr. [depending on ... | |
| Conversations | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: I have created some conversations below. Please help me proofread them. A: Can you turn off the TV ... A: You are welcome. ~~ A: Why don’t you do some reading before bed? B: I don’t like reading in bed. ... | |
| Help! Books/classes on improving writing and grammar | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: BACKGROUND: I am a sales type guy selling computer stuff to large companies. I have worked at ... A: Oh, boy! 1) I suggest you look to see what's there and note the URLs. I'll bet there are several ... | |
| keep the change | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: Suppose I have a coupon for $5. Why do you write, "I have a five-dollar coupon," instead of "I have ... A: Because the amount (singular) modifies =coupon= (singular). Even though =five= is plainly plural, in ... | |
| Complete Sentences | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: Are all of the following complete sentences, why or why not? 1. Batteries should be but not ... A: Because you need =are not= (or =were not= or with some other form of =to be=). The conjunction ... | |
| Use of 'because' vs 'that' | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: which statement is correct ? they were sad but thankful because they were safe. they were sad but ... A: =Because= might be considered more colloquial than the construction using =that=. So, stick with ... | |
| Precis | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: I am a student from Canada and I have to write a precis for one of my school entrance exam. I have ... A: I agree that instructions are quite contradictory! 1. If you had a model from the school whose ... | |
| opinion about past time | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: I really appreciate it if you let me know when I can use the following structure? (could, should, ... A: 1. Yes. =The influence of capacity limit could have been investigated by the author= is correct. ... | |
| Grammar | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: 1. A: May I ask you your age? B: Well, that’s very personal. Well, that’s very private. Are both ... A: 1. I would go with =personal=. You're asking about one person. 2. You are ending the sentence ... | |
| alphabetical order for apostrophes? | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: Which comes first aunt's or aunts'? A: It's not a case of which comes first because what we are dealing with is the noun, =aunt=. =Aunts= ... | |
| Grammar | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: 1. The original sentences: Even in the same person, tolerance of pain may vary with circumstances ... A: 1. I would use =feel the pain=. =Feel the hurt= conveys the same idea, but would sound strange. ... | |
| Use of comma | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: Two-partThe official name of the Widgets company is Widgets, Inc. What is the proper use of commas ... A: 1. Widgets, Inc., produces all kinds of doodads. This does not need the second comma. It would be: ... | |
| Sentences | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: 1. When free, I feel like listening to music, leaving all my troubles behind. I felt like a failure ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. =Free= in this context could mean either free time or feeling relaxed. In ... | |
| Grammar | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: 1. When a restaurant customer asks a waiter, “What are your specialties?”, does it have the same ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. Not really. =What are your specialties?= implies that the restaurant ... | |
| Grammar | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: 1. A: Do you want to go out with me sometime? B: Sorry, I am not available. In the above ... A: 1. Busy - unless the speaker is trying to "send a message" to the questioner. If you see ... | |
| Grammar | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: 1. (1.) A: Can we get a table now? B: How many people are in your party? Does the above ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. Yes. The people at the restaurant ask the first question, and the person ... | |
| Writing | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: "Hi, I will try and make this short. In my language arts class we take these things called ... A: Depending on how many reasons you are using for your essay, the topic sentence for each paragraph ... | |
| Writing | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: "Hi, I will try and make this short. In my language arts class we take these things called ... A: 1. Since the "skip school one" has already been used last month, what are you using this this ... | |
| Writing | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: "Hi, I will try and make this short. In my language arts class we take these things called ... A: .......practice writing prompts Would you give me some more info here? Do you mean =impromptus=? ... | |
| present tense, past perfect or none? | 4/1/2010 |
| Q: I'm just curious and need some clarification. What are their differences in meaning, and are they ... A: Let us assume your question is about the clause at the end of the sentence (expect). It doesn' ... | |
| Conversations | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: 1. I created a conversation below. A: Do you think this dress makes me look overweight? B: Not ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. All of B's responses are fine, except that I would not use =meaty=. I ... | |
| :- | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: What does this punctuation mark :- mean? Is it old fashioned usage or just plain wrong? A: I have never seen this before! Perhaps it is like a smiley face? (2 eyeballs and a nose) ~~ ... | |
| Sentences | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: 1. What’s the difference between “neighborly” and “neighboring”? Can they be used interchangeably ... A: You are welcome. ~~ 1. =Neighborly= means "friendly." People nearby are friendly with each ... | |
| might/may | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: 1.Is it ok to use might have + past participle in the future? Ex. His maths might have improved by ... A: 1. Perfect! 2. Because we know where Malcolm is (well, where he is NOT!). We are speculating ... | |
| Are these sentences correct? | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: Would you please help me to find out the correct rule for the following sentences? >>> Going to ... A: Going to often emphasises the idea of intention, OF A DECISION that has already been made. Right. ... | |
| subject-verb agreement | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: Just having some troubles with subject and verb agreement. Could you tell me which of these ... A: =Neither= is singular, so it takes =is=. It also takes =remembers=. ~~ I know this doesn't make a ... | |
| Grammar | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: He will/would/ can/ could/ may/might be here soon. (1.) I want to discuss the degree of ... A: 1. Degree of possibility runs: is/will - can - would - could - might I don't think =would= here ... | |
| comma and quotes | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: In writing a sentence like, <If I had the sign "Go Veg!", it would help.> where should the comma ... A: I would not do it this way. As long as you have quotation marks, you need the comma. ~~ Another ... | |
| which one is correct? | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: Could you please help me to find out the correct usage in the sentence below? >>> Without YOU ... A: I'm so glad you sent this question! Proper usage here identifies you as intelligent, and there are ... | |
| Language Arts 9 Inquiry Projec | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: "I am currently working on my grade 9 inquiry project worth 8% of my final grade. Our main topic is ... A: This is an interesting topic! I think you essential question is a good one. (See note below on a ... | |
| commas | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: Would you tell me if this is proper grammar? Parents, this is a reminder that we will have a ... A: The grammar is fine. Are you writing about the way the material is laid out on the page? I think ... | |
| comma and quotes | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: In writing a sentence like, <If I had the sign "Go Veg!", it would help.> where should the comma ... A: The reason it looks so strange is because of the comma AND the exclamation mark. The rule is that ... | |
| grammar | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: Is the expression"you've had a full day,what?"acceptable in spoken english....to imply that the ... A: Yes, but =what= doesn't make sense to me at all (American English). Americans would say: You've ... | |
| Word Choice | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: 1. Word choice Ex: Toyota announced yesterday that sales of its vehicles made in America have ... A: 1. Both are correct. The second has fewer words and might be more appropriate for news ... | |
| verbs | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: I am just emailing to ask what the verb or verb group in the sentence, "People are worried about the ... A: The verb is =are=. =worried= is an adjective in the predicate (verb part) of the sentence. So, ... | |
| article question | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: here are my sentences. "These factors are associated with having a vulnerability to develop ... A: Both are correct. Yes, the second is grammatically correct without the =a=. If you were writing ... | |
| Usage of correct words | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: Please let me know know wwhether the following sentences are correct: 1. "Let us look to Lord for ... A: 1. Yes. The Christian, Jewish, and Islamic deity is always capitalized. 2. Yes. If you are ... | |
| help with pronouns | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: I have another question to ask. 1. If you want to make your writing personal and direct for your ... A: You're welcome. ~~ 1. I need an example sentence. Hurry, please. I'm going on vacation on 3-10. ... | |
| passive voice | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I am having trouble with these sentences concerning passive voice. Which one is correct? Please ... A: A is passive voice; the others are active. If you are unsure which is which, try to rewrite so that ... | |
| Grammar | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: 1. What’s the difference “There you go” and “There we go”? How do we use them? 2.When we refer to ... A: You are welcome. ~~ =There you go= generally means, other than locomotion, what ones says when ... | |
| follow up | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: This is a follow up to the many follow ups that I've had with you. Remember when I ask you whether ... A: You know what? I think we should call it an adverb. (I've been thinking on this example.) In this ... | |
| uncountable-present for future | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Do we say? 1-How much or how many lentils and beans do you eat? 2-Are we having or Do we have ... A: Either is correct. The first uses =lentils= as a group or as a frequency. An answer might be: ... | |
| The meaning? | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: I don't know what does "Guess what" mean? Though I look up two slang dictionaries, I find no ... A: The end of the sentence is missing, and that's why you're confused! The missing end is: =what I'm ... | |
| commmas, cemicolon, and colon | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: (Excerp taken from "God and Ronald Regan" by Paul Kengor on page 152.) In the paragraph below, I ... A: You are very welcome. ~~ What the example sentence is is an attempt to clarify a long sentence ... | |
| passive voice | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: what is the passive of the following sentence "I am to go"? A: Passive voice shifts the subject away from the thing/person who is doing the action, so that the ... | |
| use of "only" in grammar | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: I want to make a sign so that my mail carrier puts my junk mail and magazines in a box which hangs ... A: I kinda like the moron approach.....and remember that we are paying their retirement ad ... | |
| Grammar | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: 1. I thought the train wasn’t supposed to arrive until 10:30. I thought the train shouldn’t have ... A: You are most welcome. ~~ 1. Yes. 2. None, but in this case =response= is used as a collective ... | |
| The use of the word "respond" | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: Good evening Martha I am proofreading a letter and the following sentence has been included: "Please ... A: Yes, correct. I much prefer your version, although the example you give is not wrong - it's just ... | |
| if...then | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: Is there a rule that clarifies when the word 'if' must be followed by 'then' in a sentence? A: It is a construction rule. It has to do with clauses; this case, a clause that begins with =if=. ... | |
| I don't understand | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: Then the squirrels joined their hands as well as their tails, lifted the entire hill of dirt and ... A: The squirrels held hands. In this case, it is "an entire hill of dirt and rock." An American ... | |
| "to + infinitive" and "to + gerund" | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: In these two sentences below, the first "to" functions as a preposition and in the second sentence ... A: This is a tough one. The problem is the verb. =to be used to= is a mongrel. It has =to be= plus ... | |
| Grammar check, thanks! | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: Is it okay to use this statement: Now accepting enrollments? instead of Now accepting enrollees? ... A: Use =enrollees= because you are talking about the people, not the process of enrolling. This is a ... | |
| capitalization | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: do I capitalize JD and Masters in the following sentence. John completed his Juris Doctorate and ... A: yes ~~ Although you didn't ask: Put periods in =JD=, if used as initials to indicate a law ... | |
| proper spelling | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: My boss and I have this discussion every year. What is the correct spelling..... Daylight ... A: The U.S. Naval Observatory uses =daylight-saving time=. I suppose that is the truly correct way of ... | |
| meaning of "leave something at the door" | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: What is the meaning of the expression "leave something at the door" in general and what does it mean ... A: You leave worrying about whatever it is when you go in the door at work or at home. When you go in ... | |
| gerund or noun or all the same | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: Do you think the following sentence is correct? >>> He has fostered relationships with schools and ... A: Gerunds act as nouns, even though they are participles, but they really are not "the same" type as a ... | |
| sentence punctuation | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: which is correct Carmen wants to go to the mall but I want to go to the movies. or... Carmen wants ... A: The second one is correct. You have two sentences. A conjunction plus a comma are needed. ~~ ... | |
| two -word verbs | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: 1. We check into a hotel, a flight or a hosptial. I wonder if there are other ways to use the phrase ... A: You are welcome! ~~ 1. =check in= can be replaced by longer phrases, such as =went to the front ... | |
| Do we need to use additional "that" in these sentences? | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: Can I check with you why we do not use the (first) “that” in the sentences below? Nowadays, I have ... A: Yes, use =that= both times. Sometimes it's clear, but sometimes it's not, so just use =that= for ... | |
| Commas | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: In a sentance In 1987 her team won (do i need to place a comma when you state only a year? my son ... A: It is more clear to use a comma, however, it is not mandatory because the sentence is short. In ... | |
| Verb tense | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: 1. (1.) I usually get paid (pay?) by the end of the month. I usually get paid by the end of each ... A: You are very welcome! ~~ (1) Both are correct, except that =pay= is not correct, as you noted. ... | |
| Yelling | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: In my book a TV reporter is reporting a story and she has to yell because there's a lot of noise in ... A: Use italics for all occasions. All caps are used in informal situations, such as e-mails (or where ... | |
| Grammar Q - To help children with autism | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: I am grateful for the service you are providing - even as a former English major, I am lost on some ... A: ~~ I'd go with #2. Note, however, that there is no agreement between =child= and =their ... | |
| is | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: Which of these three sentences is best in your view: 1.I'd like to ask what is the price I should ... A: None of them is particularly good. If pressed, I'd go with #1. Better: What should I pay for the ... | |
| sentence | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: Which is correct? (I need a new car (my old one is broken).) (I need a new car (my old one is ... A: This really jars the eye, doesn't it? The only approach to the requirement to use two sets of ... | |
| Grammar | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I have two questions please both for English English. In a statement such as: 'Smith elaborates on ... A: =on= is fine with =elaborate=. ~~ In American writing, the " comes outside the punctuation. It is ... | |
| grammar | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: 1. How many presents she got? 2. How many friends came to the party? --- I'm just wondering why the ... A: #1 is a clause and therefore not complete, so you need a main sentence, such as: I wondered how ... | |
| grammar check | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: Is this is correct a sentence? The percentage of the works are 10%. A: In American English, use =is=. (The Brits may use =are=, however.) In American English, percent ... | |
| Grammar | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: would you please tell me which part of this sentence is ramatically wrong and why???? _The ... A: You need some commas The architecture, [comma] exhibited in the Empire State Building and conveyed ... | |
| Is this wrong in sentences? | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: I found that the number of universities which accept foreign student have been increasing. A: =I= is the subject of the sentence. =have found= is the verb. What you have "found" are the words ... | |
| word meaning | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: I have some problems with the meaning of 3 words in aparagraph, i searched alot but i found ... A: It means setting up all these things. Setting them up so they are ready to function as soon as ... | |
| On | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: Is the following usage correct? "On Darwin's account, there was no design to evolution." Or "On Dr. ... A: It sounds Brit to me, too. I agree that "on account" sounds financial. As to correcting it, it ... | |
| capitalization | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: When talking about a committee meeting what words are capitalized (i.e. Finance Committee meeting or ... A: Finance Committee meeting [as you noted] meeting of the Finance Committee The Finance Committee met ... | |
| pronouns | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: need to change all 1st and 2nd person pronouns to 3rd person pronouns for the following: We ... A: This is homework. I don't do homework. You won't learn anything if I do your homework. Get busy! ... | |
| she vs her | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a person dictating to me who is using this sentence: I have talked with she and her husband ... A: I have talked with HER and her husband. Yes, yes, you are most correct! The person was actually ... | |
| grammar | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: pls tell me which part of this sentence is grammatically wrong, & why??? A set of company's books ... A: There are two problems. Both deal with number. ~~ =set= is singular. Therefore, =is= is the ... | |
| brief help with writing | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: could you suggest a better way I can present the following sentence: "You will find me to be ... A: original imaginative inventive I think I would revise your sentence to a positive statement, ... | |
| Grammar | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: 1. Do both sentences below have identical meanings? What’s the difference? He always complains about ... A: You are welcome. 1. Yes, but the second is quite a bit less formal. I would never use it in ... | |
| Sentences | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the sentences blow. 1. Ex: During the past three years, I have been a ... A: 1. (1) =at= is better (2) Try =as a TSMC secretary,=. 2. Use =my education= or =my education and ... | |
| essay | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: The following is the cover letter that I composed. Please help me with editing it and give me some ... A: I'm sorry I don't do resumes. You might check this file, which I wrote specifically, when I turned ... | |
| correct grammar | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: Over the last few years the Internet has grown to such an extent that most industries will ... A: I'm not sure of your question. I think you want me to check the grammar in your sentence. last few ... | |
| Use of relative pr. ? | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: Would you please help me to clarify following grammar rule? >>> Nakheel, a unit of Dubai World, has ... A: This sentence is rather confused and confusing. I'd say: Nakheel, a unit of Dubai World, has a ... | |
| help with "an" | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a question regarding a sentence. "I can't survive another hour of daylight" or "I can't ... A: The first sentence means the writer is so tired of daylight that he doesn't know whether he can live ... | |
| Sentences | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: When I was in Hanoi, I used to have a dog named ... A: 1. I'd use =we= since the story is about the sister, too. I don't like =owned= as much. It sounds ... | |
| word choices | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: 1. They say women’s intuition is always precise. This is especially true when it comes to women’s ... A: 1. They say women’s intuition is always precise. This is especially true when it comes to women’s ... | |
| Essay | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: can you proof read an essay for me? Mr. and Mrs. Roberts live in a small town on the east side of ... A: I am sorry that I do not have time to do this. If you would like to submit a sentence or two about ... | |
| backyard, front yard, onto | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: I am confused about 2 usages. Seems that backyard as a noun is one word but front yard as a noun is ... A: This is just a crazy thing about English. Yes, =backyard= is one word and =front yard= is two. ... | |
| please correct these sentences | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: I am student of multimedia technologies. As a part of my project, I have submit script for a ... A: In our vast universe, the human, with his intellectuality [intellect] and power, [is] considered ... | |
| Grammar and writing | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: Sometimes I get much confused by the definitions of dictionaries. I know, understand what the ... A: The problem here is that some words are use incorrectly in the sample sentence. They sound the same ... | |
| Grammar | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: how are you? I hope you are ok. I just need your advice about my writing and grammar. How do I ... A: The monkey could be caught in one of his own schemes: he plans evil against one of the other ... | |
| passive voice & tenses | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: Can an active verb be used with a passive verb in a sentence? Or does there need to be agreement in ... A: 1. First of all, do you mean "he went to a [homeless, earthquake, etc.] shelter"? Or he "took ... | |
| Adverb position | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: Would you please help me to find out the correct positioning of adverbs? Mainly should I place the ... A: Either is technically correct, but American English would use =please= more often than =do=. It is ... | |
| poem | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: Hell dear Sir, I wish you could help me to correct this poem,which I have written it below, to ... A: One day of my previous days I came down over the town. One day, I came to town. I stopped solidly, ... | |
| Adverb position | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: Would you please help me to find out the correct positioning of adverbs? Mainly should I place the ... A: =closely work= should be =work closely= This keeps the verb near the subject. ~~ =to COMMERCIALLY ... | |
| Need help composing a letter | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: EVEN THOUGH I WRITE VERY WELL I AM HAVING TROUBLE COMPOSING A LETTER TO MOM ABOUT HOW I FEEL SO ... A: Your choice, honey. Tho I'm sorry I took the time to give you a thoughtful answer as to the cause ... | |
| Temporary Identity Cards | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: Enclosed is two US Dollars or Enclosed are Two US Dollars? Thank you. ANSWER: =enclosed are= You ... A: whose account that is no longer active should be whose account is no longer active After all, [need ... | |
| Sentences | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: 1.“onsite registration” “onsite workshop” “onsite consulting” “onsite loan program’ Do all the ... A: 1) =onsite= (better as =on-site=; I prefer =on-line= and =e-mail=, too!) means a location in the ... | |
| Need help composing a letter | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: EVEN THOUGH I WRITE VERY WELL I AM HAVING TROUBLE COMPOSING A LETTER TO MOM ABOUT HOW I FEEL SO ... A: I think your first 3 are fine. Elaborate on these. As to #4, telling her is not going to convince ... | |
| apostrophe | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: Is the apostrophe in this correct: She died in her Mother and Father's arms or should both Mother ... A: Strictly speaking, yes. She died in her Mother's and Father's arms. This is clumsy and "looks" ... | |
| Conversations | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: I have created some conversations below. Please help me edit them, so they all make senses. A: ... A: fur coat correct president I've never met him/her before. important event correct stapler correct ... | |
| D.H. Lawrence | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: it was helpful! This time I’m trying to understand some words from the poem by D.H. Lawrence, ... A: Perhaps "flowing beauty" or "continuous beauty"? I'd go with the latter, in context. "Now naked" ... | |
| meaning in the context | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: In the following, what does the word 'provision' stand for? Rule, preparation, or supply? If none of ... A: I am having difficulty making sense of this paragraph. I hope you didn't write it. I'm thinking ... | |
| Sentences | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: 1. The store is having an office supply sale. Tom has made of a lot of sales this season. Ray has ... A: The store is having an office supply sale. This means the price has been reduced. Tom has made of a ... | |
| use of modals | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: 1) One of my friends told me that we can use “would, might, could” when we would like to be “less ... A: >>> The US House of Representatives has approved a sweeping overhaul of the heath-care system after ... | |
| Capitalization & Conference names | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: There's a conference report in which the conference is called "the first International Congress on ... A: The first link was broken; the following remarks are based on only the second. ~~ I am guessing ... | |
| word choices | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the sentences we discussed earlier. 1. Ex: War is a part of human ... A: 1. Yes, go with =war=. 2. I don't like =technology controls and economic restrictions=. I ... | |
| grammar | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: How do I state the name of a Charity in my paper? Do I use quotation marks, italics, or underline ... A: Just write the name, capitalized. No quotation marks, italics, or underlines. Example: I will ... | |
| Capitalization & Conference names | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: There's a conference report in which the conference is called "the first International Congress on ... A: If the group is called International Congress on Pre-Cyrillic Slavic Written Language and ... | |
| Pronoun | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: I would like to ask you which pronoun I should use when I´m talking about company, supplier, buyer. ... A: You write: This company.....in 1998, [comma needed]... and it started.... Yes; correct, but you ... | |
| essay | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: The following is the essay that we discussed earlier. It includes the revision based on your ... A: become greedier for power become greedier for more power the less empathy they feel for others the ... | |
| like - preposition and conjunction | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: Webster defines LIKE as a preposition and a conjunction: ... A: First, some basic uses of =like= (for other readers who are going to your dictionary link). ... | |
| Pronoun | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: I would like to ask you which pronoun I should use when I´m talking about company, supplier, buyer. ... A: You probably can use =it= when discussing companies and suppliers. If the sex of the buyer is ... | |
| Using dollar amounts in sentences | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: What is the rule when using dollar amounts in sentences? Are you supposed to use the decimal (.00) ... A: In written work (business reports, application and query letters, academic work, newspaper and ... | |
| word choices | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: In my opinion, wars are present all the time. ... A: (1.) Overall, warfare has always played a significant role in human history. You don't need =as a ... | |
| nicknames | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I transcribe children's psychological reports for a school system. I was taught, years ago, that ... A: Elizabeth "Betty" Anne Jones is correct. It also could be written Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Jones. ~~ ... | |
| Letter to the Editor of The Sun | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I would appreciate very much if you could possibly publish my views in your widely read newspaper ... A: Yes, it's grammatically correct, but it's cumbersome. Because yours is a widely-read newspaper, I ... | |
| 2 questions | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: I have two questions concering the passage below: As Marina Warner writes, “In this battle between ... A: Luke! I wonder what stuff you're bringing me this time……ah….. I don't know how Marina said this, ... | |
| Is it "call" or "calls"? | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: What percentage of euchre players do you suppose call the proposed trump card the hole card? What ... A: First, you need to fish the true subject of the sentence and its verb from all the words. The ... | |
| Fulcrum sentences | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: Sorry could you tell me what a fulcrum sentence is? And what it means to add a verb series on each ... A: I have never heard this term before, so I googled. I came up with this from Jane Bell Kiester: ... | |
| how to hiphenate | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: i have a homework wherein my teacher wants us to hiphenate words. i have done good so far except for ... A: If you mean possessive plurals...... Nurses' (belonging to more than one nurse) Nurse's (belonging ... | |
| Brief writing help | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I am just writing this as part of community work I've done and just wondering if you could do a ... A: You need to make sure all the verbs agree, therefore don't use any = -ing = endings and start with ... | |
| Edit summary | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I have to write a summary of an article and I don't know if what I wrote is grammatically correct ... A: quicker more quickly charity Caring Canine charity, [commas needed] Caring Canine, they ... | |
| Use of He/Him | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I'm writing the following sentence and I'm uncertain of the correct use of he or him: A draft of ... A: I am glad you asked this so I can get on one of my favorite soapboxes! ~~ =he= and =him= are ... | |
| Use of the word "affirmed" | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: I have been transcribing medical reports for the same hospital for the past 20 years. I recently ... A: Technically, one could stretch the interpretation and say =affirmed= was correct, but as it doesn't ... | |
| Punctuating "Hello Martha" | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: How does one punctuate the salutation I used for this e-mail? In this situation is "Hello" a ... A: You need a comma before =Martha=. Hello, [add comma] Martha ~~ =hello= isn't a verb so it can't be ... | |
| english writing | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: How are you all? Just a sincere favour. I am learning to write english writing. I do hope you shall ... A: I do not do this type of help, but I will do this for you one time, ok? I help with grammar, not ... | |
| my apologies! | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: I'm SO sorry...my entire question didn't print the first time! Here it is again: Hi, I work for a ... A: Ignore last answer, then! I think you are going to have to use commas, even though the eye will ... | |
| Comma usage before preposition and a date | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: I am a proofer for a worker of mine. She is placing a comma before the preposition "on" and a date. ... A: She is wrong, alas. I think she is confused because the rule is to put a common AFTER the month ... | |
| verb and adjective | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: A student of our asks: is there a word that can be both a verb and an adjective? We gave the example ... A: =is smiling= is a verb construction with a present participle (=smiling=). You could say =girl ... | |
| noun clauses used without independent clauses | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: my question is about noun clauses. In my grammar book, it teaches that a subordinate clause must ... A: An independent clause is, by definition, something that can stand alone. A dependent clause ... | |
| noun clauses used without independent clauses | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: my question is about noun clauses. In my grammar book, it teaches that a subordinate clause must ... A: You are correct. A noun clause may serve as the subject of a sentence. =is not important= is the ... | |
| Him or his | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: Pls tell me which one of the two is right? He was a friend of Jeremy He was a friend of Jeremy's ... A: The first is correct. He was a friend of Jeremy. = He was Jeremy's friend. He was a friend of ... | |
| general writing | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: please differentiate "illicit" and "illegal" with examples. thank you. A: =illicit=, in addition to being illegal, has the connotation also of being contrary to accepted ... | |
| grammar - over to or over | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: Is it correct to say or write "We went over Grandma's house?" or "We went over to Grandma's house? A: =We went over Grandma's house= means we jumped over (or dived over, or stepped over, etc.) her ... | |
| question | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I would like to ask you this question about grammar if you don't mind: what is the difference ... A: Type A: This sentence means the person bought someone a house. He had bought a house. [we don't ... | |
| use of would and asking question | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know if it is correct to say: " i wish i would ...."? My second question is in ... A: 1. Yes, this is correct. Example: I wish I would find some chocolate in the house. ~~ 2. It is ... | |
| Footnotes and Bibliographies | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I wonder if you could please offer a little advice regarding citations and bibliographies for use in ... A: Web citations can be long, and they are what they are. The other option is to give the reader the ... | |
| Poor grammar? | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: Please could you tell me whether it is correct to use the phrase "bad grammar"? I would always ... A: I think =bad grammar= could be used in informal writing, but you're right. I think it is not the ... | |
| Writing help. - resume | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: Can you overlook this writing for me please and suggest how to better write this: Amri Interactive ... A: I am sorry that I do not have time to go over your resume in detail. Another Expert may be able to ... | |
| Punctuation | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: when addressing an envelope (not to be mailed) I'm always in doubt about whether to use an ... A: I'm so glad you asked this question!! It is a real problem! =The Wall's= means something that ... | |
| word choices and grammar | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: 1. Turn around! You are going the wrong way. Make a U-turn! You are going the wrong way. Do both ... A: 1. Yes. 2. =smaller= would be better; =undersized= has the connotation that the shirt is too ... | |
| Grammar / Sentence structure | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: I need help understanding the dependent and independent clauses in these sentences below. Also, are ... A: A clause has a subject *and* a verb. A phrase does not. A clause can stand alone. A phrase cannot. ... | |
| verb/adverb agreement | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: In the sentence: "Spaghetti Squash really grow well in Western Pennsylvania.", is the adverb/verb, ... A: Probably, but it's never wrong to write correctly, even for casual use. There is a slight ... | |
| word choices | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: 1.Ex: Using drugs is more common than before in our society, especially in the youth. Is the use of ... A: 1. =drug use= and =drug abuse= have 2 slightly different meanings, although, in the end, they're the ... | |
| Sahara/sia | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: How do you call people who live on Sahara desert? There's a passage: With their unfortified ... A: If =Saharasia= is the title of the book, then, of course, use that word because you must. If I were ... | |
| Sahara/sia | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: How do you call people who live on Sahara desert? There's a passage: With their unfortified ... A: I googled this and came up pretty much with what you did. It could be a term he invented. As you ... | |
| Gramma | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: Lately I been disturbs by the English Teacher from my son Primary school questions? Here are some of ... A: This is a strange problem they are giving your son! 1) If you are guessing an occupation, use ... | |
| comma | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: I find myself not using all the commas that I was taught to use, but instead just write how I would ... A: If you are writing, it is never wrong to be very precise about exact comma use. =But please keep ... | |
| Is vs are | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: I understand Singular=is and plural=are but i am stumped on these: Your support and feedback ___ ... A: Two subjects working on just one verb are called a "compound subject" and need a plural verb: Your ... | |
| Grammar | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: 1. I Plan to send in my registration tomorrow. I plan to send my registration tomorrow. What’s the ... A: 1. none 2. =from= or =in= are both correct He suffered from cancer. He suffered from ... | |
| I did - or - me | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: I'm a mother tongue English speaker. My son goes to a German school and must take English class. ... A: =Me= is definitely wrong. The proper answer, =I=, is short for =I [verb]=. =Me= is the object of ... | |
| quote | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: Pascal said: "If our condition were truly happy we should not seek to divert ourselves from thinking ... A: No, I meant why are reading this stuff?! The book itself may not be written poorly, but if these ... | |
| quote | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: Pascal said: "If our condition were truly happy we should not seek to divert ourselves from thinking ... A: Goodness! Who wrote this opaque stuff? No wonder you are having trouble with it! I am, too! ... | |
| Colon Usage With Multiple Sentences | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: A prior post asked about how to format a list of questions after a colon. As in, "These are the ... A: It depends on how long the sentences are. It's an eye thing. If the eye is "overwhelmed," it's ... | |
| Grammar | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: 1. After he had enough practice, ________________. What verb tense should be used in the ... A: 1. After he had enough practice, he was able to__ Simple past tense in the main portion of the ... | |
| How to use yours sincerely, sincerely... | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: Greetings from Indonesia. I still don't get it how to use yours sincerely, sincerely, yours ... A: Any of those is correct. Many of these terms stem from the 1500s-1900s. You wouldn't want to use ... | |
| Grammar | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: 1. (1.) Ex: We haven’t eaten at that restaurant in a few months. Does it make any difference if I ... A: 1. (1.) Ex: We haven’t eaten at that restaurant in a few months. Does it make any difference if I ... | |
| a sentence | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: I have problems with understanding the sentence below: So I rebut the random stranger, Ramana ... A: That is some sentence. Not at all clear. Perhaps a bad translation. I think it means you present ... | |
| meaning of lines | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: What does the following lines convey? "I don't know if he knows how to play poker, but he sure has ... A: The speaker doesn't know of the man's knowledge of the rules and nuances of poker, but he looks as ... | |
| essay | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: I have to write a college admisson essay and was wondering if this sounds good or not..describing ... A: Jenn, perhaps you did not know this was bad form, but you should not submit the same question to ... | |
| Grammar | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: 1. Ex: John’s grandmother didn’t approve of his going to Japan on his graduation trip alone. ... A: 1. Just =approve= is better. You don't need =of= because the sentence indicates the thing the ... | |
| Grammar | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: Is the below mentioned sentence grammatically correct? The inconvenience caused to you hereof is ... A: I would revise: Any inconvenience is highly regretted. OR We regret any inconvenience this causes. ... | |
| Punctuation/Capitalization | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: Is the following punctuated correctly for dialogue in a short story. I’m also concerned about ... A: >“The contest director makes the usual comments about how impressed the judges were with the talent ... | |
| short text | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: Will you have a look at the text below and tell me if it sounds OK? Are there any mistakes? I know ... A: >All specialists in EFL teachers!!! [This sounds as though it's specialists in teaching people how ... | |
| use of 'would' | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: As a follow-up, would you please clarify these grammar points for me? 1) Should you ever feel the ... A: Ok! Here we go! Thanks for your patience!! ~~ 1) I would like to ask you why we use type 1 and ... | |
| use of 'would' | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: As a follow-up, would you please clarify these grammar points for me? 1) Should you ever feel the ... A: Asil, this is a HUGE question. Right now I'm on an extremely tight deadline (and getting tighter ... | |
| plural/possessive | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: Which is correct: girl's high school basketball team, girls' high school basketball team or girls ... A: It depends on whether you're talking about one girl or more than one girl. ~~ =girl's high school ... | |
| Definition | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: Hai, do you mind explain & describe to me what this whole sentence means, please "Television sex and ... A: I think your English is quite good! Rock on! ~~ >Television sex and violence does not mould ... | |
| use of 'would' | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: As a follow-up, would you please clarify these grammar points for me? 1) Should you ever feel the ... A: 1) =would= is the verb to use here; it is describing a possibility. =could= would be ability. ... | |
| Grammar | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: 1.These pants are too big on (or for) me. Does using “for” change the meaning of the sentence? 2. ... A: >These pants are too big on (or for) me. =on me= means you are wearing them now. =for me= can mean ... | |
| English writing | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I want to write a fictional story with a good theme. Can I tell about real people or events?What ... A: Either is a good theme. ~~ I would not state the theme baldly: The theme of this story is about ... | |
| Writing for invoice | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: I would like to write this better, please suggest a re-write that I could use. Dear Colin, We ... A: We mowed the lawns for your 3 x properties on the 18th of July 2009. We have generally always ... | |
| use of 'would' | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: Would you please help me to clarify the use of ‘would’ in these sentences written in some of the ... A: I am sorry that perhaps my answer was lost in cyberspace. Supposedly I answered this, but I don't ... | |
| Plural/singular use | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: I am having problems with the grammar of a sentence: "One key to long-lasting curative effects on ... A: no The subject of the sentence is =key=, which is singular. =is= is the proper verb. It's easy to ... | |
| Writing and Grammar | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I'm a student, and I'm not able to judge where to put punctuation marks like semi-colon, hyphen and ... A: >semi-colon yes You need a period after =G= and a space after =commas-. Thus: contain commas, ... | |
| english grammar | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible and correct to use 'being'(the participle form of the verb 'be') in the continuous ... A: I need an example for (1), please. ~~ (2) It's better at the end of the sentence. I would advise, ... | |
| Punctuation | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I am concerned about the punctuation in this sentence, especially the placement of the punctuation ... A: Single quotes are correct, as the speaker is quoting what someone else said. At the end of the ... | |
| Writing and Grammar | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: I'm a student, and I'm not able to judge where to put punctuation marks like semi-colon, hyphen and ... A: >I'm a student, and I'm not able to judge where to put punctuation marks like semi-colon, hyphen and ... | |
| english grammar | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible and correct to use 'being'(the participle form of the verb 'be') in the continuous ... A: Yes. It's possible to use =being= as part of a continuous form, but it's clumsy. ~~ For the ... | |
| Order in writing dates | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: Please, I need to know what the order is when writing the complete date (day of the week, month, day ... A: Wednesday, July 29, 2009, was the day I dropped my orange. [make sure there is a comma after the ... | |
| Grammar/modifying clause | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: In general, where you have two nouns followed by a modifying clause, how does conventional grammar ... A: ok! We have news from my "consulting attorney." ~~ >>>[mb] Does "this agreement only shall be..." ... | |
| Tense of memoir? | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: i am writing a memoir, and i'm not sure whether to put it in the past or present tense. for ... A: could come laughing filled Keep the entire memoir in past tense; it's easiest that way! Then you ... | |
| List of multiple questions after a colon | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: I've searched for ages for an answer on this. Many people seem to have the same question, but no one ... A: The bullet list is the most efficient and most clear way of writing this. Other options: 1) Treat ... | |
| question 1 | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: Yes, I'm translating a certain text and sometimes I'm not sure I understand something, so I ask. ... A: Boy! What a challenge for you! Whatever this is, the English is really, really, really, really ... | |
| Grammar/modifying clause | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: In general, where you have two nouns followed by a modifying clause, how does conventional grammar ... A: It's unclear, however, I think it modifies both. If you think there is a chance of confusion, you ... | |
| grammar | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: I'd like to ask you something about grammar . If you have time , would you answer my question please ... A: =none= is always singular, so it takes a singular verb. Most often =none= is followed by a ... | |
| Tips on writing well - re-write | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: I have written a brief on how to write well, can you review and suggest changes/rewrites where ... A: I hope this is sort of what you had in mind: At some point in our lives, we have to write to ... | |
| prepositions | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: When do we use (at)? A: Not at the end of a sentence, that's for sure! ~~ =at= is a preposition used to indicate a ... | |
| Grammar | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: 1. We hold a farewell party when we want to say good-bye to a friend or coworker who's going to ... A: yes Or you could say =We'll see you soon!= or =We hope you'll come back to us soon.= ~~ yes, ... | |
| paragraph | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: Below is a paragraph. All these words were said by Paul McGuinness - the manager of U2. There are ... A: (1) SO WHEN POLYGRAM STARTED TO RUN THEIR SLIDE RULE OVER ISLAND THEY NEEDED TO KNOW THAT U2 WERE ... | |
| cater to/for | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: 'cater for sb/sth : to provide the things that a particular person or situation needs or wants ex: ... A: =caters to= only ~ I would recast: =They only publish novels which cater to the mass-market= as ... | |
| Writing help | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to write why software testing is imporatnt, can you please review this for me and ... A: The role of Software Testing is important because it provides higher quality to the software (final ... | |
| Use of Commas | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: You asked not to be rated but you answered a previous question for me and I appreciated your answer ... A: ~~ Comma needed after =professionals=, unless you're talking only about the young professionals who ... | |
| word choices | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: 1. Ex: There are 3 important ways for me to prepare for an important test. Should I write “3” or ... A: 1. Numbers 1-9 are written out in words. Ten can be treated either way; look at context; have you ... | |
| writing help | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I want to inspire my employees, can you give me a brief rewrite of this below (more original) with ... A: Gosh! This sounds just fine to me! It's all parallel construction, and it builds from some ... | |
| Writing help please | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I am hoping you can help me to write the following better for my Resume please: I am ... A: CTV Binders, Morrabbin, VIC, Australia, Curretnly employed by CTV as a binders assistant, this is an ... | |
| Questions | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: Here are two sentences in my workbook and I cannot understand. Hope you can help me 1/ teacher's ... A: 1. Because the falling hair happens before the hidden eyes. ~~ As to adding =when=, this sets ... | |
| paragraph | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: they helped me a lot and I appreciate your help a great deal! Here's what Paul McGuiness is saying ... A: 1. There are errors in this text, but you can't change it because you are quoting the book/magazine ... | |
| Questions | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: Here are two sentences in my workbook and I cannot understand. Hope you can help me 1/ teacher's ... A: 1) The teacher's hair HAS fallen, and...... You could use =falls=, but I think the above is better. ... | |
| blogs | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I am hoping this question will find you seeing that I am getting some confidence back in writing, ... A: Personally, I am not a user of profanity but some of the meanest blogs are successful because they ... | |
| tricky grammar | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I've got few questions regarding the use of 'thought', so which sentence is grammatical correct, "I ... A: The sentence is wrong bcs you have two negative words ("double negatives"). Two negatives make a ... | |
| commas | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: In the sentence, "Sorry, no more refunds, Bill" do I need both commas? Or is there a better way to ... A: =Sorry, no refunds, Bill= is correct. If two commas look strange, try this: Sorry, Bill. No ... | |
| Writing help | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: Ok, here's the yellow How To category image update steps, stuff, thing. ... A: First Step: A user is required to log in with one of the Editors / Administration Level accounts ... | |
| paragraph 1 | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: This is a short paragraph from the early days of U2. This is the summer where it all went off. ... A: 1. What Bono might mean by saying: Two legs bad, four legs good. Fashionista??? I have no idea, ... | |
| paragraph 2 | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: It's the second paragraph. (1)As we moved from being outside contenders to most likely to succeed, ... A: 1. Does it mean that at first no one paid attention to them, they were not important to anyone, but ... | |
| tricky grammar | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I've got few questions regarding the use of 'thought', so which sentence is grammatical correct, "I ... A: I've got few questions regarding the use of 'thought', so which sentence is grammatical correct, "I ... | |
| Thank you and question | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: I am most sorry I did not say a big thank you, I thought I had rated that answer 10+. Well truth ... A: Funeral Online - Users shall be able to watch a webcast of a funeral online only if the funeral ... | |
| past perfect tense | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: Is the past perfect tense necessary when words such as before and after are used in the sentence to ... A: 1) You could, especially in informal writing. For academic and business purposes, however, my ... | |
| Proper use of adverbs | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: My sister and I are having a disagreement on adverbs. I think that this is how it is correct for ... A: You are. =was snoring= is the verb; =loudly= (an adverb) tells how he was snoring. Therefore, an ... | |
| flip/musically | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: how are you? Thank you for your last answers! "So that song is about torment, sexual but also ... A: 1) I think =flip= is used here in the sense of change, yes, but it's not very clear!! 2) =in music= ... | |
| How can I properly follow a list with a statement in the same sentence? | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: Long summer evenings, crisp fall afternoons, the days we played till nightfall with only a glance ... A: Right; semicolon is the wrong choice. I agree that your revision doesn't have the poetic ring of ... | |
| Grammar question | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: Is the following sentence correct? The intended meaning is that each child only has one cell phone. ... A: Plural nouns need plurals all the way through the sentence. Therefore, the direct object must be ... | |
| Writing help 3 | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: Guide to Auckland will incorporate contextual advertising where by Yellow’s business listings will ... A: A) Twitter Comments for Guide to Auckland: [if Guide to Auckland is the title, it needs to be ... | |
| writing help please | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: These are draft requirements for a site that is a Guide in the City Auckland. I am hoping you could ... A: Tim, I don't even understand it!!!! Give me some help here! ~~ The intention is to build our own ... | |
| writing help please | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: These are draft requirements for a site that is a Guide in the City Auckland. I am hoping you could ... A: You know I will help you. My problem is that I don't have a clear understanding of what the content ... | |
| Consecutive words that are the same | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: What is the term for identical words that appear consecutively in a sentence, for example =Physical ... A: Apositive is the answer to your question, as I understand it. Example: Mary, the best swimmer, ... | |
| Grammar question | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: Is the following sentence correct? The intended meaning is that each child only has one cell phone. ... A: cell phones: The second is correct. The first implies that all children share a single cell phone; ... | |
| using or not using "to be" | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: I firmly believe it is a grammatical error to drop "to be" from a sentence such as "the dishes need ... A: Your sentence is correct. Your girlfriend's would be correct if she used =washing= instead of ... | |
| sentence structure | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: Am I using one's correctly in the sentence below? He actually outlined the two areas of concern ... A: =One's= is used correctly, but you have two errors: =doing good= means charitable activites. Doing ... | |
| addressing Mr. & Dr. | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: What is the proper was to address an invitation where the whife is doctor but not the husband. My ... A: In social situations, titles are not used, so your problem is solved! Mr. and Mrs. John Jones ... | |
| Writing help | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: Hopefully the last one, really am thankful towards you for helping for re-writes: ... A: Register with Absent Friends and create an account. Each city in which you offer services must have ... | |
| Capitalization | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: Should Review Board be capitalized? he is facing a major hurdle in the surgical review boards and ... A: no; it's a general board. If you said "He is facing....East Lintball Surgical Review Board= you ... | |
| Use of such as | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: Could you please give me some information on when and where to use such as so as to frame ... A: This phrase is used to give examples and modifies a noun or something used as a noun. Even famous ... | |
| Sounds very unnatural to me ! | 6/26/2009 |
| Q: Martha ~ Below are sentences a certain person composed. Can "THAN" be used in this way? And another ... A: I no longer accept ratings. As you can tell by my answer to you, I spend a lot of time on each one. ... | |
| Sounds very unnatural to me ! | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: Martha ~ Below are sentences a certain person composed. Can "THAN" be used in this way? And another ... A: 1) I didn't find the =than= example, so please resend...unless you mean the sentence starting ... | |
| Writing help | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: Hopefully the last one, really am thankful towards you for helping for re-writes: ... A: [Tim, this is not a revise answer in content. I just needed to add a tag about using an apostrophe ... | |
| Sorry not sure if this got through may be a duplicate - Writing help | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: Please suggest how I could write the following better in a more understandable manner: When a ... A: no, didn't come thru When funeral =directors= [plural because you used =they=] create [plural verb] ... | |
| Writing help | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: Please suggest how I could write the following better, it is to do with tips on photography and good ... A: Tips for taking good photographs: Taking “clear” photo’s [photos] has more to do with skill than ... | |
| apostrophe | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: how would you write the word interest in the following sentence? ADHD is thought to be a problem ... A: My reading is that ADHD is more an importance-based problem, rather than one that is defined by ... | |
| Writing for Resume | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: Could you please tell me how I could write the following better on my Resume, am struggling to find ... A: I do a dual role as Business Analyst / Test Lead. Some of the things I would like to highlight is ... | |
| Capitalizing "chapter" in a sentence | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I that if use the name of an association in a sentence the first letter is capitalized. However, if ... A: 1) If =Chapter= is the name of the organization, you must cap it when it appears, no matter the ... | |
| writng tidy up suggestions and help - entity XYZ | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I am putting together a document that will outline a list of things that a user can do on a website, ... A: I'm still not clear on question 3. Is this what your site will do? Each funeral director can set ... | |
| writng tidy up suggestions and help | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I am putting together a document that will outline a list of things that a user can do on a website, ... A: 1. Users are able to select backgrounds, styles, and formats for thank you cards. [lower case =thank ... | |
| writng tidy up suggestions and help | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: I am putting together a document that will outline a list of things that a user can do on a website, ... A: 1. Users are able to purchase a virtual flower as they go through the process of creating a memorial ... | |
| drum kit | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: !! Because you mentioned before that you know a little bit (or more than a little bit) about music, ... A: Glad my previous answer was helpful. A drum kit is also called a trap set. It's a set of drums ... | |
| periods | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: In the sentence, "If you need anything else done,just let me know (Sorry, but no more reports, ... A: Yes, the presence a noun and a verb is the definition of a sentence, except when the verb is in the ... | |
| periods | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: In the sentence, "If you need anything else done,just let me know (Sorry, but no more reports, ... A: Options: 1) If you need anything else done, just let me know....Sorry, but no more reports, Jim. ... | |
| lounge classic | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: I want to focus on the last two sentences from the text below. A musician says: The oryginal lyric ... A: =Lounge music= is a genre, such as classical music, folk music, religious music, etc. Within each ... | |
| sentence | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: Do you think it's a good sentence as far as grammar is concerned? Most of the time I have been ... A: Is this for a resume? If so, I'd tighten it a little, add just a bit more detail, and remove some ... | |
| has become vs became | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: Please tell me which one is suitable for the below sentence. Is became and has become ... A: =It has become= indicates the end of the process of changing (becoming), whereas =became= indicates ... | |
| Grammar | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: 1. He came back to the office again because he forgot to lock the door. He came back to the office ... A: 1. He forgot to do it, but he subsequently remember and went back to lock the door. He went back ... | |
| Singular or Plural | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: 1)Lifetime prevalence rate of alcoholism in country A or in country B is no higher than the lifetime ... A: You are saying A, B, C, and D have different rates. The rates for A and B are both less than the ... | |
| words in a lecture | 6/12/2009 |
| Q: Can you please give me an estimate of the number of words needed in a manuscript for a 45 minute ... A: short answer: no I suggest you take a page for which you know the word count; read it aloud at the ... | |
General Writing and Grammar Help
Answers by Expert:
Martha Beth Lewis
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I will answer questions having to do with grammar, plurals, punctuation, capitalization, mood, person, tense, and so on, as well as word usage and word choice. If you want a quick answer to a specific question, particularly if you wish to use formal American English for business or academic purposes (MLA), I can give you a timely response. I also can address word choice, clarity, structure, and similar concerns involving English as a second language. If you want advice of a deeper editorial nature (e.g., substantive [line] editing), please consult an Expert who offers this sort of assistance.
Experience
I was employed as an editor for the graduate school at a major U.S. university and specialized in dissertations. I have over 200 publications in professional journals, consumer magazines, and newspapers. I am the author of five books and numerous syllabi in an arts field. I also am a freelance line editor, copy editor, and proofreader (over 40 years), and I have written or edited countless community organizations' newsletters and promotional materials.
Organizations
Note: When using a word as a word in a sentence, such as:
Put a period after the word dog,
=dog= should be set in italics.
Since I do not have access to italics here, I shall use = on either side of the word or phrase that properly should appear in italics. For the above example:
Put a period after the word =dog=.
Also, ~~please do not mark your questions as private~~. I will change them to public because I don't want to type the same answer twice! Thanks for your understanding.
Publications
If you submit a question to other Experts or the pool, I'd appreciate it if you would not submit it to me, also. It's like asking several people out on a date and choosing among those who said yes! This implies my time and particular expertise are worth nothing to you. Remember: I'm a volunteer!
Education/Credentials
Education
B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Ph.D.
Awards and Honors
I ask that you ~~come back to read my answer~~. I've taken time to write the best response I can, so you should come back to read it! It's disheartening to respond to a question, only to see later that the person has not bothered to come back. Remember: I'm a volunteer!
Past/Present Clients
I am happy to help you - that's why I volunteered - but please remember I *am* a volunteer and extend me normal courtesies such as no multiple submissions and not bothering to come back for your answer.
mb
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