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General Writing and Grammar Help/Questions Answered by Expert Ted Nesbitt

SubjectDate Asked
The usage of "be."2/12/2012
  Q: How are you? I read of a sentence and feel very puzzled. The sentence is as follows: ...,be it ...
  A: *** I'm sending another response, because I didn't explain the use of "be." The use of the phrase ...
meaning of "oversight"2/9/2012
  Q: Is there any real difference in meaning between the expressions "oversight" and "careless ...
  A: Is there any real difference in meaning between the expressions "oversight" and "careless ...
asking questiuons2/8/2012
  Q: I have another question that may be considered a bit "off the wall". I hope that you will not mind, ...
  A: I am answering your question and, at the same time, praying that we don't get hung up with your ...
Thesaurus with explanations for usage2/6/2012
  Q: I truly appreciate that. I'm a high school student from Germany and was researching a good ...
  A: I don't know what you mean by "those said 'offline' versions." Also, I copied the OED's complete ...
asking questions2/6/2012
  Q: Can you please verify for me that the category of English helping verbs known as "modal verbs" can ...
  A: Can you please verify for me that the category of English helping verbs known as "modal verbs" can ...
I’ll try AND work it2/6/2012
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) I’ll try AND work it so we can leave ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) I’ll try AND work it so we can leave ...
capitalization2/5/2012
  Q: Can you please help me with the following question about capitalization? When writing the names of ...
  A: I've been thinking about this capitalization issue. I believe that English-speaking people always ...
capitalization2/5/2012
  Q: Can you please help me with the following question about capitalization? When writing the names of ...
  A: When writing the names of a type of cheese, can you please tell me if it is correct or not to ...
and jumped - to jump2/2/2012
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) The man went up to the 86th floor and ...
  A: I just got back from a three-day conference. I apologize for not being able to respond sooner. *** ...
meaning of "well-earned"2/2/2012
  Q: I know that the meaning of the expression "well-earned" is the following: fully deserved, deserved ...
  A: I have been attending a conference for three days, and I am just now catching up on my e-mail. I ...
Thesaurus with explanations for usage2/1/2012
  Q: I truly appreciate that. I'm a high school student from Germany and was researching a good ...
  A: I have explored my resources and then did a little internet searching. I am going to recommend the ...
parsing1/31/2012
  Q: Would you please tell me if the following is correct or not: "watch out!" "watch out" is an ...
  A: I have been out of town for several days attending a conference. I apologize for the delay in ...
I went and answered the phone #21/30/2012
  Q: Do you find the use of "I went and answered the phone" correct and natural in the sentence below? I ...
  A: I was cooking dinner when the phone in the upstairs bedroom rang. I went and answered the phone, ...
I went and answered the phone.1/29/2012
  Q: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) I went and answered the phone. 2) ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) I went and answered the phone. 2) ...
Settle the score1/27/2012
  Q: Does "to settle the score" have any meaning in U.S. English? If so, what does it mean? Would you ...
  A: Does "to settle the score" have any meaning in U.S. English? If so, what does it mean? Would you ...
meaning of "the odds are one in a million"1/27/2012
  Q: I'm not sure if the following expressions have the same meaning : "odds of that are a million to ...
  A: I'm not sure if the following expressions have the same meaning : "odds of that are a million to ...
parsing1/26/2012
  Q: Would you please tell me if the following parsing is correct or not: [#1] "I want to travel the ...
  A: Would you please tell me if the following parsing is correct or not: [#1] "I want to travel the ...
meaning of "have a nice ring to it"1/25/2012
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "have a nice sound to it" in the following sentences? What is ...
  A: What is the meaning of the expression "have a nice sound to it" in the following sentences? What is ...
identification of direct object pronouns1/24/2012
  Q: Would you please help me to identify the direct object in the following sentence: "Can you help me?" ...
  A: Would you please help me to identify the direct object in the following sentence: "Can you help ...
follow-up question to meaning of "have the luxury to do something"1/23/2012
  Q: This is a follow-up question to the one I asked about the meaning of "have the luxury to do ...
  A: This is a follow-up question to the one I asked about the meaning of "have the luxury to do ...
Magnus here! I need your help. :)1/22/2012
  Q: Shannon. I am a boy of thirteen years and have English as my second language. I have some problems ...
  A: Subject: Magnus here! I need your help. :)Hello, Shannon. ***** First, Magnus, I am NOT Shannon. I ...
meaning of "to have the luxury of doing something"1/22/2012
  Q: I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression "to have the luxury of doing something". I think the ...
  A: I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression "to have the luxury of doing something". I think the ...
A lot of anger exists between my father and "I / me".1/15/2012
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "I" or "me" in the following sentence: A lot of anger exists ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should use the word "I" or "me" in the following sentence: A lot of anger exists ...
use of "straight on"1/14/2012
  Q: I am trying to understand the expression "straight on" in the following sentence: "Take the second ...
  A: I am trying to understand the expression "straight on" in the following sentence: "Take the second ...
About a university class.1/11/2012
  Q: Now other questions: Aside from a class representative in a class, how can we say a student ...
  A: Now other questions: Aside from a class representative in a class, how can we say a student ...
One question1/9/2012
  Q: Happy New Year! Now I would like to ask you a qeustion: The two (a. looks b. look)alike. In this ...
  A: Happy New Year! *** It's good to hear from you again! Happy New Year to you, too. Now I would ...
adjective phrase1/8/2012
  Q: I hope you had a very nice holiday season. Can you please verify that "of books" is an adjective ...
  A: Can you please verify that "of books" is an adjective phrase used to modify the noun "bag" in the ...
Is "hiree" a word?1/7/2012
  Q: I'm not sure if "hiree”and "hirer”are actually words. According to Wiktionary they are. Wiktionary ...
  A: "Hirer" is commonly used. It is listed in several online dictionaries, and it appears in the print ...
"lost track of (the) time"1/7/2012
  Q: I'm not sure if the proper expression is "lose track of time”or "lose track of the time" or if they ...
  A: I'm not sure if the proper expression is "lose track of time”or "lose track of the time" or if they ...
Come IN a place - come TO a place1/6/2012
  Q: What is the difference between "to come IN a place" and "to come TO a place? When should I use each ...
  A: What is the difference between "to come IN a place" and "to come TO a place? *** I'm having ...
"in / from" my point of view1/3/2012
  Q: I'm not sure if you say "in my point of view" or "from my point of view", or are both ways correct? ...
  A: I'm not sure if you say "in my point of view" or "from my point of view", or are both ways correct? ...
meaning of "laugh openly"1/1/2012
  Q: I want to wish you a happy new year. I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression "laugh openly". ...
  A: I want to wish you a happy new year. I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression "laugh openly". ...
meaning of "your efforts would be best served"12/25/2011
  Q: I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression "your efforts would be best served". I think it means ...
  A: I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression "your efforts would be best served". I think it ...
meaning of "a long time coming"12/24/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "a long time coming"? I think it means that something won't ...
  A: What is the meaning of the expression "a long time coming"? I think it means that something won't ...
please comment on it!12/17/2011
  Q: I am happy that we are still in touch! May our friendship last for ever! Would you please comment ...
  A: I am happy that we are still in touch! May our friendship last for ever! **** I hope so, too. ...
meaning and usage of "way back when"12/15/2011
  Q: Does the expression "way back when" mean long ago? Also, am I using the expression correctly in the ...
  A: Does the expression "way back when" mean long ago? Also, am I using the expression correctly in the ...
Usage of the expression "Make light of something"12/15/2011
  Q: I know you can say "Make light of something" and "take something lightly". Can you also say "make ...
  A: I know you can say "Make light of something" and "take something lightly". Can you also say "make ...
"More Stupid" Preferred?12/9/2011
  Q: You wrote, "The preferred way of expressing this idea [of the comparative of 'stupid'] is 'more ...
  A: I correspond with another person from Seoul! Small world. The information I relied on is found in ...
possessive12/9/2011
  Q: Please take a look at the three sentences below. 1) That was a good idea of Paul's 2) But there ...
  A: Your question about possession is somewhat difficult to answer. I can give you many examples, and ...
noun of direct address12/9/2011
  Q: Would you please help me with the following sentence: Carmen, where are you from? Can you please ...
  A: Would you please help me with the following sentence: Carmen, where are you from? Can you please ...
case12/9/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if "case" refers to the entire sentence, or if "case" refers to jut the noun ...
  A: Can you please tell me if "case" refers to the entire sentence, or if "case" refers to jut the noun ...
please tell me.....12/9/2011
  Q: my dear teacher. May you live long enough to be a blessing to others. Also, I hope you get better ...
  A: You have rated all of my responses. I just got this evaluation from Allexperts: Knowledgeability - ...
My parents gave me (an) allowance12/9/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I need the word "an" in the following sentences. Are the sentences grammatically ...
  A: I'm not sure if I need the word "an" in the following sentences. Are the sentences grammatically ...
meaning of the word "clear"12/9/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of "clear" in the following sentences? 1. I have "clear" memories of my ...
  A: What is the meaning of "clear" in the following sentences? 1. I have "clear" memories of my ...
case12/5/2011
  Q: This will be my last question about "case". Can you please tell me if "case" is a concept that ...
  A: CASE applies to nouns and to words that represent nouns [pronouns]. CASE does NOT apply to any ...
your comments, please12/4/2011
  Q: How are you? You say that there is nothing wrong with the sentence "Literature has healing power and ...
  A: You say that there is nothing wrong with the sentence "Literature has healing power and it helps ...
case12/4/2011
  Q: Can you please help me with the following: Is the "subjective case" also known as the "nominative ...
  A: Once again, I give you this caution: I am not an expert in Latin or any other non-English language. ...
case12/3/2011
  Q: Can you please help me with the following: Is the "subjective case" also known as the "nominative ...
  A: Is the "subjective case" also known as the "nominative case?" *** YES Is the "genitive case" also ...
square12/2/2011
  Q: I have a sort of "of the wall" question, and I hope you will not mind helping me. Do us Americans ...
  A: Do us Americans ever use the terms "square" or maybe "public square" or "town square" as general ...
"who" or "that"12/1/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if both of the following sentences are equally acceptable? To all the ...
  A: In referring to people, either WHO or THAT can be used. [Both THAT and WHICH are used for ...
concession11/22/2011
  Q: but I needed your expertise to know for sure that I was not missing something. And, you are correct ...
  A: As soon as I saw your earlier message, I thought to myself, "Mrs. Rich must be fixing spaghetti for ...
concessive adverb11/22/2011
  Q: I recently encountered the following statement: The adverb "may" contains a concession in the sense ...
  A: The adverb "may" contains a concession in the sense that someone can do something. Example: "You ...
usage of "not only"11/20/2011
  Q: Are the following sentences grammatically correct? 1. Not only is he stupid, but he is also ugly. ...
  A: Are the following sentences grammatically correct? 1. Not only is he stupid, but he is also ugly. ...
meaning of the word "beat"11/20/2011
  Q: Does the word "beat" mean "not get addicted to drugs" in the following sentence? My second question ...
  A: "Beat" means to conquer or "to win the battle over." The sentence, although grammatically correct, ...
adverbial phrases11/14/2011
  Q: Good morning! I hope you will not mind another question. Can you please help me to better ...
  A: Let's try this again. When I got your original question about adverb phrases, I knew that a box ...
classification of "as well"11/13/2011
  Q: Can you please help me with the phrase “as well”. I understand that the meaning of this phrase is ...
  A: "As well" is an adverb, meaning "also." It is almost always placed at the end of the clause. ...
parsing11/12/2011
  Q: Would you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentence correctly: "What job do you do?" ...
  A: Would you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentence correctly: "What job do you do?" ...
noun phrase11/12/2011
  Q: Would you please identify the noun phrase in the following sentence: “Even a fool can understand ...
  A: Would you please identify the noun phrase in the following sentence: “Even a fool can understand ...
asctive and passive voice11/8/2011
  Q: My question concerns the active and passive voice. I have recently encountered the sentence: ...
  A: I have recently encountered the sentence: "Smoking is prohibited." Can you please tell me if I am ...
tense11/5/2011
  Q: Ted, thank you for taking my question. In the below sentence -- "All members must have been a ...
  A: Barbara: "All members must have been a member for at least one year." Should it be: "must be" ...
meaning of "organize your thoughts"11/5/2011
  Q: What does it mean to "organize your thoughts"? I think it means the following: to take time to ...
  A: Dear Ted, What does it mean to "organize your thoughts"? I think it means the following: to take ...
usage of the expression "something makes life more convenient"11/3/2011
  Q: Can you say that "something makes life more convenient"? In other words, do the following sentences ...
  A: Can you say that "something makes life more convenient"? In other words, do the following sentences ...
brand names11/2/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if brand names such as “Bayer Aspirin” are proper nouns. I am wondering if ...
  A: Rich: Brand names are capitalized. They are proper nouns. Since "aspirin" is a generic term ...
question endings11/2/2011
  Q: My question concerns the "question endings" that people will often use at the end of a sentence such ...
  A: Your example -- You live here, don't you? -- illustrates a "tag question." This device is used in ...
comma usuage10/27/2011
  Q: There are times I write sentences that I think I must use a comma after the word "yet" when "yet" ...
  A: The reason "yet" is different from "sometimes" is that "yet" is a conjunctive adverb. A conjunctive ...
subject/verb agreement10/26/2011
  Q: "Kentucky State Police is working an accident at the I-24/Purchase Parkway interchange." Is this ...
  A: If you consider Kentucky State Police to be ONE unit or entity, and if this unit is conducting the ...
usage of the word "watershed"10/25/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I'm using the words "milestone", "watershed", and "watershed event" correctly in the ...
  A: I'm not sure if I'm using the words "milestone", "watershed", and "watershed event" correctly in ...
"I'm very different than you"10/16/2011
  Q: I know that you can say that something is "very different from" something else. In other words, ...
  A: Yes, you can use "very different than" when you are comparing things. You must be careful in ...
meaning of "classmate"10/15/2011
  Q: I know that one meaning of the work "classmate" is the following: a member of the same class in a ...
  A: Can the word "classmate" also mean "schoolmate" (someone who goes or went to the same school as ...
Get my back into my living10/13/2011
  Q: Does the expression "to get my back into my living" exist? If so, is it commonly used in American ...
  A: "I get my back into my living" is not a common American expression. The ONLY reference to it, in my ...
will vs would10/7/2011
  Q: Sorry for my previous long question. I resend you it in a shorter form, hope this is fine. Could I ...
  A: Dear Ted, Sorry for my previous long question. I resend you it in a shorter form, hope this is ...
will vs would10/6/2011
  Q: Sorry for my previous long question. I resend you it in a shorter form, hope this is fine. Could I ...
  A: I will try to do my best. *** Sorry for my previous long question. I resend you it in a shorter ...
"fast speed of life'10/6/2011
  Q: I know that you can say that a place, such as a city, has a "fast pace of life", or a "slow pace of ...
  A: Although you COULD refer to fast and slow "speeds of life," I advise you against it. The common ...
A question10/5/2011
  Q: It's been a long time. Now I am in doubt about the following writing: Philippines have been ...
  A: It is good to hear from you again. *** Philippines have been colonized before.... *** This is ...
Re: name10/1/2011
  Q: is this ok: James Smith,Jr.-108 Cox St.,(601)567-3421-Aberdeen, MS
  A: James Smith,Jr.-108 Cox St.,(601)567-3421-Aberdeen, MS *** I don't know where you intend to use ...
usage of the words "noteworthy" and "newsworthy"10/1/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I"m using the words "noteworthy" and "newsworthy" correctly in the following ...
  A: I'm not sure if I"m using the words "noteworthy" and "newsworthy" correctly in the following ...
Sentences9/28/2011
  Q: 1. After she moved there, she found it difficult to accustom herself to new surroundings. Does the ...
  A: 1. After she moved there, she found it difficult to accustom herself to new surroundings. Does the ...
'When you cheat, you're only cheating yourself"9/27/2011
  Q: I'm confused about the meaning of the expression "when you cheat, you're only cheating yourself". I ...
  A: I'm confused about the meaning of the expression "when you cheat, you're only cheating yourself". I ...
"send mixed signals"9/23/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression “send mixed signals” and in general and what does it mean in ...
  A: When a person "sends mixed signals," he is not being certain. In other words, from that person's ...
use of "even"9/23/2011
  Q: (Somehow my tab settings got goofed up when I sent this question this first time) Hi Ted - I hope ...
  A: Rich: I am answering your question again, so that it will be removed from my inbox. Maybe your ...
use of "even"9/23/2011
  Q: Hi Ted - I hope all is well with you. Can you please help me to understand the use of the word ...
  A: Can you please help me to understand the use of the word "even" in the following sentence: "I don't ...
Complete Suject9/20/2011
  Q: In the sentence: Many people in our country live on farms. I thought that people was the simple ...
  A: Many people in our country live on farms. I thought that people was the simple subject, and that ...
adverbs9/19/2011
  Q: Just a quick question. Please don't go through a lot of trouble with this one. Can you please just ...
  A: I looked at the home page of the site and discovered that it originates from Spain. I believe that ...
adverbs9/19/2011
  Q: My question is about the "questions" that adverbs answer. I have previously learned that I can ...
  A: My question is about the "questions" that adverbs answer. I have previously learned that I can ...
"when it came time to...."9/17/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "when it came time to (do something)"? Please see the ...
  A: What is the meaning of the expression "when it came time to (do something)"? Please see the ...
"your mind is on something"9/17/2011
  Q: Is there an expression "your mind is one something"? For example, can you say "My mind is always on ...
  A: Yes, the expression "my mind is on . . . . . " means that the thing about which I am thinking is ...
"not either" and "neither"9/16/2011
  Q: again, for your help with my previous questions. Can you please tell me if there is a difference ...
  A: Here are "some" of the various spellings of the early versions of the conjunction "neither." ...
use of the adjective "either"9/15/2011
  Q: Would you please help me to better understand the use of the word "either" when used as an ...
  A: Would you please help me to better understand the use of the word "either" when used as an ...
usage of the expression "across the board"9/15/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I'm using the expression "across the board" correctly in the following sentence. I ...
  A: Glen: Dear Ted, I'm not sure if I'm using the expression "across the board" correctly in the ...
passive voice9/15/2011
  Q: again, for your help with my previous question about the "passive" voice. Would you please help me ...
  A: [1] In the passive voice, is the form of the verb "to be" considered the auxiliary verb? For ...
passive voice9/14/2011
  Q: Would you please help me to parse the following sentences: "A pencil is used for writing." pencil ...
  A: Would you please help me to parse the following sentences: "A pencil is used for writing." pencil ...
Have you heard.......9/12/2011
  Q: If the three sentences below are all correct and natural, do they have the same meaning? If so, ...
  A: If the three sentences below are all correct and natural, do they have the same meaning? If so, ...
anymore vs any more9/12/2011
  Q: I just wanted to make sure that I am correct in the following: "not any more" is not the same thing ...
  A: Here's an interesting comparison of common one word and two words: ...
use of "no longer" and "not anymore"9/12/2011
  Q: Hi!! It's great to be able to write to you again. I hope all went well with your move. I've ...
  A: Hi!! It's great to be able to write to you again. I hope all went well with your move. I've ...
follow-up questions9/10/2011
  Q: I have some follow-up questions about the conversations we discussed earlier. 1. A: B: Don’t you ...
  A: I have some follow-up questions about the conversations we discussed earlier. 1. A: B: Don’t you ...
Conversations9/9/2011
  Q: 1. A: B: Don’t you like traffic jams, then. What could be person A's statement or question in the ...
  A: 1. A: B: Don’t you like traffic jams, then. What could be person A's statement or question in the ...
meaning of "all men are dogs"9/3/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "all men are dogs"?
  A: Glen: I've never liked the expression "all men are dogs," because it demeans dogs. The general ...
meaning of "smooth sailing"9/3/2011
  Q: I'm so glad that you are once again available to answer questions on allexperts. You were truly ...
  A: I still have a lot of unpacking to do, and I have many other chores to take care of -- all part of ...
meaning of "detail-oriented"5/30/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "detail-oriented" and do you need to use a hyphen when writing ...
  A: "Detail-oriented" describes a person who "micromanages." He has his eye on every tiny detail about ...
meaning of "in-your-face"5/30/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "in-your-face"? I think it means that something is obvious, ...
  A: What is the meaning of the expression "in-your-face"? I think it means that something is obvious, ...
use of "of" and "of the"5/28/2011
  Q: I have been wanting to ask you the following question and thought I better get it in to you before ...
  A: Rich: I'm afraid that my answer is going to be confusing. Phrases like "cup of coffee," "glass of ...
meaning of the expression "to err is human, to forgive divine"5/26/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "To err is human, to forgive divine."?
  A: "To err is human, to forgive divine" is a very famous line from Alexander Pope's "Essay on ...
Fly to - fly into5/25/2011
  Q: Should I use "flew to" or "flew into" in the sentence below? The Israeli Prime Minister FLEW TO / ...
  A: Should I use "flew to" or "flew into" in the sentence below? The Israeli Prime Minister FLEW TO / ...
past participle5/25/2011
  Q: My question is about the terms "participle" and "adjective". Everything since I started to re-learn ...
  A: My question is about the terms "participle" and "adjective". Everything since I started to re-learn ...
research paper5/25/2011
  Q: Ted I am leaning to write English research paper. I am not sure these sentences are correct. 1. The ...
  A: I will do my best to help you with your English, as I have been doing for students throughout the ...
research paper5/24/2011
  Q: Ted I am leaning to write English research paper. I am not sure these sentences are correct. 1. The ...
  A: Usually I would reject such a scientific question, because I am an expert in writing and grammar and ...
In China, people don't have access to "a" quality education.5/24/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I need to use the word "a" in the following sentence, or if it is grammatically ...
  A: Hello Ted, I'm not sure if I need to use the word "a" in the following sentence, or if it is ...
adjective phrase5/20/2011
  Q: Would you please tell me if I have correctly parsed the following sentence: "I want spaghetti made ...
  A: Would you please tell me if I have correctly parsed the following sentence: "I want spaghetti made ...
meaning of "time heals all wounds"5/19/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "time heals all wounds"?
  A: "Time heals all wounds." If a person has been greatly hurt or has been experiencing grief, this old ...
To & and5/19/2011
  Q: Which of the following is correct and natural? 1) Click here TO find the truth. 2) Click here AND ...
  A: I have missed you. *** Which of the following is correct and natural? 1) Click here TO find the ...
usage of the expression "nothing could be further from the truth"5/18/2011
  Q: Regarding my last question, about the usage of the expression "nothing could be further from the ...
  A: Glen: I included the correction in the other message. Here are two more examples for you: Mary ...
usage of the expression "further from the truth"5/18/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "nothing/you/he/that" in sentences number one through four ...
  A: I happened to read your second question before I sent this answer. So, I made the correction below: ...
proper or common noun5/17/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if "Angel Hair" (a thin type of spaghetti) is a proper noun. I am thinking ...
  A: I checked the Merriam-Webster Dictionary online and found this: Definition of ANGEL-HAIR PASTA : ...
meaning of "not on the map"5/15/2011
  Q: Can the expression "not on the map" mean that a place is not famous? In other words, do the ...
  A: Can the expression "not on the map" mean that a place is not famous? In other words, do the ...
meaning of the word "buried"5/15/2011
  Q: Can the word "buried" mean something that you had forgotten? In other words, do the following ...
  A: Can the word "buried" mean something that you had forgotten? In other words, do the following ...
the noun "today"5/14/2011
  Q: Hi Ted – I hope all is well with you. My question is about the word "today". I am still having a ...
  A: Hi Ted -I hope all is well with you. [Everything would be better IF IT WOULD STOP RAINING.] My ...
prepositional phrases5/5/2011
  Q: In keeping with my theme about prepositional phrases – can you please help me with the following: ...
  A: In keeping with my theme about prepositional phrases – can you please help me with the following: ...
Grammar5/4/2011
  Q: I would like to know if the following sentences are grammatically correct and if the words in quotes ...
  A: I would like to know if the following sentences are grammatically correct and if the words in ...
Suspended hyphens-mixing open and closed compounds5/4/2011
  Q: not sure if you're still taking questions, as I see several people have reviewed you in the past few ...
  A: I posted the message about my no longer taking questions for several reasons. Among them were the ...
use of "of" and "of the"5/2/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to understand how to recognize when the words "of" and "of the" are used to ...
  A: Can you please help me to understand how to recognize when the words "of" and "of the" are used to ...
meaning of the expression "not be in someone's vocabulary"4/26/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression " not be in someone's vocabulary ( a word is not in someone's ...
  A: What is the meaning of the expression " not be in someone's vocabulary ( a word is not in someone's ...
meaning of the expression "money is a means to an end"4/25/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "money is a means to an end"?
  A: "Money is a means to an end" means that the "end" or the "goal" is NOT money itself. Money is the ...
Do you say "I like reading nonfiction" or "I like reading nonfiction books"4/23/2011
  Q: Do you say "I like reading nonfiction" or "I like reading nonfiction books", or are both ways ...
  A: Do you say "I like reading nonfiction" or "I like reading nonfiction books", or are both ways ...
meaning of "read through lies"4/22/2011
  Q: Is there an expression "read through lies" and if yes, what does it mean? For example, "My father ...
  A: Is there an expression "read through lies" and if yes, what does it mean? For example, "My father ...
sentences4/21/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: Diaries rarely mention important historical events and would probably be of little interest ...
  A: 1. Ex: Diaries rarely mention important historical events and would probably be of little interest ...
grammar4/21/2011
  Q: Jonathan. I'm Delia from Brazil. My question is : Which one is correct: Where do you study or what ...
  A: I am Ted, not Jonathan, but I'll answer your question. I help many students in Brazil, and I have ...
Overuse of Articles & Prepositions4/20/2011
  Q: I edit reports as part of my job, and I was wondering if there is a rule regarding overuse of ...
  A: I know of no "rule" about this kind of overuse. It's not really a matter of GRAMMAR [which has ...
meaning of "put your life in someone's hands"4/20/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expressions "I would trust you with my life" and "I would put my life in ...
  A: What is the meaning of the expressions "I would trust you with my life" and "I would put my life in ...
parsing4/19/2011
  Q: Just to make sure that I am understanding correctly, would you please tell me if I have parsed the ...
  A: FOLLOW-UP -- You are right about "let" and its synonyms, like "allow." The verb "help" [help me to ...
direct object4/18/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me why I can't identify "Bill" in the sentence "I gave Bill the book" as being a ...
  A: What I don't get is the following: If I said - "I gave Bill" - Bill would be the direct object. ...
direct object4/18/2011
  Q: Could you please give me an example of a sentence where the direct object can be identified by ...
  A: Use WHOM when you refer to a person; use WHAT when you refer to a thing. EXAMPLES: WHOM She ...
direct object4/18/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me why I can't identify "Bill" in the sentence "I gave Bill the book" as being a ...
  A: Can you please tell me why I can't identify "Bill" in the sentence "I gave Bill the book" as being ...
Can you say a person has "good/bad morals"?4/18/2011
  Q: Can you say that a person has "good morals" or "bad morals"? In other words, do the following ...
  A: Can you say that a person has "good morals" or "bad morals"? In other words, do the following ...
indirect objects4/18/2011
  Q: Sometimes I have a very hard time determining if a word is a direct object or an indirect object. I ...
  A: Sometimes I have a very hard time determining if a word is a direct object or an indirect object. ...
let4/17/2011
  Q: My question is about the verb "let" Can you please tell me if the verb "let" is considered to be an ...
  A: First, I must look for the material I planned to send you, and you did not send me a ...
The plane flew "with/at" lightning speed.4/15/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I should say "at lightning speed" or "with lightning speed" in the following ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should say "at lightning speed" or "with lightning speed" in the following ...
direct object4/13/2011
  Q: Would you please tell me if the following is correct or not: In the sentence: "This book interests ...
  A: Would you please tell me if the following is correct or not: In the sentence: "This book interests ...
meaning of "personal development"4/13/2011
  Q: I have two questions. Does the expression "Personal development" mean the following: if you have ...
  A: I have two questions. Does the expression "Personal development" mean the following: if you have ...
can you say a job is "below you"4/12/2011
  Q: I hope you don't mind my asking you two questions. I know you can say that a job is "beneath you", ...
  A: I remember answering a question about "utopian thinking," but I cannot find the question or the ...
synonyms4/11/2011
  Q: 1. I don’t contact Peter very often, but we arrange time to meet for lunch once in a while. Is the ...
  A: 1. I don’t contact Peter very often, but we arrange time to meet for lunch once in a while. Is the ...
sentences4/11/2011
  Q: 1. I will attend to the manager’s affairs while he is on vacation. Would you please attend to the ...
  A: 1. I will attend to the manager’s affairs while he is on vacation. Would you please attend to the ...
Meaning of "follow your heart"4/11/2011
  Q: I wish I could rate you for your answer but the way you sent me the answer doesn't allow me to do ...
  A: I wish I could rate you for your answer but the way you sent me the answer doesn't allow me to do ...
synonyms4/10/2011
  Q: 1.Is “accommodate” a synonym for “host”, ”lodge”, “give” or “bestow”? How do I use them ...
  A: 1.Is “accommodate” a synonym for “host”, ”lodge”, “give” or “bestow”? *** In one sense -- to ...
sentences4/10/2011
  Q: 1. You will soon accommodate/ adapt/ adjust yourself to the new surroundings. You will soon ...
  A: 1. You will soon accommodate/ adapt/ adjust yourself to the new surroundings. You will soon ...
composition4/8/2011
  Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: Finally, each of us should be concerned about ...
  A: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: Finally, each of us should be concerned about ...
sentences4/8/2011
  Q: I have questions about the two paragraphs below: First, our government and schools should educate ...
  A: I have questions about the two paragraphs below: First, our government and schools should educate ...
composition4/8/2011
  Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: Drug abuse is more common than ever before in our ...
  A: Drug abuse is more common than ever before in our society, especially among youth. Drugs have a ...
declension vs declination4/8/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me what the difference is between "declension" and "declination" in terms of ...
  A: Rich: Can you please tell me what the difference is between "declension" and "declination" in ...
subject complements4/8/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if it is possible for a subject complement (either a predicate noun or a ...
  A: Dar Rich: I am trying to determine if the statement – "subject complements can only follow linking ...
meaning of "take someone by the hand"4/8/2011
  Q: My question is about the meaning of the expression "take someone by the hand". I know that one ...
  A: My question is about the meaning of the expression "take someone by the hand". I know that one ...
subject complements4/8/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if it is possible for a subject complement (either a predicate noun or a ...
  A: Can you please tell me if it is possible for a subject complement (either a predicate noun or a ...
sentences4/6/2011
  Q: 1. Do the sentences of each set have identical meanings? John convinced me that I shouldn’t go to ...
  A: 1. Do the sentences of each set have identical meanings? John convinced me that I shouldn’t go to ...
sentences4/6/2011
  Q: 1.I owe what I am to my parents. How do I rephrase the sentence using the phrase “be indebted to”? ...
  A: 1.I owe what I am to my parents. How do I rephrase the sentence using the phrase “be indebted to”? ...
sentences4/6/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: The project consumed me a lot of time and energy. Must I leave out “me” in the sentence? Or ...
  A: 1. Ex: The project consumed me a lot of time and energy. Must I leave out “me” in the sentence? ...
Grammar4/6/2011
  Q: I have a question. We were doing a unit about gerunds and infinitives. The sentence in the book ...
  A: This is a good question. Even if we do not use the "to" as part of the infinitive, our ears and ...
sentences4/5/2011
  Q: 1.Is “current” a synonym for “present” and “recent”? How do I use them interchangeably in a ...
  A: 1.Is “current” a synonym for “present” and “recent”? How do I use them interchangeably in a ...
sentences4/5/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: Mr. Wilson has to find someone to substitute for him on Friday night. Mary is ill and Laura ...
  A: 1. Ex: Mr. Wilson has to find someone to substitute for him on Friday night. Mary is ill and Laura ...
grammar4/4/2011
  Q: 1. The primary/ basic/ main/ principal/ first objective of the meeting is to review the past year ...
  A: 1. The primary/ basic/ main/ principal/ first objective of the meeting is to review the past year ...
sentences4/4/2011
  Q: 1. The farmers are gathering the fruit (apples) under the trees. The farmers are gathering the fruit ...
  A: 1. The farmers are gathering the fruit (apples) under the trees. The farmers are gathering the fruit ...
use of "do" and "does"4/4/2011
  Q: Would you please help me with the following question. I am wondering how to classify the words "do" ...
  A: I am wondering how to classify the words "do" and "does" when these words are used in a question. ...
sentences4/3/2011
  Q: 1. Do all the sentences of each group have identical meanings? The alumnus is invited to make an ...
  A: 1. Do all the sentences of each group have identical meanings? The alumnus is invited to make an ...
sentences4/3/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Add your friends’ email addresses to your ...
  A: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Add your friends’ email addresses to your ...
What does it mean if a "word isn't strong enough"?4/3/2011
  Q: What does it mean if a "word isn't strong enough"? Please see the following example; Maria: I like ...
  A: What does it mean if a "word isn't strong enough"? Please see the following example; Maria: I like ...
synonyms4/2/2011
  Q: 1.Is “convince” a synonym for “convict” or “influence”? How do I use them interchangeably in a ...
  A: .Is “convince” a synonym for “convict” or “influence”? How do I use them interchangeably in a ...
"anything" "something"4/1/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to understand the indefinite pronouns "something" and "anything". This has ...
  A: Rich: I am still confused about when to say "anything" and when to say "something". I think that ...
sentences3/31/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: Many people complain that they do not develop their potential talents simply because of lack ...
  A: 1. Ex: Many people complain that they do not develop their potential talents simply because of lack ...
"anything" "something"3/31/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to understand the indefinite pronouns "something" and "anything". This has ...
  A: I don't know if this will help, but think of the "indefinites" in this way: ANY [ANYTHING] -- The ...
sentences3/30/2011
  Q: 1. Is “cover” a synonym for “conceal” or “encase”? How do I use them interchangeably in a sentence? ...
  A: 1. Is “cover” a synonym for “conceal” or “encase”? How do I use them interchangeably in a ...
sentences3/30/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? All students must adhere to the class rules. If ...
  A: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? All students must adhere to the class rules. ...
sentences3/30/2011
  Q: 1. Sun block or sunscreen can protect your skin from sunburns. Sun block or sunscreen can protect ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. Sun block or sunscreen can protect your skin from sunburns. Sun block or ...
trouble with the allexperts website3/29/2011
  Q: I received an email from allexperts.com that you had answered the following"Meaning of "come to" ...
  A: I had a feeling that there would be a problem. Your question was sent to me, BUT the usual link to ...
Meaning of "come to"3/29/2011
  Q: Meaning of "come to" Hello Ted, What is the meaning of the phrase "come to" in the following ...
  A: IF YOU GET THIS ORIGINAL ANSWER, WILL YOU EVALUATE IT, SO THAT IT WILL BE TAKEN FROM MY INBOX? ...
sentences3/28/2011
  Q: 1. The earthquake along with its consequent tremors and tsunami resulted in heavy casualties. The ...
  A: 1. The earthquake along with its consequent tremors and tsunami resulted in heavy casualties. The ...
sentences3/28/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Whenever I run into a problem, Peter always ...
  A: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Whenever I run into a problem, Peter always ...
sentences3/26/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? As your math teacher, I have an (the) obligation ...
  A: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? As your math teacher, I have an (the) obligation ...
sentences3/26/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: The marketing strategy will determine the future of company. Can I replace “determine” with ...
  A: 1. Ex: The marketing strategy will determine the future of company. Can I replace “determine” with ...
meaning of the words "exact" and "exactly"3/26/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the words "exact" and "exactly" in the following sentences? 1. You are doing ...
  A: What is the meaning of the words "exact" and "exactly" in the following sentences? 1. You are doing ...
sentences3/24/2011
  Q: 1.Ex: I’m determined to go and nothing will stop me. I’m resolved to go and nothing will stop me. ...
  A: 1.Ex: I’m determined to go and nothing will stop me. I’m resolved to go and nothing will stop me. ...
Stop-traffic legs3/24/2011
  Q: Are the following sentences correct and natural? 1) She has stop-traffic legs. 2) Her legs make ...
  A: Are the following sentences correct and natural? 1) She has stop-traffic legs. *** #1 is quite ...
Grammar Question3/24/2011
  Q: Which is the correct sentence? I very much appreciate vs I appreciate very much Thanks
  A: Which is the correct sentence? I very much appreciate vs I appreciate very much *** Both ...
synonyms3/23/2011
  Q: 1.Is “debt” a synonym for “obligation” or “owe”? How do I use them interchangeably in a sentence? ...
  A: 1.Is “debt” a synonym for “obligation” or “owe”? How do I use them interchangeably in a sentence? ...
sentences3/23/2011
  Q: 1.Ex: A good recommendation will assure you a better chance of getting into a good school. Ex: ...
  A: 1.Ex: A good recommendation will assure you a better chance of getting into a good school. Ex: ...
parsing3/23/2011
  Q: Would you please help me with the following sentence: "When are you open?" I am thinking that the ...
  A: Would you please help me with the following sentence: "When are you open?" I am thinking that the ...
synonyms3/22/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: The meeting was interrupted due to a controversy/ disagreement/ debate/ an argument. Can ...
  A: 1. Ex: The meeting was interrupted due to a controversy/ disagreement/ debate/ an argument. Can ...
sentences3/22/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: The host circulated at the party, talking to lots of people. What can be taken in place of ...
  A: 1. Ex: The host circulated at the party, talking to lots of people. What can be taken in place of ...
usage of the word "caliber", i.e. Ted is a high caliber man3/22/2011
  Q: I'm confused about the usage of the word "caliber". According to the Macmillan online dictionary, ...
  A: I'm confused about the usage of the word "caliber". According to the Macmillan online dictionary, ...
sentences3/21/2011
  Q: 1.He was sent to work in a factory to earn money to help pay his father’s debts. Would it be ...
  A: 1.He was sent to work in a factory to earn money to help pay his father’s debts. Would it be ...
Substitute3/21/2011
  Q: Please go to http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/substitute_2 and let me ...
  A: Those Brits! I don't like it, but, if it's common usage, then it IS acceptable. I search several ...
RE: Substituted3/21/2011
  Q: Do the following sentences have the same meaning as the sentence "The coach substituted Jones FOR ...
  A: Do the following sentences have the same meaning as the sentence "The coach substituted Jones FOR ...
Substituted FOR - Substituted WITH3/21/2011
  Q: If the following two sentences are both correct and natural, do they convey the same meaning? 1) ...
  A: If the following two sentences are both correct and natural, do they convey the same meaning? 1) ...
sentences3/20/2011
  Q: 1, Ex: In 1997, the legislature endorsed the proposal to make Feb. 28 a national holiday to ...
  A: 1, Ex: In 1997, the legislature endorsed the proposal to make Feb. 28 a national holiday to ...
sentences3/20/2011
  Q: 1. He consented to make a speech. Does the sentence have the same meaning if I replace “consented” ...
  A: 1. He consented to make a speech. Does the sentence have the same meaning if I replace “consented” ...
meaning of the word "standard"3/20/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the word "standard" in the following sentence? "By Chinese standards, you ...
  A: What is the meaning of the word "standard" in the following sentence? "By Chinese standards, you ...
relative pronoun / subordinating conjunction3/19/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to understand the difference between "subordinating conjunction" and ...
  A: Rich: This may be a problem with the additions [follow-ups] to your original message. When you add ...
relative pronoun / subordinating conjunction3/19/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to understand the difference between "subordinating conjunction" and ...
  A: I very much appreciate all the time you take, and the effort you expend on my behalf. I am truly ...
RE: Tess going off - Tess's going off3/19/2011
  Q: You wrote the following: If the possession belongs to a word of two or more syllables, the extra ...
  A: If the possession belongs to a word of two or more syllables, the extra "s" and apostrophe are NOT ...
Happy IN your work - Happy WITH your work3/19/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) I can see that you're not happy IN your ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) I can see that you're not happy IN your ...
Tess going off - Tess's going off3/19/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) Mom wasn't happy about Tess going off ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) Mom wasn't happy about Tess going off ...
relative pronoun / subordinating conjunction3/18/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to understand the difference between "subordinating conjunction" and ...
  A: Before getting to your examples and your questions, let me point out a couple of things: 1. ...
Happy WITH - happy ABOUT3/18/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) Are you happy WITH the results of your ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) Are you happy WITH the results of your ...
Even if vs. even though3/18/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) Even IF I was late, she had no reason ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) Even IF I was late, she had no reason ...
grammar3/17/2011
  Q: 1. A: Are you playing the stock market? B: Yes, and I am losing money. A: Sorry to heart that. ...
  A: 1. A: Are you playing the stock market? B: Yes, and I am losing money. A: Sorry to heart[HEAR] that. ...
Be in a meeting - be at a meeting3/17/2011
  Q: Is there any difference in meaning between "to be in a meeting" and "to be at a meeting"? If so, ...
  A: Is there any difference in meaning between "to be in a meeting" and "to be at a meeting"? If so, ...
Arrange, organize, set up3/17/2011
  Q: Are the following sentences correct and natural? Could you ARRANGE a meeting with Ms. Wilson for ...
  A: Are the following sentences correct and natural? Could you ARRANGE a meeting with Ms. Wilson for ...
sentences3/16/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: Piracy in Japan is so blooming that our government spares no effort to improve the protection ...
  A: 1. Ex: Piracy in Japan is so blooming that our government spares no effort to improve the ...
HAVE the feeling - GET the feeling3/16/2011
  Q: Is there any difference between "to HAVE the feeling" and "to GET the feeling"? If so, when should ...
  A: Refer to my previous answer about HAVE, GET, and the "timing." Is there any difference between "to ...
Get the impression - have the impression3/16/2011
  Q: Is there any difference between "to HAVE the impression" and "to GET the impression"? If so, when ...
  A: Is there any difference between "to HAVE the impression" and "to GET the impression"? If so, when ...
synonyms3/15/2011
  Q: 1,Ex: Dad always gives us realistic advice. Can I replace “realistic” with “practical” or ...
  A: 1,Ex: Dad always gives us realistic advice. Can I replace “realistic” with “practical” or ...
compound nouns3/15/2011
  Q: I know I need a better dictionary, but what has confused me is that some other compound nouns are ...
  A: I know I need a better dictionary, but what has confused me is that some other compound nouns are ...
sentences3/15/2011
  Q: 1. It’s really hard for me to comprehend/ apprehend/ understand this grammar. Could you explain it ...
  A: 1. It’s really hard for me to comprehend/ apprehend/ understand this grammar. Could you explain it ...
compound nouns3/15/2011
  Q: I still have a difficult time recognizing "compound nouns". Would you please tell me if I am ...
  A: Our language is constantly changing. I suppose that's a good thing, but sometimes I wonder. Each ...
Excite & get excited3/15/2011
  Q: Is there any difference between "to excite (someone)" and "to get (someone) excited"? If so, when ...
  A: Is there any difference between "to excite (someone)" and "to get (someone) excited"? If so, when ...
live a life that's full3/15/2011
  Q: I know there is an expression "live life to the fullest". Can you also say "live a full life" and ...
  A: I know there is an expression "live life to the fullest". Can you also say "live a full life" and ...
compound nouns3/15/2011
  Q: I still have a difficult time recognizing "compound nouns". Would you please tell me if I am ...
  A: I still have a difficult time recognizing "compound nouns". Would you please tell me if I am ...
to live your "life / dreams" through someone else3/15/2011
  Q: I think there is an expression "to live your life/dreams through someone else". Is there such an ...
  A: I think there is an expression "to live your life/dreams through someone else". Is there such an ...
synonyms3/14/2011
  Q: 1. Is there a way to use the following words interchangeably in a sentence? Yield/produce/ supply/ ...
  A: 1. Is there a way to use the following words interchangeably in a sentence? Yield/produce/ supply/ ...
sentences3/14/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Westerners are often open-minded about sex, but ...
  A: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Westerners are often open-minded about sex, but ...
Popped him on the bed3/14/2011
  Q: Would you please look at the following extract and explain what "popped him on the bed" mean in ...
  A: I have heard "popped INTO bed," which simply means "got into bed." It is rather uncommon in this ...
meaning of "right a wrong"3/14/2011
  Q: I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression "to right a wrong". I think it has two meanings. The ...
  A: I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression "to right a wrong". I think it has two meanings. The ...
sentences3/13/2011
  Q: 1. Is there a way to use “industry”, “manufacturing” and “trade” interchangeably a sentence? 2. Is ...
  A: 1. Is there a way to use “industry”, “manufacturing” and “trade” interchangeably a sentence? Most ...
sentences3/13/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? A good attitude is helpful in learning a ...
  A: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? A good attitude is helpful in learning a ...
Bring - Take3/13/2011
  Q: Suppose that I have to send a text message to a person in London who is going to accommodate me. I ...
  A: Suppose that I have to send a text message to a person in London who is going to accommodate me. I ...
sentences3/12/2011
  Q: Ted. Thanks for your concern. Taiwan hasn’t been much affected by the tsunami, so I have been safe ...
  A: Most cable television stations here have been covering the devastation in your country non-stop. In ...
Pull a Dave - Do a Dave3/12/2011
  Q: Is there any difference between "to PULL a Dave" and "to DO a Dave"? If so, when should I use each ...
  A: Paolo: I have never heard this expression. I found it listed in an online slang dictionary: "to ...
sentences3/11/2011
  Q: The following is the essay that I discussed with you yesterday. I made some changes based on your ...
  A: The following is the essay that I discussed with you yesterday. I made some changes based on your ...
The lyrics FOR/TO/OF3/11/2011
  Q: Which prepositions should I use in the following sentences? 1) Paul Simon writes the lyrics ...
  A: Which prepositions should I use in the following sentences? 1) Paul Simon writes the lyrics ...
Get a hold on someone3/11/2011
  Q: What does "to get a hold on someone" mean? Would you please give me a few examples? Here are the ...
  A: The expression "got a hold on" means that you are under the power or influence of something, such as ...
sentences3/10/2011
  Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: Initially, I found it very hard to live up to her ...
  A: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: Initially, I found it very hard to live up to her ...
sentences3/10/2011
  Q: I have several questions about the paragraph below: In my life, I have received a lot of assistance ...
  A: I have several questions about the paragraph below: In my life, I have received a lot of assistance ...
synonyms3/9/2011
  Q: 1.Is there a way to use invasion/ incursion/ intrusion/ interchangeably in a sentence? 2.Is there a ...
  A: 1.Is there a way to use invasion/ incursion/ intrusion/ interchangeably in a sentence? The army's ...
sentences3/9/2011
  Q: 1. A house or life insurance policy can be used to protect (against) a loan. A house or life ...
  A: 1. A house or life insurance policy can be used to protect (against) a loan. A house or life ...
RE: collect3/9/2011
  Q: And if I have to GET two or more credit cards, which verb should I use: "to get" or "to collect"? ...
  A: And if I have to GET two or more credit cards, which verb should I use: "to get" or "to collect"? ...
Collect3/9/2011
  Q: Suppose that my credit card has expired and my bank has written to me that a new one has been ...
  A: Suppose that my credit card has expired and my bank has written to me that a new one has been ...
He went and answered the phone3/9/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) He went and answered the phone. 2) He ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) He went and answered the phone. 2) He ...
meaning of the word "being" and usage of the expression "on the cheap"3/9/2011
  Q: My first question is about the word "being". Am I using the word "being" correctly in the following ...
  A: My first question is about the word "being". Am I using the word "being" correctly in the following ...
What is the meaning?3/9/2011
  Q: How are you? It's been a very long time. I read of a title: A Perfect Day Out. Yet I don't know ...
  A: It's good to hear from you again. *** "A Perfect Day Out" means that someone was invited to go ...
sentences3/8/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? He builds up his fortunes by speculating on the ...
  A: He builds up his fortunes by speculating on the market. *** YES Some of the information we have ...
A friend of mine's house3/8/2011
  Q: Is the following sentence correct and natural? I went to a friend of mine's house yesterday ...
  A: Is the following sentence correct and natural? I went to a friend of mine's house yesterday ...
RE: bring over3/8/2011
  Q: Is "over" necessary or redundant in the examples below? 1) May I borrow your lawn mower? Would you ...
  A: Is "over" necessary or redundant in the examples below? 1) May I borrow your lawn mower? Would you ...
RE: expect3/7/2011
  Q: With reference to your answer to my question about the use of "expect," you wrote: >By placing "he" ...
  A: >By placing "he" in an independent [subordinate] clause, you are lessening its importance. My ...
Expect3/7/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) I expect him to come. 2) I expect that ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) I expect him to come. 2) I expect that ...
RE: bring over3/7/2011
  Q: For "bring over," you gave the following examples: >Sue has almost finished moving into her new ...
  A: For "bring over," you gave the following examples: >Sue has almost finished moving into her new ...
synonyms3/6/2011
  Q: 1. Is there a way to use “excessive”, “overabundance” and “surplus” interchangeably in a sentence? ...
  A: 1. Is there a way to use “excessive”, “overabundance” and “surplus” interchangeably in a sentence? ...
sentences3/6/2011
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The Euro dominates all other currencies in ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The Euro dominates all other currencies in ...
Call for, pick up, get3/6/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) I’ll call for you at eight. 2) ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) I’ll call for you at eight. 2) ...
synonyms3/5/2011
  Q: 1.Is there a way to use “prosperous”, ‘thriving” and “flourishing” interchangeably in a sentence? ...
  A: 1.Is there a way to use “prosperous”, ‘thriving” and “flourishing” interchangeably in a sentence? ...
sentences3/5/2011
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Commerce occupies an important place in the ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Commerce occupies an important place in the ...
even if my life depended on it, I "can't / couldn't"3/5/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "can't" or "couldn't" in the following sentence, or if both ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should use the word "can't" or "couldn't" in the following sentence, or if both ...
Most likely3/5/2011
  Q: When do you use "most likely"? Would you please give me a few examples? As always, many, many ...
  A: You use "most likely" to describe something that has a high probability of happening. Since John is ...
Bring over3/5/2011
  Q: When do you use "to bring over"? Would you please give me a few examples? As always, many, many ...
  A: When do you use "to bring over"? You use it when you are at a place (A) and something is at another ...
sentences3/4/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: If it hadn’t been for your timely help, I might have failed to meet the deadline. If it ...
  A: 1. Ex: If it hadn’t been for your timely help, I might have failed to meet the deadline. If it ...
sentences3/4/2011
  Q: 1. Approximately 200 people were killed in the air crash that took place soon after the plane took ...
  A: 1. Approximately 200 people were killed in the air crash that took place soon after the plane took ...
And & to3/4/2011
  Q: I'm sorry to get back to you with the same subject but I still need your help. Please consider ...
  A: There is also the saying, "Let me COLLECT my thoughts." I went to the state capitol for three ...
He often comes and... - He often comes to...3/4/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) He often comes AND spends the evening ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) He often comes AND spends the evening ...
I'll try and phone... - I'll try to phone...3/4/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) I'll try AND phone you tomorrow ...
  A: 1) I'll try AND phone you tomorrow morning. 2) I'll try TO phone you tomorrow morning. #2 is ...
sentences3/3/2011
  Q: 1. Ex: I work out every day to build my muscles. Can I replace “build” with “build up” in the above ...
  A: 1. Ex: I work out every day to build my muscles. Can I replace “build” with “build up” in the above ...
About the definition of collect again3/3/2011
  Q: Here is what another expert wrote about the Cambridge Dictionary definition of "collect" (to go to a ...
  A: Here is what another expert wrote about the Cambridge Dictionary definition of "collect" (to go to ...
About "collect" again3/3/2011
  Q: Should the Cambridge definition of "collect" read like this? >to go to a place and TAKE someone or ...
  A: Should the Cambridge definition of "collect" read like this? >to go to a place and TAKE someone or ...
Tune in - tune in to - tune into3/3/2011
  Q: would you please look at the following sentences and answer my questions below? 1) TUNE IN the ...
  A: would you please look at the following sentences and answer my questions below? 1) TUNE IN the ...
RE: to go to a place and bring....3/3/2011
  Q: I'm sorry to get back to you with the same subject but I still need your help. There are three ...
  A: There are three parts of your answer I don't understand. Here they are -- 1) You wrote, "As I ...
sentences3/2/2011
  Q: 1. Her success was due to his hard work. Her success was because of his hard work. Do both ...
  A: 1. Her success was due to his hard work. Her success was because of his hard work. Do both ...
sentences3/2/2011
  Q: I am sorry to hear about your illness. Hope you will get well soon. Please help me with the ...
  A: 1. I think you'd better lay off alcohol for a while I think you’d better quit alcohol for a while. ...
usage of the words "notoriou" and "infamous"3/1/2011
  Q: I have two questions. I'm confused about the usage of the words "infamous" and "notorious". I'm not ...
  A: I have two questions. I'm confused about the usage of the words "infamous" and "notorious". I'm ...
to go to a place and bring....2/28/2011
  Q: This is the definition of "collect" from Cambridge Dictionaries Online ...
  A: This is the definition of "collect" from Cambridge Dictionaries Online ...
sentences2/28/2011
  Q: 1.A: What don’t you try on that blue shirt? B: I don’t like blue. Would the above ...
  A: Subject: sentences1.A: What don’t you try on that blue shirt? B: I don’t like blue. Would ...
grammar2/27/2011
  Q: 1.Is there a way to use “deal with”, “manage” and “attend to” interchangeably in a sentence? 2.Are ...
  A: 1.Is there a way to use “deal with”, “manage” and “attend to” interchangeably in a sentence? The ...
sentences2/27/2011
  Q: Do all the word choices in the bracket fit in the sentence? Both sides should trustworthily (obey, ...
  A: I returned late last night, and I brought with me a sore throat and a cold with fever! I will try ...
words for colors used as nouns2/27/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if the words "black" and "red" are being used as nouns in the second sentence ...
  A: Can you please tell me if the words "black" and "red" are being used as nouns in the second ...
He wanted nothing more than to lie....2/26/2011
  Q: Is the sentence "He wanted nothing more than to lie on the sofa AND watch television" correct and ...
  A: Is the sentence "He wanted nothing more than to lie on the sofa AND watch television" correct and ...
Which movie shall we go and see this evening?2/26/2011
  Q: Is the question "Which movie shall we go and see this evening?" correct and natural? If so, is it ...
  A: Is the question "Which movie shall we go and see this evening?" correct and natural? *** No. This ...
synonyms2/26/2011
  Q: 1.Is it possible to use “dependent” and “subject to” interchangeably in a sentence? 2.Is there a ...
  A: 1.Is it possible to use “dependent” and “subject to” interchangeably in a sentence? *** It has to ...
Fix vs. fix on2/26/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) Have you fixed a date for the wedding? ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) Have you fixed a date for the wedding? ...
Fetch vs. get2/26/2011
  Q: Should I use "fetch" or "get" in the sentences below? 1) She went upstairs to fetch / to get her ...
  A: Should I use "fetch" or "get" in the sentences below? 1) She went upstairs to fetch / to get her ...
usage of the word "sink"2/26/2011
  Q: I have some questions about the usage of the word "sink". According to the Longman dictionary, it ...
  A: I have some questions about the usage of the word "sink". According to the Longman dictionary, it ...
grammar2/25/2011
  Q: 1. The children are picking apples off the tree. The customers are picking out apples in the produce ...
  A: 1. The children are picking apples off the tree. The customers are picking out apples in the produce ...
sentences2/25/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? If you think you will visit a certain website ...
  A: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? If you think you will visit a certain website ...
I can't go get some bread from the baker's.2/25/2011
  Q: With reference to your answer to my long question about "I can't go to get the-some bread," you give ...
  A: "I can't go get some bread from the baker's." My question is: Is it correct and natural to use ...
I picked up John....2/25/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) I went to pick up John at/from his ...
  A: I have problems with these kinds of sentences. If there were just ONE choice, it would be fine, but ...
I can't go to get the-some bread2/24/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) I can't go to get the/some bread ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? Paolo -- You have several choices in ...
I had to collect my daughter from the airport2/24/2011
  Q: Is the sentence below commonly used in U.S. English? "I had to collect my daughter from the ...
  A: Is the sentence below commonly used in U.S. English? "I had to collect my daughter from the ...
should2/23/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to better understand the following sentence: "Shall we go for a stroll?" I ...
  A: Rich: Can you please verify for me that as the conditional form of "shall" - that the verb ...
synonyms2/23/2011
  Q: 1.Is there a way to use “bar”, “lock” and “barricade” interchangeably in a sentence? 2.Is there a ...
  A: 1.Is there a way to use “bar”, “lock” and “barricade” interchangeably in a sentence? To prevent ...
sentences2/23/2011
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Please signal when you make turns. He ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Please signal when you make turns. *** YES ...
sentences2/23/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? (The original sentence) To sell your stock, you ...
  A: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? (The original sentence) To sell your stock, you ...
Pick oneself up2/23/2011
  Q: Is "to pick oneself up" similar in meaning to "get/pull together"? If not, when do you use this ...
  A: Is "to pick oneself up" similar in meaning to "get/pull together"? *** They are closely related, ...
"shall" and "should"2/23/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to better understand the following sentence: "Shall we go for a stroll?" I ...
  A: Can you please help me to better understand the following sentence: "Shall we go for a stroll?" I ...
synonyms2/22/2011
  Q: 1. What’s the difference between the two? She was convicted on an indictment for conspiracy. She was ...
  A: Subject: synonyms1. What’s the difference between the two? She was convicted on an indictment for ...
sentences2/22/2011
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Can you elaborate why you think the ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Can you elaborate why you ...
Meaning of "don't lose focus of your goal"2/22/2011
  Q: I know their is an expression, "don't lose sight of your goal". Is there also an expression "don't ...
  A: I know their [THERE - not "their"] is an expression, "don't lose sight of your goal". Is there also ...
Meaning of “aim too high/low”2/22/2011
  Q: I'm confused about the meaning of the expression "aim too high" and "aim too low”. I think "aim too ...
  A: I'm confused about the meaning of the expression "aim too high" and "aim too low”. I think "aim too ...
synonyms2/21/2011
  Q: Is there a way to use “conspiracy”, “intrigue” and “plot” interchangeably in a sentence? Is there ...
  A: Is there a way to use “conspiracy”, “intrigue” and “plot” interchangeably in a sentence? *** ...
the words2/21/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to learn how to correctly punctuate the words "yes" and "no" when they are ...
  A: Can you please help me to better understand the difference between "yes" as an adverb and "yes" ...
the words "yes" and "no"2/20/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to learn how to correctly punctuate the words "yes" and "no" when they are ...
  A: Can you please help me to learn how to correctly punctuate the words "yes" and "no" when they are ...
synonyms2/20/2011
  Q: 1. Is there a way to use “disperse”, “scatter”, “lessen” and “expel” interchangeably in a sentence? ...
  A: Oppo: 1. Is there a way to use “disperse”, “scatter”, “lessen” and “expel” interchangeably in a ...
sentences2/20/2011
  Q: Ted. If you didn't receive the rating I sent for your previous reply, that's because I didn't ...
  A: Hi, Ted. If you didn't receive the rating I sent for your previous reply, that's because I didn't ...
RE: get oneself together - pull oneself together2/20/2011
  Q: I'm sorry to get back to you but I still need your help. Why is not possible for example #1 ...
  A: The problem with adding follow-up questions to original questions is that, when I see them, they are ...
RE: get oneself together - pull oneself together2/20/2011
  Q: Regarding your examples-- >Because the girl was so nervous, her teacher advised her to get herself ...
  A: >Because the girl was so nervous, her teacher advised her to get herself together before she ...
grammar question: meaning of "only go so far"2/20/2011
  Q: I have two questions. First of all, what is the meaning of the expression "only go so far" in ...
  A: I have two questions. First of all, what is the meaning of the expression "only go so far" in ...
Get oneself together - pull oneself together2/20/2011
  Q: Do the expressions "get oneself together" and "pull oneself together" exist? If so, when do you use ...
  A: Do the expressions "get oneself together" and "pull oneself together" exist? *** YES. They ...
plural last names2/18/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if it is acceptable to make a last name plural by adding an 's'. For ...
  A: I hope you got my message about the Oxford blog. *** Can you please tell me if it is acceptable to ...
Conditional tense2/18/2011
  Q: Does the conditional tense exist in English? If so, how is it formed? Would you please give me a ...
  A: Let's get the terminology correct. In English, "conditional" refers to the MOOD of the verb and not ...
A & the Hungarian-born fund manager2/18/2011
  Q: Are the following sentences correct and natural? 1) The capture of Saddam Hussein may have done ...
  A: Are the following sentences correct and natural? 1) The capture of Saddam Hussein may have done ...
Grammar question: can you say that a person is a “success”2/17/2011
  Q: I'm confused about the usage of the word "success". Can you say that a person is a "success"? Are ...
  A: I'm confused about the usage of the word "success". Can you say that a person is a "success"? Are ...
Grammar question: can you say "bring children up"2/17/2011
  Q: I don't know if you should use the expression "bring up children" or "bring children up". Are both ...
  A: I don't know if you should use the expression "bring up children" or "bring children up". Are both ...
have got2/17/2011
  Q: I have a question about the use of the word "got" in the sentences: "Have you got a table outside?" ...
  A: I just came across this information and thought of you: ...
synonyms2/16/2011
  Q: 1. Is there a way to use “normal”, “regular”, “usual”, “standard” and “common” interchangeably in a ...
  A: 1. Is there a way to use “normal”, “regular”, “usual”, “standard” and “common” interchangeably in a ...
sentences2/16/2011
  Q: I have used the necessary apostrophes in the following sentences. 1. He dealt me a mortal blow. ...
  A: Are you really in Australia now? You travel a lot, if I remember correctly. ****I have used the ...
have got2/16/2011
  Q: I have a question about the use of the word "got" in the sentences: "Have you got a table outside?" ...
  A: I have a question about the use of the word "got" in the sentences: "Have you got a table outside?" ...
Never - never ever2/16/2011
  Q: When I begin a sentence with "never" or "never ever" do I have to put the verb before the subject? ...
  A: When I begin a sentence with "never" or "never ever" do I have to put the verb before the subject? ...
sentences2/15/2011
  Q: 1.How do I use the following words interchangeably in a sentence? Heavenly, divine, holy, sacred ...
  A: 1.How do I use the following words interchangeably in a sentence? Heavenly, divine, holy, sacred ...
You've been done2/15/2011
  Q: The sentence below is used in informal British English. Do you also use it in American English? If ...
  A: The sentence below is used in informal British English. Do you also use it in American English? If ...
RE: to go in somewhere to make a visit2/14/2011
  Q: I'm following up because I would like to know what "in" stand for or is short for in "to go in ...
  A: I'm following up because I would like to know what "in" stand for or is short for in "to go in ...
To go (in) somewhere to make a visit2/14/2011
  Q: Which of the following phrases is correct and natural: "to go somewhere to make a visit" or "to go ...
  A: Which of the following phrases is correct and natural: "to go somewhere to make a visit" or "to go ...
sentences2/13/2011
  Q: I have used the necessary apostrophes in the following senences. 1. I wonder if there are ways ...
  A: I have used the necessary apostrophes in the following senences. *** Oppo, unless I can't find ...
ONTO - ON TO2/13/2011
  Q: Would you please have a look at the sentence below and explain why the author uses "ONTO" instead of ...
  A: Would you please have a look at the sentence below and explain why the author uses "ONTO" instead ...
meaning of "from the trenches" and "hit hard at a national sore spot"2/13/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expressions "from the trenches" and "hit hard at a national sore spot" in ...
  A: "From the trenches" is obviously taken from warfare. Soldiers go "from the trenches" into battle. ...
sentences2/12/2011
  Q: 1. I wonder if there are ways to use the words below interchangeably in a sentence. Permanent, ...
  A: 1. I wonder if there are ways to use the words below interchangeably in a sentence. Permanent, ...
Stay the distance2/12/2011
  Q: The following headline is taken from a British newspaper -- Can Egypt's revolution stay the ...
  A: "Stay the distance" means "to last or endure." The question is whether the Egyptian revolution can ...
I'll be wrapped around your finger2/11/2011
  Q: What does "I'll be wrapped around your finger" mean? Would you please give me a few examples of how ...
  A: "Wrapping a person around your finger" means that you have taken complete control of him or her. ...
meaning of the word "find"; I can't "find" the words to express my idea2/11/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the word "find" in the following sentence? I think it means you don't know ...
  A: What is the meaning of the word "find" in the following sentence? I think it means you don't know ...
parsing2/11/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentence correctly: "I do translations." I ...
  A: Can you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentence correctly: "I do translations." I ...
Over the phone - on the phone2/11/2011
  Q: Is there any difference between "on the phone" and "over the phone"? If so, when should I use each ...
  A: In many instances, the two phrases can be used interchangeably: He contacted many of his customers ...
Caught up, stuck & held up in traffic2/10/2011
  Q: Are the following sentences correct and natural? 1) We got caught up in traffic and were late for ...
  A: Are the following sentences correct and natural? 1) We got caught up in traffic and were late for ...
Pay by the class - pay per class2/9/2011
  Q: The sentence below is taken from a NYT article. At OrangeTheory in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ...
  A: At OrangeTheory in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., small-group training is offered and people can pay by the ...
Computer terminology2/8/2011
  Q: Which of the following phrases is correct and natural "to save a file to your computer/a disk," "to ...
  A: Which of the following phrases is correct and natural "to save a file to your computer/a disk," "to ...
I can read my father's mind, I can know what he is thinking without "him / his" telling me.2/8/2011
  Q: I'm sorry, but the last question I sent you was incomplete. What I meant to send you is the ...
  A: I'm sorry, but the last question I sent you was incomplete. What I meant to send you is the ...
To read somebody's mind means to know what someone is thinking, or what they are feeling, without "them / their" telling you.2/8/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "them" or "their" in the following sentence. Or are both words ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should use the word "them" or "their" in the following sentence. Or are both ...
Call a radio - call in to a radio2/8/2011
  Q: Which of the following phrases is correct and natural -- "to call a radio" or "to call IN TO a ...
  A: Which of the following phrases is correct and natural -- "to call a radio" or "to call IN TO a ...
On the spin - Follow-up2/7/2011
  Q: Regarding the sentence -- Jamie Carragher has hailed the team spirit that has seen Liverpool claim ...
  A: Regarding the sentence -- Jamie Carragher has hailed the team spirit that has seen Liverpool claim ...
On the spin2/7/2011
  Q: Would you please have a look at the sentence below and explain what "on the spin" means? Jamie ...
  A: I have spent a good deal of time trying to find the answer. I guessed that it is only used in Great ...
Chick-fil-A2/6/2011
  Q: The sentence below is taken from a NYT article. Would you please explain what a "Chick-fil-A" is? A ...
  A: Ten years ago, I would not have known was a "Chick-fil-A" was. In 1946, a man in the Atlanta ...
usage of the word "who"2/6/2011
  Q: Can you use the word "who" to refer to "employers, universities, and the government"? In other ...
  A: Can you use the word "who" to refer to "employers, universities, and the government"? In other ...
meaning of "emotionally draine"2/6/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the phrase "emotionally drained"? Can you also give me an example of how to ...
  A: Think of "emotionally drained" as similar to "physically exhausted." If you have undergone a ...
How much money - as much money as2/4/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is correct and natural? 1) They have the right to finance the ...
  A: 1) They have the right to finance the project with how much money they want. If so, which do you ...
verbs2/4/2011
  Q: Can you please explain what the difference is between "defective" and "impersonal" verbs. Can a ...
  A: THIS IS AN ADDED THOUGHT -- I could have rephrased the material at the two Wikipedia sites, trying ...
Air, broacast, show, screen2/3/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) James Bond/Tom Cruise's latest ...
  A: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) James Bond/Tom Cruise's latest ...
Protesters Take On Conservative Retreat2/2/2011
  Q: The following sentence is taken from a New York Times article titled "Protesters Take On ...
  A: Follow-up -- Organizers depicted the Koch brothers as symbols of the “unbridled corporate power” ...
Protesters Take On Conservative Retreat2/2/2011
  Q: The following sentence is taken from a New York Times article titled "Protesters Take On ...
  A: Organizers depicted the Koch brothers as symbols of the “unbridled corporate power” that they ...
OUT OF2/1/2011
  Q: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and natural? 1) The story nearly frightened the ...
  A: This is just like old times! ***Dear Ted: Which of the following sentences is/are correct and ...
meaning of "set the bar too high" and "set the bar too low2/1/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expressions "set the bar too high" and "set the bar too low"?
  A: What is the meaning of the expressions "set the bar too high" and "set the bar too low"? *** "The ...
usage of the word "grim"2/1/2011
  Q: I know that one meaning of the word "grim" is worrying, without hope, hopeless, bleak. Am I using ...
  A: I know that one meaning of the word "grim" is worrying, without hope, hopeless, bleak. Am I using ...
meaning of the expression "lie, cheat or steal"1/31/2011
  Q: I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression " Lie, cheat or steal". If you say that someone would ...
  A: I'm not sure of the meaning of the expression " Lie, cheat or steal". If you say that someone would ...
meaning of "I can look you in the eyes and tell you"1/28/2011
  Q: Meaning of "I can look you in the eyes and tell you.....? Hello Ted, I'm not sure of the meaning "I ...
  A: I'm not sure of the meaning "I can look you in the eyes and tell you...". I think it means the ...
Grammar question: People use drugs to "escape / escape from" reality1/28/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I should say "escape" or "escape from". Are all four of the following sentences ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should say "escape" or "escape from". Are all four of the following sentences ...
Adventurous vs. Adventurously1/28/2011
  Q: I recently saw an Outback Steakhouse commercial that included the phrase "live adventurous". My ...
  A: Tell your friend that he is very technically wrong. In order to tell HOW you live, you must use an ...
sentences1/26/2011
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? He is a notorious playboy. He makes girls fall ...
  A: Oppo: Some of these sentences are very familiar. *******Are all the sentences below grammatically ...
sentences1/26/2011
  Q: 1.How do I use “indifferent”, “detached”, “unbiased” and “unimportant” interchangeably in a ...
  A: 1.How do I use “indifferent”, “detached”, “unbiased” and “unimportant” interchangeably in a ...
sentences1/26/2011
  Q: 1. I wonder if there’s a way to use “cunning” ,“shrewd” ,“sly”, “adorable” and “cute” ...
  A: 1. I wonder if there’s a way to use “cunning” ,“shrewd” ,“sly”, “adorable” and “cute” ...
Even a blind man "can/could" see that I love you very much.1/25/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use "can" or "could" in the following sentences, or are both ways ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should use "can" or "could" in the following sentences, or are both ways ...
sentences1/23/2011
  Q: 1. I wonder if there’s a way to use “sincere” and “genuine” interchangeably in a sentence. 2. I ...
  A: 1. I wonder if there’s a way to use “sincere” and “genuine” interchangeably in a sentence. *** ...
use of the word "what" as an adverb1/23/2011
  Q: again, for helping me to be able to recognize when the word "what" is being used as an interrogative ...
  A: Would you mind also helping me to understand the use of the word "what" as an adverb? My ...
use of "what"1/22/2011
  Q: My question is about the word "what" and about "interrogative adverbs" I have been trying to parse ...
  A: First, the sentence is interrogatory. When you have interrogatory sentences, take everything you ...
articles -a / -an1/22/2011
  Q: I'm a Turkish citizen of Armenian heritage, I am also an American citizen. I am not a Turk, I am an ...
  A: I'm a Turkish citizen of Armenian heritage, I am also an American citizen. I am not a Turk, I am ...
Women "aren't / shouldn't be" sex objects.1/20/2011
  Q: I'm not sure if I should say "women aren't" or "women shouldn't be" sex objects, or are both ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should say "women aren't" or "women shouldn't be" sex objects, or are both ...
sentences1/19/2011
  Q: 1. I wonder how we can use “approve”, “agree”, “concur” and “endorse” interchangeably. 2. Are all ...
  A: Once again, I want to point out -- VERY STRONGLY -- how misleading it is to interchange synonyms ...
invariable1/19/2011
  Q: I hope all is well with you. I have a question about the word "invaraiable" in terms of English ...
  A: It's listed in various dictionaries as an adjective. For instance -- ...
sentences1/19/2011
  Q: 1. (1.) I wonder how I can use “oppose” “resist” and “challenge” interchangeably in sentences. (2.) ...
  A: 1. (1.) I wonder how I can use “oppose” “resist” and “challenge” interchangeably in sentences. ...
sentences1/17/2011
  Q: 1. I wonder if I can use “certify”, “confirm” and “authorize” interchangeably in a sentence. 2. ...
  A: 1. I wonder if I can use “certify”, “confirm” and “authorize” interchangeably in a sentence. **** ...
Grammar question: meaning of "deep, dark secret"1/13/2011
  Q: I hope you don't mind my asking you two questions in one day. If you feel I'm asking you too many ...
  A: I hope you don't mind my asking you two questions in one day. If you feel I'm asking you too many ...
Are "receival" and "receivement" words?1/13/2011
  Q: Are "receival" and "receivement" words? Are the following sentences grammatically correct? 1. You ...
  A: Are "receival" and "receivement" words? Are the following sentences grammatically correct? 1. You ...
grammar1/12/2011
  Q: 1. I have a question about your comment on a sentence that I posted. For hundreds of years, the ...
  A: 1. I have a question about your comment on a sentence that I posted. For hundreds of years, the ...
sentences1/12/2011
  Q: Please help me proofread the sentences below: John and Rachel are a resident and attending ...
  A: Please help me proofread the sentences below: John and Rachel are a resident and attending ...
sentences1/12/2011
  Q: 1.How do I use “resident”, “tenant” and occupant” interchangeably in a sentence? 2. How do I use ...
  A: 1.How do I use “resident”, “tenant” and occupant” interchangeably in a sentence? *** Oppo, I am ...
meaning of "No man is an island"1/12/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "No man is an island."
  A: When English poet John Donne wrote those words in his "Meditation XVII," he had just heard the sound ...
grammar1/12/2011
  Q: A recent newspaper article had the following sentence. "In Wisconsin, John Smith, a former ...
  A: Greg: I am curious. Although I appreciate your high ratings, I wonder why you did not also check ...
nouns1/10/2011
  Q: Sorry to bother you again, but I am having a hard time understanding. Does this mean that the ...
  A: Rich: Does this mean that the specific proper names/nouns that I asked you about in my question ...
nouns1/10/2011
  Q: again. Would I also be correct to say that "Sherrod Brown" and "White House" are not only proper ...
  A: Rich: No, they are not compound nouns. From Mr. Hodges' handbook: COMPOUND NOUN OR COMPOUND ...
proper name1/10/2011
  Q: I have occasionally come across the term "proper name". I have tried to do some research and have ...
  A: I have occasionally come across the term "proper name". I have tried to do some research and have ...
synonyms1/9/2011
  Q: 1. In my grammar book, “freedom”, “self-reliance”, “self-sufficiency”, “autonomy” and “self-rule” ...
  A: These words that are listed as synonyms are "similar" in meaning, but they are not always "exact" in ...
sentences1/9/2011
  Q: 1. (1.) Can I use "limit" and "limitation" interchangeably in the following sentences? How do I ...
  A: 1. (1.) Can I use "limit" and "limitation" interchangeably in the following sentences? How do I ...
Which is correct tense1/8/2011
  Q: A family which has brought, or A family who have brought
  A: Barbara: "Who" and "that" are preferred for people; "which" is preferred for things. EXAMPLES: I ...
meaning of the expression "money makes the world go around"1/6/2011
  Q: What is the meaning of the following expression: Money makes the world go “around/round”
  A: There are two versions of this expression: (1) Money makes the world go round. (2) Love makes the ...
not a question, rather a thank you1/6/2011
  Q: I'm sorry for not thanking you and giving you a rating for the last question you answered for me: Is ...
  A: There seems to be a problem with Allexperts. Another person notified me a few days ago that he had ...
sentences1/5/2011
  Q: 1.How do I use “injure”, “offend” and “damage” interchangeably? 2.How do I use “transfer” and ...
  A: 1.How do I use “injure”, “offend” and “damage” interchangeably? *** "Offend" means to hurt one's ...
sentences1/5/2011
  Q: 1.Can you give me examples when “substance”, “meaning” and “essence” are used interchangeably? 2. ...
  A: 1.Can you give me examples when “substance”, “meaning” and “essence” are used interchangeably? *** ...
subordinate clause1/4/2011
  Q: This is the last time I will bother you today. I am still thinking about the sentence: "I must say ...
  A: I am still thinking about the sentence: "I must say to you that you are very pretty." Can you ...
prepositional phrase used as indirect object1/4/2011
  Q: Can you please tell me if it is ever possible for a prepositional phrase to be used as an indirect ...
  A: From http://www.englishgrammarguide.com Definition: An indirect object precedes the direct object ...
grammar question; is "overwhelmed" an adjective?1/4/2011
  Q: Is the word "overwhelmed" an adjective or verb in the following sentence? My job is very stressful, ...
  A: Is the word "overwhelmed" an adjective or verb in the following sentence? My job is very stressful, ...
sentences1/4/2011
  Q: 1.In my grammar book, “distant”, “isolated”, “aloof” and “standoffish” are listed as synonyms for ...
  A: 1.In my grammar book, “distant”, “isolated”, “aloof” and “standoffish” are listed as synonyms for ...
"say" and indirect objects1/3/2011
  Q: My question concerns the following sentences: “I must tell you that you are very pretty.” “I must ...
  A: Here is the answer that I posted at Allexperts. ************* My question concerns the following ...
sentences1/2/2011
  Q: 1.(1.) Are “be equal to” and “be equivalent to” always interchangeable? Can you give me some ...
  A: 1.(1.) Are “be equal to” and “be equivalent to” always interchangeable? Can you give me some ...
"faraway" or "far away"1/2/2011
  Q: Would you please tell me if I am correct in the following: "Rich lives far away" This sentence is ...
  A: "Rich lives far away" This sentence is grammatically correct because "lives" is an intransitive ...
use of "theirs"1/1/2011
  Q: Can you please help me to understand how the word "theirs" is being used in the following: Mary ...
  A: It's excellent writing -- somewhat different from the norm, whatever that is. Mary heard the hurt ...
Grammar question: I need more time "to/for" myself12/31/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "to" or "for" in the following sentences. 1. I need more time ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should use the word "to" or "for" in the following sentences. 1. I need more time ...
contractions12/30/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me what the difference is between a "contraction" and an "elision". I have ...
  A: Rich: Contractions are easy, because they are part of English "grammar." Elisions are usually ...
Sequence of IF and THEN in a sentence12/30/2010
  Q: I came across in a question you answered some time ago regarding 'if/then' sentences ...
  A: Neil: "If the user tries to close the loan, ensure that a requisition has been provided," OR ...
grammar question: "What/which" person would you choose?12/30/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "what" or "which" in the following sentence: If you could ask ...
  A: The general rule is NOT to use "which" when referring to a person. I would write the sentence ...
verb tenses12/30/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if I am correct in thinking that there are 14 verb tenses in the English. ...
  A: Rich: From a strictly grammatical point of view, there are SIX tenses. They are the present, past, ...
sentences12/29/2010
  Q: 1. How can I use “authority”, “control” and “jurisdiction” interchangeably in a sentence? 2. Are ...
  A: 1. How can I use “authority”, “control” and “jurisdiction” interchangeably in a sentence? The ...
sentences12/29/2010
  Q: 1.How can I use “unpaid” and “voluntary” interchangeably in a sentence? 2.How can I use “effective” ...
  A: 1.How can I use “unpaid” and “voluntary” interchangeably in a sentence? He performed unpaid jobs at ...
indirect object12/28/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if a sentence must have a direct object in order to have an indirect object. ...
  A: Can you please tell me if a sentence must have a direct object in order to have an indirect object. ...
sentences12/27/2010
  Q: 1. In my grammar book, "sign", "indication" and "manifestation" are listed as synonyms for ...
  A: 1. In my grammar book, "sign", "indication" and "manifestation" are listed as synonyms for ...
linking and/or auxiliary12/27/2010
  Q: I have a question about the use of the auxiliary verb "am" when it is used in a present progressive ...
  A: I have a question about the use of the auxiliary verb "am" when it is used in a present progressive ...
use of objects with verbs12/27/2010
  Q: Just to make sure that I understand correctly, would you please verify the following for me: [1] ...
  A: Just to make sure that I understand correctly, would you please verify the following for me: [1] ...
verb terminology12/27/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me the correct terminology that I should use to refer to the verb combination ...
  A: Can you please tell me the correct terminology that I should use to refer to the verb combination ...
sentences12/27/2010
  Q: 1. Scientists today still can’t find a cure for AIDS. Can I replace “a cure” with “a remedy”? ...
  A: 1. Scientists today still can’t find a cure for AIDS. Can I replace “a cure” with “a remedy”? ...
participial phrase12/26/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me whether or not a "participial phrase" can be used to modify any noun or ...
  A: Rich: A participial phrase can modify ANY noun or pronoun in a sentence. EXAMPLES: He gave me the ...
expletives12/24/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if the expletive "there" is also considered to be an adverb. I am a bit ...
  A: I really appreciated receiving it. **** Can you please tell me if the expletive "there" is also ...
grammar questions12/24/2010
  Q: I have a few more questions about the composition we discussed earlier. (1.) Please help me ...
  A: I came up with different versions about the fourth sentence. The original: As soon as I entered the ...
proofreading12/24/2010
  Q: (1.) Please help me proofread the composition below: A perfect day Life can hardly ...
  A: A perfect day Life can hardly be interesting for a high school student, but yesterday I experienced ...
sentences12/22/2010
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The conflicts between North and South Korea ...
  A: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The conflicts between North and South Korea ...
sentences12/22/2010
  Q: 1. Do the sentences of each group have identical meanings? I am well aware that this is a tough ...
  A: Oppo: Do the sentences of each group have identical meanings? I am well aware that this is a tough ...
parsing12/21/2010
  Q: Would you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentence correctly: "There are many of ...
  A: Just to make sure I understand, would you please tell me if I am correct in thinking that the word ...
use of articles12/21/2010
  Q: Can you please help me with the following sentences: "He is no problem." and "He is not a ...
  A: Rich: "He is no problem." and "He is not a problem." I am wondering why we do not use an article ...
sentences12/21/2010
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Do all the sentences in each group have the ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Do all the sentences in each group have the ...
sentences12/20/2010
  Q: 1. Are the sentences below grammatically correct? What is the difference between both sentences of ...
  A: 1. Are the sentences below grammatically correct? What is the difference between both sentences of ...
"many/much" fewer12/19/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if we say "many fewer" or "much fewer", or are they both grammatically correct? Also, ...
  A: I have had your question before, from several other people. "Many fewer" sounds like an oxymoron to ...
parsing12/18/2010
  Q: Would you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentence correctly: "There are many of ...
  A: Rich: Would you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentence correctly: "There are many ...
Difference between smell and sniff12/17/2010
  Q: Please let me know the difference between "to smell" and "to sniff". For example: I want to smell ...
  A: You are absolutely correct. The only difference is the length of time. A "sniff" is very quick, ...
sentences12/16/2010
  Q: 1. Passengers must pay the exact amount for the bus service. Can I say “the precise amount” in the ...
  A: 1. Passengers must pay the exact amount for the bus service. Can I say “the precise amount” in the ...
sentences12/15/2010
  Q: 1. Can you give me examples when “lack”, “deficit” and “deficiency” are used interchangeably? 2. ...
  A: 1. Can you give me examples when “lack”, “deficit” and “deficiency” are used interchangeably? *** ...
I'm interested in a teaching position "in/at/with" your company.12/15/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "in" or "at" or "with" in the following sentence. I'm ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should use the word "in" or "at" or "with" in the following sentence. I'm ...
pronominal particle12/14/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me what a “pronominal particle” is? Thank you Sincerely, Rich
  A: Rich: The term "pronominal particle" is rarely heard, except among linguists. It's a grammatical ...
grammar12/14/2010
  Q: 1. In my grammar book. “side”, “period” and “angle” are listed as synonyms for “phase.” Can you ...
  A: 1. In my grammar book. “side”, “period” and “angle” are listed as synonyms for “phase.” Can you ...
sentences12/13/2010
  Q: 1. All of a sudden, it started to rain. So, I was running and seeking shelter from rain. Is the ...
  A: 1. All of a sudden, it started to rain. So, I was running and seeking shelter from rain. Is the ...
grammar questions12/11/2010
  Q: 1. In my grammar book, “inclusive” is listed as a synonym for “general.” I wonder how I can use both ...
  A: 1. In my grammar book, “inclusive” is listed as a synonym for “general.” I wonder how I can use both ...
sentences12/8/2010
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Cold weather is not favorable for outdoor ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Cold weather is not ...
sentences12/8/2010
  Q: 1. (1.) John is one of the few people who has success in several fields and never restricts himself ...
  A: 1. (1.) John is one of the few people who has success in several fields and never restricts himself ...
sentences12/7/2010
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The government often urges the media to remain ...
  A: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The government often urges the media to remain ...
sentences12/7/2010
  Q: 1. (1.) Water is a medium for electricity. Water is a medium which transmits electricity. Water is a ...
  A: 1. (1.) Water is a medium for electricity. Water is a medium which transmits electricity. Water is a ...
infinitive phrase12/5/2010
  Q: Sorry to bother you again. I have another question about the infinitive phrase - “to give you ...
  A: First, give me some time to reexamine the structure of the infinitive phrase "to give you this rose" ...
sentences12/5/2010
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? (1.) The sandwich is constituted of chicken, ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? (1.) The sandwich is constituted of chicken, ...
Grammar question: Parents shouldn't argue "within earshot" of their children12/5/2010
  Q: I hope you don't mind two questions back to back. I want to make sure I'm using the expression ...
  A: I hope you don't mind two questions back to back. I want to make sure I'm using the expression ...
meaning of "putting out fires"12/5/2010
  Q: I hope you find yourself in good health and spirits these days. And I'm so glad that you are once ...
  A: I hope you find yourself in good health and spirits these days. **** I had to take a three-month ...
compound direct object12/4/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if it is possible for a sentence to have more than one direct object? If ...
  A: Can you please tell me if it is possible for a sentence to have more than one direct object? *** ...
modal and principal verb12/4/2010
  Q: Good Morning! My question is about the infinitive form of the verb that is used after a modal ...
  A: My question is about the infinitive form of the verb that is used after a modal auxiliary verb in ...
object of the infinitive12/3/2010
  Q: “I want to tell”. Can you please tell me if I changed my sentence to: “I want to tell her”, ...
  A: Can you please tell me if I changed my sentence to: “I want to tell her”, whether or not the word ...
sentences12/2/2010
  Q: Ted. I am glad to see you back at Allexperts. I hope that your eye surgery was successful and ...
  A: Hi, Ted. I am glad to see you back at Allexperts. I hope that your eye surgery was successful and ...
modal verbs12/2/2010
  Q: Welcome Back!! I hope all is well with you and especially that your eyes are OK. I have really ...
  A: Welcome Back!! I hope all is well with you and especially that your eyes are OK. **** I had ...
Here what does "text" mean?9/5/2010
  Q: How are you? In this sentence: I am texting John. Here what does "text" mean? Usually it is used as ...
  A: First, I would like to offer an explanation about my recent "absence" and my future "off-duty ...
You don't know what love means.9/4/2010
  Q: Welcome back, I hope you enjoyed your vacation. What is the meaning of the following sentences? I ...
  A: First, I would like to offer an explanation about my recent "absence" and my future "off-duty ...
nouns9/3/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if numbered gates and exits such as “gate 10”, “exit 2”, and “track 1” are ...
  A: Just to make sure that I understand correctly, would you please verify that the following is ...
use of "of the"9/3/2010
  Q: I hope you don't mind if I slip another question in before you start your move. I have had this one ...
  A: Your question -- My question is about the words “of the” and “of” when these words are placed ...
proofreading9/3/2010
  Q: Welcome back, Ted. I have revised the essay that I wrote before to make its content more succinct ...
  A: First, I would like to offer an explanation about my recent "absence" and my future "off-duty ...
nouns9/2/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if numbered gates and exits such as “gate 10”, “exit 2”, and “track 1” are ...
  A: First, I would like to offer an explanation about my recent "absence" and my future "off-duty ...
expletives8/12/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if the word “it” is an expletive in the following sentence: “It is us.” I ...
  A: Rich: There was two ways to look at "it" -- expletive or subject. I have always considered "it" ...
expletives8/12/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if the word “it” is an expletive in the following sentence: “It is us.” I ...
  A: MY RESPONSE AT THE END ------ Can you please tell me if the word “it” is an expletive in the ...
follow-up8/9/2010
  Q: 1.The machine is transmitting a word document, so it must be on and connected to the computer. ...
  A: 1.The machine is transmitting a word document, so it must be on and connected to the computer. ...
auxiliaries8/9/2010
  Q: 1. She can use the new phone system. She can use my phone if she forgets to bring her own. Does the ...
  A: 1. She can use the new phone system. She can use my phone if she forgets to bring her own. Does the ...
auxiliaries8/9/2010
  Q: 1. Brook must leave now. Her train will leave in 30 minutes. Brook said that her train would (will? ...
  A: 1. Brook must leave now. Her train will leave in 30 minutes. Brook said that her train would (will? ...
idiomatic expressions8/7/2010
  Q: Can you please help me with the expression “of course”. I am thinking that “of course” is a ...
  A: This is another interesting question. I think that, most of the time, "of course" is a shortened ...
proofreading8/6/2010
  Q: Ted, thank you for your advice. I’ll send you another e-mail to further discuss the issue you ...
  A: I will look forward to your next e-mail. *** Ms. Ivy, I read the advertisement for the ...
sentences8/6/2010
  Q: I have a few questions about the sentences in a cover letter. Ex: I hope my work can be related to ...
  A: Please send me a note -- not a question -- and mark it as "private." I want to warn you about a ...
proofreading8/5/2010
  Q: I have several questions about the sentences in a cover letter. Ex: I’ve read the advertisement in ...
  A: I have several questions about the sentences in a cover letter. Ex: I’ve read the advertisement in ...
I'm sorry that someone didn't appreciate your help8/4/2010
  Q: I'm sorry that someone didn't appreciate your helping them. Please realize that I, as well as ...
  A: No, you certainly were not the person. Actually, there are many people who take for granted that ...
Sentences8/2/2010
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? In this part, you have to choose a word that ...
  A: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? In this part, you have to choose a word that ...
grammar question: meaning of "the truth hurts"7/31/2010
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "the truth hurts"? Can you please give me a few examples of ...
  A: "The truth hurts" means that you are going to be honest with someone, but by telling that person ...
grammar question: usage of "self-esteem"7/31/2010
  Q: Can you use the word "self-esteem" in the following ways? 1. I have low self-esteem. 2. I have high ...
  A: Yes, your three examples of "self-esteem" are correct. Having "high" and "low" self-esteem are two ...
commas7/29/2010
  Q: Nesbitt, How are you? I just have a quick question about comma placement. In the following sentence ...
  A: You have placed the commas correctly. [Some people would place another comma after "appearing," ...
Grammar question: meaning of word "handle"7/29/2010
  Q: What is the meaning of the word "handle" in the following sentences? Does "handle" mean "words you ...
  A: "Handle" means "to take care of" something. If you CANNOT "handle" that something, then you are ...
meaning of "twist the truth"7/29/2010
  Q: What is the meaning of the phrase "twist the truth" and can you give me some examples of how to use ...
  A: "Twist the truth" means that you do not actually tell a lie, but you come close to doing so. You ...
colon, dash or comma7/27/2010
  Q: "The new house is just the thing she needs, a fixer upper." Is that comma supposed to be a dash or ...
  A: You've seen it all three ways, because all of them are correct. It depends on the writer and what ...
modal verbs7/27/2010
  Q: My question is about modal verbs such as “can”, “may”, and “should”. I was wondering if modal verbs ...
  A: Rich: I think you are mixing apples and oranges. I wouldn't call these verbs "modals," but I would ...
disjunctive pronouns7/25/2010
  Q: again, for your help with my question about “disjunctive pronouns”. I went to the site that gave me ...
  A: I have read your interpretation and I cannot find any errors. Your understanding of disjunctive ...
disjunctive pronouns7/24/2010
  Q: I have recently encountered a classification of Italian pronouns that are called “disjunctive ...
  A: When disjunctive pronouns are used in English, they are colloquial. Strict grammarians would call ...
Proper Sentence Construction7/24/2010
  Q: Does micro-finance has or have any impact in generating productive assets for single mothers in the ...
  A: Does micro-finance has or have any impact in generating productive assets for single mothers in the ...
sentences7/23/2010
  Q: 1.Ex: I gave an offering to the temple. Does “an offering” refer to one thing or many things? Does ...
  A: Subject: sentences1.Ex: I gave an offering to the temple. Does “an offering” refer to one thing or ...
sentences7/23/2010
  Q: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: What will you do tonight? B: I ( I’ll?) have a ...
  A: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: What will you do tonight? B: I ( I’ll?) have a ...
grammar7/23/2010
  Q: I have to bother you again. I have a question with the following sentence. "They have brought ...
  A: "They have brought massive levels of investment, technical and management skills, building supply ...
grammar question; I work Monday "to / through" Friday7/22/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "to" or "through" in the following sentences, or are they both ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should use the word "to" or "through" in the following sentences, or are they ...
sentences7/19/2010
  Q: 1. You can take the files to the record room unless Kim does it. Can I use the perfect tense after ...
  A: 1. You can take the files to the record room unless Kim does it. Can I use the perfect tense after ...
part of speech?7/19/2010
  Q: May I ask you to parse this sentence for me? I'm especially interested in the part of speech of ...
  A: She didn’t sail far enough north of the equator. She [pronoun] = subject did sail = verb not = ...
proofreading7/16/2010
  Q: Do you think relaxing is just killing time? No, I don’t think relaxing is just killing time. ...
  A: Oppo: Do you think relaxing is just killing time? No, I don’t think relaxing is just killing time. ...
proofreading7/15/2010
  Q: 1. Do you think TV and the Internet will one day make radio obsolete? No, I don’t think TV and the ...
  A: 1. Do you think TV and the Internet will one day make radio obsolete? No, I don’t think TV and the ...
grammar question: meaning of "part ways"7/14/2010
  Q: What is the meaning of "part ways"? Does it mean to "part company"? And what does it mean in the ...
  A: What is the meaning of "part ways"? Does it mean to "part company"? And what does it mean in the ...
Sentences7/12/2010
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The government has set up a special group to ...
  A: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The government has set up a special group to ...
grammar question: using "can/could"7/12/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "can" or "could" in the following sentence? "If I won the ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should use the word "can" or "could" in the following sentence? "If I won the ...
Grammar7/11/2010
  Q: 1. I have worked in this department since I lived in Los Angeles. I have worked in this department ...
  A: 1. I have worked in this department since I lived in Los Angeles. I have worked in this department ...
parsing7/11/2010
  Q: Would you please help me to parse the following sentence: “I am able to drive a car.” I am ...
  A: Rich: You DO find some interesting, "exceptional" examples. Look at these two sentences: I am ...
handbook7/11/2010
  Q: Would "Hodges Harbrace Handbook" (hardcover) by John Cunyus Hodges and Cheryl Glenn - 16th ...
  A: Rich: MORE INFORMATION -- I am pasting in below the catalog records of several editions of this ...
modal auxiliary verbs7/10/2010
  Q: I recently came across a sentence in Italian that I have translated into English as the following: ...
  A: I have studied your points, and I cannot find anything with which I disagree. Your pertinent ...
adjective or pronoun7/9/2010
  Q: My question is about the word “same” in the following sentence: “These ties are the same.” I am ...
  A: “These ties are the same.” I am trying to determine if the word “same” is being used as an ...
Sentences and word choices7/9/2010
  Q: I have a few questions about the essay below: Paragraph 1: To prepare for an important test, I'd ...
  A: Paragraph 1: To prepare for an important test, I'd recommend: preview, class participation and ...
proofreading7/8/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread the two essays below: one is the original and the other is a revised essay. ...
  A: I've been suffering from the flu, so I hope I made sense. Original: There are three important ...
Grammar7/5/2010
  Q: 1. There is still time yet before the seminar begins. What does “yet” imply in the above sentence? ...
  A: 1. There is still time yet before the seminar begins. What does “yet” imply in the above sentence? ...
Grammar7/5/2010
  Q: 1. If I were you, I would take the job and then ask for more money. How do I rewrite the above ...
  A: 1. If I were you, I would take the job and then ask for more money. How do I rewrite the above ...
Grammar question: meaning of "off the clock"7/3/2010
  Q: I know that the meaning of "on the clock" can be "on company time, or when you're being paid to ...
  A: Glen: Can the meaning of "off the clock" be "when you're not on company time, not being paid to ...
confused about the words "motive" and "motivation"7/3/2010
  Q: Should I use the word "motive" or "motivation" in the following sentence, or are they both correct? ...
  A: Both "motive" and "motivation" are similar in meaning, so, in your sentence, you can use either one. ...
Sentences7/2/2010
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The new furnishings make our room look ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The new furnishings make our room look ...
Sentences6/28/2010
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? You shouldn’t take the test without enough ...
  A: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? You shouldn’t take the test without enough ...
Conversations6/25/2010
  Q: 1. A: George hasn’t responded to my e-mail yet. B: I’m sure he’s just been busy recently. I’m ...
  A: 1. A: George hasn’t responded to my e-mail yet. B: I’m sure he’s just been busy recently. I’m sure ...
Grammar question: I work for the "finance / financial" department6/25/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "finance" or "financial" in the following sentences. 1. I work ...
  A: Glen: "Finance" is the noun form; "financial" is the adjective. However, many nouns can be used as ...
Grammar question: my wife gives me "pressure/stress"6/25/2010
  Q: Can you say someone or something gives you pressure or stress? I'm I using the words "pressure" and ...
  A: "Stress" and "pressure" -- although similar, but not exact, in meaning -- are used differently. 1. ...
sentences6/21/2010
  Q: 1. By the time I got to the meeting, it had already been finished. By the time I got to the ...
  A: 1. By the time I got to the meeting, it had already been finished. By the time I got to the ...
a sentence6/18/2010
  Q: The teacher points out that men is stronger than women.It is contrary to the idea in the book. So, ...
  A: David: The teacher points out that men is stronger than women.It is contrary to the idea in the ...
parsing6/18/2010
  Q: Would you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentences correctly: “The flowers are all ...
  A: Would you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentences correctly: “The flowers are all ...
use of "all"6/15/2010
  Q: Can you please help me with the following sentences: The flowers are all the same color. All the ...
  A: Rich: You place the word "all" according to what you want to emphasize or stress or to bring to ...
gerund phrase6/13/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if a “gerund phrase” works the same way as an “infinitive phrase”? For ...
  A: Can you please tell me if a “gerund phrase” works the same way as an “infinitive phrase”? For ...
infinitive phrase6/12/2010
  Q: Just to make sure that I am understanding correctly, would you please verify for me that the word ...
  A: Just to make sure that I am understanding correctly, would you please verify for me that the word ...
proofreading6/11/2010
  Q: I rewrote some paragraphs of the essay that we discussed earlier. Please help me proofread the essay ...
  A: Oppo: Everyone [SINGULAR] must experience some ups and downs in their [PLURAL -- YOU CANNOT USE A ...
proofreading6/10/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread the essay below and give me some feedback. Everyone has some sad ...
  A: Everyone has some sad experiences and I am (of ?) [DO NOT USE "OF"] no exception. Those sad ...
infinitive phrase6/10/2010
  Q: Just to make sure that I know what I'm talking about, would you please help me with the following: ...
  A: Just to make sure that I know what I'm talking about, would you please help me with the following: ...
determiners before plural count nouns6/10/2010
  Q: I understand that plural count nouns do not require determiners unless they are referring to ...
  A: I think that your understanding is very good, because you have demonstrated the correct approach [or ...
"not anymore" vs "no more"6/5/2010
  Q: I have been trying to figure out how to classify the following sentences: I don’t want anymore ...
  A: I have been trying to figure out how to classify the following sentences: I don’t want anymore ...
Sentences6/4/2010
  Q: 1. The economy shows no sigh of improving, so it is time we made every effort to live in an ...
  A: 1. The economy shows no sigh [SIGN] of improving, so it is time we made every effort to live in an ...
when to use "was" or "were"6/4/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use "was" or "were", "wasn't" or "weren't" in the following sentences. 1. ...
  A: I'll try to help with your confusion. *** I'm not sure if I should use "was" or "were", "wasn't" ...
grammar question: it "cost/costs" an arm and a leg6/3/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if you use the word "cost" or "costs" in the following expression, or are all of them ...
  A: Glen: I'm not sure if you use the word "cost" or "costs" in the following expression, or are all ...
grammar question: "level playing-field"6/1/2010
  Q: Am I using the expression "level playing-field" correctly in the following sentnences and are they ...
  A: Both sentences are grammatically correct and you are using the expression correctly. However, ...
Grammar5/31/2010
  Q: 1. Children today are exposed to TV violence too much. Children today are exposed to too much TV ...
  A: 1. Children today are exposed to TV violence too much. Children today are exposed to too much TV ...
Sentences5/31/2010
  Q: 1. These photos refreshed/ evoked the happy memory of my childhood. These photos refreshed/ evoked ...
  A: 1. These photos refreshed/ evoked the happy memory of my childhood. These photos refreshed/ evoked ...
General writing and Grammar help5/31/2010
  Q: Recently, I came across a quote from one of the foremost dramatists in English literature, George ...
  A: You are correct in finding a problem with Shaw's statement. However, Shaw was a renown writer and, ...
Conversations5/28/2010
  Q: 1. A: how much time do I have left to finish the test? B: you have about ten more minutes to go. ...
  A: 1. A: how much time do I have left to finish the test? B: you have about ten more minutes to go. ...
Sentences5/26/2010
  Q: 1. In case of a fire, the students will be evacuated from the class building. In case of a fire, the ...
  A: 1. In case of a fire, the students will be evacuated from the class building. In case of a fire, the ...
Sentences5/24/2010
  Q: 1. Not only did I see it, but I also heard it. I not only saw it but also heard it. Which version ...
  A: 1. Not only did I see it, but I also heard it. I not only saw it but also heard it. Which version ...
parsing5/23/2010
  Q: once again, for your excellent help with my previous question. I hope you will not mind one last ...
  A: First, your sentence is a question, and interrogative sentences must be rearranged for parsing. ...
proper English5/22/2010
  Q: Can you please help me with the following sentence: “What size of cake do you want?” I have been ...
  A: Rarely do I notice the questions in my Allexperts inbox, but today I found your two questions ...
proofreading5/21/2010
  Q: 1. Do you think it’s interesting or helpful to keep a diary? Why or why not? I believe that keeping ...
  A: 1. Do you think it’s interesting or helpful to keep a diary? Why or why not? I believe that keeping ...
proofreading5/21/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread the work blow: If your friend told you that she had cheated on a test, ...
  A: If your friend told you that she had cheated on a test, what would you say or do? Even though ...
proofreading5/20/2010
  Q: Welcome back, Ted. Please help me proofread the short essays below. After finishing school, would ...
  A: After finishing school, would you want to work overseas for a few years? Why or why not? After ...
past participle of "to sit"5/18/2010
  Q: I am having a very hard time understanding the past participle of the verb “to sit”. Could you ...
  A: I am having a very hard time understanding the past participle of the verb “to sit”. Could you ...
Follow-up questions5/7/2010
  Q: 1. Ex: It occurred to me that I had forgotten to turn off the lights when I left. Do I use the ...
  A: 1. Ex: It occurred to me that I had forgotten to turn off the lights when I left. Do I use the ...
Grammar question: Can the word "really" mean "very much"?5/7/2010
  Q: Can the word "really" mean "very much"? For example, in the following sentence: 1. I "really" like ...
  A: You are EXACTLY RIGHT, once again. Your example is perfect. Here's another one: I really liked ...
Sentences5/6/2010
  Q: 1. Ex: It is said that he was a child prodigy when he was young. He is said to have been a child ...
  A: 1. Ex: It is said that he was a child prodigy when he was young. He is said to have been a child ...
degrees5/6/2010
  Q: One further question to your previous answer on degrees. How would you write the plural form? The ...
  A: Helen: You are exactly right. The plural would be "masters' degrees." The singular would be ...
Sentences5/6/2010
  Q: 1. Can you give me examples when “characteristic” and “character” are interchangeable in a sentence? ...
  A: 1. Can you give me examples when “characteristic” and “character” are interchangeable in a sentence? ...
Uncountable noun5/4/2010
  Q: I just wanted to know, whether or not can an uncountable noun be replaced by "They" as a pronoun? ...
  A: I just wanted to know, whether or not can an uncountable noun be replaced by "They" as a pronoun? ...
Sentences5/3/2010
  Q: 1.What’s the difference between “sat” and “seat” in the sentences blow? ( It seems to me both verbs ...
  A: 1.What’s the difference between “sat” and “seat” in the sentences blow? ( It seems to me both verbs ...
Sentences5/3/2010
  Q: 1. John recommended the highest-level English class for me. How do I rephrase the sentence using ...
  A: Remember that I go on vacation from May 8 until May 16. ***** 1. John recommended the ...
Has or Had5/3/2010
  Q: I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to those who has or had assisted me ...
  A: I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to those who has or had assisted ...
Grammar4/30/2010
  Q: 1. Margarine and butter are both high in cholesterol. Can “rich” be taken in place of “high” in the ...
  A: First, I want to tell you that I will be traveling from May 8 through May 16. I'll have my status ...
Sentences4/29/2010
  Q: 1. A: Ms. Chang, this is Tim Benedick from Accounting. B: Excuse me? Have we met before? According ...
  A: 1. A: Ms. Chang, this is Tim Benedick from Accounting. B: Excuse me? Have we met before? According ...
everyone anyone4/28/2010
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me to better understand the difference between the meaning of the ...
  A: Rich: I've actually had this question many times. Most people say that there is NO difference ...
Sentences4/27/2010
  Q: 1. A: What are you doing? B: I am leaving my English class. A: Do you go to your English class very ...
  A: 1. A: What are you doing? B: I am leaving my English class. A: Do you go to your English class very ...
Sentences4/26/2010
  Q: 1. My father, a barber, works day and night to support a family of five. Starbucks, the world’s ...
  A: 1. My father, a barber, works day and night to support a family of five. Starbucks, the world’s ...
proofreading4/22/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread the work below. 1. Who is the person you respect the most? Why? The ...
  A: Oppo: 1. Who is the person you respect the most? Why? The person I respect the most is the city ...
proofreading4/21/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread my work below. 1. Do you read the newspaper every day? Do you think it’s ...
  A: 1. Do you read the newspaper every day? Do you think it’s important? I used to read the newspaper ...
Who vs That4/20/2010
  Q: What is the correct choice between who vs that in: Twitter is for individuals and organizations ...
  A: Michael: Since the relative pronoun "who" is closer to "organizations" than it is to "individuals," ...
Sentences4/19/2010
  Q: 1. A: May I ask you your age? B: Well, that’s very personal. Well, that’s very private. Are both ...
  A: 1. A: May I ask you your age? B: Well, that’s very personal. Well, that’s very private. Are both ...
MLA Research Paper4/19/2010
  Q: I am currently in the process of finding sources for my research paper and thinking of how to ...
  A: John: First of all, please rate the first answer I sent you. If you do NOT, it will remain in my ...
MLA Research Paper4/18/2010
  Q: I am currently in the process of finding sources for my research paper and thinking of how to ...
  A: John: The opening paragraph should be in the form of an inverted pyramid. Imagine the broad base ...
proofreading4/16/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread the final draft of the essay we discussed earlier and give me some ...
  A: Please help me proofread the final draft of the essay we discussed earlier and give me some ...
Sentences4/15/2010
  Q: Please help me with the paragraphs below: Original paragraph #3: Growing up also means that we are ...
  A: Original paragraph #3: Growing up also means that we are responsible for ourselves and our family. ...
proofreading4/14/2010
  Q: Please help me with the paragraphs below: Original paragraph #1: Growing up is something that ...
  A: Original paragraph #1: Growing up is something that everyone will experience, but is it something ...
verb - subject agreement4/14/2010
  Q: My question is about the sentence: “How much do 10 paper plates cost?” For some reason I keep ...
  A: My question is about the sentence: “How much do 10 paper plates cost?” For some reason I keep ...
sentences4/12/2010
  Q: 1. Ex: Be careful on the drive home. How do I rephrase the sentence if I would like to say, “Be ...
  A: 1. Ex: Be careful on the drive home. How do I rephrase the sentence if I would like to say, “Be ...
sentences4/12/2010
  Q: 1. A: Why did you mess up the exam? B: I wasn’t prepared. ( I didn’t prepare.) Are both responses ...
  A: 1. A: Why did you mess up the exam? B: I wasn’t prepared. ( I didn’t prepare.) Are both responses ...
"for" or "in"4/10/2010
  Q: I appreciate your service. I have a question regarding the use of the preposition in/for. Which is ...
  A: Which is correct? a) I haven't been to church in two months. b) I haven't been to church for two ...
Sentences4/9/2010
  Q: 1. Ex: Although my neighbor likes to sing at night, I think the noise is not too loud to tolerate. ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1. Ex: Although my neighbor likes to sing at night, I think the noise is not too ...
Sentences4/8/2010
  Q: 1. The concert will end by the time we get there. The concert will have ended by the time we get ...
  A: 1. The concert will end by the time we get there. The concert will have ended by the time we get ...
infiniyive as direct object4/7/2010
  Q: Can you please verify for me that the infinitive "to pay" is a noun being used as a direct object in ...
  A: Rich: That's easy! VERIFIED. Can you please verify for me that the infinitive "to pay" is a noun ...
Sentences4/7/2010
  Q: 1. Rock and roll first emerged as a popular style of music in the 1950’s. Rock and roll first ...
  A: 1. Rock and roll first emerged as a popular style of music in the 1950’s. Rock and roll first ...
subject verb agreement4/6/2010
  Q: My book says that the word "were" between the words "opinions" and "as" i incorrect because the verb ...
  A: Phillip: I was afraid this case would come up. There has been a battle raging among English ...
subject verb agreement4/5/2010
  Q: My book says that the word "were" between the words "opinions" and "as" i incorrect because the verb ...
  A: Phillip: A "simple" sentence has just one subject and one [or more] verb. Simple sentences are ...
Sentences4/5/2010
  Q: 1. (1.) Does anyone need help getting to a connecting flight? Should we place “with’ after “help” ...
  A: 1. (1.) Does anyone need help getting to a connecting flight? Should we place “with’ after “help” ...
Sentences4/5/2010
  Q: 1.How do we distinguish “reserve”, “conserve” and “preserve”? What things do we usually conserve? ...
  A: 1.How do we distinguish “reserve”, “conserve” and “preserve”? What things do we usually conserve? ...
subject verb agreement4/5/2010
  Q: My book says that the word "were" between the words "opinions" and "as" i incorrect because the verb ...
  A: "Before he found his current job, Edward had spent several miserable years working in a large ...
else4/4/2010
  Q: Sorry to bother your again. I just have a very quick question about the word “else”. I just can’t ...
  A: Rich: The answer is YES. In fact, if you omitted "else" in this sentence -- The girl eats more ...
use of "anyone"4/3/2010
  Q: I hope you will not mind helping me some more. In regards to the word “anyone” can you please ...
  A: In regards to the word “anyone” can you please verify that my understanding of this word is ...
Grammar4/2/2010
  Q: 1. What things do we usually buckle up other than seatbelts? “shoes”? what else? 2. Are the ...
  A: 1. What things do we usually buckle up other than seatbelts? “shoes”? what else? *** I believe you ...
use of "anyone"4/2/2010
  Q: Would you please help me to better understand the word “anyone”. Although I have used this word my ...
  A: I have two pet peeves. [Actually, I have many more, but these two are at the top of my list.] ...
Using an auxiliary modal to make a complete sentence.4/2/2010
  Q: Is this a correct sentence? It seems that it is, but that it's not how we speak, but I'm not sure. ...
  A: Is this a correct sentence? It seems that it is, but that it's not how we speak, but I'm not sure. ...
Conversations4/1/2010
  Q: 1.What’s the difference between “improve”, “improve at “and “improve on”? Could you give me some ...
  A: 1.What’s the difference between “improve”, “improve at “and “improve on”? Could you give me some ...
Conversations3/31/2010
  Q: 1. A:_______________________. B: When did you report it? What could be A’s statement? “I found ...
  A: 1. A:_______________________. B: When did you report it? What could be A’s statement? “I found ...
Sentences3/29/2010
  Q: 1. What’s the difference between “neighborly” and “neighboring”? Can they be used interchangeably ...
  A: 1. What’s the difference between “neighborly” and “neighboring”? Can they be used interchangeably ...
Grammar3/28/2010
  Q: 1. Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? I am sorry. You are not admitted to this ...
  A: 1. Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? I am sorry. You are not admitted to this ...
Sentences3/28/2010
  Q: 1. According to my grammar book, both gerunds and infinitives can be used as objects of ...
  A: 1. According to my grammar book, both gerunds and infinitives can be used as objects of ...
proofreading3/26/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread the text below. How would you deal with the death of one of your friends? ...
  A: How would you deal with the death of one of your friends? I’d find that very hard to believe and ...
proofreading3/26/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread my work below. Do you think the social changes in Taiwan are good or bad? ...
  A: Do you think the social changes in Taiwan are good or bad? I think social changes in our society ...
meaning of "too quick to do something"3/25/2010
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "too quick to do something" in general and what does it mean ...
  A: Glen: If you are "too quick," you are acting in a rash manner, without giving enough thought to ...
grammar question: If disruptive students "are/were" separated .....3/24/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use "are" or "were" and "would" or "will" in the answer to the following ...
  A: It's been a while. Welcome back. *** Answer: If disruptive students "are/were" grouped together ...
Follow-up questions3/23/2010
  Q: 1. Ex: The company hired a public relations firm which could improve its image. The relations firm ...
  A: 1. Ex: The company hired a public relations firm which could improve its image. The relations firm ...
Follow-up questions3/23/2010
  Q: Follow up 1. He will/would/ can/ could/ may/might be here soon. (1.) First, I have to apologize for ...
  A: I am very hesitant about attempting to answer your follow up questions. They are very difficult to ...
auxiliaries3/21/2010
  Q: 1. May God bless you. You may have the cake. May I interrupt? What’s the difference between the ...
  A: 1. May God bless you. You may have the cake. May I interrupt? What’s the difference between the ...
Sentence3/21/2010
  Q: Can I say "You didn't reply a word to me" ? Thanks
  A: David: You can SAY it, but it really sounds strange. Grammatically, it is correct. Stylistically, ...
auxiliaries3/21/2010
  Q: 1. He will/would/ can/ could/ may/might be here soon. Do we use all the auxiliaries above to talk ...
  A: 1. He will/would/ can/ could/ may/might be here soon. Do we use all the auxiliaries above to talk ...
Spelling3/20/2010
  Q: Symposia is listed as plural to symposium in my dictionary. Though I often hear the pronunciation ...
  A: Mary: I apologize for not getting this answer to you sooner. I have spent two days on the ...
Hello3/19/2010
  Q: I have a simple question...is it: "We should keep our distance" OR "We should keep our ...
  A: Aaron: "We should keep our distance" *** Use this version for a single instance or ONE thing: We ...
writing3/18/2010
  Q: Below I have some questions about the paragraphs from an article. Please help me revise some of the ...
  A: Below I have some questions about the paragraphs from an article. Please help me revise some of the ...
informal letters3/16/2010
  Q: I am an english teacher (EFL) and now I am teaching my students "formal and informal ...
  A: Please tell your colleague that you are completely RIGHT and he/she is totally WRONG. These ...
Sentences3/14/2010
  Q: 1.A: How is it going? B: I am doing fine./ It’s been going well. Does the conversation above ...
  A: I'll answer the other questions later. There were so many, I'll have to do them during my lunch ...
Sentences3/14/2010
  Q: 1. Your passport is overdue. Your passport has expired. If you meet these requirements, you are ...
  A: I had to help students during my lunch hour, which was just 5 minutes. That's why I didn't get back ...
Sentences3/12/2010
  Q: 1.Are both sentences below grammatically correct? If I won the lottery, I’d like to travel all over ...
  A: Oppo:1.Are both sentences below grammatically correct? If I won the lottery, I’d like to travel all ...
noun or adverb3/11/2010
  Q: Would you please help me with the following sentence: “Today is Thursday.” I am trying to ...
  A: Rich: I hope you don't think too much and make things too complicated. Your first impression that ...
Grammar question3/8/2010
  Q: I work for a college, and a few of us have a question about possessives. In coming up with a ...
  A: The problem is one of "style" and not "grammar." The reason you have found no definitive answer is ...
Grammar3/7/2010
  Q: 1. Does “Here you are” have the same meaning as “Here you go”? I know this phrase is often used ...
  A: 1. Does “Here you are” have the same meaning as “Here you go”? I know this phrase is often used ...
Grammar3/7/2010
  Q: 1. What’s the difference between “valet”, “bellboy” and “porter”? Do they have identical meanings? ...
  A: 1. What’s the difference between “valet”, “bellboy” and “porter”? Do they have identical meanings? ...
use of "near"3/7/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if I am correct in thinking that the word “near” is an adverb in the ...
  A: "Near" is a preposition meaning "close to." The prepositional phrase "near Peking" could be an ...
sentence analysis3/2/2010
  Q: Would you please help me do an analysis of the following sentence: “What is this?” I am thinking ...
  A: Interrogative pronouns are defined here: http://grammar.about.com/od/il/g/interpronterm.htm They ...
Grammar3/1/2010
  Q: 1. The response to the restaurant’s service has been very positive. Can I use the plural ...
  A: First, I want to apologize -- again -- for not having sent the "complete and revised" answer to your ...
tense question3/1/2010
  Q: I'm not sure about which tense to use. If I'm talking about something that happened in the past, ...
  A: I'm not sure about which tense to use. If I'm talking about something that happened in the past, ...
Follow-up questions2/22/2010
  Q: 1.I have a follow-up question about the sentences we discussed earlier: (1.) The consultant knows ...
  A: I apologize for not responding to your question sooner. There are three reasons for my delay: 1. ...
Grammar2/21/2010
  Q: 1. After you have had enough practice, it will be easy for you to do. After you (he) had enough ...
  A: 1. After you have had enough practice, it will be easy for you to do. After you (he) had enough ...
meaning of "compared to"2/21/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me the meaning of "compared to" in the following sentence? "Compared to people's ...
  A: Glen: The writer is just making a comparison. Imagine a chart on which you have two columns: The ...
Verb tense2/20/2010
  Q: 1. (1.) I usually get paid (pay?) by the end of the month. I usually get paid by the end of each ...
  A: 1. (1.) I usually get paid (pay?) by the end of the month. I usually get paid by the end of each ...
is vs. are2/19/2010
  Q: which is correct: Bob Jones, COO, along with the rest of us here at Jones, Inc., are pleased to ...
  A: Julie: This is the correct sentence: Bob Jones, COO, along with the rest of us here at Jones, ...
Please help - Grammar Q re: Children w/ Autism2/19/2010
  Q: I am grateful for the service you are providing - even as a former English major, I am lost on some ...
  A: Stacy: This is a tricky one. The problem is that you are referring to the children as individuals ...
Punctuation2/17/2010
  Q: Please help me. I swear I am so appreciative of your time. My question involves quotations marks. ...
  A: When the quotation ends, you must place a quotation mark, even if the quotation or conversation ...
meaning of "win-win situation"2/16/2010
  Q: Can you use the expression "win-win situation" to mean that no matter what you do, or no matter what ...
  A: Can you use the expression "win-win situation" to mean that no matter what you do, or no matter ...
Thanks!2/16/2010
  Q: Your explanation of a.m. and p.m. for another person was very helpful to me, but I can find no where ...
  A: I am always pleased to get feedback. You can rate THIS response, but, there is no way for you to ...
Mongol v. Mogul2/15/2010
  Q: I recently had an argument in which one party favored the saying corporate mongol over corporate ...
  A: Jeremy: I've been trying to send you this answer for several hours, but there has been a problem ...
on the one hand....on the other hand2/14/2010
  Q: I'm a little confused about using the expression "on the one hand.....on the other hand." I know ...
  A: You have used the two expressions correctly, and, yes, they can be used to start two different ...
subject pronoun as predicate noun?2/9/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me whether or not subject pronouns can be used as predicate nouns. For example, ...
  A: Can you please tell me whether or not subject pronouns can be used as predicate nouns. *** The ...
grammar question2/9/2010
  Q: I work for a group of psychologists, and the following sentence appears in almost every report. No ...
  A: The rule is that the verb is determined by the object of the preposition "of." In your example, the ...
Sentences2/8/2010
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The office supplies that you request (for ?) ...
  A: I'm trying to answer a lot of questions before I lose electricity. We are getting freezing rain and ...
Sentences2/8/2010
  Q: 1. Can both “satisfying” and “satisfactory” fit in each of the following examples? The explanation ...
  A: "Satisfy" and "satisfactory" come from two different Latin words. "Satisfy" is from "satis" ...
Meaning of "geographic fix"2/8/2010
  Q: I hope you enjoyed your vacation and I'm glad you're once again available to answer questions. I ...
  A: I wish it had been a vacation, but I was in our state capital, trying to get money for libraries. I ...
Sentences2/7/2010
  Q: 1. The meeting was informative, yet very long. John worked very hard on the project, yet he didn’t ...
  A: 1. The meeting was informative, yet very long. John worked very hard on the project, yet he didn’t ...
Sentences2/7/2010
  Q: I hope the snow in your area will taper off soon. My friend in Ohio told me they had received a foot ...
  A: The university is closed today, and we are expecting another snow storm [6+ inches] tomorrow. I am ...
Sentences2/7/2010
  Q: Welcome back, Ted. Please help me with the questions below. 1. He’s always working late. He always ...
  A: Welcome back, Ted. Please help me with the questions below. *** Thank you. It was a very tiring ...
nationality2/7/2010
  Q: again, for the help you gave me with my previous question concerning “nationality”. I hope you ...
  A: In my last question I asked you about the sentence “I am an American.” where the word “American” ...
nationality2/1/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me if it is correct that “nationality” can be expressed as either a noun or as ...
  A: Can you please tell me if it is correct that “nationality” can be expressed as either a noun or as ...
Sentences1/31/2010
  Q: 1. EX: The company is expanding its factory. I wonder if I can substitute “enlarging” for ...
  A: Since I will be going away to a conference this week, I will be "on vacation" at Allexperts until ...
Sentences1/31/2010
  Q: 1.Ex: Have you check out the legality of that contract? Can “rightfulness” or “lawfulness” be taken ...
  A: 1.Ex: Have you check [CHECKED] out the legality of that contract? Can “rightfulness” or ...
Sentences1/29/2010
  Q: 1. Do both sentences of each set below have identical meanings? 44% of Chinese approve of allowing ...
  A: 1. Do both sentences of each set below have identical meanings? 44% of Chinese approve of allowing ...
meaning of "you get an A for effort" and "second chance"1/29/2010
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "you get an A for effort in the following sentence. "Even ...
  A: What is the meaning of the expression "you get an A for effort in the following sentence. "Even ...
Sentences1/28/2010
  Q: 1.Ex: It is certainly not always a bad thing that people imitate one another. Can “each other” be ...
  A: 1.Ex: It is certainly not always a bad thing that people imitate one another. Can “each other” be ...
using I vs. me.1/25/2010
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me with the typing of a sentence. If I am responding to someone ...
  A: Deat Tonya: WITH Dave and ME -- that's the correct one. "With" is a preposition, and it has two ...
Conversations1/24/2010
  Q: 1. A: That’s the last time I stayed at some convention hotel. B: I thought it was quite pleasant. ...
  A: I am snowed in again today. I wish winter would end. *****1. A: That’s the last time I stayed at ...
Conversations1/24/2010
  Q: 1.Do all the conversations below make sense? A: Are computer skills required for this job? B: They ...
  A: If I seem to be a little late during the next two weeks, it's because my schedule is really busy, ...
rewriting HOA bylaws1/24/2010
  Q: I am a volunteer working on a revision of our Home Owners Association bylaws and have had the ...
  A: YES, there is a big difference. The Corporation shall be governed by the Board of Directors.... ...
sentences1/22/2010
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Could you get me a cord for my employee ID ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Could you get me a cord ...
Conversations and follow-up1/22/2010
  Q: 1.Do all the conversations below make sense? A: _______________. B: Is she there yet? What could ...
  A: 1.Do all the conversations below make sense? A: _______________. B: Is she there yet? What ...
Conversations1/21/2010
  Q: 1.Do all the conversations below make sense? A: Did you have a hard time finding a flight to Seoul? ...
  A: 1.Do all the conversations below make sense? A: Did you have a hard time finding a flight to Seoul? ...
crazy grammar question1/21/2010
  Q: I recently encountered this sentence while editing: "This method requires that the computer's hard ...
  A: You need to look in grammar books or online sites for the "subjunctive mood." When the subjunctive ...
parsing1/19/2010
  Q: Would you please tell me if I have parsed the following sentence correctly: “What color do you want ...
  A: Rich: OK -- This IS my answer. I was able to find examples that fit the pattern of your sentence, ...
when do you leave for.. vs when are you leaving...1/18/2010
  Q: i am sometimes confused with the above sentences. how to distinguish the meaning of it. I have ...
  A: when do you leave for.. vs when are you leaving... i am sometimes confused with the above ...
Conversations1/17/2010
  Q: 1. The batter was tagged before he reached second base safely. I convinced my older brother to let ...
  A: 1. The batter was tagged before he reached second base safely. I convinced my older brother to let ...
proofreading1/15/2010
  Q: 1. How can city governments improve the traffic situation? City governments can improve the traffic ...
  A: How can city governments improve the traffic situation? City governments can improve the traffic ...
proofreading1/14/2010
  Q: Please help me proofread my work below. Thank you for your help. 1. In life we have fair-weather ...
  A: My suggestions are inserted in your text. 1. In life we have fair-weather friends and lifelong ...
predicate noun1/14/2010
  Q: My question is about the following sentence: “These cups are the same size.” Can you please tell ...
  A: When I sent you my response yesterday, I did so reluctantly for two reasons: (1) I was not ...
meaning of "beyond my imagination"1/13/2010
  Q: What is the meaning of the expression "beyond my imagination" and what does it mean in the following ...
  A: What is the meaning of the expression "beyond my imagination" and what does it mean in the ...
predicate noun1/13/2010
  Q: My question is about the following sentence: “These cups are the same size.” Can you please tell ...
  A: “These cups are the same size.” Can you please tell me if I am correct in thinking that the word ...
Alphabetizing Book Titles1/11/2010
  Q: I see in your "Instructions from the Expert" that you are no longer accepting questions, but I would ...
  A: Dale: I have searched for an exception for the "a" and "an," but I could find NONE. I've tried to ...
I'm confused by the expression "worth it'1/11/2010
  Q: According to the Cambridge dictionary, the definition of the phrase "worth it" means "enjoyable ...
  A: Glen: According to the Cambridge dictionary, the definition of the phrase "worth it" means ...
quotation marks1/7/2010
  Q: Which is correct: So I don't understand what you mean by "anything." Or: So I don't understand ...
  A: You are not "losing it." You are right. Periods and commas go INSIDE the quotation marks, unless ...
Meaning of "my life has lost all purpose"1/7/2010
  Q: I'm confused by the meaning of the following two sentences, can you please explain them to me. What ...
  A: We closed the university at 1:00 this afternoon, because of the power outages. We are having ...
composition1/7/2010
  Q: Please help me with the questions about the paragraph below. Thank you for your help. As human ...
  A: The electricity seems to be all right now, so I'll do my best with your sentences. Everything here ...
composition1/6/2010
  Q: I have a few questions about the paragraphs below: What advice would you give your fellow students ...
  A: What advice would you give your fellow students about preparing for an important test? Paragraph ...
meaning of "wait and see attitude", "wait and see approach"1/4/2010
  Q: I have two questions, the first being what is the meaning of the expression a "wait and see ...
  A: I have two questions, the first being what is the meaning of the expression a "wait and see ...
Sentences1/3/2010
  Q: 1. Ex: The house doesn’t have the heat. The house doesn’t have the heater. The house doesn’t have he ...
  A: 1. Ex: The house doesn’t have the heat. The house doesn’t have the heater. The house doesn’t have he ...
Ingratitude1/2/2010
  Q: Ted, I too have a problem dealing with ingratitude. Let me say that you have done more good for ...
  A: I really appreciate hearing from people who understand the importance of those two little words, ...
Sentences1/1/2010
  Q: 1. I referred John to Rachel at the party. Refer to your dictionary if you come across a word that ...
  A: 1. I referred John to Rachel at the party. Refer to your dictionary if you come across a word that ...
Sentences1/1/2010
  Q: Happy New Year, Ted. The following are my questions: 1. Ex: Mercury is often found in industrial ...
  A: Happy New Year, Oppo. I hope you have a wonderful 2010! **** 1. Ex: Mercury is often found in ...
grammar question; "see the world through rose colored glasses"12/31/2009
  Q: Let me start by wishing you a happy new year and thanking you for all the help you have given me. I ...
  A: Let me start by wishing you a happy new year and thanking you for all the help you have given me. I ...
grammar question; Tune into someone's accent12/31/2009
  Q: I have two questions, the first is can you use the expression "tune into" in the following way, to ...
  A: I have two questions, the first is can you use the expression "tune into" in the following way, to ...
Subject and ("I" or "me")12/30/2009
  Q: I hope this finds you very well. I have been trying to find the answer to this question - even in ...
  A: Your question -- As children, we are taught, when referencing two people and the speaker is one of ...
"to jimmy up" usage12/29/2009
  Q: Ted Nesbitt, I would like to join the choir with my wishes for Merry Christmas Holidays and Happy ...
  A: And a Happy New Year [almost] to you, too! Quite often, when attempting to answer a question, I get ...
The word 'twice'12/28/2009
  Q: Is it incorrect to use the word "twice" in the future tense? Is it grammatically correct to say "two ...
  A: No, you can use the word "twice" in the future tense. And your two examples are both correct. ...
Sentences12/27/2009
  Q: 1. Can you give me examples where either the present participle or the past participle of a verb can ...
  A: 1. Can you give me examples where either the present participle or the past participle of a verb ...
Sentences12/27/2009
  Q: 1.Mr. Shultz has his own plan for reorganizing the accounting department. Are both “his” and “own” ...
  A: 1.Mr. Shultz has his own plan for reorganizing the accounting department. Are both “his” and ...
grammar question; meaning of "basic"12/27/2009
  Q: What does "basic" mean in the following sentence? "There are cultural differences among people, but ...
  A: What does "basic" mean in the following sentence? "There are cultural differences among people, but ...
grammar question; meaning of "deal" and "work"12/27/2009
  Q: What is the meaning of the words “dealing” and “work” in the following sentences? 1. A “people ...
  A: What is the meaning of the words “dealing” and “work” in the following sentences? 1. A “people ...
Follow-up questions12/25/2009
  Q: 1. A: Did you see the movie last week? B: No, I didn’t. I had seen it the week before. **** SINCE ...
  A: Oppo: I'll try to explain these examples. *** Subject: Follow-up questions1. A: Did you see ...
Sentences12/25/2009
  Q: Ted. Thank you for your constant help with my English. I’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas ...
  A: 1. Do all the conversations make sense? A: Would you like to go shopping tonight? B: In this ...
Conversations12/25/2009
  Q: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: The end of the World will come in 2012. B: You ...
  A: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: The end of the World will come in 2012. B: You ...
Grammar question; When to use "would" or "will"?12/24/2009
  Q: I'm confused about if I should use "will" or "would" in the following sentences and why. 1. What ...
  A: I'm confused about if I should use "will" or "would" in the following sentences and why. 1. What ...
Whom or who?12/24/2009
  Q: Peace! Please excuse a question so close to Christmas. Kindly provide the correct grammar in this ...
  A: My answer was correct; my response was immediate -- as soon as I received your question; my answer ...
enlighten me12/23/2009
  Q: In the sentence below I'm trying to convey that on thursday my mom and I went to a dinner, and we ...
  A: "Well, lately, I have been feeling better . I wasnt the only one sick; my mom was, too, and some ...
tenses12/21/2009
  Q: I need some clarification on tenses. I specifically need help with the simple past and past perfect ...
  A: I am very, very, very sorry to give you the assumption that I had written the above paragraph. ...
proofreading12/21/2009
  Q: Please help me Proofread the text below: I often listen to (on?) my iPod because I think it is a ...
  A: I often listen to (on?) [TO] my iPod because I think it is a good hobby. iPod helps me to pass ...
Grammar question: meaning of "off track" and "derailed"12/21/2009
  Q: I know that you can use the expression "on track" to mean a person is doing what they should do in ...
  A: You are correct about "on track." "On the wrong track" means that you actually ARE doing something, ...
tenses12/21/2009
  Q: I need some clarification on tenses. I specifically need help with the simple past and past perfect ...
  A: Your message -- (1)On the paragraph below, are the words in capital correct? The difference ...
Grammar question; past tense12/16/2009
  Q: I'm not sure if I should use "is starting" or "started" in the following sentence. Back when I was a ...
  A: Your choice of the progressive form [with the "-ing" on the verb] is good. However, your "is ...
Sentences12/13/2009
  Q: 1. Since he stopped working, no one is here to tell us jokes. Since he stopped working, no one has ...
  A: 1. Since he stopped working, no one is here to tell us jokes. Since he stopped working, no one has ...
Conversations12/13/2009
  Q: 1. A:_______________________. B: You can’t get rich riding around. What is B implying? What could ...
  A: I apologize for the delay. I have been away for a two-day conference and had no access to a ...
Another question on English grammar12/13/2009
  Q: Ted. May I ask you another question about English grammar? The usage of "should have done". "He ...
  A: I apologize for not getting to this question sooner, but I have been away for a conference and had ...
Please help me with English grammar.12/12/2009
  Q: I am a Japanese student studying English. I've got a problem and I'd appreciate it if you would ...
  A: Welcome to Allexperts! I help several Japanese students each day, so I know how difficult some of ...
Sentences12/11/2009
  Q: 1.What’s the difference between “gift” and “present”? Can you give me examples of how both words can ...
  A: Oppo: 1.What’s the difference between “gift” and “present”? NOTHING -- THEY MEAN THE SAME THING -- ...
proofreading help12/11/2009
  Q: The following essay is the one we discussed earlier. Please help me proofread the final draft and ...
  A: When I was in Hanoi, we used to have a dog named Bingo. Bingo was only a few months old when my ...
proofreading help12/10/2009
  Q: I have some questions about the two paragraphs below: The loss of Bingo really shocked us. We cried ...
  A: I have some questions about the two paragraphs below: The loss of Bingo really shocked us. We ...
proofreading help12/9/2009
  Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: Our maid at the time, Thao, brought Bingo ...
  A: Our maid at the time, Thao, brought Bingo downstairs to let it go relieve itself outside. As ...
grammar question12/9/2009
  Q: I'm not sure if I should say "education / an education" in sentence number one, "overseas education ...
  A: I'm not sure if I should say "education / an education" in sentence number one, "overseas education ...
proofreading help12/9/2009
  Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: When I was in Hanoi, I used to have a dog named ...
  A: When I was in Hanoi, I used to have a dog named Bingo. It was my sister’s birthday present from my ...
use of the word "today"12/7/2009
  Q: Would you please help me to understand the use of the word “today” in the following sentence: “My ...
  A: Rich: There is NOTHING wrong with your "thought processes." You are exactly right. ***** “My ...
Sentences12/7/2009
  Q: 1.Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? We’ll deliver your order in two days. ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1.Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? We’ll deliver your ...
Sentences12/6/2009
  Q: 1.Do all the sentences of each group have identical meanings? There is a big discount on printer ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1.Do all the sentences of each group have identical meanings? There is a big ...
proofreading12/5/2009
  Q: Please help me proofread the sentences below: According to the graph, it shows that the number of ...
  A: ***According to the graph, it shows that the number of accidents in Tokyo is very (relatively?) ...
Sentences12/4/2009
  Q: 1.Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? If you study hard, you are bound to get a ...
  A: 1.Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? If you study hard, you are bound to get ...
Sentences12/4/2009
  Q: 1.Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? Suzan tore up the ultimatum that John sent ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1.Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? Suzan tore up the ...
Sentences12/3/2009
  Q: 1. However high its price is, the item sells well. The item is expensive; however, it sells well. ...
  A: 1. However high its price is, the item sells well. The item is expensive; however, it sells well. ...
"wood" and "woods"12/3/2009
  Q: Can you please help me to learn how to correctly use the words "wood" and "woods" as defined as "a ...
  A: This is an example of "six of one and half a dozen of the other." The use of the singular or the ...
grammar question; meaning of "one and the same"12/2/2009
  Q: Do the two following sentences have the same meaning? I'm not sure if I'm using the expression "one ...
  A: I just discovered that I had not answered yourDo the two following sentences have the same meaning? ...
grammar12/2/2009
  Q: I wonder the usage of and Can you tell me which sentences are right? (1) a. My friend is tall, has a ...
  A: The problem of "and" If I want to describe people a. She has long, straight hair. b. She has long ...
Sentences12/1/2009
  Q: I have revised the sentences of a paragraph. Each original sentence below is followed by a revised ...
  A: 1. In the past, it was both inconvenient and dangerous for people to travel long distance. My ...
grammar12/1/2009
  Q: I wonder the usage of and Can you tell me which sentences are right? (1) a. My friend is tall, has a ...
  A: Here are your questions: I wonder the usage of and Can you tell me which sentences are right? (1) ...
Sentences11/30/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: My cousin has been living in (the) dormitory since she was a freshman. (1.) I think we ...
  A: 1. Ex: My cousin has been living in (the) dormitory since she was a freshman. (1.) I think we ...
Sentences11/29/2009
  Q: 1.“onsite registration” “onsite workshop” “onsite consulting” “onsite loan program’ Do all the ...
  A: 1.“onsite registration” “onsite workshop” “onsite consulting” “onsite loan program’ Do all the ...
Sentences11/29/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: If you don’t know how to run the machine, ask Mr. Kim. The number one bus route runs every ...
  A: 1. Ex: If you don’t know how to run the machine, ask Mr. Kim. The number one bus route runs every ...
grammar question; "what I learned is / was"11/28/2009
  Q: Sorry to bother you with so many questions. Which of the following sentences is grammatically ...
  A: Sorry to bother you with so many questions. [THAT IS WHY I VOLUNTEER AT ALLEXPERTS.] Which of the ...
sentences11/27/2009
  Q: 1. A: Should we go to the Italian restaurant or try the Japanese place? B: It’s up to you to ...
  A: 1. A: Should we go to the Italian restaurant or try the Japanese place? B: It’s up to you to ...
Conversations11/26/2009
  Q: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: Have you ever met our president?/ Do you know ...
  A: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: Have you ever met our president?/ Do you know ...
grammar11/25/2009
  Q: which is correct: the pursuit of both approaches is being recommended, or the pursuit of both ...
  A: "Pursuit" is the subject, and it is singular. The correct verb is "is being." "Of both approaches" ...
While the majority of Asian reports noted that ...11/25/2009
  Q: ------------------------------------------ ...
  A: While the majority of Asian reports noted that the emergence in their own countries of similarly ...
composition11/25/2009
  Q: In the following four cases, "Case 3" is my writing. Please, simply comment. ...
  A: Usage of Pronoun: Is it hard to understand that 'them' is referred to as 'others' in the below? I ...
Sentences11/22/2009
  Q: 1. The store is having an office supply sale. Tom has made of a lot of sales this season. Ray has ...
  A: 1. The store is having an office supply sale. Tom has made of a lot of sales this season. Ray has ...
proofreading11/21/2009
  Q: 1.Please help me proofread the paragraph below. Third, cell phones are convenient. People can ...
  A: Oppo: 1.Please help me proofread the paragraph below. Third, cell phones are convenient. People ...
proofreading11/21/2009
  Q: I have some questions about the paragraphs below: 1. The using rate of cell phone is very high in ...
  A: 1. The using rate of cell phone is very high in Japan. In my view: There are three main reasons why ...
proofreading11/19/2009
  Q: 1. Why are some movies more interesting than others? I think some movies are more interesting than ...
  A: 1. Why are some movies more interesting than others? I think some movies are more interesting ...
Grammar11/19/2009
  Q: I would be grateful if you could kindly provide me with the correct following option in respect of ...
  A: He cannot spell properly. He cannot properly spell. *** Although both sentences are acceptable ...
grammar question11/19/2009
  Q: Can you use the word "wealthy" in the following context and if yes, what is the exact definition of ...
  A: Glen: The word "wealthy" usually means "rich" or "having a lot of money." In this particular ...
error11/18/2009
  Q: One of these sentences contains an error in Fragments, Comma Faults, Fused Sentences (errors that ...
  A: Sentence B is wrong. "Clint never balanced his checkbook" is one independent clause. The second ...
grammar question11/18/2009
  Q: Can you use the word "wealthy" in the following context and if yes, what is the exact definition of ...
  A: It's good to hear from you again. Can you use the word "wealthy" in the following context and if ...
Sentences11/17/2009
  Q: I have questions about the paragraphs we discussed earlier: 1. Because humans make countless ...
  A: I have questions about the paragraphs we discussed earlier: 1. Because humans make countless ...
grammar question11/17/2009
  Q: Which of the following is right, number one or number two? I'm not sure if I should combine the ...
  A: Although I help several students in China, I believe that this is the first time you have contacted ...
"chocolate" or "chocolates"11/16/2009
  Q: Can you please tell me if it is correct to use the word “chocolates.” I am thinking that ...
  A: I am thinking that “chocolate” is a noncount noun. If so, the word “chocolates” should not be ...
sentences11/15/2009
  Q: 1. (1.) Ex: You may hear the alarm go off several times during the course of the morning. Can I ...
  A: 1. (1.) Ex: You may hear the alarm go off several times during the course of the morning. ...
sentences11/15/2009
  Q: 1. Hold on to your seats before the author gives the talk. Hold on to (or onto?) the railing to ...
  A: 1. Hold on to your seats before the author gives the talk. Hold on to (or onto?) the railing to ...
Follow-up and new questions11/13/2009
  Q: 1. Follow-up Previously, I asked you if I should revise the sentence below: I believe that wars will ...
  A: 1. Follow-up Previously, I asked you if I should revise the sentence below: I believe that wars ...
proofreading11/13/2009
  Q: The following is the essay we discussed earlier. I have put the revised sentences in brackets. ...
  A: Will there always be wars? [I believe that wars will still be with us, but eventually world peace ...
proofreading11/12/2009
  Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: People hold many mistakes and fears in their ...
  A: Oppo: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: People hold many mistakes and fears in ...
proofreading11/11/2009
  Q: I have a few questions about the paragraph below: In my opinion, wars are present all of the time. ...
  A: In my opinion, wars are present all of the time. They are not only used as a weapon in the fight ...
grammar question11/10/2009
  Q: have a grammar question - I work at a law firm and one of our documents has the following phrase: ...
  A: If the person who told you to correct the text is one of your bosses, I really feel sorry for you. ...
asking questions11/9/2009
  Q: I am still having some confusion in trying to completely understand the process by which questions ...
  A: I wanted to follow up with the punctuation suggestion that I gave you in the first message. For ...
Sentences11/6/2009
  Q: 1.Do both sentences of each set below have identical meanings? It was said that John was a child ...
  A: 1.Do both sentences of each set below have identical meanings? It was said that John was a child ...
Punctuation and is it plural?11/4/2009
  Q: The patient states: "The VA still sends me veterans’ mail but I ain’t no veteran." veterans' ...
  A: Maggie: The implication is that all the mail sent by the VA is for veterans -- plural. The ...
"Is" or "are"11/4/2009
  Q: Came across this quote recently... None of Us is As Smart as All of Us is the usage correct? Isn't ...
  A: The subject of the sentence is the singular pronoun "none." "None" means "not one," which is ...
conversations10/30/2009
  Q: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: I am sorry. You had (have?) the wrong number. B: ...
  A: Oppo: conversations1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: I am sorry. You had (have?) ...
follow-up questions10/26/2009
  Q: 1.Follow-upEx: The new software we installed (will/would) make our department more productive. My ...
  A: 1.Follow-upEx: The new software we installed (will/would) make our department more productive. ...
follow-up and new questions10/25/2009
  Q: 1.Follow-up Ex: Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs that give specific meaning to the main verb in ...
  A: 1.Follow-up Ex: Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs that give specific meaning to the main verb ...
auxiliaries10/25/2009
  Q: 1.The company is hiring a public relations firm which will improve their image. The company wants ...
  A: Oppo: 1.The company is hiring a public relations firm which will improve their image. *** NO, it ...
verbs and prepositions10/25/2009
  Q: Is there a difference between transitive verbs and intransitive verbs in regards to the use of ...
  A: Rich: I agree with you in principle, but I have problems with the way you have made your ...
auxiliaries10/24/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs that give specific meaning to the main verb in a ...
  A: Subject: auxiliaries1. Ex: Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs that give specific meaning to the ...
proofreading10/22/2009
  Q: 1. Is there anything you like about studying foreign languages? There are a lot of benefits that I ...
  A: 1. Is there anything you like about studying foreign languages? There are a lot of benefits that ...
proofreading10/22/2009
  Q: 1. Who is the person you respect the most, why? The person I respect the most is one of my best ...
  A: Oppo: 1. Who is the person you respect the most, why? The person I respect the most is one of my ...
Use "and" OR "or"10/21/2009
  Q: Which is correct: "Individuals from over 125 different countries or territories visited our site." ...
  A: You are writing about BOTH countries AND territories, so you must use "and." If you choose "or," ...
proofreading10/21/2009
  Q: 1.Which is more important to you, love or money? Version 1: Love and money are both important to ...
  A: Oppo:1.Which is more important to you, love or money? Version 1: Love and money are both ...
proofreading10/20/2009
  Q: Please help me proofread the two short essay questions below: 1.Do you read the newspaper every ...
  A: 1.Do you read the newspaper every day? Do you think it’s important? I do read the newspaper every ...
interrogative sentences10/19/2009
  Q: I am trying to make sure that I understand the correct location of the subject in an interrogative ...
  A: There are 3 methods that can be used to ask questions: [1] Variation in tone of voice alone [2] ...
follow-up questions10/19/2009
  Q: 1. Follow-up question Previously, I asked you if the two sentences below have identical meanings. I ...
  A: Here is my follow-upI tried to use the pattern “….find+ it+ adjective to+V” in the above sentence, ...
sentences10/18/2009
  Q: 1.Do both sentences of each set below have identical meanings? You haven’t paid your bills in three ...
  A: Oppo: This is one of the longest lists of questions you have ever sent me. I am working tonight, ...
follow-up questions10/16/2009
  Q: I have some more questions about the eassy we discussed earlier. Paragraph 1: Drug abuse is more ...
  A: Oppo: This is really getting long, and you have added additional questions that are not really part ...
land-side vs landside10/16/2009
  Q: In dealing with a levee along a river, I want to differentiate between the sides of the levee. I've ...
  A: Many years ago, the words were hyphenated: river-side and land-side. I found one example in a book ...
essay10/15/2009
  Q: Please help me proofread the final draft of the essay we discussed earlier. Drug abuse is more ...
  A: Drug abuse is more common than ever before in our society, especially among the youth. Drugs have a ...
object pronouns10/15/2009
  Q: Would you please tell me if the following is correct or not: In English, object pronouns can be ...
  A: You are correct in every example. Would you please tell me if the following is correct or not: In ...
Possessive Sentence10/15/2009
  Q: When I am writing a sentence about a presentation that a co-worker and I are giving, how would I ...
  A: If it is a case of "joint ownership," only the last person named is put in the possessive case. ...
essay10/14/2009
  Q: I have some more questions about the essay that we discussed earlier: Paragraph 3: In addition, ...
  A: Here are my suggestions: Paragraph 3: In addition, founding an anti-drug organization is ...
essay10/12/2009
  Q: I have some questions about a section of an essay. Please help me proofread it and give me some ...
  A: Paragraph 1: Using drug [DRUGS] is more common [NOW] than {EVER] before in our society, especially ...
use of the word "yes"10/12/2009
  Q: Would you please help me to understand the use of the word "yes" in the following: "Do you need the ...
  A: The word "yes" is an adverb. Most dictionaries define its adverbial use as a "function word." As ...
follow-up questions10/12/2009
  Q: 1.In your previous reply, you suggested that the two sentences below have identical meanings. The ...
  A: These are very complicated questions or issues, but I will do my best to explain the point I made. ...
Grammar10/11/2009
  Q: 1. Do the two sentences ( or conversations) below have identical meanings? Can you help me with my ...
  A: Oppo: 1. Do the two sentences ( or conversations) below have identical meanings? Can you help me ...
Sentences10/10/2009
  Q: 1. He has a day off tomorrow. He won’t work tomorrow. He will take a day off tomorrow. He will be on ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1. He has a day off tomorrow. He won’t work tomorrow. He will take a day off ...
Help Quickly10/8/2009
  Q: What is the sentence pattern of, "Huckleberry Finn often gives Tom advice."?
  A: Eric: I just got your message. This is quick. "Huckleberry Finn often gives Tom advice." ...
Grammar10/5/2009
  Q: 1. What’s the difference between the two sentences in each set below? I thought the train wasn’t ...
  A: 1. What’s the difference between the two sentences in each set below? I thought the train wasn’t ...
follow-up and new questions10/4/2009
  Q: 1. Follow-up In your previous reply, you mentioned “barbecued beef” and explained what beef barbecue ...
  A: Oppo: 1. Follow-up In your previous reply, you mentioned “barbecued beef” and explained what beef ...
sentences and conversations10/4/2009
  Q: 1. The sentence pattern: It is…..that…. Do I use the sentence pattern correctly in the two ...
  A: 1. The sentence pattern: It is…..that…. Do I use the sentence pattern correctly in the two ...
my boyfriend and I are fighting over the diagramming of grammar of a sentence10/4/2009
  Q: This is the sentence: "You are emotionally abusive." I believe that the grammatical breakdown is as ...
  A: Both you and your boyfriend are right, to a certain extent. Here is the breakdown: You [subject] ...
commas!10/3/2009
  Q: Hope you have time for a quick question. Should a comma follow the word "said" in the following ...
  A: William: "Look for the white house with the pink roof," Scott said as Jeff was getting up to ...
Grammar9/30/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: Are you seeing anyone special these days? Are you seeing someone special these days? Are ...
  A: Forgive my lateness in responding. I was away for four days at a conference, and the laptop ...
Grammar9/28/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: She is nice. She is being nice. What’s the difference between the two sentences? Is ...
  A: Subject: Grammar1. Ex: She is nice. She is being nice. What’s the difference between the two ...
sentences9/27/2009
  Q: 1. I am under the impression that the time phrase “by the end of the month” is often used in future ...
  A: 1. I am under the impression that the time phrase “by the end of the month” is often used in future ...
infinitive9/26/2009
  Q: My question is about the use of the “infinitive”. My English grammar books tell me that the ...
  A: Rich: The answer is NO, it cannot. Infinitive are "verbals." "Verbals" are related to verbs, in ...
Subject-Verb agreement9/26/2009
  Q: Could you please explain which of the following sentences are correct and why. The explanation is ...
  A: Could you please explain which of the following sentences are correct and why. The explanation is ...
sentences9/25/2009
  Q: 1. Do sentences of each below have identical meanings? Old networks of lead water pipes pose ...
  A: 1. Do sentences of each below have identical meanings? Old networks of lead water pipes pose ...
sentences9/24/2009
  Q: 1. I always feel like relaxing on the couch after a day’s work. I feel like a fool every time when ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. I always feel like relaxing on the couch after a day’s work. I feel like a ...
grammar9/24/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me find the mistake in this sentence. A:Morning,what can i get ...
  A: A:Morning,what can i get you? B:I wonder if you would mind giving me a packet of Bensen & Hedges. ...
Grammar9/21/2009
  Q: I would like to write in my paper... The question should not be how an institution can afford a CNS. ...
  A: Paula: The question should not be how an institution can afford a CNS. The question should be how ...
sentences9/20/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: Mr. Lee comes in on time sometimes. Mr. Lee is never sick and comes in on time sometimes. I ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. Ex: Mr. Lee comes in on time sometimes. Mr. Lee is never sick and comes in on ...
Conversations9/18/2009
  Q: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: I want to finish these cookies, but I have to ...
  A: Because your list of questions was so long, I was not able to copy and paste all of them at one ...
meaning of the words "just" and "simply"9/16/2009
  Q: What is the meaning of the words "just" and "simply" in the following sentences? 1."You shouldn't ...
  A: What is the meaning of the words "just" and "simply" in the following sentences? 1."You shouldn't ...
Grammar9/16/2009
  Q: I am back. Is it correct to say 'How much is 2 plus 2?' or 'How many is 2 plus 2? Please help and ...
  A: The explanation is this: There is a difference between "count nouns" and "non-count nouns" and ...
Grammar9/15/2009
  Q: I am back. Is it correct to say 'How much is 2 plus 2?' or 'How many is 2 plus 2? Please help and ...
  A: I am back. Is it correct to say 'How much is 2 plus 2?' or 'How many is 2 plus 2? The "common" or ...
Your "go to" guy9/14/2009
  Q: If you're describing someone as a "go to" guy, what is the correct way of punctuate it? • go-to guy ...
  A: All of the dictionaries I have consulted that list this phrase [six of them], hyphenate the phrase ...
passives9/14/2009
  Q: Could you tell me why I have to use 'being' in -'he was fined 500 € after being convicted of drunk ...
  A: I have struggled with your questions most of the day. I will do my best to give brief, but ...
sentences9/13/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: We’ve decided to name the company Macrodick, Inc. I wonder if I can use “denominate” in ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. Ex: We’ve decided to name the company Macrodick, Inc. I wonder if I can use ...
sentences9/13/2009
  Q: 1.Ex: The two teams’ scores are equal. Can I say, “The two teams’ scores are even.”? If not, I ...
  A: 1.Ex: The two teams’ scores are equal. Can I say, “The two teams’ scores are even.”? **** Yes, you ...
sentences9/12/2009
  Q: Please help me proofread the sentences blow: 1. How would you deal with the death of one of your ...
  A: 1. How would you deal with the death of one of your friends? I’d pretend it didn’t happen. I’d try ...
grammatical analysis9/11/2009
  Q: Would you please help me with a grammatical analysis of the following sentence: “How much do the ...
  A: I sense a "trend" in your questioning. You seem to be focusing on interrogative sentences. ...
Playing card values9/11/2009
  Q: Sorry to bother you with multiple questions in a day, but you always have excellent answers. (No ...
  A: William: I don't like to sound like a broken record, but the answer to your question is the same as ...
Hyphens9/11/2009
  Q: With novels or short stories, is there an established rule for hyphens with "mid"? I see some ...
  A: With novels or short stories, is there an established rule for hyphens with "mid"? I see some ...
apostrophe question9/8/2009
  Q: This may seem like a simple question but i just want to verify that i have it correct. I have a ...
  A: You are very wise in making certain that your new tattoo is correct. Once it's on your back, it's ...
conversations9/6/2009
  Q: 1. Follow-up How do I revise the responses below in order to match the question? A: Why don’t you ...
  A: 1. Follow-up How do I revise the responses below in order to match the question? A: Why don’t ...
conversations9/5/2009
  Q: 1. A: Why don’t you paint your office a different color? B: (1.) I’ll do it when I am not busy. ...
  A: Oppo:1. A: Why don’t you paint your office a different color? B: (1.) I’ll do it when I am not ...
object of the infinitive9/5/2009
  Q: I’ve been thinking about the follow-up question I just posted. Maybe I should have asked what the ...
  A: Rich: I just wrote a very lengthy answer to you. In that answer I tried to indicate that there is ...
sentence analysis9/5/2009
  Q: again, for your help. I hope you will not mind this follow-up question. Would you please verify ...
  A: Rich: One last go around, and let's see if this works. I guess I just do not know what is meant by ...
sentence analysis9/4/2009
  Q: again, for your help. I hope you will not mind this follow-up question. Would you please verify ...
  A: Rich: I was out of town all day yesterday, and I had tests done at a hospital this morning. This ...
proofreading9/4/2009
  Q: Please help me proofread my final draft and give me some feedback. Everyone desires to be ...
  A: I'm including my suggestions -- Everyone desires to be successful in his or her field, but only a ...
proofreading9/3/2009
  Q: 1. Second, social skills are important, too. A person can’t succeed only by himself, rather, he ...
  A: I just got home from working a 12-hour day, and I leave on a day trip in just 7 hours. I hope my ...
sentence analysis9/3/2009
  Q: Would you please help me make an analysis of the following sentence: “What do you like to do?” I ...
  A: Your analysis of each word is correct, with one exception: "to do" is an infinitive. Infinitives ...
proofreading9/2/2009
  Q: I have revised part of an essay from a magazine. Please help me proofread it. 1. Everyone wants to ...
  A: I am offering my suggestions: 1. Everyone wants to be a successful person in his or her field. ...
future perfect? future continuous?9/2/2009
  Q: I really thank you for helping me with a problem I had got. I have another problem here. "By the ...
  A: As I have said before, you are MUCH BETTER than your grammar book. Once again, IT IS WRONG. Your ...
singular and plural9/1/2009
  Q: I am a Japanese student studying English. I found some sentences I cannot understand and need some ...
  A: Hello. I am a Japanese student studying English. I found some sentences I cannot understand and ...
questioning or a statement8/31/2009
  Q: My significant other and I have a disagreement about what I said. He made a statement about ordering ...
  A: Rita: Don't tell your "significant other" that I am sending you this answer, but you are totally ...
conversations8/30/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? When will you move to your new apartment? ...
  A: Oppo:1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? When will you move to your new ...
whom8/30/2009
  Q: once again, for your help with my previous question. I hope that you will not mind another ...
  A: Rich: FOLLOW-UP -- I just thought of another example: "WHOM are you kidding?" [Most people say, ...
conversations8/30/2009
  Q: 1.Should I use “for” or “to” after the phrase “show up”? 20 students are showing up for my class. ...
  A: My computer is "misbehaving," and this is a very long list of questions. I hope I get them all ...
subject of sentence8/30/2009
  Q: Would you please help me with the following sentence: “Who are you?” I am trying to determine ...
  A: You should be 100% sure, because you are 100% correct. Because the sentence is interrogatory, the ...
not understand8/29/2009
  Q: She bleached her hair blonde. 1/ She dyed her hair to make it blonde. 2/ She dyed her hair to make ...
  A: Follow-up to your first question. ***She bleached her hair blonde. 1/ She dyed her hair to make it ...
not understand8/29/2009
  Q: She bleached her hair blonde. 1/ She dyed her hair to make it blonde. 2/ She dyed her hair to make ...
  A: First, I want to tell you that we have a Vietnamese student at our college. I went to a party for ...
Verb tenses8/29/2009
  Q: I badly need your help because i'm very confused with a sentence that i want to write. Hope you have ...
  A: "....just like monsters that HAVE BEEN KEPT in the drawer for a long time and HAVE NOW BECOME ...
sentences8/28/2009
  Q: 1. If it weren’t for your help, I wouldn’t able to meet the deadline. If it hadn’t been for your ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. If it weren’t for your help, I wouldn’t able to meet the deadline. ***This ...
Sentences8/27/2009
  Q: 1. A: Have you ever seen a mudslide? B: Yes. I saw a mudslide near my home during the typhoon. ...
  A: 1. A: Have you ever seen a mudslide? B: Yes. I saw a mudslide near my home during the typhoon. ...
Punctuations8/27/2009
  Q: Is the below sentence punctuated correctly? I am unsure about the quotes around the "X" and if the ...
  A: Here is Rule 15c ["Hodges' Harbrace Handbook"]: "The apostrophe and -s are used to make the plural ...
Sentences8/23/2009
  Q: 1. What do we call the machine or cart used by someone sitting inside for moving goods in the ...
  A: 1. What do we call the machine or cart used by someone sitting inside for moving goods in the ...
General writing and grammar8/21/2009
  Q: Ted! I have got question for you. In the sentence: "We could drive and reach the office in time ...
  A: In the sentence: "We could drive and reach the office in time thanks to the driving skills of ...
conversations8/21/2009
  Q: 1.Ex: Do you know a shortcut to school? Can I put “the” in front of “school”? What’s the ...
  A: Subject: conversations1.Ex: Do you know a shortcut to school? Can I put “the” in front of ...
Proper format for AM and PM in sentences8/20/2009
  Q: We're having a heated debate here at the office regarding AM and PM. It's agreed that you can use ...
  A: Ray: FOLLOW-UP ---- Ray, I took most of my lunch hour yesterday to research this question for you. ...
Punctuating Questions in sentence8/19/2009
  Q: How do I puctuate the following - "Did you go to the grocery?" My sister asked me yesterday. Did ...
  A: Derek: Here is the correct punctuation: "Did you go to the grocery?" my sister asked me yesterday. ...
Singular or plural8/19/2009
  Q: Ted, Thanks for doing this. Your ratings are amazing. I'm a fellow expert in tax, so I can ...
  A: John: The verb is determined by the subject [when you have more than one] that is closest to the ...
Regarding correct usage8/18/2009
  Q: I want to ask you that if I write "Trust everything's going on well at your end.",am I using " 's " ...
  A: You are using it correctly. "Everything's" is the contracted form of "Everything IS." If you ...
re: work8/17/2009
  Q: would you please correct this: I will give a brief testimony and at the conclusion, I shall lead ...
  A: James: I will give a brief testimony and at the conclusion, I shall lead into a brief message . ...
Sentences8/16/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: This unique and exciting game will have you smiling and dirty in no time. Does the verb ...
  A: I have been reading about and watching the TV news concerning the terrible typhoon and the loss of ...
To Mourn a Thing or the Loss of a Thing8/16/2009
  Q: A man has lost his fervor. Which is the correct way to express his feelings about his loss: 1)he ...
  A: "Fervor" is a kind of "passion." It's a very personal feeling. You don't MOURN feelings. You HAVE ...
hello8/15/2009
  Q: I was wondering which one is accurate and if you can explain why: "as the hours closed its doors" ...
  A: QUICK CORRECTION -- Aaron, I was trying to correct a typographical error, but I hit the SEND button ...
Usage of TO8/15/2009
  Q: In a website I am planning to use: Why use us When use us Grammatically I should add "to" before ...
  A: Robert: I think you already know the answer, just because you sent me the question. You are ...
Preposition8/15/2009
  Q: Here are the sentences 1/ They traveled mostly IN flat-bottomed boats ON the rivers. But if I used ...
  A: 1/ They traveled mostly IN flat-bottomed boats ON the rivers. But if I used "ON" and "ACROSS", ...
conjunctive "therefore"8/15/2009
  Q: A student referenced you in a conference a while back, citing your directions regarding semicolon ...
  A: I am "stunned" that any student would reference me, especially in a conference. Does that make me ...
word choice/punctuation8/14/2009
  Q: Which is correct? Is there a rule for these possibilities in a short story? There was a 10-minute ...
  A: Here are your two sets of examples: There was a 10-minute recess. There was a 10 minute recess. ...
hyphens8/14/2009
  Q: I don't know whether to place a hyphen between these words, if they are compound words, or need to ...
  A: You are not the only person who has problems with words or phrase like the ones you have mentioned ...
English grammar8/13/2009
  Q: What is the difference between: I like going to the theatre I'd like to go to the theatre
  A: What is the difference between: I like going to the theatre *** This sentence means that you have ...
Sentences8/10/2009
  Q: 1. Follow-up question Can you give me some examples where a noun can be after both the present ...
  A: 1. Follow-up question Can you give me some examples where a noun can be after both the present ...
Punctuation8/10/2009
  Q: Is the below sentence punctuated correctly? That first period troubles me. Thanks for your help. ...
  A: William: The period belongs INSIDE the single quotation mark. In other countries, some marks of ...
quotes and paragraphs8/10/2009
  Q: Is it acceptable to quote two different speakers in one paragraph if the second speaker is quoted ...
  A: Tim: The simple answer is "yes." The two sentences you have written are both grammatically and ...
Sentences8/9/2009
  Q: 1. Follow-up Ex: The supervisor talked about slowly changed/changing patterns in consumer habits. ...
  A: 1. Follow-up Ex: The supervisor talked about slowly changed/changing patterns in consumer habits. ...
Sentences8/8/2009
  Q: 1.Are terms such as “sales report” and ‘sales representative” considered compound nouns? Or “sales” ...
  A: 1.Are terms such as “sales report” and ‘sales representative” considered compound nouns? Or “sales” ...
punctuations8/8/2009
  Q: Is this sentence punctuated correctly? I am especially concerned about the quotation makes around ...
  A: I appreciate getting feedback about my answers. One of these days, maybe you'll even consider ...
proofreading8/7/2009
  Q: The following passage is the composition that I’ve discussed with you earlier. Please help me ...
  A: Here you go, Oppo -- Dear sir: [Capitalize "Sir"] I am interested in applying for the position ...
Sentences8/6/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: According to my qualification for this position, I also expect to earn a reasonable salary ...
  A: 1. Ex: According to my qualification for this position, I also expect to earn a reasonable ...
Subject Verb agreement anomaly8/6/2009
  Q: If a sentence begins: "It is recommended that the student... Should the next words be "use his ...
  A: It sounds wrong, because it is wrong. When you use a noun clause ["that the student use his own ...
Sentences8/6/2009
  Q: I have questions about the sentences below: Example: Dear Sir: According to the ...
  A: Dear Sir: According to the advertisements of Tri-land Trading Company in the net, the ...
wedding8/5/2009
  Q: what is the correct way to write on a wedding invitation " together with our PARENT we would like ...
  A: There are TWO parents even if they are divorced, so you should use the plural "parents." There are ...
Sentences8/4/2009
  Q: 1. Follow-up question. One reason that our current president is popular with the people is that he ...
  A: One reason that our current president is popular with the people is that he is clean. Your ...
Sentences8/4/2009
  Q: 1.Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? He is leaning down to pick up his book. ...
  A: 1.Do both sentences of each set have identical meanings? He is leaning down to pick up his book. ...
Sentences8/2/2009
  Q: 1.Do the sentences of each group have identical meanings? He traveled to Japan last year. He took ...
  A: 1.Do the sentences of each group have identical meanings? He traveled to Japan last year. He ...
grammar: since8/2/2009
  Q: a. John always calls me since I be his friend b. John always calls me since I am his friend Which ...
  A: I did answer your question. Sentence A is wrong, because you are using the verb "be" by itself, and ...
grammar: since8/2/2009
  Q: a. John always calls me since I be his friend b. John always calls me since I am his friend Which ...
  A: The infinitive of the verb is "to be." But, "be" by itself cannot be used as a verb. Here are the ...
re: mind28/2/2009
  Q: would you please correct this: Subject: “ It is a mind thing” Up until this point we have learned ...
  A: Up until this point we have learned about being born again and receiving the gift of the holy ...
Punctuation (Commas)8/1/2009
  Q: Should either of these sentences contain a comma? I don't think so, but someone I respect says yes. ...
  A: "The air was still humid but felt fresh and clean. She rolled her windows down and enjoyed the cool ...
re: words8/1/2009
  Q: Ted, when it comes to speaking, which one would be correct to use: [let’s or let us] or any other ...
  A: James: In casual conversations, it is fine to use the contraction, "let's." If you are speaking to ...
Sentences7/31/2009
  Q: 1. Soon after the outbreak of SARS, all the patients in the hospital were quarantined so that they ...
  A: Oppo: 1. Soon after the outbreak of SARS, all the patients in the hospital were quarantined so that ...
"is" vs "are"7/28/2009
  Q: I would appreciate your opinion on this. The sentence reads: Encloses is our annual contribution ...
  A: YOU are correct. The verb should be "is." Here is the reason: The full verb is "is enclosed." ...
Sentences7/27/2009
  Q: 1. Conversation A: Do you have self-adhesive envelopes? I need a box of 500. B: Yes, but we only ...
  A: Oppo:1. Conversation A: Do you have self-adhesive envelopes? I need a box of 500. B: Yes, but ...
grammar question is / are7/26/2009
  Q: I am bit confused. I it possible to say the sentence: There is a few people in the team. or do we ...
  A: It's unfortunate, for me, that you found my knowledge lacking. If you will check the ratings, I am ...
re: new7/26/2009
  Q: would you please correct this Our new Minister of Music and director, who is talented and gifted ...
  A: James: Once again, James, I have the feeling that I have let you down. The "volunteer" nomination ...
Sentences7/24/2009
  Q: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: How do you feel about the upcoming job interview? ...
  A: Oppo: Here are your questions:1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: How do you feel ...
commas and quotation marks7/23/2009
  Q: Is the comma placed correctly in the following sentence? Thanks! He told her about “Ellen's Spot,” ...
  A: He told her about “Ellen's Spot,” as the highest overlook on the road was called by the locals. ...
Sentences7/19/2009
  Q: 1. The waiter will seat you in a few minutes. The conference room can seat 200 people. Do both ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1. The waiter will seat you in a few minutes. The conference room can seat 200 ...
Sentences7/18/2009
  Q: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Relaxation (Relaxing) is important because it ...
  A: My suggestions are written below:Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Relaxation ...
Word!!!7/18/2009
  Q: London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It ranks as one ...
  A: London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It ranks as one ...
complements7/15/2009
  Q: Nesbitt, Can you please help me to understand how the word “American” is being used in the ...
  A: Feel free to call me Ted. The "Mr. Nesbitt" is too formal. “I am an American.” I know it must ...
cater to = cater for ???7/14/2009
  Q: 'cater for sb/sth : to provide the things that a particular person or situation needs or wants ex: ...
  A: I do not wish to speak ill of any source that provides you with good education. The Longman ...
use of cardinal numbers7/14/2009
  Q: Nesbitt, Can you please tell me how the cardinal number “eight” is being used in the following ...
  A: FOLLOW UP -- I meant to tell you that I am home on vacation for the rest of this week. I am doing ...
cater to = cater for ???7/14/2009
  Q: 'cater for sb/sth : to provide the things that a particular person or situation needs or wants ex: ...
  A: Here are the definitions from another online source, http://www.thefreedictionary.com v. ca·tered, ...
Strange7/14/2009
  Q: Am I right to write 1/The voice angle 2/ the angel's voice 3/ the voice of the (an) angel 4/ (I've ...
  A: The expression, "the voice of an angel," refers to a very sweet sounding voice. Since angels are ...
Book choice7/13/2009
  Q: I am thankful to be answered by you, Ted. Would you kindly help me find which grammar, structure ...
  A: There are two outstanding grammar books, both of them considered "classics." 1. "Hodges Harbrace ...
Sentences7/12/2009
  Q: 1.We say “budget cut” or “tax cut.” I wonder if I can say “cost cut” as it is shown below: ...
  A: 1.We say “budget cut” or “tax cut.” I wonder if I can say “cost cut” as it is shown below: ...
present participle7/11/2009
  Q: Nesbitt, My question is about the word "standing" in the following sentence: "The woman is ...
  A: I read your question when I got home from work last night. I have been asked the question often, ...
proofreading7/10/2009
  Q: I have revised the essay that we discussed earlier. Please help me proofread it and give me some ...
  A: My suggestions are inserted: What advice would you give your fellow students about preparing for an ...
Grammar7/9/2009
  Q: I have questions about the text below: The second step is to concentrate on the class and study ...
  A: Here is the remainder of my answer. I'm sorry that I couldn't complete it last night, but I was ...
Grammar7/8/2009
  Q: I have some questions regarding the text below: There are 3 important ways about me to prepare for ...
  A: My suggestions are inserted in your text, in the usual way. ***** There are 3 important ways about ...
sentence structure7/4/2009
  Q: Nesbitt, Would you please help me to analyze the structure of the following sentence: “How many ...
  A: “How many bicycles are there?” Your sentence has a construction, although frequently used, that is ...
collective noun7/3/2009
  Q: Nesbitt, I am trying to understand “collective nouns”. In order to test my understanding, would ...
  A: I have ONE suggestion for you: You should become a volunteer at Allexperts. Your explanations ...
sentence structure6/18/2009
  Q: Nesbitt, I am trying to determine what part of the sentence the word "color" is in the following ...
  A: Your question poses an interesting problem that is really hard to answer. I formed my opinion and ...
Sentences6/15/2009
  Q: 1. Do both conversations below make sense? A: Will you quit your job next week? B: I don’t know ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1. Do both conversations below make sense? A: Will you quit your job next week? ...
verbs followed by gerund or infinitive6/15/2009
  Q: Recently I made a lot of research about verbs followed by gerund or infinitive. I know that are ...
  A: Usually, an infinitive is used after the verb "afford" [or "cannot afford"], but there are some ...
essay6/12/2009
  Q: 1. I have added a few sentences to your revision of my essay. Please help me proofreading again. ...
  A: When I was a little girl I had a very frightening experience: a car crash that took place yards ...
proofreading6/11/2009
  Q: I have revised a short student composition from an English magazine. Please help me proofread my ...
  A: I'm putting my suggestions [inserting them] into the text of your SECOND version. The first ...
follow-up questions6/8/2009
  Q: 1. I have a question about a sentence that I mentioned in the previous questions. The sentence: ...
  A: I will try to sort this out -- The sentence: The teacher said that I should study harder. Your ...
Grammar6/8/2009
  Q: 1.The teacher said, “You should study harder.” The teacher said that I should study harder. The ...
  A: 1.The teacher said, “You should study harder.” The teacher said that I should study harder. ...
L. G. Alexander makes me confused6/8/2009
  Q: In his grammar book "Longman English Grammar by L. G. Alexander", on page 36, under the heading ...
  A: I will respond to your other question -- actually, a statement with your Yahoo ID -- tomorrow. I'm ...
A little confused6/7/2009
  Q: 1/ Teacher, please take time to have a look at the 3 sentences below: The thing that we need to do ...
  A: I will try to choose examples that befit a 22-year-old man. Although I prefer to receive ...
A little confused6/7/2009
  Q: 1/ Teacher, please take time to have a look at the 3 sentences below: The thing that we need to do ...
  A: What causes the confusion is that, in the English language, there are various ways to say the same ...
Puntuation6/3/2009
  Q: When writing an email - " Hi Anne," is the comma appropriate after Anne's name.
  A: Even though it is a "casual e-mail," you really should use correct punctuation. If you were writing ...
Sentences5/29/2009
  Q: 1. I have come up with a question to the response in each conversation below. Do all the ...
  A: Oppo: This has to be the longest list of questions you have sent me. PLEASE try to keep them ...
Sentences5/24/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? He sent me a letter a week ago, but the mail ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? He sent me a letter a week ago, but the ...
Sentences5/24/2009
  Q: 1.I have a question regarding the conversation below: A: Are you waiting for the number four? I ...
  A: I thought you had disappeared forever. Welcome back! Your questions:1.I have a question regarding ...
grammar5/23/2009
  Q: could u help me with 2 questions? 1/ Huge warehouse stores have been built throughout the country ...
  A: a/ The doctor examined me and told me I was having the flu. b/ The doctor examined me and told me ...
grammar5/23/2009
  Q: could u help me with 2 questions? 1/ Huge warehouse stores have been built throughout the country ...
  A: I am very pleased to help you. I greatly admire the hard work that non-English-speaking persons do ...
Using a business name5/23/2009
  Q: In your story, if you use a real business name(for Example: Tiffany and Co.) when you are describing ...
  A: I am sorry that you have experienced these troubles. I'll do my best to help you. About six or ...
Use of an Apostrophe5/23/2009
  Q: Can you please explain when it is appropriate to use an apostrophe to show possession, and when it ...
  A: Scott: In most cases, an apostrophe is used to show possession. In most cases, the singular form ...
Using a business name5/22/2009
  Q: In your story, if you use a real business name(for Example: Tiffany and Co.) when you are describing ...
  A: Joshua: Certainly, you can use their names. [They would be pleased at the free advertising.] This ...
predicate adjective vs adjective5/19/2009
  Q: Nesbitt, I am trying to understand the distinction between a "predicate adjective" and an adjective ...
  A: You should be a volunteer in grammar at Allexperts! Your reasoning is exactly right. "These coins ...
Commas5/19/2009
  Q: I am always having trouble remembering when commas should be used. Could you tell me where commas ...
  A: Courtney: In some instances the word "please" is set off by commas: I am asking you, please, to ...
I wonder if you can help me .......5/18/2009
  Q: I wonder if you can help me with these grammar sentences. What's the difference between these two ...
  A: FOLLOW-UP Dear Antony: When you get an answer from anyone at Allexperts, there SHOULD be an ...
I wonder if you can help me .......5/18/2009
  Q: I wonder if you can help me with these grammar sentences. What's the difference between these two ...
  A: Here are your two sentences: He seems to be kind. In the above sentence, someone [A] is making a ...
Understood Subject5/8/2009
  Q: Greetings Ted, I would appreciate an answer to this question, that came up in our writing group: ...
  A: Yes, it is clear to you that the sofa did NOT do the gazing. From a grammatical standpoint, ...
grammar4/29/2009
  Q: Are these correct?: * "A person such as I prefers room temperature." * "Many, including I, prefer ...
  A: Here are your three sentences: Are these correct?: * "A person such as I prefers room ...
alphabetical listing of company names4/27/2009
  Q: When creating an alphabetical list of company/organization names, should companies with "The" in ...
  A: Ann: The standard alphabetizing convention is to drop the articles that begin titles -- a, an, and ...
proofreading4/23/2009
  Q: 1. What was the scariest thing that ever happened to you? The thing that scared me the most ...
  A: 1. What was the scariest thing that ever happened to you? The thing that scared me the most ...
Research Paper (new at online help service)4/23/2009
  Q: Should there be a - between ever and manifesting?(...one notices the ever manifesting ...
  A: I wanted to send you a "follow up" message, since you related that you were new to Allexperts. If ...
Grammar and conversations4/19/2009
  Q: 1. A: That’s the last time I’m staying at some convention hotel. B: I thought it was very pleasant. ...
  A: 1. A: That’s the last time I’m staying at some convention hotel. B: I thought it was very ...
sentences and conversations4/19/2009
  Q: 1.A: Is the restaurant far from here? B: (1.) It’s all the way downtown. (2.) It’s all the way ...
  A: 1.A: Is the restaurant far from here? B: (1.) It’s all the way downtown. (2.) It’s all the ...
conversations4/18/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the B’s responses acceptable in the conversation below? A: Can’t you figure out a ...
  A: 1. Are all the B’s responses acceptable in the conversation below? A: Can’t you figure out a ...
proofreading and sentences4/18/2009
  Q: The original fourth paragraph: However, drug abuse is a phenomenon of illness. The abusers are ...
  A: My revised paragraph: Drug abuse is a serious problem that we should never overlook. However, in ...
proofreading4/17/2009
  Q: Ted. I apologize that you felt I was not being fair with you. In fact, I did send the same (number ...
  A: Ever since I became a part of Allexperts about 10-11 years ago, I have always tried to give very ...
we/us usage4/17/2009
  Q: which is correct and why. one farmer speaking to another says, " The government donated millions to ...
  A: Robert: I have now sent you two answers, neither of which was evaluated. They remain in my ...
we/us usage4/17/2009
  Q: which is correct and why. one farmer speaking to another says, " The government donated millions to ...
  A: Robert: It's "to US farmers." It is a prepositional phrase, beginning with the preposition "to." ...
follow-up questions4/16/2009
  Q: 1. Recently illegal drug abuse has become a serious problem around the world. It is terrible that ...
  A: I am trying to do the best I can for you, but your questions are sometimes confusing to me, and you ...
proofreading and sentences4/16/2009
  Q: I have revised a composition as follow. Please help me with your feedback. Topic: What steps do you ...
  A: Oppo: I hope you can read this. It's kind of hard to follow: Topic: What steps do you think need ...
Sentences4/15/2009
  Q: 1. Do both conversations below make sense? A: Can you swim? B: You must be kidding me! I am a ...
  A: 1. Do both conversations below make sense? A: Can you swim? B: You must be kidding me! I am a ...
sentences and conversations4/13/2009
  Q: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: How often do you see a movie? B: I don’t go to the ...
  A: 1. Do all the conversations below make sense? A: How often do you see a movie? B: I don’t go to ...
sentences and conversations4/12/2009
  Q: 1.A: You were here this morning, weren’t you? B: (1.) Yes, I wwas in my office. (2.) Right. ...
  A: 1.A: You were here this morning, weren’t you? B: (1.) Yes, I wwas in my office. (2.) Right. ...
follow-up questions4/10/2009
  Q: 1. By the time I arrive at the station, the train will have left. In your previous answer, you said ...
  A: Oppo: Notice the difference in the constructions of the two sentences: By the time I arrive at the ...
Sentences4/10/2009
  Q: 1. By the time I arrive at the station, the train will have left. Can I use the simple future tense ...
  A: 1. By the time I arrive at the station, the train will have left. Can I use the simple future tense ...
Using "feel" v. "am" with an adjective such as "hungry" or "tired"4/9/2009
  Q: What is the rule in English regarding using the verb "am" in regards to an adjective that could be a ...
  A: Shawn: ADDITIONAL COMMENT -- Shawn, I spent a long time responding to your question. However, the ...
follow-up questions4/5/2009
  Q: 1. If you don’t answer any questions right, you still have 10 points. If you miss all the questions, ...
  A: Subject: follow-up questions1. If you don’t answer any questions right, you still have 10 points. ...
Sentences4/5/2009
  Q: 1. Do all the sentences of each group have identical meanings? The drain grates line up in the ...
  A: 1. Do all the sentences of each group have identical meanings? The drain grates line up in the ...
that or which?4/3/2009
  Q: I know for usage purposes "who" refers to people; "which" refers to nonliving objects or animals; ...
  A: Jan: You have done a wonderful job of describing the correct usages of "who," "that," and "which." ...
Sentences4/2/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Ichiro Suzuki, a native of Japan, made his ...
  A: Oppo: Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Ichiro Suzuki, a native of Japan, made ...
Sentences4/2/2009
  Q: 1. She is enjoying watching TV. She is enjoying TV. She likes watching TV. She likes to watch ...
  A: 1. She is enjoying watching TV. She is enjoying TV. ** The first one says that she enjoying the ...
Sentences3/29/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? She got off the bus and then went into the ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? She got off the bus and then went into the ...
Proper word usage3/25/2009
  Q: Is the following sentence grammatically correct? "Six of the teams underwent their TSA Annual ...
  A: Estelle: The sentence is correct. "Six" is plural, so you must use the plural pronun "their" to ...
Sentences3/24/2009
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The project undertaken by the students is very ...
  A: Oppo: I am making another presentation during a two-day trip. I won't be back until late Thursday ...
grammar3/23/2009
  Q: What parts of speech are "if" and "possible" in the sentence "Ask your question in a whisper and ...
  A: Joe: Here is your sentence: What parts of speech are "if" and "possible" in the sentence "Ask ...
Sentences3/23/2009
  Q: Ted. Glad to see you back from your trip. I currently live in Taiwan because my mom is Taiwanese. ...
  A: 1. Do all the sentences in each group have identical meanings? He suggested a modified plan. He ...
proofreading3/20/2009
  Q: Are you worried about overpopulation? Although overpopulation is not yet a serious problem in my ...
  A: I am trying to recover from two, 14+ hour days; yesterday's trip included 8 hours of driving and a ...
proofreading3/19/2009
  Q: 1.If you found a one-thousand-dollar bill on the sidewalk, what would you do? Response#1: I’d ...
  A: 1.If you found a one-thousand-dollar bill on the sidewalk, what would you do? Response#1: I’d ...
proofreading3/18/2009
  Q: 1. How would you deal with the death of one of your friends? I’d be very saddened (or sad) to hear ...
  A: Subject: proofreading1. How would you deal with the death of one of your friends? I’d be very ...
proofreading3/18/2009
  Q: Please help me proofread the following work. 1. Do you think the social changes in Japan are good ...
  A: 1. Do you think the social changes in Japan are good or bad? I think social changes can be ...
Grammar3/16/2009
  Q: 1. How do I distinguish “particular” from “special”? (1.) He is a special girl. (Do we say, “He ...
  A: 1. How do I distinguish “particular” from “special”? (1.) He is a special girl. (Do we say, ...
Sentences3/15/2009
  Q: 1. Is there a vacancy in the (hotel, company, apartment building, parking lot and car)? Does the ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1. Is there a vacancy in the (hotel, company, apartment building, parking lot and ...
Sentences3/14/2009
  Q: 1. Are the sentences below grammatically correct? A tour guide leads a group of travelers and ...
  A: 1. Are the sentences below grammatically correct? A tour guide leads a group of travelers and ...
Sentences3/13/2009
  Q: 1. Do both sentences in each set have identical meanings? (Are they grammatically correct?) Some ...
  A: 1. Do both sentences in each set have identical meanings? (Are they grammatically correct?) ...
essay3/12/2009
  Q: I have some other questions about the rest of the essay that we discussed earlier. The third ...
  A: I have some other questions about the rest of the essay that we discussed earlier. The third ...
essay3/12/2009
  Q: I have some questions about one essay and its revised version. The first paragraph of the original ...
  A: I have some questions about one essay and its revised version. The first paragraph of the original ...
Sentences3/11/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The mother is feeding her baby milk. Wolves ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? The mother is feeding her baby milk. *** ...
conversations3/8/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? It’s getting cold here and I am not wearing ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? It’s getting cold here and I am not ...
Sentences3/4/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? I am your trainer. I am here to train you how ...
  A: I am back for the evening and leave again tomorrow morning for a day or two. Here are your ...
Sentences3/1/2009
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? I have just finished downloading the movie and ...
  A: Remember that I will be traveling and will have no computer access for Monday-Wednesday and also on ...
re: address3/1/2009
  Q: Ted, Is it true, to give an address to an audience,there should be no more than one speaker on ...
  A: James: It is NOT true. There may be several speakers, depending on the topic and the length of the ...
re: colon3/1/2009
  Q: Ted, I thank, I understand the use of the colon, is to introduce a list and a formal quotation. My ...
  A: James: Here is a "formal quotation" -- words that are quoted directly from someone else and not ...
follow-up questions2/27/2009
  Q: 1. I don’t have any red pen, so I’ll use the blue one instead. **** It would be much better to ...
  A: Subject: follow-up questions1. I don’t have any red pen, so I’ll use the blue one instead. **** ...
Sentences2/26/2009
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? I don’t have any red pen, so I’ll use the blue ...
  A: Subject: Sentences1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? I don’t have any red pen, ...
grammar2/23/2009
  Q: Whether the below sentence is grammatically correct: "Decrease in number of students' absenteeism ...
  A: You need to start your sentence with the word "the." Since absenteeism is one thing and tardiness ...
Sentences2/22/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Before I process your request, may I verify ...
  A: I am having major internet problems. I hope I'm able to answer all your questions, before I once ...
Sentences2/21/2009
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? I need a match to light a cigarette. ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? I need a match to light a cigarette. ...
Sentences2/20/2009
  Q: 1.Follow-up question I examine the machines randomly (at random). I examine the machines ...
  A: 1.Follow-up question I examine the machines randomly (at random). I examine the machines ...
conversations2/20/2009
  Q: Ted. Glad to see you back at Allexperts. I hope your previous issued has been resolved. Otherwise, I ...
  A: I rejoined Allexperts about a week ago. I intend to watch their evaluation system, because I am not ...
Comma use with dates2/18/2009
  Q: If I am writing a sentences do I need a comma after the date February 26th or March 3rd? Food for ...
  A: Sue: I was going to type the entire section from "The Hodges' Harbrace Handbook," but, it's really ...
proper grammer2/17/2009
  Q: I have a question on the correct usage or spelling of the word its'. I have been told that you do ...
  A: Anthony: I am puzzled by your ratings, and I hope that you do not treat others volunteers as you ...
proper grammer2/16/2009
  Q: I have a question on the correct usage or spelling of the word its'. I have been told that you do ...
  A: Anthony: There are two ways -- it's = the contraction for the words "it is" -- the apostrophe is ...
question2/16/2009
  Q: Should I include a comma in the following sentence before the word which? Tonight, I went to the ...
  A: Jason: "Restrictive words, phrases, and clauses" are essential to the meaning of the sentence. ...
Sentences2/4/2009
  Q: 1. A: How long have you been studying English? B: (1.) About two hours. (2.) About ten years. ...
  A: SPECIAL MESSAGE -- Nearly two weeks ago, I set my status at Allexperts to “on vacation.” I had ...
Sentences2/2/2009
  Q: Ted. I hate to see you leave Allexperts because you are one of the best experts of all time. I guess ...
  A: Hi, Ted. I hate to see you leave Allexperts because you are one of the best experts of all time. I ...
Sentences1/31/2009
  Q: 1. Do both sentences in each set below have identical meanings? We are having a sale on our ...
  A: I want to alert you that I plan to leave Allexperts in the near future. My ratings are not being ...
Use of comma before "and" and "or"1/31/2009
  Q: Should I write: 1. "I had a sandwich, coffee, and oragne juice"? 2. Would you like to have a ...
  A: When you list a series, you should separate the parts of the series with commas. Some people do not ...
apostrophe1/25/2009
  Q: How do I write: Julie's mom's pen OR Julie's moms pen
  A: The proper way is Julie's mom's pen. You are showing two different examples of possession: (1) the ...
questions1/23/2009
  Q: Thanks for all your help in advance
  A: Nancy: Here is how Allexperts works. When I send an answer, Allexperts attaches an evaluation ...
Grammar and Writing1/23/2009
  Q: I have 3 question that have me a little confused.Can you please help. Correct example of plural ...
  A: I commend you for being a concerned and helpful parent. The world needs more people like you. ...
sentences1/19/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: As well as being a source of news and information, watching TV provides us with entertainment ...
  A: Oppo: Your LAST nomination showed up; the other four have NOT. Thank you.1. Ex: As well as being ...
sentences1/18/2009
  Q: Ted. I hope that you have received my last nomination and things work well there, too. You have been ...
  A: Ted. I hope that you have received my last nomination and things work well there, too. You have ...
Use of commas in suffixes to names1/16/2009
  Q: Is it correct to use commas after a person's name and before the indication of seniority, for ...
  A: Yes, there is a grammatical rule. I'm typing the rule from "The College Writer's Reference," 2d ...
Sentences1/16/2009
  Q: Ted. Thanks for your previous message. I think there must've been some kind of misunderstanding. I ...
  A: Your explanation and apology [I have pasted them in below] are fine, except you did the same thing ...
sentences1/16/2009
  Q: 1.Ex: The candidate kept talking even though there was almost no one left except for some staff ...
  A: I didn't expect to hear from you again, after my last answer. I thought about writing a follow-up ...
Sentences1/12/2009
  Q: 1.Whatever you do, make sure you do it right. Wherever you go, I’ll find you. However you do ...
  A: 1.Whatever you do, make sure you do it right. Wherever you go, I’ll find you. However you ...
Modals1/12/2009
  Q: 1. It can rain in the desert sometimes, but you can’t depend on it. Can I say, “It might rain…”? ...
  A: Oppo:1. It can rain in the desert sometimes, but you can’t depend on it. Can I say, “It might ...
Grammar1/11/2009
  Q: 1. (1.) Someone is knocking at the door. That would be Fred. (2.) When I asked the designer why he ...
  A: 1. (1.) Someone is knocking at the door. That would be Fred. (2.) When I asked the designer why he ...
Sentences1/11/2009
  Q: 1. 1. He thinks he would have retired by now. He thought he would retire soon. What’s the ...
  A: 1. 1. He thinks he would have retired by now. He thought he would retire soon. The first ...
Grammar1/10/2009
  Q: 1. Ex: Our ancestors must have been remarkable people to have lived with such hardships. (a.) What ...
  A: Your questions -- 1. Ex: Our ancestors must have been remarkable people to have lived with such ...
Editing1/3/2009
  Q: Ted, I want to know the exact meaning and how they are different from one another... Even though, ...
  A: Even though, though, and although are very similar and can often be interchanged with each other. ...
her vs she12/31/2008
  Q: doc: see whether it's ur wife hus: oh, my god! it's (her or she) which one is correct her or she ...
  A: When you send a question, you really should do your very best job in typing it correctly. My first ...
Possessive of Plural Nouns - Jesus' or Jesus's? guys' or guys's?12/29/2008
  Q: Ted, I see you are no longer accepting questions, but please consider this exception. Thanks in ...
  A: Bob: I probably shouldn't be venturing into this messy situation, for several reasons: (1) usage ...
sentences12/28/2008
  Q: 1. You can’t make a U turn at this crossroad. You can’t turn around at this crossroad. Do both ...
  A: Oppo:1. You can’t make a U turn at this crossroad. You can’t turn around at this crossroad. Do ...
grammar12/27/2008
  Q: 1. Do you think I should learn how to drive? Do you think I should learn driving? Do you think ...
  A: Oppo: 1. Do you think I should learn how to drive? Do you think I should learn driving? Do you ...
essay12/26/2008
  Q: I have five questions about part of the essay below: The second step in my methods for improving ...
  A: Oppo: I'll try to sort all this out. ***** I have five questions about part of the essay below: ...
essay12/25/2008
  Q: Merry Christmas! I have five questions about part of a composition below: Oh no! It is Sunday ...
  A: I was not home yesterday -- Christmas Day -- because I spent the entire day visiting my elderly aunt ...
who vs whom12/23/2008
  Q: with whom did you go to cinema? OR who did you go to cinema with? i read that WHO ...
  A: The correct pronoun is "with whom." It is the object of the preposition "with," and ALL objects ...
Grammar12/19/2008
  Q: 1. How do we distinguish between “convert ...to” and “convert…. into”? 2. Although rather light ...
  A: Oppo: 1. How do we distinguish between “convert ...to” and “convert…. into”? **** They are very ...
Grammar12/19/2008
  Q: Ted. I have been healing from my back injury for the past few weeks. That's why I don't ask ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear about your back injury. I hope you are feeling better. I am going to ask you NOT ...
Technically12/18/2008
  Q: How does one use "technically" properly? Is it about a fact not official, or a not well recognized ...
  A: Andrew: The use of "technically" is NOT for an "unofficial fact," but rather, for a fact not ...
3 quotes12/13/2008
  Q: !! I'm not sure if I asked you about these sentences before. I'm sure I asked somebody about it, but ...
  A: Luke, I'll do my best: It was at a pub in the city centre, and there was a guy with a fiddle, and ...
Grammar12/11/2008
  Q: Please tell me if " I am done," meaning, 'I have finished a task', is acceptable? ANSWER: Frances: ...
  A: I wanted to add a couple of comments, and by doing it this way, you will not need to re-evaluate my ...
Grammar12/10/2008
  Q: Please tell me if " I am done," meaning, 'I have finished a task', is acceptable?
  A: Frances: It certainly is. "I have finished" is acceptable as it is, BUT, those three words "cry ...
grammar quesion!12/1/2008
  Q: For my website as a Professional Organizer, I have a sentence and not sure which is correct: My ...
  A: Terri: FOLLOW-UP COMMENT: I delayed my week-long trip this morning to send you a second response, ...
grammar quesion!12/1/2008
  Q: For my website as a Professional Organizer, I have a sentence and not sure which is correct: My ...
  A: Terri: This is one of the most interesting questions I've had in a long time. Here is your ...
Scholarship essay. Any mistakes?11/28/2008
  Q: this is an essay I want to submit for a scholarship. I would be thankful if you could review it and ...
  A: I want to respond to the ratings you gave me for my answer. I have served as a volunteer at ...
Citation Punctuation11/28/2008
  Q: How would I punctuate the following sentence in MLA format: When asked who he is, Satan ...
  A: Jenny: Here is an MLA example from a paper presented by Diana Hacker, an expert on style ...
correct way to sign a report11/22/2008
  Q: Which of the follow is correct or are they both acceptable Dr. John Doe, M.D. John Doe, M.D. ...
  A: ALL the style manuals say that the correct version is John Doe, M. D. Since "M. D." means DOCTOR of ...
Phrase which includes prevalence rate.11/18/2008
  Q: I am aware that writers usually write, "The prevalence rate of depression..." or "The prevalence ...
  A: Ernie: I see what your issue is, but you are mixing two different things in your two examples. ...
Sentences11/18/2008
  Q: 1. Ex1: Have you ever been to the famous temple on the outskirts of the city? What’s the difference ...
  A: 1. Ex1: Have you ever been to the famous temple on the outskirts of the city? What’s the ...
Grammar11/15/2008
  Q: 1. When will you move your office? When will you move into your office? What's the difference ...
  A: I haven't heard from you for a while. I thought you were gone from Allexperts! *****1. When will ...
hyphen11/12/2008
  Q: I'm a bit confused about the use of the hyphen. Should a hyphen be added to the following examples? ...
  A: Your guess is exactly right. #4 should be hyphenated, because the two adjectives [low and mass] are ...
continuous/simple11/8/2008
  Q: First off I'd like to thank you for the two last answers to my questions. I was unable to rate your ...
  A: Luke: Yes, there seems to be a problem with Allexperts. The experts for "rabbits" and "coin ...
grammar11/6/2008
  Q: How's life :) Which sounds better? 1. We always look for good translators OR We're always looking ...
  A: Which sounds better? 1. We always look for good translators OR We're always looking for good ...
grammar211/6/2008
  Q: 1. Someone is following me. Someone follows me. (I want to say that something has been going on for ...
  A: FOLLOW-UP -- Luke, I have already resent this message to you once. This is my third attempt. For ...
neologisms in advertising11/5/2008
  Q: I'm Russian and I really need your help! Well, I want to clear it out what I'm looking for - words ...
  A: You have a difficult project. First, "neologisms" are words that are "newly created," and they ...
grammar "thought to himself"10/31/2008
  Q: When we say something like, "Wow! This water is murky". John thought to himself. The sentence where ...
  A: Steve: Thoughts, which are not spoken aloud, are still considered to be stated remarks. So, John's ...
been running/have run/been written/was written10/30/2008
  Q: I have some more questions, however :) 1. How long have you been running, Tom? (use it while he is ...
  A: I have some more questions, however :) 1. How long have you been running, Tom? (use it while he ...
past perfect/what is......10/30/2008
  Q: I'm back :) I have some more questions: 1.We had met each other before 2. I went to Africa in ...
  A: Luke: Welcome back! **** I have some more questions: 1.We had met each other before 2. I ...
present prefect simple/continuous10/30/2008
  Q: 1. How long have you been working in this bookshop? 2. How long have you worked in this bookshop? 3. ...
  A: 1. How long have you been working in this bookshop? 2. How long have you worked in this bookshop? ...
short questions10/30/2008
  Q: Good morning Ted! Is it OK to write: 1. Which of these two information says that something has ...
  A: Luke: Is it OK to write: 1. Which of these two information says that something has been ...
Commas with Appositives10/29/2008
  Q: My grammar book says nonrestrictive appositives need commas around them and gives this example: ...
  A: Bill: Yes, "the champion" is a nonrestrictive appositive. "James is a great player" is the main ...
Sentences10/26/2008
  Q: 1. Many employees consider this a harsh decision. Many employees consider your decision very ...
  A: 1. Many employees consider this a harsh decision. Many employees consider your decision very ...
Sentences10/26/2008
  Q: 1. (1.) It is in regard to your decision to make the mill off-limits to smokers. Can “with regard ...
  A: 1. (1.) It is in regard to your decision to make the mill off-limits to smokers. Can “with ...
Sentences10/24/2008
  Q: 1.Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Ex1: Scientists now have enough date on El ...
  A: I am sorry for the delay in responding, but my elderly aunt is in critical condition in the ...
conditionals10/23/2008
  Q: 1. She wouldn't wait that long if she knew he wasn't going to come 2. She wouldn't have waited that ...
  A: Luke: 1. She wouldn't wait that long if she knew he wasn't going to come 2. She wouldn't have ...
Sentences10/22/2008
  Q: 1. Ex: Rachel is as beautiful as Jean. Are both ‘as”s prepositions? What do they mean? 2 I have ...
  A: 1. Ex: Rachel is as beautiful as Jean. Are both ‘as”s prepositions? What do they mean? YES, ...
Sentences10/21/2008
  Q: 1. She had her car serviced at the garage last week. What is another word for “serviced” in the ...
  A: . She had her car serviced at the garage last week. What is another word for “serviced” in the ...
is10/19/2008
  Q: I have a question about the phrase "what is there" from the sentence below. "It may be that we have ...
  A: Luke: I have a question about the phrase "what is there" from the sentence below. "It may be that ...
Capitalization10/16/2008
  Q: When should metro (metropolitan) be capitalized. We live in Metro Atlanta or metro Atlanta?
  A: Charles: I have checked two style guides -- the Associated Press and The Chicago Manual of Style. ...
1 sentence10/16/2008
  Q: If Seb didn't come with us to the desert, everyone would be very disappointed. --- does the first ...
  A: Luke: FOLLOW-UP If I ruled the grammar world, I would forbid the use of both the conditional mood ...
conditionals10/16/2008
  Q: A) I wasn't really surprised that we got lost because I knew that the navigator couldn't map-read. ...
  A: Luke: There are just two grammar topics that I do not like trying to explain: conditional mood and ...
sentences10/14/2008
  Q: Can you have a look at these sentences and tell me if they are alright? 1. I'm sorry I forgot to ...
  A: Luke: First, in the last message I sent to you -- about an hour ago -- I was interrupted several ...
reported speech10/14/2008
  Q: Will you check the sentences below for me please? 1. "You lied to me," Dennis told Ann. Dennis ...
  A: Luke: Will you check the sentences below for me please? 1. "You lied to me," Dennis told Ann. ...
When to use she or her10/9/2008
  Q: Which sentence is correct? The petition stemmed from her and Mr. Smith having an argument. Thanks ...
  A: Venessa: You should use "her," because it is one of the two objects of the preposition "from." ...
tense/will have10/5/2008
  Q: How's your Sunday going? It was a nice sunny day here in the place where I live, and it was even ...
  A: How's your Sunday going? It was a nice sunny day here in the place where I live, and it was even ...
RE: WORD10/4/2008
  Q: Ted, I realize that the word retroactive is speaking of past events. [ is this a good use of that ...
  A: James: You can use "retroactive" to refer to the 1999 plans, but you'll have to revise your ...
tenses/were/had been/have been10/3/2008
  Q: how are you? I have a question about the tenses on the basis of one sentence: A press release ...
  A: Luke: Here's the problem: THE VERB 'SAYS' The press release is "now" -- it was issued today. ...
tenses/were/had been/have been10/2/2008
  Q: how are you? I have a question about the tenses on the basis of one sentence: A press release ...
  A: Luke: Your questions -- A press release issued today says [it has to be "SAYS" and the second ...
grammar question9/25/2008
  Q: I know that we should say: I don't know where she IS. OR I don't know where the students are. ---so ...
  A: Luke: How about these: If I ask a question I say: Where is this? But if I say: Tell me please ...
grammar question9/25/2008
  Q: I know that we should say: I don't know where she IS. OR I don't know where the students are. ---so ...
  A: Luke: About changing the position of the verb "is" -- yourI know that we should say: I don't know ...
Auxiliaries9/23/2008
  Q: What is an example of a verb phrase that consists of three auxiliary verbs?
  A: There are thousands. You and I could put them together all night! A verb phrase combines one or ...
Sentences9/21/2008
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Contaminated milk products have contributed ...
  A: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Contaminated milk products have contributed ...
Why such a writing?9/19/2008
  Q: I am sad to hear of your wound. Now I would like to ask you : In your hands and those of your ...
  A: Walden: Thank you for your message. I am slowly improving, health-wise. Some days are more ...
Sentences9/17/2008
  Q: 1. Should I say, “That’s not my fault.” Or “That’s not my mistake.” in the following conversations? ...
  A: 1. Should I say, “That’s not my fault.” Or “That’s not my mistake.” in the following ...
follow-up9/16/2008
  Q: It's still a follow-up question to the previous one. You wrote: Really, Luke, if you are asking ...
  A: Luke: I don't know if I can offer any more suggestions on this subject. In your last message your ...
do you/are you9/16/2008
  Q: Are you learning other languages apart from English? Do you learn other languages apart from ...
  A: You wrote: "Do you learn" is strange [and incorrect], because the "learning process" should be ...
do you/are you9/15/2008
  Q: Are you learning other languages apart from English? Do you learn other languages apart from ...
  A: Your questions -- Are you learning other languages apart from English? Do you learn other ...
2 questions9/14/2008
  Q: how have you been? Everything's fine with me, and I hope it's the same with you. 1. I know that ...
  A: Luke: Here is your follow-upI understand from your answer that it is possible to say: I FEEL GOOD, ...
Colon7/22/2008
  Q: My answer is: No. I'm told by many grammar experts that this is correct. They say the colon means ...
  A: I am returning to service at Allexperts, although I have not completely recovered from my injuries ...
the/until/7/15/2008
  Q: I've read somewhere that when you refer to the U.S. as simply "America" then you do not have to use ...
  A: Luke: Here is what you wrote, and I'm going to insert my suggestions: I've read somewhere that ...
grammar/distributive adjectives all/each7/15/2008
  Q: Can you define the usage of "all" and "each" (distributive and nominal adjectives)? Can you define ...
  A: I was very reluctant to take this question -- I went back on my promise this past week and answered ...
intransitive verb7/14/2008
  Q: My dictionary say the word "run" is intransitive in this sentence but I think it's transitive. Would ...
  A: Roger: You are SO good! You are exactly correct about "She ran over the last few yards." That is ...
intransitive verb7/14/2008
  Q: My dictionary say the word "run" is intransitive in this sentence but I think it's transitive. Would ...
  A: Roger: Suggestion #1 -- Go back and read the dictionary passage again. "Run" [past tense "ran"] ...
comma after apostrophe?7/14/2008
  Q: Is it ok to write: ..to ensure each internal installation meets or exceeds our, and our customers’, ...
  A: Jeff: There is NO reason to set off the words "and our customers'" with commas. The correct ...
sentences7/11/2008
  Q: 1. Japan's economy has been very slow for years, and perhaps it will remain this way in a while ...
  A: 1. Japan's economy has been very slow for years, and perhaps it will remain this way in a while ...
Direct object7/6/2008
  Q: My grammar book says that "bank" is not a direct object in this sentence: "The bank was robbed." ...
  A: Roger: Your sentence -- "The bank was robbed." "Bank" is the subject of the verb "was robbed." ...
tenses7/2/2008
  Q: how are you? Has the weather already got better in the place where you live? In Poland it's been ...
  A: Has the weather already got better in the place where you live? In Poland it's been very hot for ...
Grammar Questions6/30/2008
  Q: I have some more questions: 1. Why does "also" not require commas in the middle of a sentence while ...
  A: Pat: I WANTED TO ADD THIS FOLLOW-UP MESSAGE: PAT, AS I INDICATED TO YOU, I DECIDED TO HELP YOU BY ...
Adverbs & Other Parts of Speech6/28/2008
  Q: as I said it helps alot to have help when your doing online schooling, as to understand better, ...
  A: Michelle: I was out of town all day yesterday, so I did not have a chance go answer until now. ...
follow up6/27/2008
  Q: "verb, base form" is the tagged part if speech the word is being used in. However, the only ...
  A: Keith: This question is getting "clearer." Thanks for the revision. My first question seems to be ...
follow up6/26/2008
  Q: "verb, base form" is the tagged part if speech the word is being used in. However, the only ...
  A: Keith: **** I WANTED TO ADD A FOLLOW-UP TO THE ANSWER I SENT YOU. DO YOU NEED HELP IN FINDING ...
which word to use . .6/24/2008
  Q: I do not know which is grammically correct. This is the title to my book . "A guide to responsible ...
  A: You've presented a problem. Given what information with which you have provided me, my choice would ...
another/no/not/wondering6/22/2008
  Q: One more question. 1. "Another" can be used only with singular entities while other can be used ...
  A: Luke: You have come up with some really "teasers." Hello again. One more question. 1. ...
passages6/19/2008
  Q: Good evening Ted. It's almost 1 a.m. here and I've just reminded myself that I wanted to ask you ...
  A: I'm reading a book and there are some sentences which are troublesome for me,i.e., I have some ...
grammar/passage6/17/2008
  Q: I have two questions. One is related to grammar and the other to a certain passage from a book. Do ...
  A: Your questions and my answers -- Do you think that all of those sentences are fine: 1.I don’t ...
grammar6/10/2008
  Q: 1.I know that both of them are correct. I would say that only the first one is OK. We ask "Which" so ...
  A: Let me see if I can figure this out. Here is your second sentence: 2. Usually one of the most ...
grammar6/10/2008
  Q: 1.I know that both of them are correct. I would say that only the first one is OK. We ask "Which" so ...
  A: Here's the follow-up to your questions: 1.I know that both of them are correct. I would say that ...
grammar6/9/2008
  Q: how are you? This time I have only grammar questions. 1. a)I'm always trying to do my work as best ...
  A: Luke -- My answers: 1. a)I'm always trying to do my work as best as possible. b)I always try to do ...
punctuation and capitalization6/4/2008
  Q: I am writing to you as im not very good with written english, and im doing online schooling, im now ...
  A: Michelle: FOLLOW-UP TO THE ANSWER I JUST SENT: MICHELLE, IF YOU NEED MORE EXPLANATIONS ABOUT WHAT ...
rock/stone/paragraph6/3/2008
  Q: The author of the book about magic wrote: Magic concerning rocks and stones is included in this ...
  A: I stayed after work -- very busy day, and it was NOT supposed to be -- to talk with a student, "my ...
sentences5/26/2008
  Q: 1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Mt. Rushmore is famous for four carved faces ...
  A: Subject: sentences1. Are all the sentences below grammatically correct? Mt. Rushmore is famous ...
; or '?5/18/2008
  Q: I am an unpublished writer, currently on the third draft of my first short sci-fi fantasy story. ...
  A: Glenn: I've adopted a new policy of NOT answering questions from people who have not contacted me ...
Pronoun Usage5/17/2008
  Q: Which pronoun should be used in the following sentences and why? 1. This information is just ...
  A: Here is the definition of an appositive [from "Hodges' Harbrace Handbook," 14th edition, 2001] -- ...
Pronoun Usage5/15/2008
  Q: Which pronoun should be used in the following sentences and why? 1. This information is just ...
  A: Both sentences end (almost) with a prepositional phrase -- "of us." The objective of the ...
none/neither/sentence5/7/2008
  Q: I have two questions. 1. My grammar book says that after (Neither of ...) a singular or a plural ...
  A: Luke: So, I understand that doesn't matter which of them you use (neither or none) you always ...
none/neither/sentence5/6/2008
  Q: I have two questions. 1. My grammar book says that after (Neither of ...) a singular or a plural ...
  A: Luke: Here they are -- I have two questions. 1. My grammar book says that after (Neither of ...
Numbers-- numerical or written4/30/2008
  Q: I was taught in elementary school that when writing general essays, stories, etc. numbers under ten ...
  A: Fortunately, some things never change. What you were taught in elementary school still applies. ...
grammar4/30/2008
  Q: Hope everything's fine with you! I'd like to ask you about the word "tutor" Is it OK to write or ...
  A: One day the weather is like summer and the next day we have the threat of snow! [We didn't get the ...
Sentence grammar question4/29/2008
  Q: Is the following sentence grammatically correct? Hopefully, we made the right choice to stay put.
  A: The sentence is correct. At first, I was going to recommend that you delete "put," since the ...
Plurals: Proper use of past tense, present4/26/2008
  Q: This sounds so basic, but I was surprised by how bad I actually was at this, in fact, much of 12th ...
  A: Sam: Here is what you wrote -- This sounds so basic, but I was surprised by how bad I actually ...
hyphenation4/24/2008
  Q: Nesbitt: Yesterday I saw the sentence "This is a widely-used format." Should "widely-used" be ...
  A: Dawn: You are right. The sentence is wrong. Here is the rule from "Hodges' Harbrace Handbook," ...
identifying parts of speech4/23/2008
  Q: Can you tell me what parts of speech the following words are: to help preserve I think we have the ...
  A: Cara: This is my FOURTH attempt to answer your question. There must be a big problem at Allexperts ...
has/have4/22/2008
  Q: The following is written on a certificate-- The Task Force of the school district at the ...
  A: Laurie: YOU are right. The certificate is wrong. Take out the prepositional phrases that have no ...
correct usage4/21/2008
  Q: Ted...thanks for your reply. Perhaps I should have asked the question differently: what is the ...
  A: Janet: You wrote -- Ted was very willing to spend a lot of time searching for my answer. A score of ...
passage4/20/2008
  Q: How are you? There is a short passage below. I have a few questions regarding it. Information ...
  A: Let's see if what I write makes any sense. It's late and on "my day of rest," I have worked very ...
Therefore4/17/2008
  Q: I always get confused when punctuating a sentence including the word "therefore." My employer used ...
  A: Tish: "Therefore" is usually used as a "conjunctive adverb," that is, an adverb that "joins." If ...
Double Negative4/8/2008
  Q: I am wondering if this sentence is a double negative and if it is how to correct it. "She didn't not ...
  A: Neo: I thought there was a specific term for your example, but, after hours of searching grammar ...
Grammar4/7/2008
  Q: A student asked me what 'I am already being helped ' is grammatically. Is it present perfect ...
  A: Robin: Put aside the adverb "already," since it is just a modifier. That leaves the verb phrase as ...
HAD4/6/2008
  Q: There’s the sentence: What also happened by this stage, is that the feeling of sickness passed, ...
  A: Luke: The first sentence below is VERY troublesome. It really needs to be revised. **** What ...
the phrase "went missing"4/4/2008
  Q: I hear the phrase often on television, and see it in print, but every time I do, it sounds so wrong ...
  A: Instead of surfing the web with Google, I went to the ULTIMATE SOURCE, "The Oxford English ...
comma use4/3/2008
  Q: I work for 6 psychologists as a transcriptionist. The following sentence, with slight variations, ...
  A: Tish: I don't SEE any punctuation in the sentence, other than the period at the end, so I don't ...
grammar3/30/2008
  Q: How are you? I have two grammar questions to you this time. There's the sentence: 1. When someone ...
  A: Luke: Here is what you wrote -- with my insertions: a)when there is a phrase ending with "of" ...
grammar3/30/2008
  Q: How are you? I have two grammar questions to you this time. There's the sentence: 1. When someone ...
  A: First, I found a web site that has "Happy Easter" in about 100+ different languages . . . so I ...
simile or not?3/29/2008
  Q: Would "Let Ethereal Hope shine star-like with chaste Love..." be a simile?
  A: Similes either use the words "as" or "like" [or they are implied] in making the comparisons. ...
By the time...3/21/2008
  Q: Is it an absolute necessity that one always use a comma after a clause that starts a sentence with ...
  A: Brad: Your sentence is a little more complicated. In actuality, the sentence begins with an ...
sentences3/13/2008
  Q: 1. They live on the hill. They live up the hill. What's the difference between the two? 2. They ...
  A: Oppo:1. They live on the hill. They live up the hill. What's the difference between the two? ...
3 questions3/11/2008
  Q: I have three questions this time, but they are not long. 1. Which is correct: 1. As soon as this ...
  A: Luke: I have had a few coughing seizures, so I'm getting ready for bed. I hope this makes sense -- ...
questions3/10/2008
  Q: It's good to see you again here :) Where is Tom? Could you tell me where Tom is? It's clear that ...
  A: Luke: I'll do my best to clarify -- Here is a portion of what you just wrote to me: If A asks ...
questions3/10/2008
  Q: It's good to see you again here :) Where is Tom? Could you tell me where Tom is? It's clear that ...
  A: I have been sick with a bad cold and a strange strain of influenza. I've missed more than a week of ...
relative clauses2/29/2008
  Q: I have asked this question at an English Forum and I've received quite discrepant opinions from ...
  A: Luke: I'll do my best, but different people have different ways of seeing things . . . and, ...
A Question on Grammar2/28/2008
  Q: You know, there are sentences like "I have no one to talk to." "I need a pen to write with." Is ...
  A: Sandy: For centuries, the rule was "do not end a sentence with a preposition." We have gradually ...
may/might/can/could2/25/2008
  Q: I'd like to ask you about can/might. There's the sentence: "They can/might be away for the weekend ...
  A: I'm inserting my responses in your text -- There's the sentence: "They can/might be away for the ...
2 questions2/20/2008
  Q: There is the sentence, actually, it is only a part of it: ...would I be less preferred had I taken ...
  A: Luke: There is the sentence, actually, it is only a part of it: ..would I be less preferred had ...
Around/Round2/12/2008
  Q: Nesbitt:Here's my1-In British English, when must we use "Round"and not"Around"? e.g.I read"Round the ...
  A: I hope that I do not mislead you, but I live in the United States, and I am not well educated in ...
Above/Over2/11/2008
  Q: Ted, This's myWhat's the main difference between"above"&"over" when they refer to PLACE ONLY? When ...
  A: The general rule is this: Above -- on top of something. Over -- beyond something. Here are some ...
Re: salary2/10/2008
  Q: Ted, would you please correct this text? Dear Rev. Bean, Who is responsible for setting up ...
  A: James: My eyes are failing me. I cannot find "can" or "could" in your text. These two verbs are ...
grammar2/6/2008
  Q: I have some grammar questions this time. 1. What's the difference in meaning between these two ...
  A: I have some grammar questions this time. ***** AND I HAVE SOME ANSWERS FOR THE PRINCE OF POLAND! ...
him or his1/9/2008
  Q: what can i say in this case: " a friend of his....or....a friend of him" Thanks
  A: Mimi: You have two ways of saying it: 1. I am a friend of his. 2. I am his friend. "Friend of ...
other/others/the others/another1/7/2008
  Q: I'm trying to use all these words quite automatically without thinking about it, however, I'm ...
  A: I wish you had sent me some examples, so that I could see if you are using them correctly in YOUR ...
Proper Comma Placement12/31/2007
  Q: Can you tell me whether or not the commas are correctly used in the following sentences? 1. USGS ...
  A: Here are my answers to your three sentences: 1. USGS cooperator, Dr. Jim Fin, has completed a ...
Syntax.12/30/2007
  Q: is it right or wrong in english language? Thanks. < Taleban' s nightmare. To see one day Allah ...
  A: Ken: I'm not going to say anything about the "puns," but I hope everyone understands them. [I ...
sentence skills12/29/2007
  Q: Which of the following is a fragment the truth can be unpleasant The rams locked horns and then the ...
  A: Lori: You've run them all together. I'm going to try to separate them, and I hope I do it right: ...
practical english word usage12/28/2007
  Q: I am new here. I am not very good at Biology or English, and need help on some questions, please ...
  A: Rather than just give you the correct answers, I like to provide a brief explanation, so that you, ...
Grammar doubt12/16/2007
  Q: Here goes my second question Please help me with the following doubt: Which of the following ...
  A: So then is the sentence "It is sometimes told that democratic government originated in the ...
Grammar doubt12/15/2007
  Q: Here goes my second question Please help me with the following doubt: Which of the following ...
  A: You wrote -- My one doubt remains...Ok is the sentence fragment "It is sometimes told that" ...
Grammar doubt12/15/2007
  Q: Here goes my second question Please help me with the following doubt: Which of the following ...
  A: The correct answer is #2. If you ended at the word "democratic," your sentence would be incomplete. ...
Word Usage12/15/2007
  Q: I am a great fan of your expertise.I have read that you dont accept questions any more,but I would ...
  A: Here is an excellent resource for you to use: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary There is a search box. ...
capitalization of titles12/13/2007
  Q: How would I capitalize this Marijuana! Is it really that Harmful? My professor said there is ...
  A: Robert: FOLLOW-UP I just noticed your subject -- "capitalization of titles" Robert, if what you ...
Complete Subject/Predicate12/4/2007
  Q: I have divided the following sentences. The workers in the warehouse // are not working during ...
  A: Lynda: In the first sentence "in the warehouse" is a prepositional phrase used as an ADJECTIVE, ...
Use of apostrophe10/30/2007
  Q: If I want to say these expense items are applicable to only one individual client, would I say: ...
  A: Jon: If there is just one client, you would write client's largest monthly expense. The plural ...
grammar10/30/2007
  Q: what does [...] mean in a piece of text. for example, women's absence from ambivalence towards ...
  A: Anderly: Since you didn't find my response to be very helpful [an 8 is a B-], here is further ...
conditionals10/26/2007
  Q: Nesbitt. Last time I asked you about conditionals. I wrote: Luke: "...even if he hadn't done ...
  A: Luke: I feel uncomfortable with answers given by other experts. I really don't understand his ...
tense10/26/2007
  Q: Ted. I'd like to ask you about the sentence below: "We all know the example of Muhammad Ali, ...
  A: Luke: "...even if he hadn't done boxing (or hadn't boxed) he would suffer from the same illness ...
tense10/25/2007
  Q: Ted. I'd like to ask you about the sentence below: "We all know the example of Muhammad Ali, ...
  A: Here is the writing you sent me: "We all know the example of Muhammad Ali, however, we don't know ...
practical english10/22/2007
  Q: Question Hello, I am new here. I am not very good at Biology or English, and need help on some ...
  A: Here are my answers, with some reasons given -- the reasons may help you in the future: For ...
letter formatting10/18/2007
  Q: When using letterhead which includes the name and title of the sender, what is the proper formatting ...
  A: Kathy: If the letterhead contains MORE than one name, i.e., a law firm that lists a number of ...
dice vs die10/15/2007
  Q: I think I may have been using dice and die wrong all these years... I'd like to know more about ...
  A: According to "The Oxford English Dictionary" -- that's Great Britain, NOT the United States -- "die" ...
use of the ® registered trademark within an article10/15/2007
  Q: Our company writes a quarterly newsletter to our members. In referring to a product with a ...
  A: Jim: A quick follow-up: I re-checked the manuals for the Associated Press and UPI, since you are ...
Grammar10/14/2007
  Q: Use of "for" and "to" Question- I had one of my esl students say, "It is important for me." I ...
  A: You are absolutely correct. The sentence you gave is correct, and the reason [that an explanation ...
articles/was to have10/7/2007
  Q: There's the sentence:"Popular arguments to prove the existence of a God or the God" What's the ...
  A: Luke: First of all, this is not a complete sentence: "Popular arguments to prove the existence of ...
whom or who?9/23/2007
  Q: my question is between who and whom.. in the class i want to ask a general quesiton to my students ...
  A: The choice of "who" or "whom" depends on how the word is used in the sentence. WHO among them does ...
Punctuation9/22/2007
  Q: I hope you will take the time to explain to me when a comma is needed when I write "but". Often, it ...
  A: Fritz: Your "unintended example" is a good one, for two reasons. The comma after "obvious" is ...
emigrate/immigrate9/8/2007
  Q: I thought I knew the difference, but now I'm not sure because Word corrected two I thought were ...
  A: Carol: Here's the rule [from englishplus.com]: Emigrate or Immigrate? The prefix e- (or ex-) ...
use of comma with 'if' statements9/6/2007
  Q: I'm wondering when it's appropriate to use a comma when starting sentences with an 'if' clause. For ...
  A: Dustin: It's strange that the URL didn't work for you. I just tried it, and it was fine. You can ...
alternate/alternative9/4/2007
  Q: Is there a difference between use of 'alternate' and 'alternative'? I'm in New Zealand. Someone ...
  A: I just received your evaluation, which was a long time in coming. Being the highest rating ...
Question8/27/2007
  Q: I would really like to know WHY sentence 1 is correct and not sentence 2. Sentence 1: I am bored ...
  A: Jason: It's a matter of "convention." The preposition "with" indicates a closeness or nearness -- ...
online writing courses8/22/2007
  Q: I hope you can help me with thisI am looking into an online writing program, specifically, Gotham ...
  A: When I sent you my first answer, I intended to include some additional information, but, it was a ...
help8/2/2007
  Q: Which is correct? Can I speak with Miss Nancy? or Can I speak to Miss Nancy?
  A: Either is correct. "Speak with" suggests that both you and Miss Nancy will be speaking. "Speak to" ...
Steretyped Messages8/1/2007
  Q: What is meant by stereotyped messages and how can you avoid writing them?
  A: Cindy: This is not really a grammar question, but I'll give you an answer anyway. "Stereotyped ...
resource list7/31/2007
  Q: You asked me to send you a new message, and that's what I'm doing. Could you send me your resource ...
  A: Luke: I am pasting in two items: 1. A guide that I prepared for all of the tenses used in ...
tenses7/31/2007
  Q: Ted! Is everything alright with the sentences below? 1. The Foundation may be liquidated after its ...
  A: Luke: I'm afraid that this response is going to get very confusing and cluttered. I have a large ...
tenses7/31/2007
  Q: Ted! Is everything alright with the sentences below? 1. The Foundation may be liquidated after its ...
  A: Luke: Your questions, with my responses inserted: 1. The Foundation may be liquidated after its ...
plural7/30/2007
  Q: Can you please tell me what the plural would be for Power of Attorney?
  A: Shelly: It's "powers of attorney." From the Internet Legal Research Group -- and many other ...
vocabulary7/28/2007
  Q: Can the word "picture" be used to describe a scene inside a glass ball(like the one in Citizen ...
  A: Yes, it can. There are a lot of glass balls -- especially those used as paperweights -- that have ...
Grammar help7/27/2007
  Q: Please help me proofread the passage below: Japanˇ¦s economy has been sluggish for years. It will ...
  A: Oppo: Here are my suggestions: Japan's economy has been sluggish for years. It will probably ...
statute7/26/2007
  Q: Ted, how are you? 1.The Foundation Council shall be qualified to:approve the resolutions of the ...
  A: These are going to be somewhat difficult, because I don't understand the meaning that you are trying ...
Confused7/16/2007
  Q: I was hoping you could help me with the following 2 questions. Which of the following is the best ...
  A: Kristopher:I was hoping you could help me with the following 2 questions. Which of the following is ...
wrong sentences7/13/2007
  Q: Ted! According to my manual these sentences below are wrong. Could you tell me what's wrong with ...
  A: Here is my response -- According to my manual these sentences below are wrong. Could you tell me ...
Grammer Help.7/11/2007
  Q: .. 'with the rbi now promoting overseas investments, now is the best time to invest'
  A: Chetan: I need your help. I consistently receive the highest ratings -- 10s -- for my answers. ...
semi-colon7/9/2007
  Q: I am not clear on the protocol of semi-colons in a sentence of multiple commas. I believe we don't ...
  A: Karen: You CANNOT use a semi-colon, after an introductory prepositional phrase. Here is the ...
'Home at NIght' by James Whitcomb Riley7/8/2007
  Q: Mr. Riley, Yesterday I received your response to my inquiry of June 25, 2007 regarding a poem ...
  A: Metz: Thank you for acknowledging the receipt of my message. I actually sent the message TWICE, ...
articles7/7/2007
  Q: Ted! I'd like to ask you about the article "the" 1. Mr X was the first president of independent ...
  A: 1. Mr X was the first president of independent Poland. Can I put "the" before "independent" i.e. ...
filing7/5/2007
  Q: I am looking for a good reference online for filing correctly by the alphabet. Would you happen to ...
  A: Maureen: This is not really a grammar or writing question, but I work in a library and I know how ...
A specific word.7/1/2007
  Q: I was wondering if you know of a word that is used as a noun to describe someone who thinks whilst ...
  A: Bett: I'm sure that the word you are thinking of is "peripatetic," which actually became a ...
Punctuation6/29/2007
  Q: Could you help with advice on how best to punctuate the following sentence? If you own a property ...
  A: First, I question the use of the word "viewing." Do you mean "an interview" or "a consultation"? I ...
Reference6/27/2007
  Q: I used some information from a website for a brochure that I have created. I'd like to reference ...
  A: Kristy: I could give you the correct citation, EXCEPT for one BIG problem. You have not indicated ...
questions6/25/2007
  Q: Ted! It's somethig that relates to the work in the lawyer's office. There is such a sentence: "He is ...
  A: I am pasting in your questions and my responses [IN CAPITAL LETTERS].Hello again Mr. Ted! It's ...
law office6/21/2007
  Q: Ted! These are four sentences about the services of one of the lawyer's offices. Could you have a ...
  A: 1. We are doing our best to convince the debtors to repay the amounts due as soon as possible. ...
Use of comma, question mark6/21/2007
  Q: Here is my sentence: Nancy Dewald's article, “Web-based library instruction: What is good ...
  A: Kelly: Your example is a problem. First, even though the second comma -- right after the question ...
Usage of the word "ripe"6/18/2007
  Q: I would like to know if the word "ripe" is used correctly in the following sentence: Sacramento is ...
  A: Pete: I wouldn't use "ripe" in this context. The word has many meanings, such as "ready for ...
better or more5/25/2007
  Q: Would you help me with the expression "what is better " and " what is more"? Please take a look at ...
  A: K: Both of them can be used, but it depends on what you mean to say. Here is the difference: ...
Grammar word5/24/2007
  Q: What's it called when two words sound the same but mean different? Like weather and whether.
  A: Mike: They are called "homophones," from "homo," meaning "same," and "phon," meaning "sound." ...
grammar5/22/2007
  Q: The complete sentence is: I wanted to contact you weeks ago but felt it was about time I made an ...
  A: Imogen: The sentence is strange. I think I know what you are trying to say, but you don't word ...
Suffice vs. Serve5/16/2007
  Q: If memory serves, "Suffice' and "serve" used to be differentiated. One referred to quantity ("the ...
  A: Steve: Your memory is correct. But, common usage changes. I have consulted several thesauri and ...
grammar5/13/2007
  Q: I just received your wondefully detailed reply to my question on subject verb agreement in grammar, ...
  A: Jon: You are a SERIOUS student, proven by the fact that you have examined your paper for similar ...
Grammar help5/13/2007
  Q: I would greatly appreciate it if you could check out the grammar of the following sentences, which ...
  A: Jon: A QUICK "FOLLOW-UP" TO YOUR LAST MESSAGE: I now envision you as (1) Zorba the Greek or (2) ...
'anything'5/6/2007
  Q: Grammar question about 'anything'.? Anything is usually used in questions and negative statements: ...
  A: Vicky: First, your assumption about the use of "anything" is not correct: Anything is usually used ...
IMing4/25/2007
  Q: such as IM'ing? Would it be IMing, IM'ing, or IM-ing? Thanks
  A: Scott: Although it's too new to be included in standard dictionaries, like Webster's and Random ...
internet jargon4/24/2007
  Q: We Koreans often like expressing "wallpaper writing", which means writing the same content and ...
  A: Yangkun: The closest kind of activity of which I am aware is called "spamming." For instance, in ...
Thesis Statement4/16/2007
  Q: I am writing a research essay for my final project. Is the following thesis statement a good one to ...
  A: It's difficult for me to judge the value of the sentence, since I don't know what you intend to do ...
grammar workbook?4/13/2007
  Q: i'm a freshman in highscool and i want to get better at grammar, so can u recomend me a grammar ...
  A: Mike: Go to this website: <http://www.dailygrammar.com> The owner of the site has all the grammar ...
Help with understanding a passage4/12/2007
  Q: 'In this clever part/whole relationship, then, the order of the literati (ru), the Chinese state, ...
  A: You point out that there are THREE and not TWO. I was mislead by the use of the phrase "one to ...
Help with understanding a passage4/12/2007
  Q: 'In this clever part/whole relationship, then, the order of the literati (ru), the Chinese state, ...
  A: Michael: From a grammatical standpoint -- and I have no way of knowing if your sentence is ...
the/tense4/3/2007
  Q: Ted! There is the sentence: "It was only after some time that he realised he loved her." I'm just ...
  A: NOW I understand! This poor grammar is supposed to be excused, because of "poetic license." I ...
the/tense4/3/2007
  Q: Ted! There is the sentence: "It was only after some time that he realised he loved her." I'm just ...
  A: The PAST PERFECT TENSE is used ONLY when two events have occurred in the PAST. They are over; they ...
Clarification of verb to be and nominitive3/25/2007
  Q: De Sir I am not sure if I have my terms right at all. Does the nominitive always follow the verb ...
  A: You not only have the terminology right, but your sentence is correct. The use of the nominative ...
grammar3/14/2007
  Q: this is the sentence: You probably are enjoying the days of extended sunlight. Basically just want ...
  A: Cari: I hestitated about trying to answer your question, since it appeared to be a "Dear Abby" kind ...
Is there any word that combines nephew and niece into a general term?3/5/2007
  Q: Those sites you gave me were really interesting like great-sibling(that was really good logic ...
  A: Jeff: "The Oxford English Dictionary" does NOT recognize it, but the OED is noted for its slowness ...
Is there any word that combines nephew and niece into a general term?3/4/2007
  Q: I'm sorry to hear that someone wouldn't have the decency to even say thank you after asking a ...
  A: Jeff: I am always surprised at some of the very interesting questions I get, questions that I would ...
grammar3/2/2007
  Q: The company should ask their employees to take temperature before the start of the work. The ...
  A: Oppo: I WAS NOTIFIED THAT YOU HAVE NEVER READ THE ANSWER I SENT TO THIS QUESTION, SO I AM SENDING ...
hyphen?2/6/2007
  Q: Mr. Nesbitt: Would "well prepared" take a hyphen in "The team was well prepared"? Is "well ...
  A: Scott: Here is the rule [18f-1] from "Hodges' Harbrace Handbook," one of the best grammar books ...
writing question1/27/2007
  Q: I'm dealing with translation sometimes. Could you have a look at these sentences and check if they ...
  A: K. -- It is always good to hear from you. 1. "The alarm rang out, there was a flight of huge ...
writing/grammar1/22/2007
  Q: Could you have a look at these sentences please and check if they are grammatically correct? 1. "It ...
  A: K. -- The first sentence needs to have two verbs that are in the same tense and the same form. ...
Usage question re committee name1/14/2007
  Q: I am Director of Communications with the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association. Our association ...
  A: Tim: It's your association's anniversary, so you can call it what you want. The two words are ...
Please help me!1/9/2007
  Q: How would you paraphrase this? "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. if angels ...
  A: Sara: Here is the meaning: Mankind is inherently NOT good. If men were good, we would need no one ...
previous question12/10/2006
  Q: The "Mr. Franklins staff" question and the "Mrs. Knows smoking" question are the only 2 remaining. I ...
  A: Christal: Both of the two examples are missing apostrophes to show ownership/possession: Mr. ...
previous question12/9/2006
  Q: I would gladly post feedback but my husband accidentally deleted the e-mail so I had to come to the ...
  A: After you deliver a short sermon to your husband -- "Thou Shalt Not Delete My E-Mails" -- you can ...
possessive-noun issues12/7/2006
  Q: I am doing a grammar quiz for a college course, and have run into some problems. We are encouraged ...
  A: [Don't forget to complete the evaluation form for me, which is enclosed with this answer. I ...
plurals related to percents12/3/2006
  Q: which is correct regarding percents" the singular usage... " 98% percent of the population DOES ...
  A: I just read your evaluation and I am disheartened. I gave you the correct answer -- absolutely ...
THE v. the11/17/2006
  Q: Hey Ted! Thought I'd test this thing out. Here's one that has the dept. stumped downstairs: I know ...
  A: Jeremy: Answer would have come sooner, but there are too many desperate students AND a library ...
trademark symbols11/7/2006
  Q: I am writing a sentence that ends with the TM symbol in superscript. Should the punctuation for the ...
  A: Kathy: I know that it looks strange, but the superscripted number or letter is ALWAYS follwed by ...
grammer10/18/2006
  Q: . my question are these..... 1 hanna is [less] taller than andy.. 2
  A: Although you have listed two questions, I can find just #1. There are several ways to express this ...
english for careers10/10/2006
  Q: If it was your choice which sentence would you prefer as a correct sentence? 1. These kinds of ...
  A: My e-mail account has been unavailable since yesterday, so I'm trying to answer your question in a ...
use of an apostrophe9/29/2006
  Q: when you are using "its", do you use the apostrophe for BOTH the possessive and the contraction? I ...
  A: June: Here is the rule to remember: When you are using "its" to show possession, make sure that ...
English composition9/28/2006
  Q: Would you please tell me if adventurous or adventuresome would be appropriate in the following ...
  A: Sandy: If your intention is to suggest that you were planning to "take risks" on that night, then ...
hadn't we or shouldn't we??9/27/2006
  Q: which of the two answers provided would be more suitable to complete this sentence and why if ...
  A: Ethan: I hope your example is NOT an exercise for homework, because the main problem is the ...
if-then clauses and semicolons9/20/2006
  Q: Is there any instance where we could use ';' after the if clause but before the 'then' clause? ...
  A: FOLLOW UP TO YOUR QUESTION. IT TOOK ME SEVERAL HOURS TO SEND THIS ANSWER TO YOU, BECAUSE ALLEXPERTS ...
Sarah is a friend of Paul's9/11/2006
  Q: Is "Sarah is a friend of Paul's" correct? If so why is the " 's " needed. It sounds right and it is ...
  A: Tom: Here are the evauations and comment you gave me: Tom 8 9 10 8 NO Very quick and useful reply, ...
Continuing Essay Help9/5/2006
  Q: To answer your question asking whether I attend a "regular," I do, but the school is divided into ...
  A: Jon: NEW MESSAGE This is going to be very difficult to read, because of the "box" that Allexperts ...
Grammar9/4/2006
  Q: Is the following grammatically correct? Achebe utilizes literary devices to illustrate how Okonkwo’s ...
  A: Jon: I checked out the IBO sites and saw many in Florida. If I understand the description, your ...
Grammar9/3/2006
  Q: Is the following grammatically correct? Achebe utilizes literary devices to illustrate how Okonkwo’s ...
  A: Jon: If the material you have quoted is, indeed, a direct quotation from Achebe, then what you have ...
I have a question about the...5/24/2006
  Q: I have a question about the following terms: (1) body guide. (2) arm link. What do they both ...
  A: Steve: This is not a grammar question. The two phrases you have given have nothing to do with ...
1. What's the difference between...5/17/2006
  Q: 1. What's the difference between "deserted island" or "desert island"? 2. what's the difference ...
  A: Albert: A "deserted island" is one on which people might once have lived, but they have now gone. ...
Thanks for your reply. I have...5/10/2006
  Q: I have one follow-up question as below: I find this sentence in my grammar book: It's too late to ...
  A: Steve: The starting out and the concert appear to be happening at the same time -- or, at least, ...
I have a question about the...5/9/2006
  Q: I have a question about the usage of the phrase "by the time". By the time you get home, I'll ...
  A: Steve: The first sentence doesn't make any sense. Think about it -- I am saying that I WILL finish ...
Thanks for your reply. Here...5/8/2006
  Q: Here is another follow-upIn your previous reply, you states: If someone said to you, "He COULD meet ...
  A: Maggie: I wish that you had a good grammar teacher who would sit down with you and explain the ...
I have a question about the...5/7/2006
  Q: I have a question about the set of sentences below: He can meet us there. He could meet us there. ...
  A: Maggie -- He CAN meet us there. It's not in the future tense, which would be "He WILL meet us ...
I have a question about the...5/7/2006
  Q: I have a question about the sentence below: The business and traffic have increased in the area ...
  A: Steve: The "the" is unnecessary because it is the first word in your sentence, AND it is not always ...
Ex:Store managers receive...5/7/2006
  Q: Ex:Store managers receive the cash as a monthly bonus for the good job they have done. Can I ...
  A: Peter: I like your idea of leaving out the "the." It is not necessary, and one less superfluous ...
I need help with my writing5/6/2006
  Q: Every time I write an essay for school, my paragraphs always end up at least 3/4 a page (skipping ...
  A: Jay: Yes, you've asked a lot of questions, but you seem eager to improve your writing style. If ...
1. We have twenty crew members...5/5/2006
  Q: 1. We have twenty crew members on the ship. We have one hundred staff members in our company. ...
  A: Frank: Of the first four sentences, the only one I find peculiar, because of the wording, is the ...
How do you distinguish the...5/4/2006
  Q: How do you distinguish the adjective "overweight" from "chubby", "fat", "obese" and "stocky"?
  A: Maggie: This is not really a grammar question. You need to consult an expert in the field of ...
RE: APA FORMATTING11/6/2005
  Q: Ted, do you have any material on APA Formatting that could send me or could you direct me to a Web ...
  A: James: The APA format is so technical, there is a manual -- usually available in the reference ...
english reading11/5/2005
  Q: How to read "you'd like "
  A: I'm not sure that I understand your question. "You'd" is the contraction for the two words "you" ...
Thanks for your reply and...10/16/2005
  Q: The bus should have been here by eight o'clock. In this case, does it mean the bus actually didn't ...
  A: Andrew: Here is the basic part of your message: The bus should have been here by eight o'clock. ...
I have a question about your...10/15/2005
  Q: I have a question about your previous reply a while ago. The question is about the sentence stated ...
  A: Andrew: I don't remember this question. You say that I wrote, "In other words,it didn't actually ...
1. The teacher is giving the...10/10/2005
  Q: 1. The teacher is giving the students some instructions before the test begins. Passengers ...
  A: Martin: The first sentence is correct. [Although I would prefer a comma after "instructions." ...
RE: TIME MANAGEMENT10/4/2005
  Q: Ted, would you please correct this: I believe Setting time management schedule can be a rewarding ...
  A: James: Here's my version: I believe that setting a time management schedule can be rewarding. ...
RE: RUN-ON SENTENCE9/9/2005
  Q: Ted, some time I make things more difficult than what they actual are. For example, a run-on ...
  A: Yes, James, you are absolutely correct. The problem usually occurs when you reach the end of a ...
It's the Nearest Theater from (to) our School9/5/2005
  Q: I am an editor for children's English textbooks in Taiwan. The title of one unit is "It's the ...
  A: Jeff: YOU are correct! "Near" and "close" are synonyms. You would say, "Taiwan is CLOSE TO ...
1.We haven't eaten at that...7/24/2005
  Q: 1.We haven't eaten at that restaurant in a few months. We haven't easten at that restaurant for a ...
  A: Tim: Both versions you gave are acceptable, and they mean the same thing. It's really your choice, ...
1. How do we distinguish "give...7/24/2005
  Q: 1. How do we distinguish "give over" and "give out"? Can you give me some examples? 2.What's the ...
  A: Ken: GIVE OVER means to cede something or to turn it over to someone else. The Mexican government ...
RE: DIDN'T RECEIVE MESSAGE7/23/2005
  Q: You are correct, I didn't receive your message. What was your message?
  A: James: There is an ongoing problem at Allexperts. Several weeks ago, I sent you an answer to a ...
English7/17/2005
  Q: I hope I'm fiding you in the best of health. I was wondering if you know how to do in-text-citation ...
  A: Jeff: I don't want to mislead you, but you have not told me what style manual you are required to ...
RE: DIDN'T RATE YOUR RETURNED ANSWER7/2/2005
  Q: I am sorry for not rating your returned answer a few days ago. I have had computer problem, but it ...
  A: That's OK, James. Only about 10% of the people I help bother to write back to rate or express ...
grammar6/29/2005
  Q: Which statement is correct? "What DO an Engineer, Educator and Business Exective have in common?" ...
  A: Liz: You've got three subjects in the sentence: engineer, educator, and business executive. If ...
Hello, Ted. I have two questions...6/24/2005
  Q: Ted. I have two questions today. As far as I know, "suffer from" is used with most kinds of ...
  A: I have been in student presentations all day, so I just came across your two messages, one to my ...
I have a question about the...6/17/2005
  Q: I have a question about the following sentence: I don't know where Klien may be or what he might be ...
  A: Martin: I wish I knew where you are from and what background you have in the English language. Do ...
Wondering about "The"6/16/2005
  Q: I work for the University of Auckland which apparently is officially now named "The University of ...
  A: I see why you are confused, and I also understand the situation. The USUAL title/name of an ...
I've learned how to use the...6/8/2005
  Q: I've learned how to use the phrase "how about you"? I am going to get some coffee. How about you? ...
  A: Martin: I have the feeling that you are VERY perceptive! The fact that you are having some ...
correct word usage5/12/2005
  Q: I am a brand manager for a company in South Africa. Just a quick grammerWith the sentence below, ...
  A: I just reviewed your rating of my response. I answered your question with 30 minutes of receiving ...
1. He is cooperating. Is "cooperating"...5/5/2005
  Q: 1. He is cooperating. Is "cooperating" used as an adjective here? Or can it be used as a "to be" ...
  A: Peter: 1. The word "cooperating" is the participial form of the verb "cooperate." It is the ...
Grammar Questions.5/4/2005
  Q: I was both sad and disappointed the other day when I found that you were not on the list. Each time ...
  A: I went to England for three weeks. I was invited to attend a conference at Oxford University, and I ...
Shouldn't "afford" be followed...4/16/2005
  Q: Shouldn't "afford" be followed by infintives mostly? Should I say "I can't afford signing the ...
  A: James: Yes, it usually IS followed by infinitives, but that doesn't mean it HAS to be. Either way ...
I have a question about relative...4/16/2005
  Q: I have a question about relative pronouns as below: Limiting the number of full-time employees ...
  A: Tom: The correct relative pronoun to use is "whom," because it is the OBJECT of the preposition ...
1. what is the posessive adjective...4/10/2005
  Q: 1. what is the posessive adjective of "it"? "its" or "it's"? Why do we use "its" rather than "it's" ...
  A: Kevin: The possessive pronoun is "its." "It's" is the contraction of the two words, IT and IS [or ...
RE: WEEDS4/9/2005
  Q: Please correct this: I have white looking weeds growing with my grass. What are they and how can I ...
  A: James: You need three marks of punctuation. Other than that, it's fine: I have white-looking ...
1. Do we say"make airplane...4/8/2005
  Q: 1. Do we say"make airplane reservations" or "book flights"? Or either way? Do we say "book hotel ...
  A: Brian: Let's take them one at a time. 1. (A) Either way is fine. They mean the same thing. (B) ...
What is the function of "-" in a sentence?4/5/2005
  Q: I often find people use "-" as if it's a semi-colon(?) in a sentence. For example, please read the ...
  A: Four days ago, I sent you a long message. It took me more than an hour to write it. You have not ...
apostrophe3/6/2005
  Q: is the word masters thesis, or master's thesis or Master's thesis?
  A: Wendy: You really have a choice, because different style manuals offer different suggestions. In ...
What's the difference between...3/2/2005
  Q: What's the difference between "in the northern part of" and "in the north of"? Which one should be ...
  A: Brian: There is really NO difference, except for the additional words, and many people prefer fewer ...
The context.2/28/2005
  Q: I can never thank you enough! Here is the context abouth myPeople who know Tamkang College have ...
  A: Here is what I cannot understand: the distinction between (a. the b.x ) college and (a. the b.x ) ...
Several Questions.2/27/2005
  Q: Happy New Year! My questions are as follows: 1. a. They simply can not understand why in a ...
  A: Walden: I hope I can sort out your questions: 1. a. They simply can not understand why in a ...
Two Questions.2/21/2005
  Q: Happy New Year! May I ask two questions? 1. I will buy a copy of (a. The Reader's Digest. ...
  A: 1. The official title of the magazine is "The Reader's Digest." 2. A. Use are, because you are ...
Which sentence is correct?2/12/2005
  Q: A co-worker has asked me which of the following sentences are correct: I was made to feel welcome. I ...
  A: Julie: Your choice is correct, although many people use the past participle, when they should not. ...
quote2/7/2005
  Q: so sorry some people are very rude but i have a quote we heard and can not find someone who may ...
  A: I don't think this quotation can be attributed to anyone in particular -- because so many comedians ...
a rose for emily2/4/2005
  Q: I just read A Rose For Emily by William Faulkner and had to answer a question about it which I have ...
  A: You are an EXCELLENT reader! Everyone just assumes that she killed Homer Barron. After all, she ...
Alphabetical Order1/6/2005
  Q: Which answer illustrates correct alphabetical order?* 1 Maier, Mason, MacAnally, McDougal 2 ...
  A: What a GREAT question for a librarian, who remembers the OLD days when cards had to be manually ...
Ex: Of the three monkeys,...1/5/2005
  Q: Ex: Of the three monkeys, one is covering his eyes, another is hiding his ears, and the other (has) ...
  A: Steven: The sentence is grammatically correct, but it is terrible, STYLISTICALLY. The problem is ...
English grammar12/24/2004
  Q: Nesbitt, A friend of mine wrote to me recently about a meeting with his local MP; he said: 'He'd ...
  A: "He'd had" or "He had had" is the THIRD person [YOU is the second person] and it is PAST PERFECT ...
word usage12/19/2004
  Q: There is a relatively new word used on radio and television news programs. The word is ...
  A: "Problem" is a noun. "Problematic" is an adjective, as is its "cousin" "problematical," a rarely ...
1. Do you prefer playing golf...12/17/2004
  Q: 1. Do you prefer playing golf or tennis? Which of the followings is correct? 1) I like both. (2) I ...
  A: Kevin: In the first group of sentences, all of them are acceptable except for #2. You cannot say ...
Our (most promising) employee...12/12/2004
  Q: Our (most promising) employee seems more cooperative( now she) was when she was younger. Is "most ...
  A: Chris: "Most" is the superlative ADVERB -- not an adjective. "Promising" is an adjective, but it ...
Would or Could?12/12/2004
  Q: I've taken