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About Anne Benington
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer questions about English grammar, style, usage. I can also help a writer assess the development of an essay, its unity, concrete support of topics, introductions and conclusions. In addition, I can discuss "writing the research paper" in all aspects of its development. Finally, I can assist in development of creative writing assignments. I will not totally proofread and correct a paper, but I will point out areas of concern and ways a writer can discover weaknesses and how to correct them.

Experience
20 years teaching high school English including 10 years teaching AP English literature; four years teaching college composition

Education/Credentials
BS St. Mary of the Woods College, Indiana MA University of Notre Dame, Indiana Post graduate work: University of Michigan, University of Pittsburg

Awards and Honors
Crystal Apple Outstanding Teacher of the Year award--1995--Awarded yearly to four teachers in all schools, public, private and parochial, in the Middletown, Edgewood, Madison school dictricts, Ohio. Archdiocese of Cincinnati Innovative Teaching Award 1996. Teacher of the Year Award, Fenwick High School, Middletown, OH, 2002,

   

You are here:  Experts > Arts/Humanities > Writing > General Writing and Grammar Help

Questions Answered By Expert  Anne Benington 
In Category  General Writing and Grammar Help

SubjectDate Asked

Summary Essay9/3/2008
  Q: I am having to write a summary essay on my career choice. It consists of an introduction, 3 ...
  A: The most important element in an introduction is to grab the attention of your reader. We have ...
compound subjects9/3/2008
  Q: What is the difference between a 'compound subject' and a 'compound simple subject'? I've never ...
  A: A compound simple subject is very basic: Mary and John went to the store. Mary and John are the ...
sentences-mistakes9/2/2008
  Q: I have another group of sentences that I'd like to ask you to have a look at and tell me if ...
  A: 1. Yes, you may use "route". 2. No, we would not say "off" to X street. We might say, "When you ...
part of a sentence9/2/2008
  Q: I do not understand the second part of this sentence: The amygdala processes the primitive emotions ...
  A: Since the "amygdala" is part of the "limbic" system in the brain, the writer infers that the ...
some questions9/2/2008
  Q: Would you change anything in the sentences below? 1. So far I'm planning on going to America and ...
  A: 1. Correct 2. "Another time" means a time that is not specific. It could be yesterday or five ...
on the same page = on the same plane ???9/1/2008
  Q: Benington, Hello again, and how are you today? Summertime in Tokyo is awful weather-wise - too hot ...
  A: Summer here in Ohio is hot and we have had very little rain. The farmers really need it for the ...
meaning/for9/1/2008
  Q: What is the difference in meaning when I say: Do you learn any other languages except English AND ...
  A: Luke, We would say in most cases: "Are you learning any other languages except English." What ...
a few sentences9/1/2008
  Q: Please have a look at the sentences below and tell me if they are OK 1. When you spend $400, you ...
  A: 1. Yes, you may say, "You will be left..." 2. Yes, the preferred statement would be "even if they ...
literal translation8/31/2008
  Q: Fig 4 summarizes how the counter-narrative can be seen as embracing a series of ever widening ...
  A: Since I don't know exactly what topic your are studying--history, science, economics etc. I will ...
Usage of "second-guess" (criticize/question)8/29/2008
  Q: Benington, Long time no see. How have you been doing? I made three sentences using the verb ...
  A: Tak, I'm fine and doing well. Thank you for asking. As for your sentences, here are some ...
"than" as a preposition8/27/2008
  Q: My middle school aged son had an assignment where he had to identify prepositional phrases in a ...
  A: "Than" is not a preposition. It is a conjunction and used for comparisons of adjectives and ...
Compare and contrast essay8/25/2008
  Q: Benington, They say i have too many follow up question so i have to post another question. About the ...
  A: I have copied your paragraph below and have made some corrections or suggestions: “The Santa Ana, ...
thesis for compare and contrast essay8/24/2008
  Q: My summer homework is compare and contrast Didison's essay "Los Angeles notebook" and Chandler's ...
  A: I have copied your paragraph below and have made a few suggestions: In both “Los Angeles Notebook” ...
thesis for compare and contrast essay8/23/2008
  Q: My summer homework is compare and contrast Didison's essay "Los Angeles notebook" and Chandler's ...
  A: Below I have copied your introduction and I made a few grammatical changes which I have capitalized. ...
thesis for compare and contrast essay8/23/2008
  Q: My summer homework is compare and contrast Didison's essay "Los Angeles notebook" and Chandler's ...
  A: I will try to help you. First, I must ask some questions. Were you given the thematic connection ...
questions8/22/2008
  Q: Do they both mean the same: Don't get fresh with me! AND Don't take that done with me! (do you use ...
  A: I think you mean, "Don't get fresh with me!" and "Don't take that tone with me!" The first one is ...
english grammar8/21/2008
  Q: what's the difference between the simple present tense and the progressive present tense?
  A: The simple present tense is used when an action occurs but you don't know if it is finished; it ...
subjunctive linking verb?8/20/2008
  Q: Is this correct for subjunctive use with a linking verb?: "If he dreams, he wastes time."
  A: This sentence is not in the subjunctive since it sounds like a FACT. To be subjunctive, it must be ...
Capitalization8/19/2008
  Q: (1) He is a white man and she is a black woman. Or, he is a White man and she is a Black woman. ...
  A: Most mainstream print magazines and papers use AP ( Associated Press) Stylebook. This book and ...
Grammar8/18/2008
  Q: Is this sentence grammatically correct or is there some punctuation needed? "Three things you can ...
  A: Here is the adapted text: "Three things you can do to protect your ears from hearing loss: keep ...
Grammar ques8/16/2008
  Q: which sent. is grammatically correct. I am referring to the Olympics/ The gymnastics WAS good. OR ...
  A: If you were speaking of the entire competition of gymnastics over several days until the finish, you ...
Order of Degrees and Licenses8/16/2008
  Q: My question is: How do you list degrees, licenses after a name. Specifically I'm looking for how to ...
  A: Here is an answer from a web site that specializes in writing: You list accomplishments from least ...
already/just/yet8/16/2008
  Q: I have a question about already, just and yet 1. I’ve JUST seen a really great film. (what if I ...
  A: All of your sentences are correct. Using "just" means that the activity has recently occurred. ...
past tense8/15/2008
  Q: i'm confuse with the usage of did.like if i want to say "what did i tell you?" or "what did i told ...
  A: In English, when we use "did" with a verb we call that the emphatic tense. So if you are speaking ...
for8/13/2008
  Q: I was thinking about this sentence: What do you need to know the English language for? I wondered ...
  A: Actually, the rule says not to end a sentence with a preposition, "for". So the sentence could be ...
brought/did8/12/2008
  Q: I know that the correct question should be: Who brought you up? Why not: Who did bring you up? ...
  A: The phrase "did bring" is what we call the emphatic form of the verb. When you say, "Who did bring ...
in a race...8/4/2008
  Q: i would like to ask about the usage of arrangement ,in a race for instance...i would like to make ...
  A: Your custom is very interesting. Do you live in Turkey? Yes, we make similar comments to our ...
in a race...8/4/2008
  Q: i would like to ask about the usage of arrangement ,in a race for instance...i would like to make ...
  A: We would not say "You are the first in beauty." However, we would say, "You are the most ...
Another Essay...Please Check and edit if you can8/3/2008
  Q: Nauman Amin English 1302 07/08/08 Devdas: Grief-Stricken Lover Devdas is a main character in the ...
  A: I am glad to help you. Here is the edited version of your essay: Devdas, a main character in the ...
2 sentences8/3/2008
  Q: Is it OK to write: I suppose you know what my question will be like now? Also: I take a bike and ...
  A: You might say, "I suppose you know what my next question will be." This would be the preferred way ...
since....8/2/2008
  Q: how are you? Is it a good sentence: It's been the whole week since we live here together and I ...
  A: I'm fine and hope you are too. The sentence would be more correct if you say, "It's been a whole ...
Multiple Questions in a Sentence7/23/2008
  Q: Despite much research, I cannot find an authoritative answer to the following punctuation question. ...
  A: You are correct. Here is a sample from an online writing source at a university. This example, ...
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: In general, the colon does not follow a verb. You are correct in saying that what follows a colon ...
some questions7/20/2008
  Q: "Building lots and the prices of houses and flats have been shooting up like crazy for some time." ...
  A: Yes, your original sentence is correct. It tells the reader that the prices are going up and they ...
some questions7/18/2008
  Q: 1. I have to find out if I will become a good teacher. --I think it's OK to put "will" after "if" ...
  A: 1. Yes, you are correct. And yes, you are also correct to put the "will" after "if." 2. When ...
grammar questions7/17/2008
  Q: "Is "much less" a conjunctive adverb in the following sentence? "We can barely dance, much less ...
  A: No, "much less" is not a conjunctive adverb. Here is the definition: A conjunctive adverb connects ...
Pronoun usage7/17/2008
  Q: Often when writing, I have a hard time determining when to use the word(s), "I" or "me", "he" or ...
  A: The rule is that the words "I", "he", "she", "they" are subjects of the sentence. "Him," "her", ...
myself/dot,period/has,have7/15/2008
  Q: In the internet addresses we say: "dot" or "period"? What's the difference? One of the teachers ...
  A: In everyday English, there is no difference between "dot" and "period" when speaking of internet ...
intransitive verb7/15/2008
  Q: My dictionary says the word "run" is intransitive in this sentence but I think it's transitive. ...
  A: This sentence has a direct object: What did Dave run? He ran a marathon, he ran a thing. His goal ...
intransitive verb7/14/2008
  Q: My dictionary says the word "run" is intransitive in this sentence but I think it's transitive. ...
  A: To be a trainsitive verb, the direct object must be the receiver of the action. In the stated ...
grammar7/14/2008
  Q: Ann, You've been very helpful. Do you know why "French-styled" and "three-fourth" would be ...
  A: Pat, Yes, anything that is more than one requires the "s". The last sentence could be written: ...
one word on a line7/14/2008
  Q: I am putting together a book and seemed to remember of of those "golden rules" of never having just ...
  A: This is probably a rule that has been written for aesthetic quality rather than for grammatical or ...
Grammatical question7/14/2008
  Q: One of the surgeons featured on the ABC special called "Hopkins" is the focus of a portion of the ...
  A: Paul, You are absolutely correct. The sentence SHOULD read" Shah's research interests include new ...
grammar7/12/2008
  Q: Ann, You've been very helpful. Do you know why "French-styled" and "three-fourth" would be ...
  A: I wanted to comment further on the word "not". I was not as clear as I should have been. There is ...
questions7/12/2008
  Q: how are things? Is there any difference between "fast" and "quick"? For example: She works fast OR ...
  A: In your example, both "fast" and "quickly" are correct, and in this sentence they both mean the same ...
question7/11/2008
  Q: Do you know what a concept question is? What would be the concept question to such a sentence: I ...
  A: There is a methodology in teaching where a theme, concept or unit is presented to learners and they ...
writing a research paper?7/11/2008
  Q: I have a Humanities research paper based around the questions Why is Studying the humanitites so ...
  A: How are you coming with your paper on the humanities? Do you need more help? Anne
Sorry, please read this one instead7/10/2008
  Q: Must the phrase "a thousand-year-long tradition" only be interpreted to mean that the tradition is ...
  A: Yes, you are correct. I now see where you are coming from. The phrase, "a thousand-year-long ...
Usage of7/10/2008
  Q: Must the phrase "a thousand-year-long tradition" only be interpreted to mean that the tradition is ...
  A: Mike, Yes, I agree with your thoughts. For example, someone might say, "I haven't seen him in ten ...
grammar/vocabulary7/8/2008
  Q: Is it OK to say: If you manage to land yourself many teaching hours a week then you will have a good ...
  A: I would say, "If you manage to land a position that offers many teaching hours a week, then you will ...
a quck 'dashes' question7/8/2008
  Q: What does this mean in this sentence to put dashes in here? Moderate drinkers have little trouble ...
  A: The dashes are just a quick break from the general thought of the sentence and are used here as ...
being/milk7/6/2008
  Q: Is it a good sentence: "I love the irony of a system called "US VISIT" being a significant reason ...
  A: I must admit that I don't understand the sentence as it is written: "I love the irony of a system ...
Direct object7/6/2008
  Q: My grammar book says that "bank" is not a direct object in this sentence: "The bank was robbed." ...
  A: This sentence is written in passive voice. This means that the action in the sentence was not done ...
when/while7/6/2008
  Q: How's your Sunday going? 1. If you find some time please answer my question. would it also be ...
  A: We would say, "If you find some time, please answer my question." The "will" is not used nor is it ...
"She" vs. "her"7/4/2008
  Q: I am in need of some assistance in crafting a sentence. I am trying to recall the rules on pronoun ...
  A: You would use, "her" in the sentence. The reason is that the phrase "I am" is eliminated in the ...
Grammar7/2/2008
  Q: I have some grammar questions: * Also, he went skiing. (Is "also" modifying a verb?) * He went ...
  A: Part II of response: Modality So what about modality, then? A basic distinction in our use of ...
Grammar7/2/2008
  Q: I have some grammar questions: * Also, he went skiing. (Is "also" modifying a verb?) * He went ...
  A: Good Morning, Pat, 1. "Also" modifies "went skiing" in both sentences. 2. One need not repeat ...
will7/1/2008
  Q: Is everything alright with this sentence: Some of his past difficulties may have dissipated ...
  A: Luke, The "will have" means that at some future point, the "self-attachments" will have ended. ...
say/tell/speak6/29/2008
  Q: Can I use all of them? I haven't heard a single word you were saying I haven't heard a single word ...
  A: We use the verb "to tell" when we are relating a story or giving information. The verbs "to speak" ...
since....have....6/29/2008
  Q: I know that these two sentences below are correct 1.Since we've joined the EU many people have ...
  A: Both sentences are correct and there is virtually no difference in meaning. "Since we have ...
maybee you can help?6/27/2008
  Q: I'm looking at a definition of control as being- "restraining or regulating influence" I have ...
  A: Keith, Yes, if you can put a word into a complete sentence and then analyze its parts of speech, ...
maybee you can help?6/27/2008
  Q: I'm looking at a definition of control as being- "restraining or regulating influence" I have ...
  A: As I look at your note, it seems that your main sentence is , "The definition of control is a ...
song/no6/23/2008
  Q: These two lines are from the song: c'mon c'mon no one can see you try c'mon c'mon no one can see ...
  A: When we say, "I'll take that as a 'no'". We mean to be emphatic. It is the same as saying, "I'll ...
song/no6/23/2008
  Q: These two lines are from the song: c'mon c'mon no one can see you try c'mon c'mon no one can see ...
  A: Since I don't have all of the song lyrics in front of me, I'll tell you what the two lines could ...
no/not/other/another6/21/2008
  Q: 1. ....but actually it no longer existed. Why can't I write: ....but actually it NOT longer ...
  A: "No longer" is a duration of time. You may use the phrase "not longer" but it has several different ...
no/not6/20/2008
  Q: I'm sometimes confused when to use "no" and when "not". There are no cars/There are not cars (I ...
  A: "No" can be used as an adjective. For example, "No cars left the garage before 6 a.m." Or, "No ...
grammar6/18/2008
  Q: how are you? Can I use the phrase "at the time" OR "at that time" (I guess they mean the same) to ...
  A: No, in American English we never say "homeworks". "Homework" is a collective noun that covers all ...
grammar6/18/2008
  Q: how are you? Can I use the phrase "at the time" OR "at that time" (I guess they mean the same) to ...
  A: You should say, "At the time, I was so busy with work that I could not enjoy the theater." This ...
Capitalization6/17/2008
  Q: Can you tell me if the following need to be capitalized when writing a paper-Middle School, High ...
  A: If you are referring to a specific school, you must capitalize. For example, Jones Middle School, ...
effective acadcemic writing6/17/2008
  Q: I need to know the differences between a thesis statement, a topic sentence, an explanation, an ...
  A: A thesis statement explains what the writer plans to prove in his paper. The thesis statement ...
wish.....6/16/2008
  Q: I know it's OK to say: I wish they lose (and I guess it means that I want them to lose in the ...
  A: It is not common to say, "I wish they lose." The common phrase is to say, "I hope they lose." ...
tense/was/were6/14/2008
  Q: Welcome back. I have two questions. 1.She taught both in a primary school and a high school, but ...
  A: Luke, 1. We would not say it as you wrote, "She had known before she went to teach there that she ...
tense/was/were6/14/2008
  Q: Welcome back. I have two questions. 1.She taught both in a primary school and a high school, but ...
  A: It is good to be back. I was at a writing conference. To answer your second question first, the ...
Grammar, usage and meaning6/1/2008
  Q: In competition,a backstroker must touch the finish pad before the shoulders pass the vertical toward ...
  A: As I read this, to "qualify" a swimmer must touch the pad BEFORE the shoulders pass the vertical. ...
turned/always....5/31/2008
  Q: how are you? 1. I know that I can say: He turned fifty in April. Can I also say: He turned a year ...
  A: "Was never taught" means that, in the past, the teaching of this method did not occur. The ...
capitalization after letter salutation5/31/2008
  Q: I learned long ago that, after a letter salutation ending in comma, the next word (the start of the ...
  A: Since your phrase is a sentence of direct address, you would not capitalize the "how". If, ...
turned/always....5/31/2008
  Q: how are you? 1. I know that I can say: He turned fifty in April. Can I also say: He turned a year ...
  A: Luke, 1. We would say, "He turned a year old in June." 2. Both are grammatically correct, but I ...
go home and go to my house?5/30/2008
  Q: My question is why do we say go home, but we say go "to" my house or go "to" the park? Why is there ...
  A: That's a good question, and really, there is no grammatical answer. This is just an idiom that has ...
proper use of I and me5/30/2008
  Q: I have been everywhere, and cannot find verbiage for the proper use of I and me. For example: ...
  A: No, you must use "to Debbie and me." "To" is a preposition and all objects of the preposition ...
subjunctive form5/29/2008
  Q: I know that the two sentences below are the examples of using (or: "of the usage" which is correct?) ...
  A: The following English grammar rules explain why "s"is not used for the subjunctive mood. The ...
have been/always5/27/2008
  Q: Is it incorrect to use "always" with the present perfect continuous? If so, why? 1.I've been always ...
  A: The sentence is correct. You may say, "I have always been renting rooms." Or, "I have always ...
this/it5/25/2008
  Q: I always thought that "this" and "it" are interchangeable, but I've read somewhere that when you're ...
  A: In your first sentence, by using "this" you are referring to something very specific. For example, ...
all bets are off5/25/2008
  Q: Benington, It appears that the phrase "all bets are off" is commonly used in the U.S. I tried to ...
  A: Actually, all of your examples are correct. "All bets are off" means that any previous agreement or ...
this/it5/25/2008
  Q: I always thought that "this" and "it" are interchangeable, but I've read somewhere that when you're ...
  A: These two words are actually different parts of speech. So I'm not sure what type of sentence you ...
grammar5/24/2008
  Q: I have read could and would are the past tense of can and will.however, when we speak to the third ...
  A: Since the question asked was a hypothetical one, not one that was based on real events, you should ...
Myself, yourself, ste5/23/2008
  Q: I heard "This was imposed on us - myself and the director." I thouht myself had to be introduced by ...
  A: You are correct, "myself" is used incorrectly. The correct way to say the sentence should be, "This ...
grammar5/23/2008
  Q: I have read could and would are the past tense of can and will.however, when we speak to the third ...
  A: "Can" and "could" mean do you have the ability to do so. "Will" and "would" are the polite ways of ...
You can see / You see5/23/2008
  Q: How are you? I can't understand when I have to use the verb See with can and without can. I'm ...
  A: When you say, "I always can see her" you mean that you can see the person whenever you want. She ...
proper usage of the word advice & advise5/22/2008
  Q: Is it correct to say, 'please advice' or 'please advise'
  A: The word "advice" is a noun and the word "advise" is a verb. So in your sentence you would use the ...
apples5/21/2008
  Q: There's an old saying: How about them apples? I'd like to ask you if it refers to a single person ...
  A: Yes, it is basically the same, but the phrase "What do you think about that?" is not as forceful as ...
apples5/21/2008
  Q: There's an old saying: How about them apples? I'd like to ask you if it refers to a single person ...
  A: The phrase "How about them apples" is grammatically incorrect, but for a reason. Obviously, it ...
How do I properly use the word "which" vs. "that"5/20/2008
  Q: Farjon (1990) reports palisade parenchyma that/which is lacking in the fossil leaves described here. ...
  A: Here is the explanation from a writer's link. I have included the more extensive link at the bottom ...
Grammar and Writing5/20/2008
  Q: What is the role of grammar in essay writing at the university level?
  A: The role of grammar in essay writing at the university level is extremely important. One expects ...
exaggeration poems5/15/2008
  Q: hi what is the definition of an exaggeration poem and an imagery poem
  A: Exaggeration means claiming something is greater than it really is. For example, if you said "my cat ...
Agreement5/14/2008
  Q: Into the phone booth _______eight of us. a. crowds or b. crowd Efforts to improve the soil ...
  A: Since "eight" is a collective noun, it will use the plural verb --B--crowd. "Into the phone booth ...
use of commas with quotes5/13/2008
  Q: Can you please tell me which comma placement is correct and why? Thank you! a. While not all of ...
  A: The answer should be "A". The following is a statement from the Purdue University Writing Lab about ...
Large and big5/13/2008
  Q: I would like to know what is the difference between the two words LARGE and BIG? Where can we use ...
  A: There is not much different between the two words for meaning, but they are used differently some ...
Grammar & syntax.5/10/2008
  Q: is it correct in english language? Thanks. Massgraves' ideology. When bolshevism from surreal story ...
  A: I think some words are missing from your sentence. Is this what you intended to say? "When ...
Italicizing question5/7/2008
  Q: Novel titles are italicized, but what about the name of a book series? i.e. I recently read The ...
  A: Mark, I believe you are asking how to correctly indicate Return of the Rings as part of a trilogy. ...
Italicizing question5/6/2008
  Q: Novel titles are italicized, but what about the name of a book series? i.e. I recently read The ...
  A: Yes, you are correct saying that all titles are either underlined or italicized. Since The Return ...
Two questions--spelling and grammar5/5/2008
  Q: 1. Canceling or cancelling. It was my understanding that it had two "L's"? Is there a rule??? 2. ...
  A: The word is spelled "canceling even though the following rule usually applies: Rule: Double the l ...
orientation4/23/2008
  Q: Once again I have a question relating to the book I'm reading about the magic crystals. there's the ...
  A: What gem represents the Wicca? It is not unusual to have several symbols that represents parts of ...
Conclusion vs Afterward4/23/2008
  Q: I'm writing a senior thesis and would like to better understand the difference between a conclusion ...
  A: To understand an "afterward" let us go first to an "introduction". As you know, many books, ...
Blood specimen or blood sample?4/22/2008
  Q: I met a question on an exam, and this is it: This type of apparatus can produce more than 40000 ...
  A: I have researched the two words, "sample" and "specimen". It seems that they are synonymous. Here ...
bartering4/22/2008
  Q: The book is about magic stones, but there is a section which says about bartering for stones. I ...
  A: The information about magic in the paragraph helps somewhat. This is my understanding of the ...
What is the difference in meaning?4/11/2008
  Q: What is the difference in meaning? - We are coming so you won't have / don't have to work so hard. - ...
  A: Jesus, "We are coming so you won't have to work so hard" means that in the FUTURE your work will be ...
please help!4/11/2008
  Q: Im having trouble writing my essay in which i have to pick a topic from my personal knowledge and ...
  A: I will be glad to help you with your paper. Do you have something started that I can look at and ...
i failed my test so i was wondering if you can show me the right answers?4/11/2008
  Q: 1.which of the following words is the best close-up word? A:plant C:food B:zucchini D:vegetable ...
  A: I will try to explain to you. #1--zucchini is the close up word because it is the most descriptive ...
Proper English Use of "Earlier of"4/10/2008
  Q: Can you explain the proper use of the phrase "earlier of"? I was under the impression that if you ...
  A: David, I'm not sure I completely understand your question, but I will write a sentence and you can ...
Put this bit over here (, )so it fits (or it will fit?) into that hole.4/9/2008
  Q: Do these sentences have the same meaning with comma and without comma? Which is a purpose clause and ...
  A: The sentences that you wrote mean the same but you do not need the comma. Remember that commas are ...
me/I4/8/2008
  Q: The person I have to defend myself the most from is me. Is it also possible to put " I " instead of ...
  A: The correct way to say your sentence grammatically is " The person from whom I have to defend ...
Where to delete4/2/2008
  Q: Ms. Benington: I am currently working on a translation project, and I have the following question. ...
  A: I have eliminated the repetition by using the word "another". I hope this makes sense for you. ...
grammar4/1/2008
  Q: I wanted to compare: 1. She looks nice (not: nicely) 2. She sleeps calmly. In the first example ...
  A: Yes, to say she looks "nice" means that the adjective describes the person. To say she looks ...
pad your receipt or pad the amount of/on your receipt3/31/2008
  Q: Benington, It's always a pleasure to send you a question or two. I have two questions today. Q1: I ...
  A: 1. The word "pad" means that the driver of the cab will add an amount to the check so that the ...
When was that?/When has been that/When has that been3/31/2008
  Q: I have read this sentence in a grammar book: - 'Penny has been climbing before.' -'Oh, has she? When ...
  A: The sentence, "Penny has been climbing before," indicates that Penny is still in the process of ...
Countable or Uncountable?3/31/2008
  Q: I can't understand why Acting is an uncountable noun and Performance is countable or why Panic is ...
  A: Performance is a countable noun because we can actually list the performances. For example, John ...
You are stuck with me vs. I am stuck with you3/30/2008
  Q: Benington, How have you been? I wonder if there is any slight difference between the following two ...
  A: Tak, The phrase, "you are stuck with me" can have many connotations. For example, if you are at a ...
turn over a new leaf3/19/2008
  Q: Ms. Benington, I found the phrase "turn over a new leaf" while reading a book, and I think this ...
  A: All three sentences are perfectly correct. You have done a good job in conveying the meaning of ...
grammer3/19/2008
  Q: The following sentence is from Franz Boas Race's book: Language and Culture. The western plains of ...
  A: Sorry I did not get your note earlier. I had some communications errors. As for the last part, ...
subject pronouns3/18/2008
  Q: i am an english teacher.I am not a native speaker though.so when one of my students asked me a ...
  A: Pointer, As for the order of pronouns, there is only one rule, and that is for politeness. The ...
feel small3/16/2008
  Q: Benington, I have created the following sentences using "feel small", and wonder if you could kindly ...
  A: Of course, the Random House Webster's Dictionary is correct in its definition, but for practical ...
feel small3/15/2008
  Q: Benington, I have created the following sentences using "feel small", and wonder if you could kindly ...
  A: Tak, a) In front of everyone in class, Mrs. Ferguson accused me of cheating ON the history exam. ...
defination of what this quote means3/14/2008
  Q: As a rule of thumb,it's best to look before you leap. As they say,an ounce of prevention is worth a ...
  A: The answer would be "C", a rule that usually works. "A rule of thumb" is an idiom that goes goes ...
use of prepositions3/13/2008
  Q: I am proofreading a test, and this is one of the sentences: She preferred to talk to her pet instead ...
  A: One doesn't need the extra "to" because both "her pet" and "people" are objects of the first ...
2 questions3/12/2008
  Q: I have two grammar questions this time, but both of them are about the usage of the past perfect. ...
  A: A. As I was running to the other side of the park, an arrow hit me. b. The telephone rang for my ...
stay clear of ...3/11/2008
  Q: Benington, I really hope your parents had a great time during their stay in Japan. Today, I would ...
  A: Yes, my parents loved their stay in Japan. Thank you for asking. a. This sentence is correct but I ...
How to cram my ideas into one sentence3/4/2008
  Q: Ms. Benington, How are you today? I visited Ohio, which by the way sounds like Japanese "good ...
  A: My parents visited Japan quite a few years ago, and my father was always so pleased to be able to ...
inversion3/4/2008
  Q: 1. Could you tell me what IS wrong with this? MAYBE I SHOULD WRITE: Could you tell me what wrong is ...
  A: Luke, We would always say, "What is wrong with it?" In the sentence you mentioned, we would ...
inversion3/4/2008
  Q: 1. Could you tell me what IS wrong with this? MAYBE I SHOULD WRITE: Could you tell me what wrong is ...
  A: 1. You must say, "What is wrong with this?" Not, "What wrong is with this? We would not say that ...
it is one's law to do ...3/3/2008
  Q: Hell again, Ms. Benington, How are you doing? It's getting warmer day by day here in Tokyo, Japan. I ...
  A: I wish it were spring here in Ohio. It is still very cold and snowy. To answer your question, "law" ...
inversion3/2/2008
  Q: 1. Could you tell me what IS wrong with this? MAYBE I SHOULD WRITE: Could you tell me what wrong is ...
  A: Luke, I'm not sure I'm understanding your question, but here goes. The correct sentence is "What ...
Pronouns "that" or "it"3/1/2008
  Q: Ms. Benington, I would like to ask you about the usage of "that" and "it" in the following two ...
  A: A. Yes, you would use "that" in the first sentence because "that" refers to the event of seeing ...
I can't understand when I have to use week, Sunday, year with THE or without it.2/29/2008
  Q: I can't understand when I have to use week, Sunday, year with THE or without it.Next week, year, ...
  A: We would say, "I will see you next week." We would not say, "I will see you the next week." ...
if or when2/29/2008
  Q: Benington, I have been struggling to improve my English mostly by reading English novels (mysteries, ...
  A: These two sentences, "....if it will suit his purpose" and ....when it will suit his purpose" mean ...
relative clauses2/28/2008
  Q: Do you think these two are restrictive relative clauses? 1. Barbara works for a company that makes ...
  A: LUKE, Yes, these are restrictive relative clauses. You could write the sentences as you suggested, ...
Form of Writing Style...!!2/28/2008
  Q: However, sometimes I wonder what kind of form of language one should/would use in this fast paced ...
  A: The form of language that you use in your speaking and writing of English depends on the ...
grammar2/27/2008
  Q: Is the sentence "The shop is around that place"grammatically correct?
  A: Yes, the sentence is grammatically correct, but I'm not sure what you mean by "around that place." ...
Which is te correct form?2/11/2008
  Q: Which is te correct form? (THE?) next Sunday, (THE?) next month, (THE?) next week, (THE?) next ...
  A: I will write some sentences using the above phrases and hope this is what you are looking for. If ...
URGENT!PAST PERFECT2/8/2008
  Q: This's myIn the story " A TALE OF 2 CITIES" I read: "Antoine street was one of the poorest parts of ...
  A: "Antoine street was one of the poorest parts of Paris.There,the children had the faces of old ...
grammar questions2/7/2008
  Q: There is the sentence: This is my 6th year since I started boxing. I would like to ask if it's ...
  A: Luke, I looked at the website you gave, and technically one does not say, "I'm doing boxing ...
grammar questions2/7/2008
  Q: There is the sentence: This is my 6th year since I started boxing. I would like to ask if it's ...
  A: You may say, "This is the sixth year since I started boxing." You may also say, "This is the sixth ...
grammar2/6/2008
  Q: I thought I might ask you the same question as a new one, instead of a follow-up question. You ...
  A: Yes, you could say, "We were having a chat as we were waiting." Since I don't have your original ...
how to re-write this sentence better2/5/2008
  Q: I am an engineering student and writing a research paper. I would like to ask you to check the ...
  A: Not being an engineer, I hope I can help you. The grammar is correct in the sentences. I'm ...
descriptive and prescriptive gammar2/3/2008
  Q: what is the main difference about decriptive and precriptive grammar. in other words how you are ...
  A: A PRESCRIPTIVE GRAMMAR lays out rules about the structure of a language. It deals with what grammar ...
Grammar2/2/2008
  Q: I've been asked to explain why it is correct to say both 'who is to blame?" and "who is to be ...
  A: Well, one difference is time. If someone walks into the room and sees a broken dish on the floor, ...
I need Eassy about2/2/2008
  Q: I need Eassy about "Relate an exciting experience from which you developed a particular talent or ...
  A: I'm not sure what type of help you need. If you are not sure where to begin, the best place is to ...
lyrics1/30/2008
  Q: I have a different question this time. It's about lyrics. There is something I don't understand and ...
  A: I'll try to answer, according to what I see. "Change your passion for glory" can be a positive ...
awkward wording1/30/2008
  Q: Here is the sentence: "If you think it is confusing to read about why Iceland is green and Greenland ...
  A: I agree, that the sentence, as written, is awkward. In everyday speech, "about why" has become the ...
Dulce et Decorum est1/25/2008
  Q: while writting my essay for Dulce et Decorum est I came across a small problem. Does 'like a devil's ...
  A: I used to teach this poem quite often. Here are the lines: If in some smothering dreams you too ...
usage of disparity1/25/2008
  Q: which of these sentences is grammatically correct: Quantum jump in benefits leading to wide ...
  A: Neither one of these phrases is a sentence. You need a verb. You could say, "A quantum jump in ...
Good writing skills starts were?1/23/2008
  Q: I want to have a good writing skills and I took all the required class. However, I feel hesitant ...
  A: It is commendable that you want to improve your communication skills. And since you say that ...
good writing skills starts were?1/23/2008
  Q: I want to have a good writing skills and I took all the required class. However, I feel hesitant ...
  A: What kind of writing do you want to do? Do you have classes that require essays? Do you need to ...
essay conclusions1/18/2008
  Q: I have been given an assignment to write a conclusion as if I had written an essay entitled "On ...
  A: Here is the corrected version with punctuation: Whether or not human cloning will ever be ...
Should I add the article "a"?1/18/2008
  Q: I have a sentence. "These problems are normal during a diabetic episode/episodes." I ask because ...
  A: The use of "a" depends on whether you use episode in the singular or the plural. For example, ...
essay conclusions1/18/2008
  Q: I have been given an assignment to write a conclusion as if I had written an essay entitled "On ...
  A: I prefer your first conclusion because you mention precise sides in the debate: scientists and ...
Please check if got grammer mistakes12/18/2007
  Q: 18.12.2007 Hello Gentleman, Please let me know if the below drafted letter has go any grammer ...
  A: The correct text is as follows: ------------------------------------------------- Hello Gentleman, ...
Would have for future?12/18/2007
  Q: Can you tell me the difference between these two sentences: 1) The trip next week would be fun if ...
  A: 1--"The trip next week would be fun if he went" indicates that the trip has not yet taken place and ...
Use of "had"12/16/2007
  Q: Is it more appropriate to say: "I realized that left my umbrella in the train only when I got ...
  A: It is correct to say, "I realized that I had left my umbrella in the train only when I got home." ...
is vs. are12/14/2007
  Q: Anne: Can you please help me, here? I understand the basic differences between using 'is' vs. 'are,' ...
  A: I'm glad to help. The correct sentence is "I hope one of them is correct." The subject of the ...
Help for my boyfriend- a slow writer12/14/2007
  Q: I'm one of those students who procrastinates and ends up spending the night before a deadline ...
  A: Not knowing your boyfriend, this is a rather tough question. I have had students over the years who ...
Word Usage12/13/2007
  Q: In the following statement "The critics censured/censored the new movie because of its social ...
  A: This is a tough choice because, as I mentioned before, one can only censure a person. In our ...
Word Usage12/12/2007
  Q: In the following statement "The critics censured/censored the new movie because of its social ...
  A: In correct English grammar a person is censured. For example, a senator might be censured by his ...
possessive genitive case11/11/2007
  Q: Benington, Would you please tell me what the difference is between "possessive case" and ...
  A: Actually, today, the possessive case and genitive case are virtually the same. Here is a note taken ...
Proper Punctuation for list11/8/2007
  Q: Greetings, I thank you in advance for your help. Is there a difference between the following two ...
  A: The first statement seems to be the correct one since you are using a string of modifiers to ...
Former titles11/6/2007
  Q: I have noticed that for the last couple of years, former politicians or political appointees are ...
  A: Charles, This is the answer from the Editor of the Columbus Dispatch: Dear Anne, I check our ...
unless10/31/2007
  Q: Are these sentences correct? 1. You'd be happier unless you had such high expectations. 2. What ...
  A: Luke, As I look at the two sentences you presented, I'd like to explain why they do not make sense ...
unless10/30/2007
  Q: Are these sentences correct? 1. You'd be happier unless you had such high expectations. 2. What ...
  A: 1--I think you mean to say, "You'd be happier if you did not have such high expectations. " ...
Grammar10/30/2007
  Q: The following sentence-"Who did teachyou how to dance?" Can you please explain why this is ...
  A: The correct past tense of "teach" is "taught", so your question should read, "Who taught you how to ...
grammar question10/30/2007
  Q: First of all, thank you in advance for answering my question; I'm teaching esl in a french secondary ...
  A: Let's look at the two phrases without the apostrophe first. "Hadn't" is the short form for "Had ...
Use "of" or "with"10/29/2007
  Q: I can't seem to find which is grammatically correct. Please see example below: John Smith *with* ...
  A: Jennifer, The shades of meaning in these two sentences is remote. Both have the same meaning. I ...
want doing?10/29/2007
  Q: I saw a sentence on a book (by Richard R. Spears). It goes like this: Mary's sending out very few ...
  A: In the sentence that you quoted, the phrase, "She doesn't want...." means that she does not CHOOSE ...
English - Conditional Sentences10/27/2007
  Q: I want to ask you if is it possible in conditional sentences type one use in the main clause the ...
  A: Yes, you can use the sentence as you wrote it"If you are interested in indigenous people, you are ...
Thank you Note10/23/2007
  Q: We had a baby shower and I want to send a Thank you card to the people who participated. Can you ...
  A: If you want to write a short note, you might say: "Thank you so much for coming to my baby shower. ...
wrong part.10/19/2007
  Q: 1.Mt Washington IS OVER(A) one mile HEIGHT(B) and HAS MANY(C) picturesque waterfalls on ITS(D) ...
  A: The sentence should read, Critics point out that Windows 95 is not as efficient as the previous ...
personal narrative10/19/2007
  Q: I am in an AP English class and I am wondering how do I write a personal narrative? My English ...
  A: Brianna, It seems like you have an interesting story to tell. Now try to outline your narrative. ...
RE: PAST AND FUTURE TENSE10/19/2007
  Q: Anne, some times I get confused on when to use meant or mean. I know meant is past tense and mean is ...
  A: Yes, "meant" does connote past tense: "I meant to study more last night, but I fell asleep early." ...
punctuation10/18/2007
  Q: Ms. Benington, I wish to enclose a slang word and phrase within quotes. Here it is. "'Cause life ...
  A: Your phrase is correct, but it isn't a complete sentence. If you are including it as part of a ...
personal narrative10/18/2007
  Q: I am in an AP English class and I am wondering how do I write a personal narrative? My English ...
  A: Okay, two most important elements of a personal narrative for a college application are key: 1) ...
wrong part.10/18/2007
  Q: 1.Mt Washington IS OVER(A) one mile HEIGHT(B) and HAS MANY(C) picturesque waterfalls on ITS(D) ...
  A: The first sentence should read: 1. Mt. Washington is over one mile HIGH and has many picturesque ...
Grammar10/18/2007
  Q: I teach ESL to adults. I have a student from Japan. She thought it was correct to say, "I could ...
  A: I know that teaching ESL is difficult. I teach two Russian men and the nuances of our language give ...
personal narrative10/17/2007
  Q: I am in an AP English class and I am wondering how do I write a personal narrative? My English ...
  A: I've attached a few websites that might help. If you need specific guidance, please get back to me: ...
prepositional phrases and punctuation related to it10/15/2007
  Q: How do I know the what punctuation rules are used with the prep phrases? Like when do I use a comma ...
  A: Amanda, If a prepositional phrase begins a sentence, there is a comma after it. For example: ...
Reliability10/14/2007
  Q: What is the rule for using "ability" as in reliability. How do you teach a middle school student to ...
  A: "Reliability" means that something can be depended on. For example, you might say, " I have to be ...
interrogative pronoun10/11/2007
  Q: Can you please help me identify the part of speech for the word "what" in the following sentence: ...
  A: Yes, an interrogative pronoun can be used as a direct object. For example, if you insert a noun as ...
object of preposition10/10/2007
  Q: Is it possible to ever have an adverb be the object of a preposition? I have always thought that ...
  A: Rich, Every preposition must have either a noun or a pronoun as its object. Adverbs cannot be ...
essay10/9/2007
  Q: I am writing a persuasive essay in AP English and its one of our choice and I chose to do mine on ...
  A: I would prefer that you say "requesting the coach they prefer for the coming year." Also, "...my ...
essay10/8/2007
  Q: I am writing a persuasive essay in AP English and its one of our choice and I chose to do mine on ...
  A: Well, I can appreciate your desire to do well on the AP essay since I used to teach AP and wanted my ...
tense/periods etc.10/7/2007
  Q: 1."In fact, the reactions of both groups were so intense that the experiment which was to have ...
  A: The shades of meaning are interesting. In the first sentence, you would probably use commas around ...
Farm Letter needs grammer checked9/25/2007
  Q: I hope that you will give us your farm because. It will be a good place to raise a family and escape ...
  A: For the most part your letter is fine. A few corrections and you can send it on its way. In the ...
2 questions9/19/2007
  Q: Which is better: "customer's traffic" or "customer traffic" and why? I don't have any context to ...
  A: The correct phrase would be "customer traffic". "Customer" is an adjective that describes what kind ...
Capitalization Question9/18/2007
  Q: Are the names of centuries--i.e., "Twentieth Century," capped? Is it permissible in formal writing ...
  A: Here is the rule according to the style booklets: HISTORICAL PERIODS Capitalize names of ...
compare/contrast essay9/16/2007
  Q: I'm writing a compare and contrast essay for school. I am using the point-by-point method of ...
  A: Okay, so your first supporting paragraph is a compare and contrast of the sound color of a cello and ...
compare/contrast essay9/16/2007
  Q: I'm writing a compare and contrast essay for school. I am using the point-by-point method of ...
  A: Let me talk about your introduction first. Yes, the first sentence should be an attention-getter. ...
lyrics9/15/2007
  Q: Anne! There's the song: Coldplay - Beautiful World Lyrics print version Bones are sinking like ...
  A: I think the phrase "bones sinking like stones" refers to us getting older. Our bodies shrink since ...
Answers to Grammar!9/15/2007
  Q: When is the correct way to say " May or Might" in a sentence? Also, what is the correct way to say ...
  A: The uses of "may" or "might" are often interchangeable. But there are shades of meaning involved. ...
daily language8/25/2007
  Q: in my native language we have a very useful phrase that i could not find the similar in English. ...
  A: If a person is asked a question in English, then answers the question, he might follow his answer by ...
must8/23/2007
  Q: there is an exam tomorrow at 10.00 am so you .........be at school before that time. a. have to ...
  A: Both sentences are correct with either "have to" or "must", however, the word "must" conveys a sense ...
start doing sth vs. start to do8/22/2007
  Q: Sometimes people say: I start to do sth, sometimes people say I start doing sth. I would be more the ...
  A: I believe I misunderstood your question in the first email. Now I understand your confusion and ...
grammar8/22/2007
  Q: I know it's all right to write "the walls of the city" or "city walls" I'm curious why is it ...
  A: When one says "city walls", the word "city" becomes an adjective describing what kind of walls. ...
start doing sth vs. start to do8/21/2007
  Q: Sometimes people say: I start to do sth, sometimes people say I start doing sth. I would be more the ...
  A: People rarely say "I start to do ..." something. For example we don't say, " I start to mow the ...
vocabulary8/21/2007
  Q: Can grammar rules also be termed "predictions"?For instance can the rule"A sentence having 3 verbs ...
  A: I never thought about a rule being a prediction, but in this sense, it could be called that. For ...
question8/20/2007
  Q: Anne! Could you have a look at the passages below and point out the mistakes if any? How do they ...
  A: Luke, paragraph one is very confusing. First, you do not need a colon after "to". Next, you need ...

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