| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Summary Essay | 9/3/2008 |
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 subjects | 9/3/2008 |
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-mistakes | 9/2/2008 |
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 sentence | 9/2/2008 |
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 questions | 9/2/2008 |
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/for | 9/1/2008 |
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 sentences | 9/1/2008 |
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 translation | 8/31/2008 |
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 preposition | 8/27/2008 |
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 essay | 8/25/2008 |
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 essay | 8/24/2008 |
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 essay | 8/23/2008 |
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 essay | 8/23/2008 |
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 ...
|
| questions | 8/22/2008 |
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 grammar | 8/21/2008 |
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 ...
|
| Capitalization | 8/19/2008 |
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 ...
|
| Grammar | 8/18/2008 |
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 ques | 8/16/2008 |
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 Licenses | 8/16/2008 |
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/yet | 8/16/2008 |
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 tense | 8/15/2008 |
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 ...
|
| for | 8/13/2008 |
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/did | 8/12/2008 |
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 can | 8/3/2008 |
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 sentences | 8/3/2008 |
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 Sentence | 7/23/2008 |
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, ...
|
| Colon | 7/22/2008 |
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 questions | 7/20/2008 |
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 questions | 7/18/2008 |
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 questions | 7/17/2008 |
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 usage | 7/17/2008 |
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,have | 7/15/2008 |
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 verb | 7/15/2008 |
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 verb | 7/14/2008 |
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 ...
|
| grammar | 7/14/2008 |
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 line | 7/14/2008 |
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 question | 7/14/2008 |
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 ...
|
| grammar | 7/12/2008 |
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 ...
|
| questions | 7/12/2008 |
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 ...
|
| question | 7/11/2008 |
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 instead | 7/10/2008 |
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 of | 7/10/2008 |
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/vocabulary | 7/8/2008 |
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' question | 7/8/2008 |
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/milk | 7/6/2008 |
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 object | 7/6/2008 |
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/while | 7/6/2008 |
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 ...
|
| Grammar | 7/2/2008 |
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 ...
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| Grammar | 7/2/2008 |
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 ...
|
| will | 7/1/2008 |
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/speak | 6/29/2008 |
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, ...
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| 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/no | 6/23/2008 |
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/no | 6/23/2008 |
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/another | 6/21/2008 |
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 ...
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| no/not | 6/20/2008 |
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 ...
|
| grammar | 6/18/2008 |
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 ...
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| grammar | 6/18/2008 |
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 ...
|
| Capitalization | 6/17/2008 |
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 writing | 6/17/2008 |
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/were | 6/14/2008 |
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/were | 6/14/2008 |
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 meaning | 6/1/2008 |
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 salutation | 5/31/2008 |
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 me | 5/30/2008 |
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 form | 5/29/2008 |
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/always | 5/27/2008 |
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/it | 5/25/2008 |
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 off | 5/25/2008 |
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/it | 5/25/2008 |
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 ...
|
| grammar | 5/24/2008 |
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, ste | 5/23/2008 |
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 ...
|
| grammar | 5/23/2008 |
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 see | 5/23/2008 |
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 & advise | 5/22/2008 |
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 ...
|
| apples | 5/21/2008 |
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 ...
|
| apples | 5/21/2008 |
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 Writing | 5/20/2008 |
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 poems | 5/15/2008 |
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 ...
|
| Agreement | 5/14/2008 |
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 quotes | 5/13/2008 |
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 big | 5/13/2008 |
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 question | 5/7/2008 |
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. ...
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| Italicizing question | 5/6/2008 |
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 grammar | 5/5/2008 |
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 ...
|
| orientation | 4/23/2008 |
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 Afterward | 4/23/2008 |
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 ...
|
| bartering | 4/22/2008 |
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/I | 4/8/2008 |
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 delete | 4/2/2008 |
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. ...
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| grammar | 4/1/2008 |
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 ...
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| pad your receipt or pad the amount of/on your receipt | 3/31/2008 |
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 ...
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| When was that?/When has been that/When has that been | 3/31/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| You are stuck with me vs. I am stuck with you | 3/30/2008 |
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 ...
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| turn over a new leaf | 3/19/2008 |
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 ...
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| grammer | 3/19/2008 |
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, ...
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| subject pronouns | 3/18/2008 |
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 ...
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| feel small | 3/16/2008 |
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 ...
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| feel small | 3/15/2008 |
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. ...
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| defination of what this quote means | 3/14/2008 |
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 ...
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| use of prepositions | 3/13/2008 |
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 ...
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| 2 questions | 3/12/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| How to cram my ideas into one sentence | 3/4/2008 |
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 ...
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| inversion | 3/4/2008 |
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 ...
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| inversion | 3/4/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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" ...
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| inversion | 3/2/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| 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." ...
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| if or when | 2/29/2008 |
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 ...
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| relative clauses | 2/28/2008 |
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, ...
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| 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 ...
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| grammar | 2/27/2008 |
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." ...
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| 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 ...
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| URGENT!PAST PERFECT | 2/8/2008 |
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 ...
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| grammar questions | 2/7/2008 |
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 ...
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| grammar questions | 2/7/2008 |
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 ...
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| grammar | 2/6/2008 |
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 ...
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| how to re-write this sentence better | 2/5/2008 |
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 ...
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| descriptive and prescriptive gammar | 2/3/2008 |
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 ...
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| Grammar | 2/2/2008 |
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, ...
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| I need Eassy about | 2/2/2008 |
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 ...
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| lyrics | 1/30/2008 |
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 ...
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| awkward wording | 1/30/2008 |
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 ...
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| Dulce et Decorum est | 1/25/2008 |
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 ...
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| usage of disparity | 1/25/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| essay conclusions | 1/18/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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, ...
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| essay conclusions | 1/18/2008 |
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 ...
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| Please check if got grammer mistakes | 12/18/2007 |
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, ...
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| 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 ...
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| 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." ...
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| is vs. are | 12/14/2007 |
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 ...
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| Help for my boyfriend- a slow writer | 12/14/2007 |
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 ...
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| Word Usage | 12/13/2007 |
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 ...
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| Word Usage | 12/12/2007 |
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 ...
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| possessive genitive case | 11/11/2007 |
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 ...
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| Proper Punctuation for list | 11/8/2007 |
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 ...
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| Former titles | 11/6/2007 |
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 ...
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| unless | 10/31/2007 |
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 ...
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| unless | 10/30/2007 |
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. " ...
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| Grammar | 10/30/2007 |
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 ...
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| grammar question | 10/30/2007 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| English - Conditional Sentences | 10/27/2007 |
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 ...
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| Thank you Note | 10/23/2007 |
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. ...
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| 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 ...
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| personal narrative | 10/19/2007 |
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. ...
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| RE: PAST AND FUTURE TENSE | 10/19/2007 |
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." ...
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| punctuation | 10/18/2007 |
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 ...
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| personal narrative | 10/18/2007 |
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) ...
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| 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 ...
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| Grammar | 10/18/2007 |
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 ...
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| personal narrative | 10/17/2007 |
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: ...
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| prepositional phrases and punctuation related to it | 10/15/2007 |
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: ...
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| Reliability | 10/14/2007 |
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 ...
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| interrogative pronoun | 10/11/2007 |
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 ...
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| object of preposition | 10/10/2007 |
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 ...
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| essay | 10/9/2007 |
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 ...
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| essay | 10/8/2007 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| Farm Letter needs grammer checked | 9/25/2007 |
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 ...
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| 2 questions | 9/19/2007 |
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 ...
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| Capitalization Question | 9/18/2007 |
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 ...
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| compare/contrast essay | 9/16/2007 |
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 ...
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| compare/contrast essay | 9/16/2007 |
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. ...
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| lyrics | 9/15/2007 |
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 ...
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| 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. ...
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| daily language | 8/25/2007 |
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 ...
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| must | 8/23/2007 |
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 ...
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| start doing sth vs. start to do | 8/22/2007 |
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 ...
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| grammar | 8/22/2007 |
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. ...
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| start doing sth vs. start to do | 8/21/2007 |
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 ...
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| vocabulary | 8/21/2007 |
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 ...
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| question | 8/20/2007 |
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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