Where should a period be placed when a sentence ends in a word that is meant to be copied exactly? Contrived example: Let’s say that my friend is house-sitting and I want to text them the password to my laptop. The password is password123. There is no period in the password. Which of these has … Read more
If someone has a past, does that always mean a bad history? For example: is it appropriate to say “He is a photographer, with a painter’s past” or it would be a bad introduction even in an informal context. Thanks. Answer Well, saying “a past” isn’t the same as saying “a painter’s past.” If I … Read more
If voice during phone conversation become gibberish, how to ask a person to repeat last words? I’m living in Cyprus and all local people when speak English just use ‘tell me’ for this. It this a correct way? Answer It is correct but doesn’t sound good while speaking to someone. Using “pardon me” or maybe … Read more
We applied to International Revenue Service for obtaining ein for our new established USA based company, filled out and thereafter sent SS-4 form through fax and I need to check out on the phone whether the application process would complete successfully or not? However, I couldn’t set out the right sentence to get an answer … Read more
When somebody suggests me something (maybe offering me something, or suggesting me for a proposal/plan), and I would like to show my agreement/approval for that. Instead of just saying “sure” or “yes please”, what are the other common options to express that? Thanks! Answer I will say that this question asks about two phrases. One … Read more
For example, if somebody sitting next to me hummed or sang a song and I want to tell him that his song is dulcet, in a polite but informal manner (or even slang). How can I express that? Should I just simply say “it sounds good” or “it sounds nice”? Or there are some better … Read more
A : “Hey pal, I don’t think I can go on anymore. I feel people around me are much greater than me. I feel I’m useless and nobody cares about me.” B : “Don’t worry. It’s okay. Some couldn’t know.” (= there are some who couldn’t understand the true value of you) Does it make … Read more
I’ve observed that the word “basically” is not appreciated by any of my professors, specifically in the writing context (as opposed to in conversation). Is saying (writing) “essentially” a more appropriate way to indicate that you are simplifying, and getting to the essence of a complicated issue? Are professors being pretentious when they dislike the … Read more
Recently I met a new friend who uses the message “Sunny Greetings” every time we start a conversation, especially via message. What makes this word “Sunny” becomes appropriate? Will it depend on any weather of the day? Can I use this word after like let’s say 3 PM of the day? Answer Is your new … Read more
I’m not a native English speaker. I would like to know what phrase can be used instead of “Nice to meet you” when the two of you have already met but this just happens to be the first time you know each other’s names? Like, the random neighbor you always say ‘hi’ to until one … Read more
