Can I use something like “I am caught in a controversy” to express that I am witnessing and confused by the controversy between other entities? Answer “You are caught in a controversy” would not lead me to think you are “witnessing and confused by the controversy between other entities”. Instead, it suggests you have become … Read more
English is not my first language, and in my language (Bosnian) we write just as we speak ; so from time to time, I encounter phrases which I know I have heard before, but am not sure if I am writing them correctly. Do you say sound approach to describe an approach to a problem … Read more
Which one would you prefer: “quick question” or “short question” for a question that you know is simple and will only take a moment to answer? Or maybe “simple question”? The problem I have with “quick question” is that I don’t think a question may be “quick”, because it is not moving anywhere. Answer What … Read more
When comparing the total surface area of (geometrical) bodies, can I describe it as “large surface” (or “largest”) or, as an editor suggested, do I have to use “broad surface”? Edit: Example sentence from the article: “Porous, spongy grains provide a large surface for chemical reactions but might hinder the release of the newly formed … Read more
Can one fulfill “beyond” a promise? Is it possible to say “extending the fulfillment of a promise”? I am trying to express that I hope I fulfilled a promise and then some. This is for the acknowledgements of my thesis. I have written: “Many years ago I made a promise to my late maternal grandmother … Read more
What is the difference between big and large? I am trying to use one of these words but I’m skeptical which one is the right one. The context I intend to use one of these words in is: Small companies don’t have big/large budgets. So which one is the better choice? Answer The usage stats … Read more
I need to title an application button that moves an image 90 degrees clockwise/anticlockwise. Which of the following fits better? Spin image Rotate image Answer “Rotate”. That is the correct and standard word. Rotate can be used for a turn that is less than, equal to or more than 360°. Spin usually implies more than … Read more
Recently I used the term medicine students to mean students of medicine. This was corrected to medical students. I googled and found that the term I chose is not really used. However I still hear computer science students or Japanese language students. Why not medicine students then? Answer It used to be the case that … Read more
Can I say: I will do/make revision of the material that we have covered so far. Should I say : I will revise the material that we have covered so far. Answer You do revision of the material you’ve covered so far. You can also revise the material that you’ve covered so far. More collocations … Read more
Is there any logic to this or just decision? I would use the following combinations: quite amazing rather large pretty good I would not use the following combinations: pretty amazing quite large rather good There’re also the words pretty and fairly and of course we say “pretty good” instead of quite good/rather good. Is there … Read more
