The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary of English states that “to trigger” is a transitive verb. Therefore it would be incorrect to state “An alarm triggers”. We have to say “X triggers the alarm” or “the alarm is triggered”. I have seen multiple occasions where “to trigger” is used as an intransitive verb. Like in “In … Read more
Behold! Did my lawn mower bescumber my neighbor’s fence (transitive), or did it bescumber on my neighbor’s fence (intransitive)? Or should I switch to passive voice and say my neighbor’s fence was bescumbered by my lawn mower, and avoid awkward questions? Indeed, is it possible to avoid awkward questions at all when discussing bescumbering? I … Read more
I lighted upon a sentence in the New York Times: Actually almost any tidbit — notably pigs in blankets — that the bar sends my way will satisfy. This usage of satisfy strikes me as uncommon, if not jarring, as the verb satisfy almost always occurs as a transitive verb. I have just checked all … Read more
How to arrow/limit the text that comes after some broader meaning. For example: Several models have been proposed in the field of mathematics and engineering. Now I want to limit my further discussion on engineering field neglect the other one. How to make a transition? Answer If you’re going to distinguish between the two fields, … Read more
This is an argument I had with a colleague of mine. We’re trying to say that all the comments have been cleared, as per the client’s requests. He issued a report to a client, on which the client had some comments. Can you then, for example, send him an email saying “this is the report … Read more
I was talking with a friend about an event tomorrow, and I wanted to tell him I’d text him tomorrow after the event and let him know what happened. I said, “I’ll text you tomorrow what happens.” I said this entirely unmonitored in casual conversation, but it sounded clunky when I heard it out loud. … Read more
I have these three sentences: Throughout human history, mental illness has been stigmatized beyond belief. Individuals that have been diagnosed as mentally ill have been subject to social opposition. Stigma researchers from University of Chicago, Patrick W. Corrigan and Amy C. Watson, conclude these statements and believe that public and self-stigma both affect the society … Read more
What is the function of "Monday?" Is it a direct object of starts or an adverb? Mask mandate starts Monday. Answer Neither. It is a noun, but it is not being used as a direct object, but as a time adjunct. This is a function that can be carried out by phrases headed by words … Read more
Prepositional phrase? I resolved not to allow frivolous preoccupations to deflect me. (I cause, not to receive frivolous preoccupations to deflect me) It had, after all, brought home to me (the whole incident has brought home to me) For Miss Hemmings was looking up at me with a cold searching gaze. (A cold searching gaze … Read more
Usually, I know the answer. But the following sentence confuses me: Was he the man she had shared her flesh and feelings (with) for four years? Is the with necessary? Why or why not? Answer The answer is yes. In given sentence you mentioned a person the thing is shared with so it’s natural to … Read more
