What kind of verb should be used in order to say that something has increased or created inefficiency? Maybe generate or produce? Edit: I’m asking this because created or increased inefficiency sound wrong to me instinctively and when I read them out loud. Answer Try it with other “in-” words where the “in-” means opposite. … Read more
Which of these sentences is correct? Becky’s parents cheer her on during her matches. Becky’s parents cheer on during her matches. Becky’s parents cheer on her during her matches. The last one sounds weird to me. Thanks! Answer from the idiom cheer on TFD and to cheer on, a phrasal verb. Collins Dictionary To support … Read more
There is an English expression do for, which means to kill, to execute, to ruin, to defeat etc. and this expression seems to always be used in passive voice: e.g.) We are done for. I understand this is like an idiom, but why is the preposition for used? Most prepositions have so many meanings to … Read more
I have looked on the internet regarding this issue and could not find a definitive answer so I posted the question here. Which one do I use if I want to change something to something else? Example imperative sentence: Change that code with/to? this code. In this instance – change to or change with? Answer … Read more
What’s it called when you unenthusiastically do something that you have reservations about. You might consciously resist participating in something because you’re ethically opposed to it or because it conflicts with your personal ideals. But in the end you submit either because you’re compelled by duty or obligation, you realize your ideals aren’t pragmatic, or … Read more
I know there’s the phrasal fill in / fill in for, which means substitute or replace someone for what I know. Though, what I am looking for is a phrasal to use in a phrase where something is being substited. Ex: And with that, body language was substituted/replaced by… Answer You could use changed over … Read more
Do drop by, swing by, and stop by all have the same meaning? Is there a difference in usage? Answer They can all describe the same action but have slightly different meanings. When you are traveling somewhere, you can swing by another place by going a little out of your way to stop there for … Read more
I found a confusing usage of “consist of” in Belles Make Up site: Water consists of 70% of our whole body. I think that above sentence is wrong because water is within our body, not the body in water; therefore, it should have been like this: Our body consists 60% of water and 7% of … Read more
I don’t know the meaning of “go back through” in this sentence: “You may have to go back through and “touch up” your design” I’ve look up it in some dictionaries but finally i couldn’t find its meaning. Help me Answer it means you have to check again and make some little changes to improve … Read more
I have heard all three of these expressions in various parts of the US to describe the disappearance of things. All three expressions appear to be readily understood. Are some more common in certain regions of the US or in other parts of the English speaking world? Addendum: Growing up in Texas, I most commonly … Read more
