He comes in last: I am not looking at the arch, yet I see him enter. I try to concentrate my attention on those netting-needles, on the meshes of the purse I am forming—I wish to think only of the work I have in my hands, to see only the silver beads and silk threads … Read more
Don’t be a scaredy cat. What does scaredy mean in the given sentence? Can I use it singly or is it always paired with cat? Does it refer to someone who is a coward or is shy? That is, would it be correct to say that “he is a scaredy cat”? And is it considered … Read more
It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it. Millions are condemned to a stiller doom than mine, and millions are in silent revolt against their lot. Nobody knows how many rebellions besides political rebellions ferment … Read more
Can I use fix for talking about clothes? For example : My mother fixed the hole in my jeans. Or is there a better verb I should use? Answer Although fix is entirely valid, a native speaker would probably use the verb mend when talking about clothes: I’ve mended the hole in my socks. I’m … Read more
I read in a book it’s called a oven stove element, and I used this word. But it might sound formal, is there another more common name for it? If not, what else is it called? Answer In American English, burner is the most common informal name for this item. In British English, I’ve always … Read more
When a door is opened partly it seems correct to choose the word “ajar”. If the door is widely open, which words are correct to use? For example, can “broad” be used? Answer No. If you look up a dictionary, it will tell you that broad means wide in extent or scope. This implies that … Read more
People are sometimes asked how many English words they know, and I’m also curious about the size of my own vocabulary. One way perhaps is to look at a list of the most frequently used 5000 or 8000 words, pick out the unfamiliar words, then see how much is left. Note, the criteria of the … Read more
I saw something flying today. What should I call it in English? Answer bytebuster has the provided the correct term, although I would parenthesize it like this: (hot air) balloon. That is, these objects can simply be called balloons, or hot-air balloons if you want to be more specific. Also, it may be worth noting … Read more
I use them quite often but I’m not sure what to call them. Their pictures appear in these links. http://www.123rf.com/photo_11282557_plastic-water-spray-bottle-isolated-on-white.html http://bestdealshopz.com/gtgt-empty-cddvd-cake-box-spindle-50-discs-for-sale/ Should I call what is depicted in the first link a water spray bottle or a water sprayer? The picture in the second link is a black thingI put CDs through. Can I call … Read more
