Discussion Forum
This is a forum to discuss the gray areas of the English language for which you would not find answers easily in dictionaries or other reference books.
Do You Have a Question?
Latest Posts : Grammar
Whilst happily typing away my math report, I came upon this slight roadblock...
“We observed a triangle created by the basketball pole and replicated a smaller triangle that was much more scaled down in size, but each of its sides WERE still in proportion to the larger triangle’s. ”
Please take note of the entirely capitalized “were” that *was* the reason I capitalized it in the first place:’) My absolutely horrible computer supported by its “state-of-the-art” spelling program argue that my “were” should be “was.” Of course, I personally don’t *trust* my computer as it takes some perverse pleasure in pointing out that i spelt “colour” wrong. So can i get backed by a professional opinion, please?
I went to English exam today. One of the problem was very difficult for me. The problem is
Which is correct? 1) The old IS respected in our society. 2) The old ARE respected in our society.
I wrote #1 is correct . I wonder if I was right.
In New Yorker, I read:
“There was a cold wind and an intermittent drizzle.”
A cold wind and a drizzle together would make two things. Shouldn’t it be “There were”?
Why do you think that these nouns resisted the temptation of adding an “s” to pluralize? Like Sheeps, Fishes, or Cattles. How was it decided that they do not have plural forms? And for what reason? And ultimately, if these nouns function fine without the plural forms, then why do we even need plural forms for any other nouns?
You can count chickens. 1 chicken, 2 chickens. But Once you fry them, you can’t count them. Why not? What’s wrong with 2 fried chickens?
“For this recepie, vodka or rum can be used, though neither is ideal.”
Should it be “neither are”?
If I were to cast it, “both are not ideal”, it is “are”. So, it seems that “neither” should also get “are”.
“That’s such bull-shit.” Here you have no article; not “a bull-shit”.
“He gave me shit.” Here, too, you have no article.
“I don’t give a shit.” Now, why do you have an article here?
When you refer to something that is labeled with letters, like letter A, button B, formula C, or exhibit D, you don’t put articles, but that seems odd. Why wouldn’t you say “a button B” or “a formula C”?
What are the rules for FEW vs. A FEW?
“These computers come with a 40GB hard drive” Or “These computers come with 40GB hard drives.” Which is correct? If both, which is preferred? Or what are the different implications?
