texts: Do the expressions "front-rear direction" , "left-right direction ", "top-bottom direction" sound strange?

texts: I have found these expressions in translation made by non-native speakers, for example, "the engine power is transmitted in the front-rear direction of the car".  I want to know alternative expressions.


texts: Does "should have behaved" means different from "behaved" in this sentence?

texts:
In this sentence

  I can't imagine any reason why he should have behaved in such an extraordinary way

Did he behave or did he not behave in an extraordinary way?
If he did, why the author didn't simply say, "...why he behaved..."   instead of "...why he should have behaved..." ?

It is not clear to me why the author has used this tense rather than past simple.


texts:
85% of the population of the USA is Christian.
  85% of the population of the USA are Christian.

Which one is correct?


texts:
Is the sentence bellow possible? Why is might being used here although the sentence is in the past? Shouldn't it be "Might have" instead?

You said hey. I said hello.

A: "I gotta know, do you feel this way?"

You said: "yeah I do, but I was scared of what you might say"


texts: What do you call this way of stacking rectangular objects on each other?

texts:
Sometimes we stack rectangular object like books, paper slips, bricks, video cassettes, etc in a way that one is put in a landscape orientation and the other in a portrait orientation.

What is called this way of stacking?

I want to fill in  the blanks with that term:

  You can stack more books if you put them in a/ an ___ manner.

  Please make 25 sets of copies of pages 1-10 from this book, then collate the copies so that each set is bundled separately. I suggest to stack them in a/ an___manner.


texts: Which goes in parentheses? An abbreviation or a full form?

texts:
When we provide the full name of a term, and define its abbreviation, which one goes in parentheses?  The full form or the abbreviation? I have observed both! If both are OK, which one is more formal?

Example:

  There are many factors that can improve your webpage's rank in SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages). OR   There are many factors that can improve your webpage's rank in Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs).

This is just an example. I want to know this in every possible manner.


texts:
Over time students tend to be better at their skills.
Over time students tend to become better at their skills.

Which is correct? Can we use present continues?

Over time students are tending to be better at their skills.
Over time students are tending to become better at their skills.


texts: "Spread your legs as WIDE as your shoulders" VS "Spread your legs as WIDELY as your shoulders"

texts:
Let's say I am a drill sergeant at a boot camp.
In this scenario, I want to tell the recruits that at "parade rest" position,  the space between their feet should only be as wide as their shoulder width. I could simply say like that, but I do believe there is a better way to paraphrase it.
So, in this case, which of the following, if any, is the correct way to say it?

Spread your legs as wide as your shoulders."
Spread your legs as widely as your shoulders."

At first glance, the former seems right because shoulders can be wide but not widely. But then again, you can spread your legs widely but not wide. For me, the confusion is caused because the words "spread" and "shoulders" are each modified by a different speech part; "spread" should be modified by an adverb, whereas "shoulders" by an adjective.
So, which of the two sentences should I use? Also, I'd like to know if you guys have any better ways of saying what I want to say.
Also, please check if the followings are also grammatically correct.

Your feet should be apart shoulder width.
Your feet should be shoulder width apart.
Your feet should be apart 3cm.
Your feet should be 3cm apart.
Open your eyes widely.
Open your eyes wide.

Thank you, grammar kings and queens. You guys motivate me to keep learning English.


texts:
He knows a thing or two about being a doctor: study, study, study!

Is this "being" the same as "becoming?"

And why?


texts: a quality that must have vs a quality every person must have

texts:
Are both sentences correct? I suppose that the first one is better (more common form). Is it true?

Politeness is a quality that must have.
Politeness is a quality every person must have.


texts: "Was it fun there?" or "How did you like there?"

texts:
I am learning English. Once a friend is speaking her travel experience in a foreign country and I wanted to ask her how the experience is, did she enjoy it. So in this case, are these two sentences valid?

  Was it fun there?
  How did you like there?
  How did you like X country?

Also, conversely, if my friend is travelling in my country and I'm local, I want to know if she likes my country. What should I ask? Is this sentence good?

  Is it fun here?
  Do you like it here?


texts: is "compute a curve" a clear and appropriate expression?

texts:
i am asking a question on this post, here is the key part of the question

  i am trying to compute a space-filling curve for a given shape (an
  isosceles right triangle in this case) like following figure (call it
  figure_1)

is it clear and appropriate by saying compute a curve.


texts:
Does it refer to sadness and melancholia today?

Much of clinical and counselling psychology is devoted to managing
negative affectivity and alleviating sadness. Yet, it seems that some
degree of sadness and melancholia has been far more accepted in
previous historical ages than is the case today. From the
classic philosophers through Shakespeare to the works of Chekhov,
Ibsen, and the great novels of the 19th century, exploring the
landscape of sadness, longing, and melacholia has long been considered
ennobling. It is only in the last few decades that a veritable
industry promoting the cult of positivity has managed to eliminate
this earlier and more balanced view of human affectivity.

The Social Psychology of Living Well


texts:
Some examples of these exceptions include the possibility of reinforcing deluded beliefs and exacerbating guilt and worry, actually constituting psychopathological expression (through excessive ritual, glossolalia, delusions of persecution or reference, etc.), or perpetuating mental illness by providing a structured framework  from which to interpret the pathological symptoms in ways that preclude seeking treatment for the disorder.

Could the bold part restated like this?

  "by which, pathological symptoms will be interpreted in ways that..."

If yes, which one is more familiar, and if no, is there any more familiar way to restate the sentence?


texts:
The researchers had made this happen by lengthening the period of daylight to which the peach trees on whose roots the insects fed were exposed.

I'm really trying to get familiar with the context marked (I don't know exact terms. I suppose that proposition wh- clause?) and I have to get some views of how the natives or good-at-English learners take in and interpret it.

And please change into informal forms: I guess (to which) and (on whose) are way too literary style. Thanks


texts:
Suppose I am talking about the cost of something that is in the six-figure range:

  A complete remodel has a cost in the hundreds thousands of dollars.
  A complete remodel has a cost in six figures.
  A complete remodel has a cost in the six figures.

Should it be "in six figures" or "in the six figures"?


texts: What article should I use before the noun "handstand"?

texts:
What article(s) should I use before the noun "handstand"?
I read several example sentences with this word and found different options to choose from. I would like to know if they are all corrected and interchangeable. See examples below:

a) This morning I practised my handstand. (I know, "my" is not technically an article, but I found this option as well, so I included it.)
b) This morning I practised handstand.
c) This morning I practised the handstand.
d) This morning I practised a handstand.


texts: What is the word that is the antonym of "monopoly"?

texts:
What is the one-word antonym of monopoly?

Examples:

  The postal service has a monopoly on delivering letters.

  AT&T used to have a monopoly on telephone service.

  The Smith gang has a monopoly on drug dealing on the south side.

  The government has a monopoly on the legal use of violence.

I was thinking about multipoly or polypoly, such as in monotheistic versus polytheistic.


texts: Is the use of a verb as an adjective in 'scheduled date' acceptable?

texts: The word 'scheduled' is a verb.  Is it correct to say 'scheduled date'?  In this phrase the word scheduled is used as an adjective.  Date is when you meet someone who you are having romantic relationship with.


texts: Meaning of ''of'' at the start of a sentence

texts: Recently I have read a headline on a newspaper stating ''Of Dragons and Dynasties''. It described the country Bhutan, but my question is how to perceive this sentence in full?


texts:
What are the grammatical structures of the "The longer I live" and "The more I realize" in the following sentence?

  The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Also, why is it "on life"? Why not "in life"?


texts: Past Simple or Past Perfect in the context of something having been done by the exact time yesterday

texts:
Here goes a sentence:

  Alice said that she had translated three articles by five o’clock
  yesterday.

My question is as follows:

If what Alice exactly said was "I had translated three articles by five o’clock yesterday", would that be a grammatically correct sentence? Or should there the Simple Past tense be used, when telling about what happened yesterday by the exact time? My gut feeling tells me, it should (or might), but I can't find the reference hard as I try. Could anyone help?

P.S. I wouldn't have thought of asking it hadn't I come across the test where the sentence "I had translated three articles by five o’clock yesterday" was marked as the only correct answer.


texts: The use of the word "recuperating" in context

texts:
Tell me please if the word is used correctly in the sentence.

  Recuperating exercises is an essential part of recovery from musculoskeletal injuries.

What I am trying to communicate is that the exercises that help someone to recuperate is an essential part of recovery. What is the best word to communicate the meaning? Perhaps the word recovery before the word exercise suits the best.


texts: Does "I like sports especially playing badminton." sound natural?

texts:
I like sports especially playing badminton.
  I like sports especially like playing badminton.
  I'm fond of sports and especially like playing badminton.

Which one is correct and sounds more natural? I know the third one should be correct but I am wondering if first and second are ok?


texts: Is this an example of historical present

texts:
Their manager came off and told them the interview is not sanctionned  and to stop immediatly.  I remember watching Sting, who had been posing coolly during the interview with a straw dangling from his mouth  suddenly get up ,kick the chair  he had been sitting in and leave quickly, disgusted enough to throw his  straw on the ground for emphasis

These 3 verbs are present but the scene took place about 40 years ago  :so is it an example of what is called  historical present . Why, in this case only these 3 verbs are present: is it because these 3 actions were done very fast unlike posing and sitting which were longer.Is historical present only used for quick actions
Would have been wrong to write these 3 verbs past simple


texts: What does this chance mean in the context?

texts:
The sentence is:

  Being single is better than chancing a broken heart.


texts: Formal way to say "as many times as he wishes"

texts:
I wrote this sentence

  Student is able to listen a word as many times as he wishes

Are there more formal ways, or other alternatives to say that?


texts: How to tell that event was from Time1 to Time2 and is not finished yet?

texts:
An event (course) started at Time1, last time was at Time2 (last semester) and is not finished yet, and is not going to be finish in nearest future. How to tell about it shortly?

The question is basically which time should I use.
I have constructed something like this:

  The course has being held at X University from summer semester 2013 to summer semester 2014.

Is it correct?


texts:
How can I choose between "-se" and "-ce" for the spelling
of the word ending pronounced /s/. For example, both "sense" and "science" have the ending pronounced /s/.


texts: Difference between pull out /draw out /bring out in the sentence

texts:
In the sentence :
' The kids bring all the chairs and tables out, and they set them up.'
I would like to know if we may use instead 'pull out' or 'draw out', if in this case they are synonyms.

I just assume that 'take out' would mean outside instead of in the classroom, but it's hard to figure the nuances between the others phrasal verbs.


texts: Could somebody answer the question "What's your name?" with "It's John" or would it be better to say "My name is John" ?


texts: "imagine for the moment" vs. "Imagine for a moment"

texts:
From Chemguide:

  We'll choose one of these water molecules at random (it doesn't make any difference which one!), and look at the bonding in a bit more detail - showing all the bonds around the oxygen.

  Imagine for the moment that the 3+ charge is located entirely on the iron.

Can we change this to "imagine for a moment"? Would there be a significant change in meaning?

Am I right to assume that "for the moment" here means "for the short period of time while we are discussing the issue"? And "for a moment" would mean "for any undeterminate short period of time"?

I did an Ngram search for "imagine for the moment, imagine for a moment", and the latter option seems to be more widespread:


texts:
Supposing I am a speaker on TV and going to tell the viewers a method of something e.g. a particular dress. I'll demonstrate it by wearing. Can I say,
'Let's now teach you how to wear this.'
or
Should I say,
"Let me teach you how to wear this."?
I mean when only the speaker will be involved in doing this, is it right to use "let's+ verb (first form)"?
Isn't let's used when the speaker and the listener will both be involved in doing what has just been said or suggested?


texts:
I go on the business trip.

Why the above sentence use "on " as the preposition but not "to"?


texts: How do you use the phrase 'Are you through?'

texts:
Can the phrase 'Are you through?' be used in various situations such as meals, studying, and working?
And how different is this phrase from 'Did you finish ...?'


texts: Regarding a certain definition of the auxiliary "have"

texts:
Oxford Dictionaries defines have in the 4th sub-entry under the 2nd entry as:

  2.4  [with object and complement] Cause to be in a particular state or condition.

What would be a synonym that has an akin definition?

Here are some examples where the synonym could be used:

  I had the TV on with the sound turned down.

  We cannot chastise her for what she does, because, ultimately, he had us fooled as well.


texts: What the exactly meaning of "as" is in the sentence?

texts:
In the following sentence:

  In algorithm analysis, we focus on the growth rate of the running time as a function of the input size n, taking a "big-picture" approach.

What's exactly meaning of as? Can I replace it with in or of or when?


texts: He is asked me to dinner. Is the sentence right?

texts:
He is asked me to dinner.
He is asking me to dinner.

The first sentence come from a native speaker of English.
Is it correct？
What is the difference between the meaning what it expressed and the second?


texts: Difference between 2 story when talking about interior and construction in an advertisment

texts:
Interior features

  2 story
  security features: gated community

  Building and construction

  floor: partially carpeted
  common walls: 2+ common walls
  levels or stories: 2
  attached structure: attached

Here in this text we see the number 2 twice: first talking about the interior, second talking about construction. My question is, what is the difference?
When it says two story interior, does it mean two floors inside one unit?


texts: XP was deemed a tad cultish by some, but it grew out of two decades of object-oriented practice at the highest level and its principles were widely cannibalized. In particular, code revision, known as refactoring, was taken up as a powerful adjunct to patterns.


texts:
I want to know why "open" has a "the"?

Because it refers to "any wide or unobstructed space or expanse" and it isn't specific?.

  to cause to remain in the open

Reference: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/leave-out.


texts: I'd like to know if verbs walk and run are only used for humans. I think that walk is, but not sure about run.


texts: Please let me know the meaning of this sentence "putting things together for it to sleep in"

texts:
It is a part of drama. One man said like below and I don't understand the bold part.

FYI, A is cheif of police and his wife is pregnant now. Now A is telling this to other policemen.

  A: Because you're the ones who got all up in her head about us not being prepared. Now I’m taking baby classes and babyproofing the house, and putting
  things together for it to sleep in.


texts:
"Okay, I am gonna look around, take a few statements."

Hi, I saw this line in a tv-series. Is it correct as is? I think using comma here is wrong? There was a one-and-a-half second pause between "look around" and "take". Subtitle was as I quoted. I would use "and" here instead of "pause" in speaking .

Is "pause" considered as "and" in speaking?


texts: Should I write "so" or "so that" in the following sentence?

texts:
He squeezed his eyes shut so (that) fear wouldn't sabotage his
  determination again.

A native English speaker said I should remove "that."

I made a Google search: "so that fear wouldn't" vs "so fear wouldn't." The number of results are almost the same.

So maybe "that" here is optional? Should I include it or not?


texts: can we put another phrase instead of 'which'?

texts:
I am having below ideas but not sure what is the best way to express them. May be both might wrong.

  Most of previous approaches on the use of point data typically have
  been focused on the forest applications.
  Most of previous approaches which use point data typically have been
  focused on the forest applications.

So, my problem is can I use on the use of point data instead of which use point data to tell my idea or at least my 2nd sentence is grammatically meaningful or not?


texts: We ever thought before Or, We ever think before?

texts:
A - "It doesn't look the way we ever thought before"

  B - "It doesn't look the way we ever think before"

Thought or think: which would be correct grammatically?


texts: What does 'boo' mean in the popular gif "boo this man"?

texts:
I found a lot of people tweet about "boo this man" gif.

What does it mean?

Thanks


texts: Does "there's nothing like (something)" always imply something very good? Or, not always the case?

texts:
Many dictionaries define the phrase "there's nothing like" as something like the following.

used to say that a particular thing is very enjoyable (From Longman
Dictionary of Contemporary English)

a general expression of praise (From Collins Dictionary)

In some cases, however, the phrase is being used in a negative tone as seen in the following example.

There is nothing like a person who seems disinterested in the issue
that a customer is experiencing. (From Quora Q&A website.)

Apparently, there is a contradiction between the definitions in the dictionaries I quoted and the actual usage in the above example.
Can I assume that the usage of the phrase like the above example just one of rare exceptions?


texts: very vs fairly vs pretty vs somehow vs quite vs extremely vs really vs enough

texts:
I would like to know the difference between the following intensifiers: very, fairly, pretty, somewhat, quite, extremely, really, enough.
I would like to know their difference based on how strong or intense they are. How much they make the meaning of that adjective or adverb more intense, more powerful, etc.

I have the following list of sentences.

This black laptop is VERY good.
This red laptop is EXTREMELY good.
This blue laptop is REALLY good.
This yellow laptop is FAIRLY good.
This green laptop is SOMEWHAT good.
This while laptop is QUITE good.
This pink laptop is PRETTY good.
This orange laptop is good ENOUGH.
This purple laptop is good.

Since there is not a numeric value for each intensifier, I would like to get some help to order/arrange that list of sentences so I can see that way the level of intensity of each intensifier. I would like to order them from the strongest to the weakest.


texts: Which one is correct when we use myself?

texts:
1.) I have to prove myself that I'm a good leader.
2.) I have to prove to myself that I'm a good leader.


texts:
Dick had heard that the streets in London were all paved with gold.

  So Dick got safe to London, and was in such a hurry to see the fine
  street paved all over with gold that he did not even stay to thank the
  kind waggoner; but ran off as fast as his legs would carry him,
  through many of the streets, thinking every moment to come to those
  that were paved with gold; for Dick had seen a guinea three times in
  his own little village, and remembered what a deal of money it brought
  in change; so he thought he had nothing to do but to take up some
  little bits of the pavement, and should then have as much money as he
  could wish for.

This is from an English fairy tale. What's the meaning of "what a deal of money it brought in change"? Does it mean " what much money brought him in change"? If so, what does this "it" mean?


texts: Is "for to" + verb-base-form grammatical?

texts:
We know that 'to' is often followed by verb-base-form, and 'for' by gerunds, eg;

It is for cleaning the sink.
I use it to clean the sink.

Source: FOR-TO (purpose or reason)

Is 'for to' also grammatically correct? (Eg: It is used for to clean the sink.)

A similar question asked on this platform is here, however it's not well-answered either.


texts: Is "there are two cars available for selection" correct?

texts:
Is the following sentence correct?

  There are two cars available for selection

If yes, why can the clause "available for selection" put behind the clause "There are two cars" without any conjunction? I don't quite understand; although it sounds correct to me.


texts:
Can this phrase be used this way?: to mock at someone who said some kind of nonsense or the way what he did or the way how he looks. Or is it possible?

For example: I can't with/from your stupid laugh.

  I can't with/from you

urbandictionary

Urbandictionary's Definition:

Meaning, you're a weirdo. You need help

Example: I can't with you right now Joe


texts: Usage of "as long as" versus "as much time as"

texts:
"I will not attend the next meeting if it takes as long as the last meeting"

Question 1: Is it correct to use above as long as in the sense of for a long time of couple of hours ?

Question 2: If I replace as long as with as much time as, will the meaning in the context above be the same?


texts: She visiting (?) my house, I was studying English

texts:
I felt this sentence that uses participial construction is unnatural but I don't know why.

  She visiting my house, I was studying English.

Is that because of the verb, visit? I'm non-native speaker.


texts: "... but one (of them) is not a nickel." - Why is that a riddle?

texts:
Few days ago I've been told about a riddle as can be seen in this episode of Scrubs:

  Two coins add up to 30 cents and one of them is not a nickel.
   So, what are they?
   It's a riddle. You'll figure it out!

Like you can see in the episode, the two bad guys fail to solve the riddle because they intepret "one of them is not a nickel" as

  Two coins, 30 cents, no nickels.

That interpretation seems to be a common one as apparent from this explanation of Dr. Math.

I have two big questions about this riddle and the phrase "one (of them) is not a ...":

In none of the English dictionaries, I could find "everyone (of them)" as a meaning for "one (of them)". In my native languages (German and Russian), such a meaning of the expression "one (of them) ..." does not exist either. Rather, pointing out the one of the things is not X, would have the pragmatic consequence to the listener to assume that other of the things are X. So, for me it's a riddle why this riddle should be a riddle. Where can I find evidence or other examples for this usage of "one (of them) is not a ..."?
In the explanation of Dr. Math mentioned above, it says

  One thing to consider is exactly how you could rephrase the question
  so that this confusion is avoided, and thereby rendering the problem
  trivial instead of puzzling.  Adding two small words goes a long way:
  "Two US coins added together total fifty-five cents, but one [of
  them] is not a nickel. What are the two coins?".

Here I don't understand why the adding of "of them" should render the problem trivial. In the Scrubs episode and many other versions I've seen on the web, the riddle already contains "of them" and is still presented as a riddle.


texts: How do you call it in English when the foam loses its volume?

texts:
In my language (Russian) there are at least 3 words that can be used for the process of foam losing its volume (for example, in a beer mug) and going away. But none of the dictionaries I use give any kind of translation corresponding to those meanings of these words (regarding beer foam going away with time).

One of the problems is, as I see in the articles about beer foam, that the English internet suggests to either serve the beer without the foam at all or with little foam, and gives advice for that, or to remove it after serving if you fail.
But what you would typically see in a Russian bar is a bartender pouring some beer in your mug, waitng a bit for the foam to lose some volume, then pour in more beer until the needed volume of the liquid is served, so I can't even find the word in the English articles about serving beer.

Anyway: how do I call the process of foam losing its volume, or waiting for it to lose the volume?


texts:
If I want to say

I didn't go to sleep but I wanted to go

can I say

I didn't go to sleep but I wanted to (go) ?

I heard we had to still write this "to" showing that "wanted" was followed by a verb, not some noun...


texts:
1)Dog's presence was a calming influence on patients.

2)The dog's presence was a calming influence on patients.

The should be used in this situation or not?
And i want to know why


texts: What is a "negative point of departure"?

texts:
What is the meaning of negative in the phrase negative point of departure"
Here is a sentence (paragraph):
My focus is on two literary representations of plant life and the blending of life forms in stories where people turn into plants. I start by considering how a few botanists have taken the literary mode as a negative point of departure for their attempts to explain plant behavior. Then, I muster two theoretical accounts in order to read two such stories. Henri and Henriette Frankfort’s description of mythopoeic thought is used as the starting point for an interpretation of Ovid’s take on the myth of Echo and Narcissus; and Roger Caillois’ “comparative biology”, and the association between mimesis and mimicry, as the frame for a reading of Norwegian author Johan Borgen’s short story “Kaprifolium”.


texts:
After I have read quite a number of sports news about football match, I notice one interesting thing about the time indication.

It seems to me that when a player does something in the field like scoring a goal or being booked, the time should be a spot, but not a range or a period of time. So the proper expression should have been "Chinese striker Gao Lin scored a penalty on the 84th minute in the game between China and Uzbeckistan", but the news of many agencies is "on the 84 minutes of the game", which looks like a long time. Did the player do this spending a period as long as 84 minutes?


texts:
A: How fast were you driving when the police stopped you?
  B: I am not sure, but I wasn't driving very fast.

I think this sentence is correct but I am not sure, but I didn't driving very fast is correct because it is a true thing in the past.


texts:
Do we always use past tense with "until" plus time in the past, and past perfect with "by" plus time in the past?

  Until last year, Anna worked as a teacher.
  By last year, Anna had worked as a teacher.

Can we use past simple for "by", or past perfect for "until" in the sentences above?


texts: Why are there commas before "or even" in the following examples (even though they don't introduce independent clauses)?

texts:
I searched for "or even like taking a" on Google, and I got results like these:

  Sometimes that work looks a lot like staring blankly at the page, or
  even like taking a long walk with the dog.

  The word ethics can sometimes seem overly philosophical, or even like
  taking a moral high ground.

Grammarly's blog states that you should add a comma before or if what follows is an independent clause. But as you can see in the examples, what follows aren't independent clauses (almost every result has a comma).

Why was a comma added in these examples?

Note: Because of this, I'm not sure whether to add a comma here:

  He didn't feel dirty, or even like taking a shower.


texts:
For example, I want to tell the limitation of the system.

Is the plural form bottlenecks correct?

  Here are the bottle necks in our system to achieve this requirement.

  <<<
  <<<

Is the following sentence correct?

  Here are the bottle necks in our system to achieve this requirement.


texts:
My grandfather could speak five languages

  My grandfather was able to speak five languages.

What is the exact difference, as I know can/ could are used for abilities.


texts: What do you call the soil that are used to plant other large plants and surrounded by grass in a garden

texts: Is there a specific term for this or do we just use the word soil?


texts:
The one who gets first position, for him, there is a reward.
Is this a right sentence? I think it has an issue:
Because "The one" is already present so 'him' is additional. What does this refer to? If we write it like this:
There is a reward for him who...
Where will 'the one' go?
And if we write it this way:
There is a reward for the one who...
Where will 'him' go?


texts: What is the equivalent idiom for the German "Existenzberechtigung"?

texts:
"Existenzberechtigung" is a German word used to assert something has a reason/justification to exist, but most often used negated to say something has no reason to exist / should not exist because it is pointless / is not justified in existing.

What I am trying to say (this should not be a discussion about whether or not that statement is correct) is something along the lines "A church not claiming to be The True Church has no Existenzberechtigung, because claiming to teach The Truth is or should be its Existenzberechtigung."

"Right to exist" does not really convey what I mean, it feels too harsh. Also it does not really work for the positive case. I would like to express more something like "justification to exist", if that makes sense. Something justifies its own existence with some reason for existence.

Is there an idiomatic expression that captures the German "Existenzberechtigung"?  In both positive and negative expressions? Or should positive and negative cases use different expressions?


texts: Do I need to use the infinitive in a postmodifier?

texts:
There is no scope to think their life easier than before.

Is the post modifer (easier than before) here used in an appropriate way? Or should I say:

  There is no scope to think their life to be easier than before

Which one do you think is grammatically correct?


texts: Is it idiomatic to use the present perfect simple to give an explanation for a present result?

texts:
I am tired  because I have been climbing the Eiffel Tower. This focuses on the effort of climbing and the present perfect is used in an explanatory resultative fashion. I am tired because climbing the tower is a strenuous activity. I may or may not have reached the top, but that doesn't matter, the focus is on the activity.

Would it be possible to say: I am tired because I have just climbed the Eiffel Tower, when you have reached the top? Here the focus is on the achievement of having reached the top.Is this idiomatic?


texts:
I was watching Banshee and I couldn't understand why some guy used this phrase:

A: I’m going to kill you.
B: You already have.

Why B didn't say "You already done" or "You already did" instead of "You already have"?
I could understand the meaning of the sentence but I couldn't understand why this is true correct to say this sentence.


texts:
An short excerpt from the book Operating System Concepts with Java:

  Abraham Silberschatz is the Sidney J. Weinberg Professor & Chair of Computer
  Science at Yale University. Prior to joining Yale, he was the Vice President
  of the Information Sciences Research Center at Bell Laboratories. Prior to that, he held a chaired professorship in the Department of Computer Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin.

I'm a little bit confused as to how to interpret his fancy-sounding title. Why is it used with a definite article? Is it because there is only one professor with that kind of title at Yale University? I would have no problem understanding it if the article only applied to Chair since an organization usually has only one chair in their ranks.


texts: Time clauses and present perfect progressive

texts:
I have found a rule that we cannot use future forms when using time clauses including expressions such as: while, before, after, until/till, as, once, as soon as, as long as, by the time
Does this mean that below sentence is not grammatically correct if it contains "by the time"?
"How long will John have been working at the company by the time he retires?"


texts: Why do people who stop being a couple, "break up"? It seems like it would make more sense to say "break down". Does anyone know why this is?


texts:
Is it correct to use as in the context like:

  Prague is in a similiar climate as Michigan.

I know things tend to be similiar to something else but it sounds odd to me here.


texts: Difference between 'have been' and 'had been'

texts:
have been

is indicating you did something in the past continuously until now + you are now still doing it?

had been

is indicating you did something in the past continously for a length of time + now you aren't + it was a long time ago(stopped doing for a while)?


texts: Would saying "if" in place of "whether" be a big mistake?

texts: For example, in the expression "I don't know whether I'm coming or going", would saying if in place of whether be a big mistake? Would doing it in written English be an error too?


texts: Are these examples proper words & what defines one?

texts:
Narratively.
Societally.

They both get marked as wrong on Word and result in *No definitions found for this word. Try searching the web on google dictionary.
They appear overall uncommon in use, so I just wanted to see if they are legitimate words and ask  why they may not be used as much in general?
Example of usage:

The story was weak narratively.
They were societally maladjusted.


texts:
Tim races down the hallway, followed by Tony. Tony raises his gun and fires, but Tim slips around a corner.
Is slips a natural choice of verb here or can it only be used if Tim made it around the corner unseen?
From dictionary: go or move quietly or quickly, without attracting notice.


texts: meaning of the phrasal verb "play into" in context?

texts:
It is from Crash Course Astronomy. It was used at around the 6th minute and 45th second. Here it goes:

  There're  a lot of assumptions built into  this idea, of course. One is that, well, aliens exist. The next is that they are more technologically advanced than we are. But that makes sense. Any aliens that don't have tech can't communicate with us, so they don't play into this.

What does play into mean there? Could you please rephrase the piece of the text for me?


texts: What is the difference between "shot full of hormones" and "full of hormones"?

texts:
In the 2011 movie Carnage,  Christoph Waltz said:

  The women we like are sensual, crazy and shot full of hormones.

What does shot here mean? Can we do away with it and just say full of hormones without mentioning shot?


texts: Can we report something without following the rules of reported speech?

texts:
My girlfriend said that she loves me very much but after we broke up she said that she doesn't want me.

Is the sentence correct? If I need to explain the exact meaning, do I need to  change the tense as per the rule of reported speech or can keep it without changing tense?


texts:
In Italian, nevi (the plural of neve, "snow") is used in some expressions, such as l'uomo delle nevi (a.k.a. Yeti), and le nevi dei Pirenei. (The last expression is referring to the Pyrenees, but I could use it when referring to any mountain belt.)

Is snows ever used as noun (even if in set phrases), or is it never used as noun?


texts: how to comprehend prepositions at the end of sentences

texts:
Today I have very difficult question for you. Firstly, I am Russian-speaking man.

Let's have some question like "Who are you waiting for?" or
"Who are they with?" or "Which restaurant should we eat at?" etc... That is, question with preposition at the end of question.

Let's take this one: "Who are they with?"
In Russian it has next order of words: "With who they are?"

And hence I don't understand how you can say in your order...
Please explain to me, how do you can catch "with" at the end???

For me, meanings of two next sentences are very different:

  "Who are they?"
  "Who are they with?"

How do you understand that preposition "with" in addition to the whole sentence "Who are they"?

Do you wait till the whole sentence is pronounced to understand it correctly, or you guess what is at the end?


texts: Is it grammatically correct to use "by + do-ing (A) + do-ing (B) + do-ing (C)"?

texts:
I have been wondering if in my writing the following sentence is grammatically correct:

  We accomplish this by first gathering all relevant news stories, then picking out those that mention "bankruptcy", and finally keeping only the ones released by renowned media.

I think it's ok to say by + do-ing but not sure if is fine to use by + do-ing (A) + do-ing (B) + do-ing (C) (can not recall any example). Can anyone tell if this sounds correct? Many thanks!


texts: "Recommendations given to me by someone", is it a little bit wordy?

texts:
From the Cambridge Dictionary

  Here I excerpt from a list of recommendations given to me by a former boss.

Is it a little bit wordy? How about this one?

  Here I excerpt from a list of recommendations from a former boss.


texts: How to ask the names of people in a group?

texts:
I am not getting the correct sentence for asking the names of all people in a group. I know their nick names and I want to know the actual name of every person in one sentence.
The sentences which come to my mind are:

  What are the actual names of yours?
  What are the actual names of you all?
  What are the actual names of your?
  What are the actual names of you people?
  What are the actual names of all of you?

To me all of these sentences are correct. In #1 "yours" seems to be doubtful, your seem more appropriate. Are these sentences correct?

I learned somewhere that "you" can be used for both singular and plural. Am I right?
Please do not explain too technically rather explain by what sense they(the sentences) imply.


texts: What's the difference between sense and point?

texts:
Is it correct to say

  There is only beauty, that makes the sense/point in this world.

?


texts: Can exams in university be called "session"? (Similarly to Russian "сессия")

texts: In Russian, the period of time when students need to pass the exams after a semester are called "sessiya"(сессия), "session". Can the same word "session" be used in English or is it just wrong?


texts:
I came across the word — teakettle — and couldn’t figure out what it meant, until I came to a realization that it was two words in one that is.
So why is that? Why are the two combined to  name one thing? Also, has the word or or description always been like that?


texts: Can the word "bikini" refer to the bottom part of the bikini swimsuit?

texts: The Oxford dictionary gives only two meanings for the word "bikini": the atoll and the 2-piece swimsuit. But I think that sometimes this word refers to the underpants only and not the entire suit. Is it a correct use or am I missing something?


texts: Which is the right response for the question "Did you do your homework?"

texts:
I am trying to refresh my grammar and I want to remember what was the right past tense for this question

Did you do your homework?

Yes I did it

Yes I have done it

Yes I had done it

Which is correct and when should I use others ?


texts: difference between predicative and attributive adjective

texts:
I am confused with the notion of predicative adjective and attributive adjective.

I searched about two notions and found out that all adjectives can be used both predicative and attributive way.

However, I am still not able to distinguish two functions.

What is the major difference of them and which circumstances I can use them separately?


texts:
I was supposed to fill the blank without changing a meaning of the first sentence.

She is not self-confident enough; that’s why she did not cope with the situation then.

If she were more self-confident, she ______________________ with the situation then.

My answer was "would cope", but according to the answer key it should be "would have coped". But I don't see why. We have here "If she were", so I thought it should be "would cope". If there were "If she had been", then I would choose "would have coped".

So, what am I missing?


texts: l am a young king, but l am king -- why no article in front of the second "king"?

texts:
From the movie The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) starring Leonardo DiCaprio who plays the role of the young King Louis XIV. d'Artagnan is responsible for security. Here's a short conversation between the two:

  King Louis XIV: Perhaps l haven't met a woman with a heart like my own until recently.
  d'Artagnan: Would that be Christine?
  King Louis XIV: It is good that you watch me, but I fear you watch me too closely.
  d'Artagnan: Did you send Raoul to the war so that you could be free to pursue her?
  King Louis XIV: Do you question my honor?
  d'Artagnan: No, I do not question your honor. It's you I care about.
  King Louis XIV: Raoul will return soon. You have my word.
  d'Artagnan: Thank you, Your Majesty.
  King Louis XIV: I am a young king, but I am king.
  d'Artagnan: Then be a good king, Your Majesty.

Can anyone explain why there is no indefinite article in front of the second "king"?


texts:
I’m perplexed by the sentence in bold.

Is the text talking about one book or two books(originally I thought he was talking about 4 different books because he didn’t add words like “the former is about a guy who..., and the latter is....”)?

Is this normal to introduce books without adding words that would help your readers know which book exactly you are referring to(or the reason why he didn’t add those words is because it’s clear enough to native speakers?)?

My teacher said the text referred only to one book(He said that Augustine is the author of the book,the Confession), not two, but I have reservation about what he said.
Please explain this to me, thank you!

  Whether you're a believer or not, I think these books are very helpful..It's amazing to read Augustine, the Confessions, and a guy who got successful as a rhetorician but
  felt hollow inside, a guy who had a mom, Monica, who was the helicopter mom to
  beat all helicopter moms and how he dealt with the conflict with such a demanding
  mother. And so I read a lot of theology, whether it's C.S. Lewis or Joseph Soloveitchik, a Rabbi. And it's produced a lot of religious upsurge in my heart, but it's also fragile and green that I don't really talk about it because I don't want to trample the fresh
  grass.


texts: Meaning of the Japanese "Kanteishi" in English

texts:
This is linked to my other question there: https://japanese.stackexchange.com/questions/62852/meaning-of-鑑定士-in-english-or-french

I'm trying to translate the word Japanese word "Kanteishi" in English.

The person I have in mind is the one that this an expert about a type of goods (e.g. brand bags, diamonds, luxury watches), and is able to recognize and value them. He often use his knowledge in pawn shops or in auctions of such goods.

The term "appraiser" seems close enough, but I have the feeling it has a different nuance.

** EDIT **

I was afraid that appraiser is a kind of obsolete words, but it looks it isn't.

Does it designate a person that owns a very specific diploma, such as lawyers, or is it a broader term? I'm looking for a broad term.


texts: Is it ok to use the article 'the' before the person's name sometimes?

texts:
Can we use the article 'the' before the name (Martin) in the below sentence? Generally, we do not use article before the person's name.
"Please provide the Martin's signature."


texts: Which is the correct choice in this sentence, "anyone", "anybody", or "someone"?

texts:
I think you can say anyone, my teacher says no and insists on anybody and my sister, an almost English major says it's someone. This was an exercise that you had to complete a sentence with an indefinite pronoun or an adverb.

  Can ______ help me prepare lunch?


texts:
"That will be immediately taken care by user"
"That will immediately be taken care by user"
"That will be taken care of, immediately"

Which one is correct?


texts:
I have a question about the usage of quotation marks in the following passage:

  The Democratic Republic of Congo has cleared the way for the World Health Organization to deploy a trial vaccine against a deadly outbreak of Ebola in the northwestern part of the country. WHO has a stockpile of the vaccine, which is made by Merck and was highly effective against Ebola in Guinea in 2015. Though not fully licensed yet, the vaccine is available under an “expanded access” program for use in emergencies.
  WHO officials expect the first of 4,000 requested vaccines to arrive this week near the town of Bikoro. It is hard to get there, however, and the shots must be stored in extremely cold temperatures, so the project will be challenging.

  So far, there have been 39 confirmed or suspected Ebola cases — only two have been verified by a lab — and 19 deaths tied to the outbreak.
  The vaccines will be given to “rings” of people that include contacts of infected persons, the contacts of those contacts and front-line health workers. Participation is free and voluntary, and people who refuse the shot will not be denied health services if they need them.

Here, the writer uses quotation marks for "expanded access" and "rings", but I do not understand why the person used them. I searched for the uses of the marks, and usually it says quotation or direct speech, mention in another work of a title and scare quotes.

  In English writing, quotation marks are placed in pairs around a word or phrase to indicate:
  Quotation or direct speech: Carol said "Go ahead" when I asked her if the launcher was ready.

  Mention in another work of a title of a short or subsidiary work, like a chapter or episode: "Encounter at Farpoint" was the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

  Scare quotes, used to mean "so-called" or to express irony: The "fresh" apples were full of worms. Wikipedia

But I do not think they are any of the above usage.
Could you please help me?


texts: Is this a correct usage of pariticipal phrase?

texts:
Is this sentence correct?

  I managed a website being used by thousands of people on a daily basis


texts: It is one of the worst things that have/has faced our world?

texts:
“It is one of the worst things that have/has faced our world.“

Would “have” or “had” be correct?


texts:
Is 'find time' a natural thing to say?
"No matter how busy I am, I need to find time to practice English."
"Even though you're a busy man, you should still find some free time to spend with the family."


texts:
Chicago 7 group was represented by prosecutor William:

William: I don't want you guys holding any more press conferences.
Tom: If you're gonna get between Abbie and a camera, I'd wear pads and
a  helmet.

What does "get between Abbie and a camera" mean? Is Tom suggesting William not
to advice Abbie about press conference?
Source: The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)


texts: Should I say "what does it means" or "what does it mean"?

texts:
Sometimes, especially on this forum, I am wondering wether I should say "what does it mean" or "what does it means" ?
And should I say "it means that..." or "it mean that..." ?


texts:
Please consider the below sentence

  The only people whose interest will get hurt is/are businessmen.

is above sentence is correct? What kind of joining is that? I mean what is the grammatical term of such joining? Where online can I found such sentences to explore more?


texts: "I think there are some deeper things going on to do . . ."

texts:
From NPR

  I think there are some deeper things going on to do.

I find the sentence is a little odd to me. I know an expression called "go on to do", which means "to do something after you have finished doing something else". Does the quotation have the same usage? Does it mean we should do something deeper just right now? If it is, considering the following example:

  John is going on to do his homework.

Is the sentence right? If it is, What's the exact meaning of it? Is John doing his homework or not? Or just preparing to do his homework?
What's the passive voice of the sentence? The homework is going on to be done by John? Or the homework is going on to do by John? Which is right? Can I change the sentence to

  There is some homework going on for John to do.


texts:
A man is in the post office. He is sending a package to London.

  - Where is he sending the package?
     - He's sending it to London.

What if you ask about the place where the man is sending the package?

  - Where is he sending the package?
     - He's sending it in the post office.

Is it the correct way of asking that question?


texts: get something kick out of somebody meaning

texts:
Look guys, for thousands of years, guys like us, have gotten the sh*t kicked out of us.

I looked up this in idioms' and slangs' dictionary but they have only mentioned "get a kick out of something" which means "enjoying something".
Would you please inform me on this?

Sorry for the crude example, by the way, I just had no idea whether removing it would have an effect on its meaning. the above sentence then goes on like this in case that you need a wider context:

  ...but now, we're living in an era that we can be in charge and make our own empires.

I think he's going to say we should not waste this opportunity by our own hands, we should not turn down this pleasure?


texts:
Which one of the two sentences is correct

He went to the wholesale market and bought the cheap rations.

He went to the wholesale market and bought the rations cheap.

I think first one is correct, but in my book second one is correct. No further context is provided.


texts: Can I use 'yesteryears' and 'yesterdays' if I want to refer to 'dayS' and 'yearS' in that period?

texts:
In most of the dictionaries we refer, there's no plural 'yesteryears'. And the examples given there support the definitions. So, one thing is clear -we use 'yesteryear' for the past years. No matter the last year or several years in back.

But then, yesterdays seems to be possible (another reference)

Let's build a context:

  "Come on....forget about those yesterdays that you always come up with. Talk about what you do in the present days. Take a serious note, it has almost become your habit to talk what you did on the previous days."

Can I use 'yesterdays' or 'yesteryears'? In plural? Is it okay in contemporary English?


texts: "My room is moldy" am I describing "its smell or appearance"?

texts:
If I say:

  My room is moldy.

It can simultaneously give two descriptions

-its appearance and smell

How could I know, or be more specific about either its appearance or smell is meant to be presented in the sentence.


texts:
Sentence that needs correction:

  Sensationalism in television shows masquerading as "news" programs are making it difficult for serious journalism to compete for ratings.

The correction should be sensationalism...is. I don't see how the use of are is incorrect. What's wrong with the sentence above?


texts:
What is a "concerned member of the public"? Does it mean someone who is enthusiastic for public affairs?

Are there some words can be used to take place of it?


texts:
January  1st is on Saturday next year  or january will be on Saturday next year

I think present fits because it is something that can't be changed . So what is the better solution, is it only a point a view of the speaker


texts:
I am ninety. Or ninety-three. One or the other. When you're five, you
  know your age down to the month. Even in your twenties you know how
  old you are. I'm twenty three, you say, or maybe twenty-seven. But
  then in your thirties something strange starts to happen. It's a mere
  hiccup at first, an instant of hesitation. How old are you? Oh,
  I'm-you start confidently, but then you stop. You were going to say
  thirty-three, but you're not. You're thirty-five. And then you're
  bothered, because you wonder if this is the beginning of the end. It
  is, of course, but it's decades before you admit it.
       You start to forget words: they're on the tip of your
  tongue, but instead of eventually dislodging, they stay there. You go
  upstairs to fetch something, and by the time you get there you can't
  remember what it was you were after. You call your child by the names
  of all your other children and finally the dog before you get to
  his. Sometimes you forget what day it is. And finally you forget
  the year. (Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants)

What is ‘his’?: your child’s dog? And what does the whole clause mean?


texts: How to use the word whatever (slang) to be cool among native speakers

texts:
My native friend uses the word "whatever" (slang) quite often in the sense of "anyway" I think. I would like to use it too but I am worried about sounding like "I don't care what you say". So could you tell me where and how to use it "properly" to sound cool?

whatever...


texts: How to express the following meaning using a single exclamatory sentence?

texts:
I betrayed someone in the past. Now I regret and I blame myself for my betrayal.
I want to use a single exclamatory sentence to express self-blame, starting by 'how'.
I guess it may be: 'How shall I betray him!'.
Am I correct?


texts:
The following is a headline

  Brazil’s Bolsonaro open to G7 aid if Macron ‘withdraws insults’

 For More Information

I think it should be

  G7 aid open to Brazil's Bolsonaro if Macron withdraws insults.


texts:
M. Swan said that supposing, supposed and what if could be used to untroduce suggestions. He provide and example:

  'Daddy can I watch TV?' Supposing you did your homework first?

As far as I understand supposing you did your homework first? asks whether the homework have been done, right?

Will the sense be changed if we substitute supposing to what if?


texts: Is it right to say I was child or I was a child

texts: Is there a difference in meaning or is there a grammatical mistake


texts: Does "rollercoaster" in this phrase mean "a dramatically change in movie plots"?

texts:
a nonstop action rollercoaster filled with amazing stunts and spectacular special effects

It can't be a real roller coaster, maybe some unpredictably exciting action part in a movie?

Not quite sure, but not far-off, I guess.

Is it a metaphorical use?


texts: Asking about reschuduling a meeting: Which preposistion should I use?

texts:
Is there a problem WITH / ON / TO reschedule the meeting?

In this question, I don't know which is the correct preposition: Is it with, on, or to?


texts: What does "a whole coke bottle" here mean?

texts:
I saw that from urban dictionary:

  1: I accidentially a whole coke bottle
  2: You accidentially what?
  1: A whole coke bottle
  2: wat

I think "a while coke bottle" here means a whole bottle of coca-cola, but it doesn't make sense.

So what does "a whole coke bottle" really means here?


texts:
Could you tell me what the following sentences mean?

(1) I outed fast. And you say he’s – what is he?
(2) But one of the daughters was sleeping in with Mum at night – but she’s upped and offed.

Is "she's" in (2) a shortened form of "She was"?


texts:
I have used a sentence like "Be careful of wearing a coat." and I wondered if it was a normal sentence a native speaker would say.
Looking at the OALD, I noticed the following example:

  I'm very careful about washing my hands before eating.

The dictionary adds between parentheses:

  I make sure I do it.

Does that mean be careful can be used to mean "make sure"? Would my example sentence be understood to mean "Be sure to wear a coat."?


texts: Why wasn't "When I was in Sharm El-Sheikh, I *have sunbathed* a lot" a good answer?

texts:
When I was in Sharm El-Sheikh, I .... a lot

  A) Have sunbathed B) Was sunbathing C) Would sunbathe D) Sunbathed

why it can't be "have sunbathed" as verb sunbathe means to make the skin brown or darker and that has an affect and continue for a period of time so why it can't be A


texts:
What is the meaning of "should this be the case" ?

Can you support your answer with examples?

Thanks


texts:
I have seen the usage of "one" in the following kind of sentences:

  My favorite painting is a landscape one.

Here, I want to know whether the word "one " is used appropriately. I think "one" is used as determiner here. I have never seen any other numeral being used in this way.

The complete description is as follows: I like to look at different kinds of paintings. My favorite painting is a landscape one.  I consider that nature is instilled with a lot of beauty and the same is depicted by a painter through his brush and colors in such kinds of pictures.


texts: Does "made his point to" in this sentence mean "made his way to"?

texts:
Example:

  Our fox made his point to Moorhill.


texts: Is “carry out” used correctly in this sentence?

texts:
Person 1: “Are you coming with us?”
Person 2: “I just have to CARRY OUT a few things first ,I’ll meet you there.”

What person 2 means is that:she/he has to do a few thing first.


texts: Why is an infinitival clause called a clause even if it has no subject?

texts:
Usually as how i understand is that a clause is defined as a group of words with a subject & a predicate yet doesn't make complete sense (like a sentence). And a phrase is a group of words with some meaning ,which is not a clause or a sentence.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clause

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/clause

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/english-grammar/clause-structure

Consider the following sentences:

  He wants to go to the market.

In the part of sentence- 'to go to the market' there is no subject! I do recognize here 'market' which is the object here & hence a noun. (So is it an infinitival clause?)

  He wants to go slowly.

In the part of sentence- 'to go slowly' there is no subject or object! There are no nouns. (But is this an infinitival clause?)

So why then there is a term called 'infinitival clause' at all? It should be 'infinitival phrase'  right?

Or what is the real definition of 'Clause'?

( According to british council site, a clause means any noun/noun phrase plus any verb/verb phrase  ...& so the noun can mean either a subject or an object!....so if subject is absent, look for an object..is that what I am supposed to do to call a part of sentence as 'clause'?)


texts: What do we call letters/images in printouts with less ink?

texts:
I'm looking for a term to describe the letters (or for that matter anything) that are not dark though readable. Somewhat faded. As I just typed, I know 'faded letters' could be an option but is there any particular term for it? Another term that comes to my mind is 'hazy letters' but I don't think it fits. It might talk more about 'unclear' letters but not due to less ink!

Here is the image of such a printout

See the letters 'C' and 'E' in the printout.

I want to build a sentence like...

  Don't take any copies from that printer. It has very little ink left. You'll get [faded/hazy] printout/letters/images.


texts:
If I had 5 apples and now out of them I have only 3.

What's the natural way to say it, while emphasizing that remains only three.

  1) I have (got) 3 apples left now.

  2) Remains me only 3 apples now.


texts: Is it idiomatic to say "don't crumple the mat"?

texts:
crumple[transitive, intransitive] crumple (something) (up) (into something)
  to press or crush something into folds; to become pressed, etc. into
  folds

  She crumpled the letter up into a ball and threw it on the fire.

  This material crumples very easily.

Now you roll out a mat & it looks like this, flat, no rough surface or folds

Your kid runs around on it & makes it not flat, with some rough surface or folds like this

Is it idiomatic to say "don't crumple the mat**"**?


texts:
Example with a context (Special Report: Russian soldiers quit over Ukraine):

  The soldier, who asked that he and his unit not be identified, told Reuters that in the summer of 2014 his team took up position about 2 km (one mile) from the Ukrainian border in the Rostov region of southwest Russia. The operation appeared to be an exercise, though the men were ordered to prepare as if for real combat.
  "We drove there without insignia. We took off all the buttonholes and stripes. We were told that we did not need them in field conditions."

I don't think I understand what kind of buttonholes they're talking about. In American usage, buttonholes are those little slits in your jacket that you use for fastening the jacket with buttons to keep it secure when you go out. In British English, they look like artificial flowers that you attach to the upper part of your jacket usually for some sort of ceremonial purposes during events such as a wedding, for example.

Obviously, if it is the first usage, then you can't possibly take them off because, well, they're holes, they're part of the garment. In the second case, why would a soldier wear buttonholes?


texts:
I have to make passive construction of these sentences.

1 I expected my father to give me financial aid during crisis.

Passive 1: My father was expected to give financial aid during crisis. (My answer but book says it's incorrect)

Passive 2: A financial aid during crisis was expected to give by my father.

Why my answer is incorrect?

2 People claim that he left the country two month ago.

Passive 1: It is claimed that he left the country two month ago.

Passive 2: He is claimed to have left the country two month ago.

As in 2 question there are two passive construction. So In question 1 My answer should also be correct.

In #3 and #4, I want to know if both Passive formation are correct. There is difference in placement of phrase.

3 Sirosky has published all the experience that he had on the space station.

Passive 1: All the experience that he had on the space station have been published by Sirosky. (Book answer)

Passive 2: All the experience have been published by Sirosky that he had on the space station. (my answer)

4 Has anybody forecast the flood situation in Bihar?

Passive 1: Has the flood situation in Bihar been forecast? (Book answer)

Passive 2: Has the flood situation been forecast in Bihar? (My answer)

Thank you


texts: What's the meaning of "a side flash" in the context?

texts:
I came across the sentence:

  This comment is 10,000 times more jarring and disrespectful and creepy and gross than a side flash.

The source

I can not find anything useful after an extensive search on the web.

So, what's the meaning of "a side flash" in the context?


texts: "...is ours -- to kill if we choose" grammarticality

texts:
In Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book I found:

The man's cub is ours -- to kill if we choose.

I saw this kind of construction for the first time.
Does it mean:

"The man's cub is for us to kill if we choose to do so." ?

Do

This dog is mine to feed and yours to water.

And

The dog is for me to feed and for you to water.

mean the same?


texts: "Generate rents for favored political people" what does "rents" in this sentence mean?

texts:
I know rent is the amount of money that you pay regularly to use a house, flat, or piece of land. But in this sentence, it seems that it's not true.

For example over half of all distortionary trade policy instruments worldwide consist of subsidies including production and export subsidies. Such subsidies introduce economic distortions, generate rents for favored political people and are difficult to remove once they're in place.


texts: Is the usage of "successful" in "Was John successful practicing golf and surfing?" correct?

texts:
Was John successful practicing golf and surfing?

I think successful is an adjective . In this case it must be an adverb. So I think successfully should be used instead of successful.
And this sentence is: Was John successfully practicing golf and surfing?


texts:
The fixing is complete.
The fix is complete.
The repair is complete.

Are these forms all ok? What does the first mean compaired to the second?


texts: Use "does" in front of another verb in a question?

texts:
What time does sound good to you?

  What time sounds good to you?

Is there a difference?


texts:
“Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.”

Is this grammatical? We often hear "Pay homage to" or "homage to" but this is not what is said here.

It says "of". What is the difference?


texts:
If Country exists, if Country is a natural necessity like bread, of which each of us must eat in order not to die of hunger, somebody must go to defend it.

Would you please show me if the bold parts mean the same thing?
each of us of which
What is more, could you teach me other possible ways to write the following part?
of which each of which
Thanks in advance
Updated:
In order to avoid ambiguity as to why I have raised the question, the following might be useful:
The bungalow, of which the roofs was damaged, had to be corrected.
The bungalow, the roofs of which was damaged, had to be corrected.
enter link description here


texts:
From The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler:

  Duddy lit a cigarette off his butt. "How's Auntie Ida?" he asked.

Is the 'butt' buttocks or the part of a cigarette that is left after it has been smoked?


texts:
Is a comma needed in following sentence?

  The scientist presented his theory, and went on to attack the opponents.


texts:
Source: p 28, Criminal Law: The Basics, 1 ed (2009), by Herring

  The Woollin direction allows the jury to find intention if they wish, if
  the foresight of virtual certainty test is satisfied. But what factors are
  the jury meant to take into account in deciding whether or not to
  find intention? We are not told by the House of Lords.

  [The test:] “Where the charge is murder and in the rare cases where the simple direction is not enough, the jury should be directed that they are not entitled to find the necessary intention, unless they feel sure that death or serious bodily harm was a virtual certainty (barring some unforeseen intervention) as a result of the defendant's actions and that the defendant appreciated that such was the case.”

In general, if someone must apply a test, then she will be presented with the elements of that test. Given the requirements and the facts, she can then test directly. So what does foresight mean?


texts:
In the following sentence

  The information is important to demand attention from all levels of
  organization

what type of parts of speech is demand??  Thanks in advance.


texts: Which one is correct, "both in ... and in ..." or "in both ... and ..."?

texts:
Which one is correct?

Asia is the largest continent, both in land and in population.
Asia is the largest continent, in both land and population.

I am confused because I've seen both of "both in ..." and "in both ...".

Thanks!


texts:
What does "look in the rearview mirror for flashing lights" mean? Does he mean to see if the police are chasing him to take back everything he's got?

  "I'm still here — on my third life, or maybe fourth," Bourdain said in 2016 of his rapid ascent to celebrity. "Who knows? I should've died in my 20s. I became successful in my 40s. I became a dad in my 50s. I feel like I've stolen a car — a really nice car — and I keep looking in the rearview mirror for flashing lights. But there's been nothing yet."

Source: Anthony Bourdain quote


texts: What does "raw" function in this sentence?

texts:
"Where it's raw and it's the truth."

I came across this sentence was being said in a conversation. I couldn't figure out what "raw" is functioning in this sentence. Is this a kind of phrase or something like that?


texts: Do I need to use apostrophe after this noun in the sentence?

texts:
Do I need to use apostrophe after organizations in the following long sentence?

  This sensitive situation has resulted in many organizations reviewing their business priorities as well as their strategic perspectives and putting their emphasis on consistency and conformity with business environment changes as well as quick response to market and customer needs.

By the way I am not sure if reviewing in the above sentence is a gerund or acting as a description phrase. What about the apostrophe if we do/don't consider reviewing as a gerund?


texts:
Can I use to come short in the following context?

  If we come short of snacks and refreshments, I'll pick up a watermelon.

I know that to come up short is used when talking about not meeting standards and expectations. My question is can I use come (up) short – notice I left out up – in this context?


texts:
Is the word "student" an indefinite pronoun?
I am just confused about this word.
Would you like to express your views regarding this?


texts: got closed vs was closed vs has been closed

texts:
Now I would like to transfer my PF from A company to B company provided both the companies have proper digital signatures in EPFO website. But the issue is, my previous company has been closed 6 months back

Can we change the last sentence to following and which is preferred when?

But the issue is, my previous company closed 6 months back
But the issue is, my previous company was closed 6 months back
But the issue is, my previous company got closed 6 months back


texts: What is the definition of "a fierce competitor"?

texts:
I have a question about this sentence.

"I’m a fierce competitor."

I've got a rough idea of "a fierce competitor".

However, I don't understand it is used as good meaning, like "passionate competitor", or used as bad meaning, like "competitor of violent temper".

I checked the definition of "fierce" on the dictionary, and I believe there are both good and bad meaning of "fierce".

So is "a fierce competitor" also used as good meaning and bad meaning?

Please kindly inform me. Thank you in advance.


texts:
Is it possible to use was with simple past.
for example: "I was worried about it"  Does it have any grammatical error.

Is it same as "I worried about it".


texts: What do you call this tailor clip in English?


texts: I feel a line of an article somewhat strange gramatically

texts:
I am currently reading this article, which has the below line,

  The outcome also reflects the seismic effect the U.K.'s decision three years ago to leave the 28-nation EU has had on the country's politics, with voters increasingly split into pro-Brexit and pro-EU camps.

I know the "construction" of this bold line, but wouldn't it be a bit strange?

"The outcome" (Subject) is "reflecting" (Verb) the seismic effect (the direct object),  the U.K.'s decision three years ago to leave the 28-nation EU has had on the country's politics, (modifier line to the word 'effect'), but wouldn't this line be lacking the probable possession particle "of"?

If I or we insert "that" between the 2 words, which are effect, and the U.K, it would sound more strange because the potential "that clause" is ending with the noun, which is "politics", which in turn means the modifier line is unfortunately (probably) is completed as one-set line perfectly.

Am I still wrong here?

I am afraid to say that there are many that "that" is implied here or works, but personally, how many times I read the line in the question adding "that", anything does not make sense at all, and personal possible option "of which" is also complicating.


texts:
I want to express something like 'I dig further into Quantum Mechanics',which of the following is correct?

1). investigate further into quantum mechanics
2). do a further investigation on quantum mechanics
3). carry out a further investigation on quantum mechanics
4). do a further investigation into quantum mechanics
5). carry out a further investigation into quantum mechanics

Is there any alternative expression that I can use? I want to use as few characters as possible.


texts: Genitive phrases for things located in a city

texts:
Which is better or correct?

Universities of New York
New York Universities
The universities in New York

However, the city could be not well known as New York! like Sirjan


texts:
In this inversion sentence, do I have to use "may" in the relative clause again?
(Assuming you are not sure, that's why you are including "may" in your sentence)

  "Robbery may not only take international students' possessions by an unlawful force, but it may also endanger the victims' lives.

Or

  Robbery may not only take international students' possessions by an unlawful force, but it also endanger the victims' lives.

Which should I use?


texts: is there any difference between "fisherman/woman" and "fisher"?

texts: I've frequently come across the term "fisherman" (more rarely in the feminine) meaning a person who catches fish, whereas "fisher" was limited to religious texts. Now in a Cambridge FCE test a number of people chose the word "fisher" to complete a passage, and I couldn't find any reason to dispute their choice, which however sounds wrong to me. Some dictionaries accept the term, others do not even contemplate it. Can anyone help me? Thanks


texts: meaning of the grammar structure "coming as one do/did"?

texts:
I have come across it in Crash Course World History. It is at 3 minute and 4 second. Here it goes:

  Coming as he did from the senatorial class, it was natural that Caesar would serve in both the army and the Senate, which he did.

I feel that the part as he did could mean it is actually true, but I am confused because of the word as.


texts: How can we use the structure "What + a/an + Adjective + N" for plural nouns?

texts:
I learned this structure:

What + a/an + Adjective + N

For example,you were walking on a street and then suddenly you saw a beautiful girl, you would say:  "What a beautiful girl!"

But what if you saw two beautiful girls, would you then say: "What beautiful girls!"?

Also, what about "scissors: an instrument used for cutting cloth...(Source)"

Would you say: “What beautiful scissors!” or “What a beautiful scissors!”?


texts:
What is the difference between the meaning and usage of for ever and forever in British English? From what I could gather from my online research,

  forever means :

  (also for ever) for all future time; for always
  continually

and

  for ever - Oxford has only Eng-Ger, Eng-It and Eng-Sp entries for it(apart from being redirected to forever's definition), Collins says it is an adverb meaning forever.


texts:
Here are three tips to create your marketing personas that use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods of research:

Download your sales data and go pivot crazy in Excel

Your historic sales data is a rich source of customers with quantitative attributes. These are people that have already bought from you, and understanding why they did so is key. Look for the following attributes/activity


texts:
I've come across with the sentence below:

  We’re also doing counter clockwise retreats around the world... using research-proven
  techniques to help people live boldly.

There ara some meanings for the word retreat as a noun in Longman dictionary:

A.a movement away
B.a movement away from someone or something
C.beat a retreat
D.when you change your mind about something because your idea was
unpopular or too difficult
E.a place you can go to that is quiet or safe
F.a period of time that you spend praying or studying religion in a
quiet place
G.a situation in which the value of shares etc falls to a lower level

I think that the best choice is F, but I'm not sure.

So, could you tell me please what it means here?

The fuller text is:

  Over nearly four decades, Ellen Langer’s research on mindfulness has
  greatly influenced thinking across a range of fields, from behavioral
  economics to positive psychology. It reveals that by paying attention
  to what’s going on around us, instead of operating on auto-pilot, we
  can reduce stress, unlock creativity, and boost performance. Her
  “counterclockwise” experiments, for example, demonstrated that elderly
  men could improve their health by simply acting as if it were 20 years
  earlier. In this interview with senior editor Alison Beard, Langer
  applies her thinking to leadership and management in an age of
  increasing chaos. [...]

  The Langer Mindfulness Institute works in three arenas: health, aging,
  and the workplace. In health we want to see just how far we can push
  the mindbody notion. Years ago we did studies on chambermaids (who
  lost weight after being told their work was exercise) and vision
  (where people did better on eye tests that had them work up from large
  letters at the bottom to small ones at the top, creating the
  expectation that they would be able to read them). Now we’re trying a
  mindfulness cure on many diseases that people think are uncontrollable
  to see if we can at least ameliorate the symptoms. We’re also doing
  counter clockwise retreats around the world, starting in San Miguel
  de Allende, Mexico, using research-proven techniques to help people
  live boldly.

Mindfulness in the Age of Complexity An interview with Ellen Langer by Alison Beard

https://hbr.org/2014/03/mindfulness-in-the-age-of-complexity


texts: The car finally broke. Passive or middle voice?

texts:
Is the sentence "The car finally broke" in the passive or the middle voice? As far as I know "break" is an intransitive verb so it can be either in the active, the passive, or the middle voice. Such verbs are called "labile"?

I've also heard the term "mediopassive" with examples like:

The book reads well.
Ripe oranges peel well.

So maybe the sentence "The car finally broke" is in the "mediopassive" voice?


texts: meaning of "essential" in "Wall Street's essential function"

texts:
Wall Street's essential function was to allocate capital: to decide who should get it and who should not.-The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis-

I found two adjective meanings and I'm confused of which one is more close meaning in this sentence.

essential:
a)Absolutely necessary; extremely important
b)Fundamental or central to the nature of something or someone
(found on Lexico Dictionary)


texts:
The expression "Keep something in mind" appeared in a text I was editing about conflict resolution in the office.  The sentence in which this appeared was "When you find yourself dealing with conflict in the workplace, there are a few things to keep in mind."  My colleagues wanted to define this for students and chose "remember" as a suitable synonym.  I rejected this and suggested "take into consideration," or "to think about."

"Remember" was selected by popular opinion, and later when a student was asked to use this expression in a sentence the student gave "When you driving a car it is important to keep the rules in mind."  I asked the student to explain this and he said that you must remember the rules, and said that he made the sentence based on the definition given.

The way I see it, "remember" is not a process but more of an instantaneous action.  You think and then the information comes to you.  To keep something in mind means that when making a decision or doing something you need to use some information so it is kept in active memory.  For example, a chef needs to keep in mind the sharpness of his tools while cutting otherwise he will cut himself.

Is "remember" a suitable definition for "to keep in mind?"


texts:
Is it [weriz] or [weəriz]? In case of ‘there is’ I'm almost sure there is no schwa, but I'm not sure it's the same with ‘where is’.

To avoid disambiguations I have to add that I'm interested in British pronunciation of it.

Tell me, please, is Peter Shor right saying ‘I'm sure it's pronounced both ways’? And what way is more frequent? Or it first of all depends on a person and some people tend to usually use one way and some use the other?


texts: “Don’t say” vs. “let’s don’t talk about it” vs. “let’s not talk about it”

texts:
Imagine there are three individuals in a small room. Person A is going to say something that person B should not be made aware of. What sentence should person C use to stop A from continuing his speech, such that B wouldn't notice that C does not want him to know?

Here is a possible conversation:

  A: I went to the cinema and met...
  B: Oh really, you went to the cinema? And met whom?
  C: Hey, don't say!
  A: I cannot remember anyway.

Is this use of “don’t say” natural and idiomatic? What about the following alternatives?

Let’s don’t talk about it.
Let’s not talk about it.


texts:
Use of "go" in passive form
Can we use verb "Go" in passive voice?


texts:
Somebody told me that there are 5 forms of verbs, for eg:
V1- eat
V2- ate
V3- eaten
V4- eating
V5- ??
What is the 5th form?


texts: Looking within yourself versus at yourself

texts:
I would like to know what the difference is, if any exists, between the expressions

Look within yourself

and

Look at yourself

Don't both refer to using introspection to find out what you think your qualities are?

Thanks.


texts: "While I'm listening" vs "listening" vs "at the same time"?

texts:
I study English while I'm listening to music.
I study English listening to music.

These two looks like putting emphasis on studying English a little more than listening to music

I study and listen to music at the same time.

It's like this sentence equates and coordinates two clauses equally.
These 3 sentences are perfectly replaceable?


texts: Can I use form "What I like" in a article?

texts:
Can I use "What I like" or "What I dislike" as a title of a paragraph?

Should I instead use "What do I (dis)like"?


texts: Kindly find below the screenshot of the application "I was talking" about

texts:
I'm working as IT support engineer. one of my clients phoned me last week and explained to me a problem that he had on one of our applications that we support.

then he sent me an email and the following is the first sentence:

  Kindly find below the screenshot of the application I was talking about. The issue is as follows:

I'm wondering is the above correct use of past continuous, I think the simple past is better in this context, isn't it?

  Kindly find below the screenshot of the application I told you about.


texts: "I wonder what they are doing" or "I wonder what are they doing"?

texts:
Tell me please which sentence is correct.

  I wonder what they are doing.

  I wonder what are they doing?


texts: Does the author write the word "off" instead of "of"?

texts:
Water enters a lake from overland flow off the surrounding land.

Source:https://books.google.com/books?id=Yin93qjdnAIC&pg=PA154&dq=%22overland+flow+off+the+surrounding+land.%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiAhLfh1ZDNAhUPkRQKHX9gAkwQ6AEIHTAA#v=onepage&q=%22overland%20flow%20off%20the%20surrounding%20land.%22&f=true


texts: Why we do not use “will” for things we have already arranged or decided to do?

texts:
In the my English book,¹ it notes that we do not use “will” for things we have already arranged or decided to do.

But why is that the case? Can anyone explain a little more?

Examples:

We are going to cinema on Sunday. (Not “we will go”)
I am not working tomorrow. (Not “I will not work”)

¹ Essential Grammar in Use, 3rd Edition.


texts:
“Yes, yes! I deny it!” Esmeralda cried out.
  The judge sneered. “Then how do you
  explain the charges being made against you?”
  “I cannot explain them, sir. I only know
  that I am innocent. I love Phoebus! It was a
  priest—the priest who keeps following me.”
  The judge became restless. “Very well. I’ve
  heard enough of your lies. Off to the torture
  chamber! You’ll soon change your story.

Dose it mean: go out?


texts: Does 'would' represent the completed action?

texts:
In this sentence,

Why would you ever kiss me?

To me, 'would' represent the future event. So the sentence means that the 'kiss' is not done yet but he/she is going to kiss sometime later.
But I looked at this answer, it claims that 'would' can be used after the 'kiss' also.
This is the part of the answer:

However, this could be said after a kiss.
"Why would you ever kiss me? I'm married!" Why would you make the
decision to kiss me, when there is a good reason not to.

I don't quite understand this interpretation. What is the meaning of 'would' if the sentence is used after the kiss?


texts:
The four compass directions are: north, south, east, west. Can the English language make combinations of these? Something like south-west or east-north-east to have more options for directions to indicate. And how should these be spelled out - with dashes or space-separated or simply merged?

In my native Danish language we have several versions, all compactly merged with no spacing in-between, for example:

  Sydvest = South-west (equally much south and west)

  Østnordøst = East-north-east (both east and north, but more east than north)


texts:
I know that the word 'any' can be used with plural and singular nouns depending on the location of the word 'any', however, I feel using the plural noun following my sample sentence is incorrect.

  The university forbids students to smoke in any buildings.

I think the 's' in "building" is unnecessary. Can someone comment and explain this please?


texts: Somewhere to be dead or somewhere to die?

texts:
Which is the correct sentence? Somewhere to be Dead or Somewhere to Die?
But what if I use "Somewhere to be dead" instead? I would like to use this for my video game title


texts:
As he threw his head back in the chair, his glance happened to rest upon a bell, disused bell, that hung in the room, and communicated, for some purpose now forgotten, with a chamber in the highest story of the building.

In this sentence, I don't get the 'communicated' part. Who is communicating with the chamber?


texts: how to make a sentence into a sentence with participle clause?

texts:
1- She comes here, because she needs money.
  2- She comes here, because needs money.
  3- She comes here, needing money.
  4- She comes here, needs money.

Are all the above sentence correct (especially the second one)?


texts:
I have heard this type of sentence with the same structure every time:
'Beautiful as she is', 'Intelligent as he is...'

Is it grammatically correct and if it is what's this grammatical phenomenon called?
How do you end such a sentence?
I believe it's Inversion but I'm not sure.

For example with a sentence beginning like this 'Young as she is...' how would I end it?


texts: How to use 'confirm' at beginning of sentence

texts:
I am writing some technical documentation - an instruction on how to test a certain piece of equipment.

I wrote: "Confirm, that the message playback over the loudspeaker is not distorted and clear with minimal noise from the recording."

One of my colleagues corrected the sentence to: "Confirm the message playback over the loudspeaker is not distorted and clear with minimal noise from the recording.", effectively losing the comma and "that" and stating, that it sounds "more english" and therefore correct.

And yet, it still does not sound right to me, hence the question: which of those two is correct and why?


texts:
This is an anecdote made by a poster:

  I had a female coworker, and she suggested that her husband and I play racquetball after work. My regular partner had bailed. So we meet up, play racquetball, and go back into the lockers to shower and then grab a beer.

Since he is giving an account of past events, shouldn't he use all past tense for the second sentence i.e. "So we met up, played racquetball, and went back into the lockers to shower and then grabbed a beer."?


texts: Is a low bridge the same as an underbridge / undercrossing / passage underground?

texts:
In an English class somebody claimed that. My research online lets me assume otherwise.

A low bridge seemed to me to be just that: a bridge not high enough for some trucks.

Do you agree? Thanks for answering!


texts: "not only a popular but also .." VS "a not only popular but also ..."

texts:
(1) It is not only a popular but also pragmatic research.
(2) It is a not only popular but also pragmatic research.

Which one is correct?


texts:
What does "up the other end" mean in football (soccer)?

32 minSane drops the shoulder to earn a yard of space, before sending in a decent enough cross. Mustafi was well positioned to clear it behind, however, and from the corner Kompany should have done a little better. Up the other end, Walker got a toe to the ball before Wilshere could shoo


texts: Should “India soldier 'ambush'“ be replaced by “Indian soldier 'ambush'”?

texts:
The Telegraph has this headline:

Brutal details emerge of India soldier 'ambush' on contested border with China as Modi tries to calm tension

Should India used there be replaced by indian?


texts: How serious is the comma rule between coordinate adjectives?

texts:
I find the commas between coordinate adjectives unnecessary.

For example, the followings seem to be both fine to me.

  It’s a bulky, heavy box.

  It’s a bulky heavy box.

Is that so?


texts: What does "silent rights" and "sound rights" mean?

texts:
Scott Fizgerald's short story "Afternoon of an Author" mentions "silent rights" and "sound rights" in regards to copyright.

  Anyhow he had no more equity in that property — he had sold the silent rights many years ago and the sound rights last year.

As I understand this, he first sold rights "unofficially", "silently" without signing any papers. And last year he sold rights completely.

Or maybe "silent rights" means rights to make silent film (because main character seemingly sold rights to Paramount, so they could make a movie about his book) and "sound rights" means rights to make film with sound.

But all of this is just thoughts, I don't have any clue about what this means and searching doesn't help.


texts: The use of the phrase after 'associated with'

texts:
"People either experiencing their second infection, being immuno-suppressed, or being around the age of 15 is likely to be associated with the occurence of dengue haemorrhagic fever."

In this sentence, I'm confused with the use of the phrase 'the occurence of dengue haemorrhagic fever' after 'associated with'. I found the sentence in a test question.
I think it is something wrong. Please explain it to me.
The occurence of dengue haemorrhagic fever is likely to be associated with those either experiencing their second infection, being immuno-suppressed, or being around the age of 15. I'd like to know whether the second sentence has the same meaning with the first sentence.


texts:
This is a title of my thesis. I am not sure if the title is clear and if it will be understood correctly by readers. I don't know which of the prepositions is correct in this case.

  Investigation of limitations the Passivhaus concept: Case studies on achievement Passivhaus certification of/by existing passive buildings.

My thesis is about two sustainable design strategies 1. Passivhaus standard (specific requirement must the follow to get their certification) and 2. Passive design. My task is to explore limitation of Passivhaus standard regarding achive this certification in the existing passively designed building.


texts:
I want to know which sentence is correct.

After a two-hour flight, we set foot on Okinawa
After a two-hour flight, we set foot at Okinawa

I can't find the right preposition.


texts:
I was given the following question in my test

As _______ many countries, poverty was historically explained and evaluated in India applying a sustenance food standard.

I was to fill the correct preposition and options were

with
in

I think both of them are correct and I could not distinguish between their usage.


texts:
I am not more ugly than your sister.

Does this mean I am as ugly as your sister?


texts:
I personally think these two sentences have the same meaning.

  He is visited.
  He is visiting.

In the same way:

  The CLI is a globally installed npm package and provides the vue command in your terminal.

In this context, why they say installed instead of Install or Installing?

I'm having a problem to understand the concept of using ED- adjective and ING - adjective. If you say "He is visited" is not correct grammar, then why "I'm bored" or "He is disappointed" are correct?

Can someone tell me the differences between these two and are these grammatically correct?


texts:
May I know which of the following sentences are grammatical?

  The place,  weather and rescue team information is returned to the
  user.

  The place,  weather and rescue team information are returned to the
  user.


texts:
It was the Greek philosopher Plato who said that music gave “soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life”. According to the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, it was the “shorthand of emotion”.  (From “Objective IELTS Advanced” M. Black, p. 40).

Why is the definite article used before “Russian writer Leo Tolstoy” instead of the indefinite (after all, there are many Russian writers)?


texts:
A pair of mouse ears and a big castle – these are internationally recognized symbols that mean that you are about to watch an incredible movie or are heading to the happiest place on earth. We all know Disney, and many of us have gladly watched many of their films. What makes this company so successful and what can you learn from them when it comes to copywriting? Let’s take a look at this powerful and incredible company for some great copywriting inspiration!
  What makes this company so successful and what can you learn from them when it comes to copywriting?
  Source: https://expresswriters.com/dream-wish-heart-makes-disney-copywriting/

What does copywrite mean here? Does it mean writing?


texts:
The studies conducted 10 years ago shows that the feeling of belonging
  to the group is very weak among the members. We have no evidence that the
  feeling _____ in the meanwhile.

I want to say that there is no evidence that now there is more feeling of belonging among the members compared to 10 years ago. What verb to use. Is "to increase" idiomatic for feeling? What about "to raise"? Or there is better options? Or maybe such meaning is better be told in a different way like:

  We have no evidence of any raise in the feeling of belonging among
  the member.

?


texts: Present participle or relative clause: "writing this thing" in "You did too good of a job writing this thing"

texts:
You did too good of a job writing this thing.

It is understood that "writing" is not a reduced relative clause which modifies job. The anchored subject of "writing" is clearly "you". Then what is the role of "writing this thing" in terms of grammar? Present participle?


texts: Is this a correct sentence, "All over the world, English is spoken?"

texts:
1. English is spoken all over the world

2. All over the world, English is spoken

Are they both correct sentences? Is there any difference in meaning?


texts: Looking for a word meaning "On the left or right, or both (left and right)"

texts:
I'm looking for a word meaning
"On the left or right, or both (left and right)"

Example:

  I will have people on my left or right, or both left and right.


texts: When prices that used to be regulated are no longer regulated, what do you call it? To liberalize prices? To deregulate?


texts: what does this sentence mean in given text?

texts:
Creating this site has given Disney fans the easy-to-consume articles everyone loves with Buzzfeed, but with the best flair possible – Disney flair.

I think it means that the article are as easy as articles of Buzzfeed but with different scent.


texts:
I am not a native English speaker. I have been preparing for the IELTS exam since last six months. I can write English properly. But I cannot speak English fluently. I make several mistakes while speaking. I cannot make compound sentences while speaking. Sometimes I start stammering and repeat same word again and again. In addition, sometimes I fail to transfer my thought properly. Like I construct a sentence but without exact meaning. Like if I want to answer the question "Disadvantage of airports" I say, airports are noise/airports create noise. But I think those sentences are not meaningful. I should say The planes create noise while take-off.

Another example is: I want to answer a job-related question and I said, There are some jobs which have a huge salary. But I think I should say There are some jobs which has to offer a high salary to its employees if it is done by human labour.

Can anyone suggest me after seeing my examples how could I improve my English? What is my exact problem? Why cannot I speak precisely?