An attorney in El Centro, California, is bothered by the phrase a large amount of people, because the word amount is usually applied to mass nouns, not count nouns. There are exceptions, however. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
“I know, right?!” is a friendly way to acknowledge that you understand someone. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “I Know, Right?!” Hi, you have A Way with Words. Hi, my name is Julie. Hi, Julie, where are you calling from? Pasadena...
What’s the difference between agreeance and agreement? While agreeance is a word, it hasn’t often been used since the 19th century, whereas agreement is both correct and common. Best to go with agreement. This is part of a complete episode...
You’ve noticed work seems to expand to fill the time given to complete it. But did you know there’s a term for that? Also this week, the New England exclamation “So don’t I!,” grey vs. gray, building storeys, being squiffy, having chops, getting...
Carol in Denton, Texas, wonders whether a drawer can hold six pairs of socks or six pair. Pairs is by far the more common plural in standard use, especially when counting separate sets. But six pair of socks is also heard, particularly when the...
Seattle polite n.— «Seattle is commonly referred to as the Emerald City, which implies that we see ourselves as a gleaming jewel (and perhaps earth friendly as well), a showplace of what a good city should be. We favor getting things done by...