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Icelandic2726 questions about English
Best answer
Some words cannot be abbreviated
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- What is "out of pocket"?
Hi there! Tell me, please, if something is out of my pocket, what does it mean? I also heard "outta pocket". What is that?
Best answer
Hello Marcinek, I will now explain the different meanings of the phrase 'out of pocket'. 1. The most common meaning is to explain the money you have to spend out yourself, that isn't paid by someone else. Example: If you claim on your insurance for a medical matter, the Insurance Company may pay 80% of the costs, but you would pay 20%. That means you are 'out of pocket' for 20% of the costs. (literally - the money came out of your trouser pocket). 2. Another meaning is to show you have lost money because of something that happened. Example: if you buy $50 tickets for a show, then the show is cancelled but the money is not paid back to you, you would be 'out of pocket' for $50. We can also use the phrase 'in your pocket' to say someone has full control of another person. Example: if a businessman has a politician 'in his pocket', it means he controls what that politician does. I hope both of my answers (meaning and pronunciation) have helped. Best wishes Laura
- Is there a plural form of "radius"?
I don't know how to say radius in plural. Is there any form for this word? Or is it just radiuses?
Best answer
Hello Cungkhe, The word 'Radius' comes from the Latin word meaning 'spoke of a chariot wheel'. This means it doesn't follow our usual rules for making nouns plural (adding s or es). The first official and more formal plural for 'radius', because of this Latin heritage, is 'Radii'. It is pronounced the same in both British and American English = [ray-dee-eye]. I would advise using this form in FORMAL writing. The second plural for 'radius' is one that has become more popular over the years, 'Radiuses'. This is often referred to as the 'conversation English plural'. This is pronounced [ray-dee-us-iz]. I would advise using this form in your everyday English. So to sum up Cungkhe, Radii = more formal and academic English Radiuses = more informal, conversational English I hope that helps Best wishes Laura
- Hey! Is there an abbreviation for "description"? Is it possible to abbreviate it somehow?
Best answer
Hi Satomi_kum, Generally we would write this in full. However, it would be acceptable to abbreviate it to: descr. In computing however, it has many abbreviated forms such as: DES DESC DESCR These are not usual in general written English (only in the medium of computing English), they are just added here for your information. In a general text, just use descr. (don't forget the '.' at the end). I hope that helps Laura
- Is there any difference between these two phrases: "How are you feeling?" and "How do you feel?"
Hi there! So, I heard both variants from different people and I wonder what's their difference. Where can I ask "How are you feeling today?" and where "How do you feel today?"
Best answer
Hello Suhin, This is a very god question. Many people would use either and not really see a difference. There are three main reasons for choosing one in place of the other. First reason = formality: In more formal, polite English you would use the phrase 'How are you feeling today?', In more informal, relaxed English you would use the phrase 'How do you feel today?'. Second reason = prior knowledge or a previous conversation: If you have spoken to the person recently and they told you they didn't feel well, it would be more natural to ask 'How are you feeling today?' Third reason = to ask someone's opinion about something: If you want to know what someone's view is about a situation or a statement you would use the phrase 'How do you feel?'. Quite often, you would add 'about it?' at the end but that isn't needed or necessary grammatically. I hope that has helped you. Best wishes Laura
- Should I reply to "nice to meet you"?
Hello! I need your advice. When someone says to me "Nice to meet you" how can I answer? Or I shouldn't answer at all? Appreciate your help.
Best answer
Hello Cormac, This is a very common way to greet someone when you are meeting them for the first time, so it's a great idea to find out the best way to respond. There are several things you can do and say in this situation. One of the most frequently used replies is = 'Nice to meet you too'. Other alternatives are: Extend it slightly = It's nice to meet you too. Reduce it (in informal settings) = you too! Say nothing = If you are meeting a dignitary, who is greeting a long line of people, it would be acceptable to just smile nicely and nod your head. I hope these options help you. Have a great day! Laura
- Is it possible to abbreviate miscellaneous?
Hello! Could you suggest the short form for miscellaneous?
Best answer
Hello NyleClark, The short form for miscellaneous is misc. Don't forget to place the . at the end = misc.
