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Icelandic3172 questions about English
- 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
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- 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.
- When I use "carry on" ??? I'd like to know the meaning of that frasal verb. Does it exist?
Best answer
Hello Authur1971, Its has different meanings and in the context of the sentence. Below are four ways of using the phrasal verb 'carry on' 1. If you carry on doing something, you continue to do it. example: The assistant carry on talking. 2.If you carry on an activity ,you do it or take a part in it fo a period of time. example: He carry on a passionate affair with Ms. Gilbert. 3. If you say that someone is carrying on, you are irritated with them because they are talking very excitedly and saying a lot of unnecessary things. example; She was yelling and screaming and carrying on. 4. If you say that someone is carrying on with someone else, you mean that they are having a sexual relationship and you do not approve of it, usually because on or both them are married. example; Their daughter was carrying on with a married man. Hope that helps you.
- Can we have a tutor who is available online to train native speaking / presentations
- which is the correct plural form human or humans?
i was thinking about how to say human in plural and i felt cofused. so, is the plural form humans or human? thnx in advance
Best answer
"human" most often exists in two forms: as an adjective (a describing word), or as a noun (a naming word). As an adjective, it describes anything belonging to our species, and anything that has the attributes of our species. When used in this way, it's ALWAYS singular. E.g. "It's human nature to make mistakes". "What kind of blood do vampires like? Human blood". As a noun, it's a name for the creatures belonging to our species. One of these is A Human, two or more are Humans. E.g. "humans are the only animals that blush"
Best answer
Hi Hayk, the connection you build with your teacher is one of the most important aspects of the language learning process. No matter how experienced a language teacher is, you won't enjoy your lessons if you're not on the same page. And for that reason, don't be afraid to experiment until you find a teacher that works well for you. Book trial lessons with several teachers, and choose the one you feel most comfortable with. Hope this helps :-)
