Newest Questions
132,521 questions
2
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Contrasted can vs. can't with equal emphasis in American English pronounciation
In the following sample, American TV anchor Chris Cuomo contrasts the words can and can't with equal emphasis, in the phrase
Amen, my brothers and sisters! That's Ameri-CAN, not Ameri-CAN'T!
https://...
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0
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30
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'Likely to': greater possibility than may, could or might [migrated]
This marginal modal suggests a greater degree of possibility than may, could or might. Compare:
He's likely to be late.
He may well be late.
https://teflconcourse.com/training/inservice/modality/...
- 3,508
1
vote
2
answers
137
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Is "any unfavorable gestures of her" correct grammar?
Is
It was no secret how they always search for any "unfavorable" gestures of her to disapprove for.
correct grammar?
I changed to gestures from actions, but what is better than those two? ...
-1
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2
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65
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'Didn't need to' = so didn't
She didn't need to phone (so didn't).
Compare:
I didn't have to (so I probably didn't but may have)
https://teflconcourse.com/training/inservice/modality/semimodals#2
Is this true? That is, didn't ...
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0
votes
1
answer
81
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Verb forms of mode
The word "mode" is in many dictionaries described as a noun (with two etymologies/meanings). In radiation therapy however you can use it as a particle verb (pun not intended): "mode up ...
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0
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1
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53
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What does building a case means
In this New York Times article published on April 27, 2025, What exactly "Building a case" means? Does it mean to prove something true if in reality it is not true?
Since the horrific ...
- 109
0
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0
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57
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'Could have': past ability (dynamic modality)
She could have left her keys with J
a) past possibility ('epistemic modality'): It is possible that she did, that is, 'might have', just as both are used for complaints, as in you could've/might’ve ...
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9
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5
answers
2k
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Word for the behaviour of those small fish that swim alongside whales or sharks
Not looking for the actual name of these fish, which is a remora as far as I can tell, but a word that describes this kind of behaviour.
Like being a sidecar, or trailing, but not those words.
- 99
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0
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39
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How to correctly list multiple open compound nouns with the same ending? [duplicate]
I've seen conflicting evidence on this, so I'm wondering if there is an official style guide or rule that suggests how to handle this issue.
Let's say you have three or more open compound nouns, all ...
- 109
1
vote
1
answer
75
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100 millionth subscriber
Which sentence is correct in writing "100 millionth" (with or without the hyphen)?
MrBeast gave his 100 millionth subscriber an island.
or
MrBeast gave his 100-millionth subscriber an ...
2
votes
3
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968
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Meaning of "chinny chin chin" in a given context [closed]
In this video, after 30 seconds of its playing, the singer's acting makes it clear that his use of the word that appears to be "chinny chin chin", but sounds rather like "chinny chee ...
- 24.3k
1
vote
1
answer
101
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How can you tell between the dynamic existential possibility and the dynamic possibility of ability meanings for "could"?
I came across these two examples,
Pete could do basic things on a computer, but
it wasn’t enough(Dynamic possibility of ability).
Given a little bit of an excuse, she could be
negative about him(...
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1
vote
1
answer
79
views
Optative sentences
May you be healthy.
Wish you success in your life.
What are the structures of these two optative sentences?
Should the structures be like:
modal verb + subject + main verb + adjective.
Main verb (...
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0
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26
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She looked as if she would be sick [migrated]
The past subjunctive, which for will is would, appears in subordinate clauses, referring to an unreal or improbable present or future event / state.
She looked as if she would be sick
https://...
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One(s): colloquial in comparisons of adjectives
ONE (as a supporting word with an adjective that can't stand alone)
These shoes are too small. I need some new ones.
Her new car goes faster than her old one.
Your plan is a good one.
NOTE: When ...
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