Questions tagged [british-english]
for questions specifically related to the English language as spoken and written in the United Kingdom.
0
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1answer
14 views
type of usage with phrase
1.The sun shining bright and the pale blue sky forming a backdrop of the Sacre Coeur, Carl stepped into his future as a traveler and observer.
2.He won his favorite competition, the long jump, and ...
0
votes
1answer
17 views
Usage with noun phrases and determiners
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/noun-phrase
(I don't think we can really say that an NP is equal to a noun because nouns represent a category on a lower level than a noun phrase.
A noun ...
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0answers
22 views
What's the difference between Much, Many and A lot of? [closed]
Someone can explain me which is the difference between Much, Many and A lot of?
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2answers
34 views
I am confused on which to use “that” or “by which”
Q: In the US, a primary election is a method -------- voters select the nominees for public office
A: that B: is that C: by which D: by those
I am stuck between A and C
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2answers
28 views
How to understand “got a good bit of use out of them”
‘Fred and George have invented Extendable Ears, see,’ said Ron. ‘They're really useful.’
‘Extendable—?’
‘Ears, yeah. Only we've had to stop using them lately because Mum
found out and went ...
1
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1answer
27 views
“replace by” Vs “replace with”
As a step to renovation he has decided to replace old furniture by/ with new one.
I'm little confused in this sentence .
can you describe it ?
0
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0answers
21 views
How i can find partner for english convertation [migrated]
Hi i search for partner who can speak with me english
I search websites that match people for learning enlgish
but couldn't find any person
Where i can find partners ?
-1
votes
2answers
23 views
“this qualifies for” vs. “this qualifies as”
What is the difference between "this qualifies for" and "this qualifies as"?
I don't understand the difference between "qualifies for" and "qualifies as"
0
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1answer
19 views
Difference between “play at” and “play upon”
We are playing at cards.
She is playing upon the piano.
In both sentences why are we using prepositions ?
0
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1answer
26 views
How can I improve and speak English fluently? [closed]
English is not my first language and I am very bad in English. But I want to learn English so I could speak in English. It's my dream to learn English. But I do not have money to attend English ...
0
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1answer
28 views
Is “of” or “off” correct?
Films representing the Duke saying good-bye to his favourite canary on
the eve of the trial were in readiness weeks before the event was due
to take place; other films depicted the Duchess holding ...
2
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2answers
18 views
Difference between “advance for” and “advance by” [closed]
He is advanced for his years.
The visit of viru has been advanced by two days .
1
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1answer
24 views
What is the meaning of “rather”?
It is rather a nuisance.
It is a rather nuisance.
Which sentence is correct, and what is the meaning of rather here?
0
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1answer
15 views
comma splice and type of phrase
Rocking a massive clock around his neck, he puts most rappers to shame.
He is now set to be released from category prison in Suffolk, to a bail hostel after Christmas.
Is the part after comma a noun ...
0
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1answer
35 views
Type of usage in these examples
When an absolute phrase is described as a phrase/clause (as was in the below example) what is meant by this. Is it not clearly one or the other ? I'd imagine phrase as there is no subject.
The winter ...
0
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1answer
54 views
Is it called in BrE - switch or button?
I saw two translations for this thing and I'd like to know if it's called switch or button in British English.
"She touched the ?_ and she was electrocuted."
0
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1answer
12 views
Should I use “in” or “of”?
Which one is correct
This is the last November of our college life.
This is the last November in our college life.
1
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2answers
52 views
ing clauses coordination
-ing co-ordination
He returned and closed the front door, making sure it was unlocked.
We play a fun game, trying to remember the day’s coaching tips.
The bullet missed, passing over his head
How ...
0
votes
1answer
25 views
Repeating prepositions after not
I would like to ask about repeating the preposition in this sentence
"he focused on learning the poems by heart not (on) how to write poetry."
Is it necessary to use the preposition with the bracket ...
1
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2answers
38 views
UK: Is “How do you do?” overly formal in these business situations?
I have learned that "How do you do? is very formal and is not used very much, especially by younger people, these days." (source: BBC — Learning English).
I would still like to know if using "How do ...
33
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7answers
9k views
Does one call “regular” men “Sir” in the UK?
I've lived in the US for a couple of years and ended up using "Sir" when addressing "regular" men in a large range of situations (in which I would use "Ma'am" if I was addressing a woman):
[on ...
1
vote
1answer
24 views
Type of usage in this example/accuracy
After entering the fountain of youth, she was now young not old.
After entering the fountain of youth, she was now young and not old.
Are both these ok. Any difference?
Can you leave out the comma ...
0
votes
1answer
20 views
What does it refer to in this sentence?
Armani's move into hotel business is considered the boldest by a luxury goods company, but "it" is not the first.
For what does it in "it's not the first refer to?
1
vote
1answer
46 views
How does a phrase differ from a clause
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/price_is_right
Is this a phrase or clause. How do they differ aside from active verb.
A group of words that is part of, rather than the whole of, a sentence
A phrase ...
0
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1answer
30 views
Type of usage in these examples?
*That feeling you get when your kid won't let you do your housework.
Me stressed at the thought of tonights traffic.*
What do we call these types of sentences that commonly come with a picture or ...
0
votes
1answer
37 views
What is the name of the words group in English which translates into Russian in many words combination?
What is the name of the words group in English which translates into Russian in many words combination? For instance, accomplish (one word) in Russian means "dostigat' sovershenstva" (two words).
0
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1answer
35 views
How to make “can you tell me guys” with respect?
I am writing mail for my seniors. I want to ask something like, Can you tell me guys which port I have to use? How to make this word as polite?
0
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1answer
20 views
When to use “is” and “are” in the following examples?
Tea with biscuits is a very nice combination
Tea with biscuits are a vey nice combination
The problem is I am. Not understanding when to use are and when to use is
Similar examples
" tea with ...
0
votes
1answer
38 views
Is this sentence “Horses are a useful animal.” correct?
I know a lot of people would say the correct sentence is “Horses are useful animals.”
But I think we can say “Computers are an important research tool.”, so I think we can say “Horses are a useful ...
0
votes
1answer
30 views
Subject-Complement Agreement
Take the sentence (1)“The boy is a hardworking student.” The words “a hardworking student” are the complement. There’s no agreement problem in that sentence, it's all singular;(2)“These people are my ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
Mam or mum in English crime series
In English crime series I often hear mom or mam or mum. I don't know...
What does it mean? When is an appropriate time to use it?
See this trailer from the BBC's Bodyguard crime series.
0
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2answers
40 views
What does “sick spots” mean? [duplicate]
This is coming from Charlie and Cardi B on BBC1 radio show:
Charlie - Would you rather have a night out with me or Offset?
Cardi B - With my man (Offset)
Charlie - Come on, man! I know London ...
1
vote
3answers
339 views
“I like bananas” vs “I like a banana”
In English grammar, ‘generic reference’ is used when you make a reference to all the members of a class of people or things .
So I can say "A lizard is like a dinosaur in appearance" and "Lizards are ...
0
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1answer
22 views
''Had you better … than/or…'' in positive questions?
I had watched a tutorial about the use of ''Had better'' in positive questions.
İt was mentioned that ''Had better '' is used in positive questions to ask which option is better?
EG;
a)Had you ...
0
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2answers
39 views
What does “have all” means? Is it a collocation?
Examples:
We have all said that we advocate effective multilateralism.
The coaches have all necessary documentation for domestic and
international passenger transport.
What is the ...
1
vote
1answer
47 views
What does it mean by [Limited run with only 5000 made]?
Full Sentences
Also as a bonus, this beautiful postcard of the artwork will be
included!! This box set will be a limited run with only 5000 made.
Does it mean that the box set will only sell for ...
0
votes
1answer
54 views
What are these structures called and how do they differ?
A long serving member of the Army, he recieved many decorations including The George Cross, the most fitting conclusion to his distinguished career.
People often pass away because they've simply '...
0
votes
2answers
226 views
Difference between killer, murderer, slayer?
What is the difference in British English of the words usage for killer, murderer, and slayer?
I found these definitions in the Free Dictionary:
killer - a person or thing that kills.
murderer ...
0
votes
1answer
46 views
Value of sentences with or without antecedent
Our politicians have been pandering again. This demotivates the voters. - Entire first sentence as antecedent
When we take the bolded sentence away from its antecedent, where does that leave it ...
0
votes
1answer
24 views
Type of clause and correct usage in this example
It follows two sisters— one is devoted to her faith, the other breaks the community's strict rules.
What would we class this type of clause ? (one is this, the other is this)
What part is the main ...
0
votes
1answer
42 views
Difference between these two sentences/ type of usage
I look forward to the results, trying a hand at it myself.
He issued an attack on her at the company, describing her as an amateurish programmer.
Are these examples both accurate?
I noticed you ...
0
votes
1answer
31 views
correct usage comma/ definition of clause
He felt that the close first person perspective leaves the reader "too uncritically accepting of her worldview", and often leads reading and conversation about the novel towards supporting Jane.
Is ...
4
votes
1answer
54 views
play the guitar vs play guitar
I was taught that when we want to say "produce sound on a musical instrument", we should always use the definite article before the instrument ("play the guitar/piano/violin").
I did research on this,...
0
votes
1answer
61 views
What is the right way of asking someone to give a more detailed explanation of what he just said (or wrote)?
I was told something and now I want to get a more detailed explanation of what the person just said (or wrote).
For example, the person wrote to me:
The key difference between the two definitions ...
0
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0answers
26 views
Meaning of 'survey' in this context?
Can the word 'view' be a good synonym for 'survey' in the following context?
A man does right, as a rule, to have his thoughts more occupied with the interests of his own nation than with those of ...
1
vote
1answer
93 views
“What more do you want to buy” Vs “What else do you want to buy”
When having a shopping with my brother or friend and I want to him if they buy more things after we bought some, then what's of these two is more common in British English?
"What more do you want ...
1
vote
1answer
112 views
What do you call the hanging sections on the sides of someone with long hair?
I'm referring to this:
At first, I thought they could be called bangs.
But according to Google it's only the head above the forehead:
a fringe of hair cut straight across the forehead.
So ...
0
votes
1answer
58 views
Modern British English novels suitable for learning English [closed]
I am learning English and for that purpose (among other things) I want to read a few novels. I have made a list of novels selected by personal taste, but since I am still learning, I am afraid that ...
0
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1answer
25 views
Type of voice/usage
The car impressed me, and handles a dream. Isn't that unusual with these older models. After some miles through the city, it was off to the countryside, where I could really take the car up a gear or ...
1
vote
1answer
55 views
I didn’t get the meaning of “an informal sleep over bang up bash for any who wanted to stay“please can anyone. explain?
Explanation of “an informal sleep over bang up bash for any who wanted to stay”
The exact quote is
After my wedding I was ill and missed most of my reception, an informal sleep over bang up bash ...
