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1500 questions
47
votes
12 answers

What is the proper way of using triple dots and spaces before/after them?

...␣part of a sentence␣... ...part of a sentence␣... ...␣part of a sentence... Notice the spaces before/after the dots. Which usage is the correct one ?
Frantisek
  • 21,938
47
votes
13 answers

Is there another way of saying 'user-unfriendly'?

Is there another way of saying something is 'user-unfriendly'?
Ambo100
  • 1,894
47
votes
7 answers

Should I write "module/theme" or "module / theme"?

I usually put a space before and after a slash, when indicating alternatives. We review a module / theme per user. Is it correct, or should I rewrite the sentence to remove those spaces? We review a module/theme per user.
apaderno
  • 59,185
47
votes
8 answers

Using "utilize" instead of "use"?

My friend has been raising a ruckus about the abuse of the word "utilize" in place of the word "use." He complains that it just makes your sentences sound pretentious. u·ti·lize [yoot-l-ahyz] verb (used with object), -lized, -liz·ing. to put to…
dting
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47
votes
4 answers

Why do people say "over-" and "underwhelmed" but never just "whelmed"?

We've all been overwhelmed with work, or seen an underwhelming movie... but it occurred to me that I've never heard anyone use the root word, whelm. whelm (verb) 1. to submerge; engulf. 2. to overcome utterly; overwhelm: whelmed by misfortune. If…
JYelton
  • 1,189
47
votes
8 answers

Is there a subtle difference between "somebody" and "someone", "anybody" and "anyone"?

Are there any subtle differences between "somebody" and "someone", or can they be used completely interchangeably? Similarly, can you imagine a situation in which you would prefer "anybody" to "anyone" or vice versa?
RegDwigнt
  • 97,231
47
votes
1 answer

How to reply to "I hope you are well"?

How to appropriately respond to someone saying "I hope you are well./?" There are certain situations in writing where this would obviously not be soliciting a response (requiring a full stop) but other situations where this would be a declarative…
Athanatos
  • 571
47
votes
5 answers

Should the number "0" be pronounced "zero" or "oh"?

I have often heard people say 101, as one-zero-one, and also as one-oh-one. Which is correct, and why? Does the difference between British English and American English have to do something with it?
Logophile
  • 1,369
47
votes
3 answers

What does "For what it's worth" mean?

I hear it often, and can usually derive a sentence's meaning with or without it. What does it really mean? When would one use it?
Jonn
  • 2,414
46
votes
4 answers

"At" or "in" the office?

When do you use at the office? And when do you use in the office? What's the difference between the phrases?
Anderson Silva
  • 11,259
46
votes
3 answers

Where does "emphasis mine" go in a quotation?

I have often seen the term emphasis mine used whenever an author wishes to denote that emphasis in a given quotation originates from said author rather than from the original source. What is the proper place for this phrase? One possibility is…
Michael Sorens
  • 701
46
votes
10 answers

Acceptable uses for "associated with" or "associated to"

I've read that both are acceptable but "associated with" is superior. Is there ever a time that "to" is acceptable? Does it matter at all? I'm writing copy for a public website and want to make sure I get this right.
ehtimse1970
  • 571
46
votes
3 answers

"Invite" vs. "invitation"

I hear a lot of people saying "Send me an invite". I always thought that it was an 'invitation'. Is "sending one an invite" accepted usage? Or is it incorrect? If I need to get my wedding invitation printed, should it read "Wedding Invitation" or a…
MediumOne
  • 1,111
46
votes
3 answers

Life cycle, life-cycle or lifecycle?

I notice great variability in how this concept is expressed. Does the term vary depending on the context? Should one use one variation when discussing biology, for example, and another when talking about product phases? Wikipedia uses different…
Bill Lefurgy
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46
votes
5 answers

Is "Many thanks" a proper usage?

I saw emails from English people with Many Thanks as a signing off phrase. Is that proper usage? Or is it a phrase created by continental English speakers due to the influence of their native language? (Vielen Dank in German and muchas gracias in…
harithski
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