13 December 2011

gadfly - animal-biting fly; an irritating fly; an irritating person

quirk - startling twist; caprice

disheveled - untidy

Vocab testing sites

http://www.wordflashonline.com/qz/free-online-vocab-test.php
http://www.english-test.net/
http://testyourvocab.com/

‘game face’

When Dravid and Tendulkar bat, they look very serious most of the time. They don’t joke around. This serious look that a sportsman has while he is on the field is referred to as his `game face’.
Example:  Don’t be fooled by his jokes. Once he’s got his game face on and steps onto the field, Chethan is a completely different person.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 20, 2006.

`cakewalk’

When you say that the victory was a `cakewalk’, what you mean is that it was very easily achieved. You didn’t have to put in too much of an effort; you won without really having to work hard.
Examples: Given your experience, getting the job should be a cakewalk  *The first couple of rounds of the tournament should be a cakewalk.

The `cakewalk’ was a form of entertainment among African Americans. Well-dressed couples that took part in this competition were made to walk around a cake. The pair that performed this task most gracefully was awarded a prize. In most cases, the prize was the cake itself; the winner used to `take the cake’. Later, the word `cakewalk’ was used to refer to a popular form of dance.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 13, 2006.

`magazine’ and `journal’

When first used, the word `journal’ referred to a daily publication which gave an account of the events that happened the previous day. It was like a newspaper. Nowadays, the word is used to refer to any publication that is brought out at regular intervals. For example, a journal can be a monthly, quarterly, etc. The articles contained in a journal are usually scholarly, serious in nature, and deal with a specialised area. For example, we have the Journal of Linguistics, Journal of Writing, etc. A `magazine’, on the other hand, doesn’t limit itself to one area; it deals with various subjects — politics, entertainment and sports. Since the articles are meant for the general public, they are much shorter and are usually accompanied by photographs. `Outlook’, `Frontline’, and `Sportstar’, are all magazines, not journals; and like the journal, they too are brought out at regular intervals.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 13, 2006.

How is the word `exorcism’ pronounced?

The `ex’ is pronounced like the letter `x’, and the following `o’ is like the `ou’ in `ought’, `sought’ and `fought’. The final `ism’ sounds like the `ism’ in `prism’. The main stress is on the first syllable.

When you `exorcise’ a ghost or an evil spirit, what you do is to drive it away by making use of magic or prayers. This act of driving away an evil spirit is called `exorcism’.

Example: The witch doctor tried to exorcise the evil spirit from the library.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 13, 2006.

`on cloud nine’

When you say that you are on cloud nine, what you mean is that you are extremely happy; you feel as if you are on top of the world.
Example: The entire team was on cloud nine after winning the championship.

No one is really sure where the expression comes from. Some believe that the original expression was `on cloud seven’, very similar to the expression `seventh heaven’. Others believe that nine was chosen because it is considered a mystical number. According to weathermen, `cloud nine’ refers to the `cumulonimbus’ or the thunderstorm cloud. This cloud often rises to forty thousand feet; and when you are `on’ such a cloud, you are literally on top of the world!

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 13, 2006.

`ding-dong battle’

The expression `ding-dong’ refers to the sound that a bell makes; the back and forth motion of the knocker hitting a bell.
When you say that two participants were involved in a ding-dong battle, what you mean is that they were involved in a long drawn out battle. The fight was intense and there were times when each participant seemed to have the upper hand in turns. In a ding-dong battle, it is often very difficult to predict who will emerge the winner; sometimes, the result is inconclusive.

Another expression which has more or less the same meaning is `see-saw battle’. When you sit on the see-saw, you are up one moment, and down the other.

Example: *The fans were hoping for a ding-dong battle. They were disappointed when the Aussies thrashed the Indians.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 06, 2006.

Which is correct? `Deter to do’ or `deter from doing’ something?

First, let’s deal with the pronunciation of `deter’. The first `e’ is like the `i’ in `bid’, `bit’ and `sit’, and the second is like the `ir’ in `shirt’, `bird’ and `dirt’. The stress is on the second syllable `ter’. The word `deter’ is usually followed by `from’ and not `to’.

When you deter someone from doing something, you discourage him from doing it. You achieve this by making the individual realise how difficult the task may be, or by highlighting the unpleasant consequences of performing the task. You do everything to ensure that the person no longer wishes to continue to do what he was doing.
Example: Nothing you say will deter the students from joining the protestors.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 06, 2006.

`extinct’ and ‘extinguished’

When something becomes extinct, it ceases to exist; you don’t find it anywhere on the planet. Any living organism can become extinct. Dinosaurs, for example, have become extinct.
Examples: There are reasons to believe that the tiger will soon become extinct. *Some of the animals in the rainforests are on the verge of extinction.

The word `extinguish’, on the other hand, is usually used along with the word `fire’. When you extinguish a fire or a flame, you put it out.
Example: The firemen battled for three hours before they extinguished the fire.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 06, 2006.

`eater’s coma’

This is a type of coma that we have all experienced some time or the other. How do we normally feel after a particularly heavy meal? Most of the time, we feel pretty sluggish; we don’t feel like doing anything. After some time, we begin to feel rather sleepy. This lazy and sleepy feeling that we have after a heavy meal is called `eater’s coma’.

Example:  If I eat everything that is on the table, I’ll lapse into an eater’s coma.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) –November 06, 2006.

`Bangalored’

The Americans invented this word, and they have been using it quite frequently. As you know, many multinationals, in order to save money, are outsourcing their work to cities in India. When an American says that he has been `Bangalored’, what he means is that he has lost his job because his company has decided to move its operations to a city in India — not necessarily Bangalore.

Example:  According to the article, another 10,000 people will be Bangalored by the end of the year.

It is not often that the name of a city is used as a verb. You may wonder why the Americans chose the city of Bangalore. You must remember that during the early stages of outsourcing, most of the companies were moving to this city — Bangalore was then perceived as the Silicon Valley of India. The Americans’ fear of losing jobs to the city of Bangalore gave rise to another word — `Bangalorephobia’.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 30, 2006.

Difference between `The theatre is closed’ and `The theatre has been closed’?

The first sentence suggests that the theatre is not open at the moment; it is locked for the time being. Chances are, it will open a little later. It has not been closed permanently.

The second sentence, on the other hand, seems to suggest that someone has forcibly closed down the theatre. Perhaps the municipal authorities were unhappy with the safety features, and decided to shut the place down. In this case, the closure is either permanent or for a lengthy period of time.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 30, 2006.

`let your hair down’

Some people are very reserved when they are in the company of others. When you tell a person to let his hair down, what you mean is that you want him to relax and start enjoying himself. You want him to speak his mind.
Example: It was only after the completion of his last exam that Chetan let his hair down.

In the old days, women had to put their hair up in a bun during the daytime. The only time when they could literally let their hair down and be themselves was when they were ready to go to bed.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 30, 2006.

How is the expression `sotto voce’ pronounced?

The first `o’ in `sotto’ is like the `o’ in `hot’, `got’, and `pot’; the second is like the `o’ in `go’, `so’, and `no’. The `o’ in `voce’ is pronounced like the second `o’ in `sotto’. The `c’ that follows is like the `ch’ in `child’ and `chips’; the final `e’ is like the `i’ in `bit’, `pit’, and `hit’. The main stress is on the first syllable of `voce’. The word comes from Italian; `sotto’ means `under’ and `voce’ means `voice’.
When you say something `sotto voce’, you say it in a soft voice. Whatever you say is spoken in a low volume; you speak softly out of the corner of your mouth, so that you are not overheard by anyone. The word is considered literary, and is mostly used in formal contexts.
Example: During the principal’s speech, several students made snide remarks sotto voce.
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 30, 2006.

`geek’

This is a word mostly used in informal contexts, and it has several different meanings. One of the meanings of `geek’ is a boring individual who walks around wearing rather unfashionable clothes. This person has little or no social skills.
*You must be nuts to ask a geek like Govind tips about fashion. *I don’t want you to invite that geek Harish to our party. .
An individual who is an expert, or is very knowledgeable in his limited area of interest (for example, computers) can also be called a geek. He is someone whose focus of interest is rather narrow, but he knows everything about the subject.
*If it is a computer geek you require, you’d better hire Dravid. He’s excellent. *I want to learn everything on my own. I don’t want some geek telling me everything.
I understand the word comes from the Dutch `geck’ which means `fool’. It is in this sense that Shakespeare used the word in some of his plays. In the 1920s, the Americans used the word `geek’ to refer to an individual in a carnival who performed bizarre acts. The original `geek’ was someone who entertained his audience by biting off a live chicken’s/snake’s head! With the passage of time, the word began to be used to refer to anyone who was socially inept; whose interests were very different from those of others.
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 23, 2006

`inform of’ and `inform on’

When someone is `informed of’ something, he is formally told about the facts; the information is passed on to him.
Examples: Please be here at 2:00 o’clock tomorrow. I will inform you of my decision then. *We were informed of the change in plans last night.

When you `inform on’ someone, you give information about the individual to the authorities. In other words, you tattle on the person. The people in power may use the information you provide against the person.
Here are a few examples. *If you continue to come late like this, I’m afraid that I’ll have to inform on you.
*It was his own friends who informed the police on him.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 23, 2006.

‘call a spade a spade’

When you call a spade a spade, you tell the truth about the matter. Even if it means being unpleasant. In other words, you tell it like it is. You are very direct, no matter how unpleasant or embarrassing.  You speak plainly and frankly.

Example: “My uncle always calls a spade a spade. When I was young, whenever he found me saying or doing something stupid, he didn’t hesitate to call me an idiot”.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 16, 2006.

`weary’ and `wary’

The two words are pronounced differently. The first syllable `w..a..r’ in `w..a..r..y is pronounced like the word `where’ and the final `y’ is like the `i’ in `it’, `bit’, and `sit’.
The `ea’ in the first syllable of the word  ‘weary’ sounds like the `ea’ in `dear’, `near’, and `fear’ and the final `y’ is like the `i’ in `it’, `bit’, and `sit’.
In both `weary’ and `wary’, the stress is on the first syllable.

When you say that someone looks `weary’, what you mean is that the person looks exhausted. For example, after swimming non-stop for seven hours, the young boy looked pale and weary.
When you say that you have become weary of something, what you mean is that you have become tired of it. In other words, you have lost your enthusiasm for it.
Example :  Many people have become weary of the war in Iraq.

When you are wary of something, you are unsure of it, and therefore you are cautious of it. It could be dangerous or it may cause problems for you.
The word can be used with people as well.
For example, most parents teach their children to be wary of strangers.
It’s also possible to `keep a wary eye’ on someone or something.
When you keep a wary eye on someone, you watch them very carefully to see what they are up to.
Examples: The shareholders kept a wary eye on the developing story.*  I don’t think I’ll be able to keep a wary eye on anyone right now. I’m feeling sleepy.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 16, 2006.

`braggadocio’

Braggadocio is a literary word and is mostly used in formal contexts. A `braggadocio’, as the word suggests, is someone who brags about himself quite a bit. He is vain and therefore talks about his achievements in a rather proud manner. Most of the time, it is only empty boasting. The word comes from the name of a boastful character (Braggadocchio) in Edmund Spenser’s poem `Faerie Queene’.

The first syllable is pronounced like the word `brag’; the `a’ in the second is like `a’ in `china’. The `o’ in the third and final syllable sounds like the `o’ in `no’, `so’, and `go’. The `ci’ is like the `shi’ in `ship’ and `shin’. The main stress is on the third syllable `do’.

Examples: *Tarun came across as a braggadocio that deliberately tried to make others uncomfortable.
*According to reporters, the Chairman’s braggadocio at the meeting was a sign of weakness, not strength.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 23, 2006.

‘Clock-watcher’

A clock-watcher is someone who keeps looking at the clock instead of doing his work. It needn’t be an employee. It could be anyone. A student could be a clock-watcher as well.

Examples:  “My father says that there are five clock-watchers in his department.” * “You stop being a clock-watcher when you are working on a crossword puzzle, though. You’ve been sitting with that one for two hours now”

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 09, 2006.

‘Mickey Mouse course’

If you refer to a course as being a Mickey Mouse course, what you mean is that it’s a very simple course. It’s not at all challenging, and you end up learning absolutely nothing.

Example:  According to Sujatha most colleges offer only Mickey Mouse courses.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 16, 2006.

‘retread’

“What’s wrong? You don’t look happy at all about something.”
“It’s the two new people in the Accounts Department. My boss… .”
“Oh yeah! You told me that you were hiring some new people. Young ones.”
“We asked for young people. But my boss decided to hire some tired retreads.”
“When you refer to someone as a retread, what you mean is that he’s burnt out. He has nothing to offer”.
“In other words, he’s very old.”
“Not necessarily. He’s a burnout. Nowadays, a lot of people burn out when they are relatively young.”
“That’s true. It happens in the corporate world quite a bit. So a retread is like a retread tyre?”
“I guess you could say that. He’s been made over and is unlikely to last for a long time.”
Example: “When the government does decide to hire new teachers, I hope they get young people. Not a whole bunch of retreads”. * Most people working for any government agency are either retreads or clock-watchers.
It’s important to remember that the word is mostly used in informal contexts. And you never tell someone that he is a retread to his face.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 09, 2006.

‘Capish’

Capish means `understand’. It’s a word mostly used in informal contexts.

Pronunciation:  The `a’ is like the `a’ in `china’; the following `i’ is like the `ee’ in `fees’, `bees’, and `knees’. The final `sh’ is like the `sh’ in `ship’, `sheet’, and `sheep’. The main stress is on the second syllable.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 09, 2006.

Is there a difference in meaning between “amuse” and “bemuse”?

Yes, there is a difference — a big difference. The two words are not synonymous, as some people believe.

When something “amuses” an individual, it makes him laugh or smile. He finds it funny or entertaining.
Example: The principal found the comments made by the students very amusing.

“Bemuse”, unlike amuse, has nothing to do with making people laugh. When you are “bemused” by something, you are bewildered by it. It leaves you confused or puzzled.

For example, when the stranger walked into the classroom, the children looked at her with a bemused expression.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 02, 2006.

‘cruciverbalist’

A cruciverbalist is someone who is skilled at doing crossword puzzles. A cruciverbalist can also be someone who just enjoys doing crossword puzzles. He/she doesn’t have to be good at it.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 09, 2006.

“lost in the shuffle”

This is an expression that comes from the world of card games and is mostly used in American English. When you shuffle a pack of cards, you mix them up; you don’t know where a particular card is. When a plan or an idea gets lost in the shuffle, it doesn’t get the attention that it deserves. The expression can be used with reference to people as well.

Examples: In refugee camps, orphans often get lost in the shuffle and are left without food for days.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 02, 2006.

Which of the following is correct? “He is busy at weekends” or “He is busy on weekends”?

Both are acceptable. “At weekends” is commonly used in British English; the Americans, on the other hand, tend to use “on weekends.” Use whichever expression you feel comfortable with.

Examples: I informed my new boss that I do not do any office related work at weekends. *My friends and I are planning to go sailing on the weekend.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 02, 2006.

“run with the hare and hunt with the hounds”

Very often when two people have an argument, they go to a third person and ask him to be a judge. If the person is timid and is afraid to take a decision, he will end up saying that both parties are in the right. He will support both sides of the argument because he doesn’t want to hurt the feelings of his friends; sometimes, he does this with an ulterior motive in mind. This desire to be on friendly terms with both warring factions by supporting their arguments is what we mean by the expression, “running with the hare and hunting with the hounds.” The individual is trying to be both the rabbit (hare) and the dog (hound). He wants to be the hunted as well the hunter; and this is just not possible. This idiom is considered rather old fashioned.

Examples: Latha is a very clever person. She runs with the hare and hunts with the hounds.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – October 02, 2006.

How is the word `emaciated’ pronounced?

The `e’ in the first syllable and the `i’ in the third syllable are pronounced like the `i’ in `sit’, `bit’, and `kit’. The `ma’ sounds like the word `may’; the `c’ that follows is like the `sh’ in `ship’, `shin’, and `show’. The `ated’ at the end rhymes with `hated’, waited’, and `fated’. The stress is on the second syllable `ma’. This is one way of pronouncing the word.

Someone who is `emaciated’ is very weak and thin.
Example: The emaciated child was unable to walk for more than a minute.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 18, 2006.

Which is correct? `My wife knows well that I can’t sing’ or `My wife knows that I can’t sing well’?

Both sentences are grammatically acceptable, but they don’t have the same meaning.

The first sentence suggests that your wife knows that you cannot sing. There is no doubt in her mind that you are not a singer. The second sentence suggests that your wife knows that you can sing — but not very well. In this case, you are a singer, but not a good one.
* You know well that I don’t play tennis. (You know that I don’t play tennis at all.)
* You know that I don’t play tennis well. (I can play tennis, but I am not very good at it.)

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 18, 2006.

Difference: ‘He cooked a good meal’ and `He cooked up a …..’

The result is the same in both cases — you end up eating a good meal! `Cook up’ suggests that the various dishes were prepared rather quickly, and at short notice. The expression is considered to be informal and has the same meaning as `rustle up’.
* My grandmother managed to cook up a decent meal for the guests who arrived unannounced. * My appointment has been cancelled. Think you’ll be able to rustle up something for lunch?

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 18, 2006.

MY NOTE: ‘Cooked up’  or ‘cook something up’ or ‘cook up something’ is used in informal context to mean to fabricate something. In other words, to invent something ( often dishonest or illegal) to produce a result you want.
Example:  Mr.X denied the allegations of corruption in the property deal and claimed it’s a cooked up story to malign his image.
Information Courtesy: The Free Dictionary
Idioms.thefreedictionary.com/cooked

How is the word `Renaissance’ pronounced?

The `e’ in the first syllable is like the `i’ in `bit’, `sit’, and `hit’; the `ai’ is like the `ay’ in `day’, `bay’, and `say’. The `a’ is pronounced like the `o’ in `lot’, `got’, and `hot’, and the final `ce’ is like the `ce’ in `dance’, `France’, and `chance’. The `ss’ sounds like the `s’ in `sit’, and the main stress is on the second syllable `nai’. This is one way of pronouncing the word.

The period between the 14th and 16th centuries is usually referred to as the `Renaissance’. The word means `rebirth’, and during this period, people in Europe began to take an active interest in art, literature, and science.
Renaissance is now used to talk about a rebirth of interest in some activity. For example, if you say that letter writing is experiencing a renaissance, what you mean is that people are taking an interest in it; letter writing is becoming popular again. Someone who shows a great a deal of interest in the arts and sciences and has a wide range of interests in other things is called a `Renaissance man’. He/she is someone who does a lot of different things very well.

* Ramanan is a writer, director, painter, and musician — a real Renaissance man
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 18, 2006.

`you’re nuts’

When somebody tells you that you are nuts, what they mean is that you are crazy. The expression is mostly used in informal contexts.
Examples:  Naresh wants to invest all his savings in the stock market. The guy is nuts, I tell you. * I wouldn’t go out with that guy if I were you. My friends tell me he’s nuts.

During the middle of the 19th century, the word `nut’ began to be used to refer to an individual’s head. This was because some people thought that there was a similarity between the shape of a nut and the shape of a human head! Another similarity they found was that the nut, like the human head, was hard — and the most important thing in both cases was contained inside and not outside! Whatever be the case, the head began to be referred to as a `nut’. Around this time, the expression `off one’s head’ was frequently used to mean `out of one’s mind; crazy’. As time went by, the word `head’ was replaced by `nut’ in the expression, and very soon the word `nut’ acquired the meaning `crazy’.
Anyone who was crazy was called `nuts’, and the hospital for people who had mental illness began to be called a `nut house’.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 18, 2006.

Difference between `emigrate’ and `immigrate’

In both cases the person is leaving the country, he was born in, and  he is moving to another country on a permanent basis. He plans to settle down there.

The word `emigrate’ is normally used to refer to the movement from a place. When the person leaves his country of origin, he is emigrating.
For example, when somebody is leaving India and moving to New Zealand, I can say  that he is emigrating from India to New Zealand.

The person who `immigrates’, moves to another country. In this case, you are talking about the movement in terms of the country the person is going to settle in.
Example: During the Second World War, lots of Germans immigrated to the United States.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 11, 2006.

hypochondriac’ and ‘Cyberchondriac’

A hypochondriac someone who constantly worries about his health. Although there may be nothing really wrong with him, he always imagines that there is something seriously wrong.  A hypochondriac is obsessed about his health. He has imaginary ailments.  Such people give doctors a tough time.
Examples: “Luckily, we don’t have a hypochondriac in our family.”

A cyberchondriac  is someone who gets all his medical information from the Internet or reads about the various diseases going around and imagines that he has them too.
Example: “I am told that my boss’ wife is a cyberchondriac.”
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 11, 2006.

‘Cut dead’

When someone cuts you dead, he or she just ignores you. The person may see you, but chooses not to acknowledge your presence. In other words, the person will look right through you. He will pretend you don’t exist.

For example: I tried to greet our friend Sujatha this morning, but she cut me dead. * Raja is acting crazy these days. This morning he cut my father dead. * The Manager was about to speak when the CEO cut her dead.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 11, 2006.

`git’

When you call another person a `git’, what you mean is that you dislike him because you find him annoying. The `g’ is like the `g’ in `get’ and `guess’, and the following `it’ is pronounced like the word `it’. `Git’ is used in British English in informal contexts to refer to a man.

Examples: *How could you have fallen in love with a git like him? *Tell the git standing over there to stop whistling.

The word is also used to mean `get’.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 04, 2006.

Is `pair of’ followed by a singular or plural verb?

You normally use `a pair of’ when you are talking about two things which are of the same size and which are used together – for example, shoes, gloves, etc. When used in this manner, it can be followed by a singular or a plural verb.

*The pair of gloves I liked was not for sale. *The man put on a pair of black shoes that were in the veranda.

But it is preferred to use singular verb rather than plural:
A pair of scissors is in the drawer. (NOT A pair of scissors are in the drawer.)

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 04, 2006.

`apropos’

First, let’s deal with the pronunciation. The `a’ sounds like the `a’ in `act’, cat’, and `hat’; the following `o’ is like the `a’ in `china’. The final `o’ is pronounced like the `oa’ in `coat’, `boat’, and `goat’; the `s’ is silent. The stress is on the final syllable.

The expression `apropos of’ is usually used to introduce a new subject, but one which is connected to what you were talking about earlier.

Example: I received a call from Priyanka last night — apropos of which, did you send her the paintings?

When you say that something is `apropos’, you mean that it is suitable for the situation.
Example: The Vice Chancellor’s remarks were very apropos.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 04, 2006.

How is the word `faux pas’ pronounced?

The `au’ in the first word is pronounced like the `oa’ in `coat’, `boat’, and `goat’; the following `x’ is silent. The `a’ in `pa’ is like `a’ in `cart’, `part’, and `dart’; the `s’ is silent. The main stress is on `pas’.

Faux pas comes from French, and it literally means `false step’. When you commit a faux pas you commit a social blunder. You violate certain accepted, though unwritten, social rule and in the process you end up doing something that is socially embarrassing. These unwritten rules vary from culture to culture.

For example, in India, it would be considered a faux pas to walk into someone’s kitchen or puja room with one’s shoes on. *The speaker apologised to the audience for his faux pas.

The word `faux’, which means false, is used quite frequently in the world of fashion and interior design. For example, people talk about `faux fur’ and `faux leather’ to mean `false fur’ and `false leather’. When someone says that he’s bought a `fauxlex’, what he means is that he has bought a `fake Rolex’!

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 04, 2006.

`sweep under the carpet’

When you sweep or brush something under the carpet, you attempt to hide something embarrassing from others. Instead of dealing with your problem, you try to keep it a secret. It is also possible to say `sweep something under the mat/rug’.

Examples: The Government has managed to sweep the cola controversy under the carpet. *The actor tried to sweep the embarrassing incident under the rug.
Where does this expression come from? What is it that lazy people normally do when they are asked to clean a carpeted room? They sweep around the carpet, and instead of bending down to collect the dust, they quietly sweep it under the carpet!

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 04, 2006.

‘top-drawer’

Top-drawer means top quality.

Examples: My cousin is on the lookout for a teacher who is top-drawer. * The college that my cousin’s children go to is top-drawer.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 29, 2006.

‘Touch base with someone’

To touch base with someone means to keep in touch with someone.

Examples:  Do you want me to touch base with you while you are in Thiruvananthapuram? * I think I want to be left in peace. I will touch base with you when I return.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 29, 2006.

‘couple of’

A `couple’ doesn’t have to mean two days. It could be more. If you say that you’ll be gone a couple of days, what you mean is that you will be gone for a few days. So when you say that a couple of shops were open, it can mean that more than two shops were open.

The word `couple’ is often used to mean two or more. In other words, a few shops were open, but not many.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 29, 2006.

‘something is not over till the fat lady sings’

It’s an expression mostly used in American English. When you say that something is not over till the fat lady sings, what you mean is that you can’t be sure of the result till the very end. Though you may seem as if you are losing, you might end up winning.

Example: We need to get 150 runs in 10 overs. As they say, it’s not over till the fat lady sings.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 29, 2006.

‘To snap out of something’

When you tell someone to snap out of something, what you mean is that you want them to get over it.

Example: When we lost the World Cup, many of my friends were very disappointed. It took them a while to snap out of it.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 29, 2006.

What is the killing of one’s brother called?

The killing of one’s brother is referred to as `fratricide’. The `a’ is pronounced like the `a’ in `pact’, `fact’, and `tact’; the following `i’ is like the `i’ in `sit’, `bit’, and `hit’. The final `cide’ is pronounced like the word `side’, and the stress is on the first syllable. This is one way of pronouncing the word. `Frater’ in Latin means `brother’ and `cida’ means `killer’. There are many words in English ending with the suffix `cide’. For example, the killing of one’s father is `patricide’. `Matricide’ is the killing of one’s mother, and when a parent kills his/her child, it’s called `filicide’. If you kill another human being it’s `homicide’, and when you kill yourself, it’s `suicide’.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 21, 2006.

`raise the bar’

The expression comes from the world of athletics. In high jump and pole-vault, when you clear a particular height, the horizontal bar is raised to a new level to see if you can jump even higher. Every time you clear the hurdle, the bar is raised, and you are set a new challenge. When you raise the bar for something, you raise the level; in other words, you set a higher standard.

Examples: The students went on strike because the Principal raised the bar for admission. *The CEO had to lower the bar in order to give his son the job

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 21, 2006.

Why do we say `five star hotel’ and not `five stars hotel’?

This is because `star’ is functioning as an adjective, and not as a noun. You can say that you saw `Five stars shining in the sky.’ But when a noun like hotel follows the word `star’, you say, `I had dinner in a three star hotel’. You do not say, `three stars hotel’. Similarly, you say, `I want five rupees’. But when the word `rupees’ is followed by the noun `coin’ or `note’, you say, `I need a five rupee coin/note’. You do not say, `five rupees note’. Joggers talk about a `twenty-mile marathon’, and not a `twenty miles marathon’.

How is the word `embarrass’ pronounced?

The first syllable is like the `im’ in `him’, `slim’, and `Kim’; the following `a’, which has the main stress, is pronounced like the `a’ in `cat’, `bat’, and `hat’. The final `a’ is like the `a’ in `china’. When you do something that you are ashamed of, you say that you are embarrassed by what you did. The word can also be used to mean nervous or uncomfortable.

Examples: Shantha gave an embarrassed smile when she spilt orange juice on her friend’s new carpet. *The questions that the psychiatrist asked embarrassed Jai’s daughter.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 21, 2006.

Difference between a `story’ and a `tale’.

Of the two, `story’ is the more general word. A story can be real or fictitious, and it can be written or oral. You can talk about a story that you read in the newspaper, or a story that your grandmother told you as a child. The newspaper story could be true, but the one that your grandmother told you could be made up. A story can be in the form of poetry or prose and it usually, not always, deals with a series of incidents in an individual’s life.

Examples: Listen, give me the facts. I don’t want to hear the story of your life. *After seeing the film, he went around telling the story to everyone.

Unlike a story, a `tale’ is usually fictitious; the word carries with it a sense of exaggeration. Tales, in general, deal with exciting, but imaginary events that took place in ancient times and in far off lands. For example, we talk about the tales of King Arthur and the Round Table.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 21, 2006.

’earful’

When you say that you got an earful from someone, you mean that the person spoke to you angrily for a long time.

Examples: The teacher gave the students an earful for not doing their homework.* When I came home late last week, my mother gave me an earful. * If you don’t return the Rs. 50 by tomorrow, you will get an earful from me.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 14, 2006.

‘Someone doesn’t suffer fools gladly’

When you say that someone doesn’t suffer fools gladly, what you mean is that the individual doesn’t tolerate stupidity.

Example: The lady who teaches us English is a wonderful teacher. But she doesn’t suffer fools gladly. * My uncle is a fair man, but he doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 14, 2006. 

‘Fools rush in where angels fear to tread’

It means inexperienced or ignorant people often do things without really thinking things through. They end up doing things which informed or experienced people would avoid.

Examples: Rajeev was keen on becoming the President of the Club. Now he feels he shouldn’t have contested. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 14, 2006. 

`dumbfounded’

When you’re dumbfounded by something, you’re extremely surprised or shocked by it. You’re more or less rendered speechless. For example, the newly appointed teacher stared dumbfounded as the children screamed at one other.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 14, 2006.

’pound of flesh’

When someone demands his/her pound of flesh, he/she wants something that he/she is entitled to. He/she wants it even though it might create problems for the person it is demanded from.
In other words, he/she ask for what is due to him/her, even though he/she knows it’s going to create problems for the other person.

For example, the family’s distress had absolutely no effect on the greedy moneylender. He was determined to get his pound of flesh.
The expression comes from Shakespeare’s, `The Merchant of Venice’.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 14, 2006.

Difference between `advisor’ and `adviser’

There is no difference in meaning between the two words. Both are used to refer to someone (usually an expert) whose job it is to advise other people. For example, film stars often consult financial advisers to find out what to do with their money. When they get into trouble, the stars consult a legal adviser. Most dictionaries that we get in India, list `adviser’ as the first choice, and `advisor’ as the second. This is because in British English the word is spelt `a..d..v..i..s..e..r’; `a..d..v..i..s..o..r’ is the way Americans spell the word. While surfing the net, one encounters `advisor’ much more frequently than `adviser’

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 07, 2006

`cross the bridge when you come to it’

This idiom is used to tell someone not to worry about things that may or may not happen in the future. Very often, when we come up with what we think is a good proposal, the prophets of doom in the office give us a detailed account of the things that could possibly go wrong. They take great delight in telling us why the project will fail, and they come up with all kinds of imaginary problems. In such a context, if you tell your detractors that you will cross the bridge when you come to it, what you mean is that you will deal with the various problems as and when they arise. You are not going to worry about them unnecessarily right now.

Examples: What if we run out of funding? We’ll cross the bridge when we come to it. *Mohan seemed unconcerned. He said that he would cross the bridge when he came to it.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 07, 2006

Which is correct? `A small percentage of the students is worked up about the fee hike’ or `A small percentage of the students are worked up……..’?

People who are fond of grammar would argue that when the word `percentage’ is preceded by the definite article `the’, then the verb is usually singular. It doesn’t really matter if the noun preceding the verb is singular or plural.
*The percentage of students from Delhi is relatively small.
Although the noun (`students’) is plural, the verb that follows (`is’) is singular.
*The percentage of people willing to participate keeps decreasing every year.

When you talk about `a percentage’, on the other hand, it can be followed by a singular or plural verb. It depends on the noun which follows `percentage’.
*A very small percentage of the students are from Delhi.
*I’m told that a small percentage of Padma’s income goes to charity.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 07, 2006 

`Nightmare’

Dreams can be pleasant or unpleasant. Nightmares, on the other hand, are always unpleasant. A frightening dream is usually called a nightmare. When you’ve had a nightmare, you wake up gasping for breath. The `mare’ in `nightmare’ has nothing to do with a female horse. The word comes from Old English `mare’ meaning `incubus’. An incubus, people believed, was an evil spirit which sat on a person’s chest while he slept — hence, the feeling of suffocation.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – August 07, 2006

‘Still waters run deep’

“You know who can help you with your physics problem? Mukund.”
“Mukund! He hardly opens his mouth. Gives the impression that he doesn’t know anything.”
“Still waters run deep, my friend.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It means that a quiet person may not be what he pretends to be. Just because someone remains quiet, doesn’t mean he has no knowledge of the subject matter. He could be very knowledgeable or very passionate about the subject.”
“The quiet person may be thinking important or deep thoughts. Surabhi has been very quiet of late. You know what they say, still waters run deep.”
 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – July 31, 2006

‘Know-it-all’/`know-all’

It’s an expression used to talk about someone who thinks he knows everything. In other words, a person who tries to impress people with his knowledge and ends up annoying them.
So when you refer to someone as a `know-it-all’, you are not really complimenting the person. You are, in fact, showing your disapproval.

Examples: I don’t wish to speak to that know-it-all. * “Saraswathi, the know-it-all in our family, told us to invest our funds in the stock market.

It’s also possible to say, `know-all’. They both have the same meaning.
Examples: Nobody really likes Chandra because she is such a know-all. * “Our class is full of know-alls.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – July 31, 2006

Synonym and antonyms for drunk and drunkard

Drunkard - one who drinks too much and,
drunk means who is intoxicated.

Drunkard
Synonyms: alcoholic, bacchanal, bacchanalian, barfly, bibber, boozer, carouser, debauchee, dipsomaniac, drinker, inebriate, lush, soak, sot, souse, sponge, stiff, tippler, toper, tosspot, wine-bibber, wino
Antonyms: abstainer, ascetic, nephalist, teetotaler

Drunk
Synonyms: alcoholic, boozer, carouser, dipsomaniac, drinker, guzzler, inebriate, lush*, sot, sponge, wino

Types of governments

To remember this you require to learn some greek roots. The root for government is crat / crac. See here for more on this. Another is arch which is also used.
Now for eg. what is xenocracy ?
xeno means foreign, cracy means rule, so xenocracy means rule by foreigners. Similarly others go. Here is the complete list:

Word	Definition
acracy	government by none; anarchy
adhocracy	government in an unstructured fashion; an unstructured organization
albocracy	government by white people(alb means white, remember disease albino)
anarchy	government by none
androcracy	government by men
anemocracy	government by the wind or by whim(whim means sudden idea, which cannot be explained.
angelocracy	government by angels
antarchy	opposition to government; anarchy
argentocracy	government by money(argent stands for silver)
aristarchy	government by the best
aristocracy	government by the nobility
arithmocracy	government by simple majority
autarchy	government by an absolute ruler
autocracy	government by one individual
barbarocracy	government by barbarians
beerocracy	government by brewers or brewing interests
bestiocracy	rule by beasts
biarchy	government by two people; diarchy
binarchy	government by two people; diarchy
bureaucracy	government by civil servants
cannonarchy	government by superior firepower or by cannons
capelocracy	government by shopkeepers
chiliarchy	government by one thousand people
chirocracy	government by physical force
chromatocracy	government by rulers of a particular skin colour
chrysoaristocracy	government by the wealthy; plutocracy
chrysocracy	government by the wealthy; plutocracy
corpocracy	government by corporate bureaucrats
cosmarchy	rulership over the entire world, esp. by the devil
cottonocracy	government by those involved in the cotton trade
cryptarchy	secret rulership
decadarchy	government by ten individuals; decarchy
decarchy	government by ten individuals
demarchy	government by the people; popular government
democracy	government by the people
demonarchy	government by a demon
demonocracy	government by demons or evil forces
despotocracy	government by despots or tyrants
diabolocracy	government by the Devil
diarchy	government by two people
dinarchy	government by two people; diarchy
dodecarchy	government by twelve people
doulocracy	government by slaves
duarchy	government by two people; diarchy
dulocracy	government by slaves; doulocracy
dyarchy	government by two people; diarchy
ecclesiarchy	government by clerics or ecclesiastical authorities
endarchy	centralised government
ergatocracy	government by the workers or the working class
ethnarchy	government over an ethnic group
ethnocracy	government by an ethnic group or race
exarchy	government by bishops
foolocracy	government by fools
gerontocracy	government by the aged
gunarchy	government by women; gynarchy
gymnasiarchy	government over a school or academy
gynaecocracy	government by women; gynarchy
gynarchy	government by women
gynocracy	government by women; gynarchy
hagiarchy	government by saints or holy persons
hagiocracy	government by holy men
hamarchy	government by a cooperative body of parts
hecatarchy	government by one hundred people; hecatontarchy
hecatontarchy	government by one hundred people
hendecarchy	government by eleven people
heptarchy	government by seven people
heroarchy	government by heroes
hetaerocracy	government by paramours
heterarchy	government by a foreign ruler
hierarchy	government by a ranked body; government by priests
hierocracy	government by priests or religious ministers
hipparchy	rule or control of horses
hoplarchy	government by the military
hyperanarchy	condition of extreme anarchy
hyperarchy	excessive government
iatrarchy	government by physicians
idiocracy	personal rule; self-rule
infantocracy	government by an infant
isocracy	equal political power
jesuitocracy	government by Jesuits
juntocracy	government by a junta
kakistocracy	government by the worst
kleptocracy	government by thieves
kritarchy	government by judges
landocracy	government by the propertied class; timocracy
logocracy	government of words
matriarchy	government by women or mothers
meritocracy	government by the meritorious
merocracy	government by a part of the citizenry
mesocracy	government by the middle classes
metrocracy	government by mothers or women; matriarchy
millionocracy	government by millionaires
millocracy	government by mill owners
mobocracy	government by mobs or crowds
monarchy	government by one individual
moneyocracy	government by the monied classes
monocracy	government by one individual
myriarchy	government by ten thousand individuals
narcokleptocracy	government by those who profit from trade in illegal drugs
navarchy	rulership over the seas
neocracy	government by new or inexperienced rulers
nomocracy	government based on legal system; rule of law
ochlocracy	government by mobs
octarchy	government by eight people
oligarchy	government by the few
paedarchy	government by children
paedocracy	government by children; paedarchy
panarchy	universal rule or dominion
pantarchy	government by all the people; world government
pantisocracy	government by all equally
paparchy	government by the pope
papyrocracy	government by newspapers or literature
parsonarchy	government by parsons
partocracy	government by a single unopposed political party
patriarchy	government by men or fathers
pedantocracy	government by pedants or strict rule-bound scholars
pentarchy	government by five individuals
phallocracy	government by men
philosophocracy	government by philosophers
phylarchy	government by a specific class or tribe
physiocracy	government according to natural laws or principles
pigmentocracy	government by those of one skin colour
plantocracy	government by plantation owners
plousiocracy	government by the wealthy; plutocracy
plutarchy	government by the wealthy; plutocracy
plutocracy	government by the wealthy
polarchy	government by many people; polyarchy
policeocracy	government by police
pollarchy	government by the multitude or a mob; ochlocracy
polyarchy	government by many people
polycracy	government by many rulers; polyarchy
popocracy	government by populists
pornocracy	government by harlots
prophetocracy	government by a prophet
psephocracy	government resulting from election by ballot
ptochocracy	government by beggars or paupers; wholesale pauperization
punditocracy	government by political pundits
quangocracy	rule of quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations
rotocracy	government by those who control rotten boroughs
septarchy	government by seven rulers; heptarchy
shopocracy	government by shopkeepers
slavocracy	government by slave-owners
snobocracy	government by snobs
sociocracy	government by society as a whole
squarsonocracy	government by landholding clergymen
squatterarchy	government by squatters; squattocracy
squattocracy	government by squatters
squirearchy	government by squires
squirocracy	government by squires; squirearchy
statocracy	government by the state alone, without ecclesiastical influence
stratarchy	rulership over an army
stratocracy	military rule or despotism
strumpetocracy	government by strumpets
synarchy	joint sovereignty
technocracy	government by technical experts
tetradarchy	government by four people; tetrarchy
tetrarchy	government by four people
thalassiarchy	sovereignty of the seas; thalassocracy
thalassocracy	sovereignty of the seas
thearchy	rule by a god or gods; body of divine rulers
theatrocracy	goverment by gathered assemblies of citizens
theocracy	government by priests or by religious law
timarchy	government by the propertied class; timocracy
timocracy	government by the propertied class
triarchy	government by three people
tritarchy	government by three people; triarchy
tritheocracy	government by three gods
whiggarchy	government by Whigs
xenocracy	government by a body of foreigners

So learning the first root will help, if you know the suffix root.

Noun : Number

Singular Noun Definition:  When a noun means one only, it is said to be singular.
Examples:  boy, girl, book, church, box
Plural Noun Definition:  When a noun means more than one, it is said to be plural.
Examples:  boys, girls, books, churches, temples
Rule #1
The plural of nouns is usually formed by adding - s to a singular noun.
Exercise:  Write the plural of each of these nouns



Rule #2
Nouns ending in s, z, x, sh, and ch form the plural by adding - es.
Special Note:
If you add - s to such nouns as fox, bush, and bench, you will find that you cannot pronounce them without making an additional syllable.  This is why such nouns form the plural by adding - es.


Rule #3
Nouns ending in - y preceded by a consonant is formed into a plural by changing - y to - ies.  But this has exception, see rule #4 for that.
Examples:  lady, ladies; city, cities; army, armies

Rule #4
Nouns ending in y preceded by a vowel form their plurals by adding - s.
Example:  boy, boys; day, days



Rule #5
Most nouns ending in o preceded by a consonant is formed into a plural by adding es.  Example:  hero; heroes; grotto, grottoes

*may add - s or - es


Special Note:
Most nouns ending in o preceded by a vowel is formed into a plural by adding - s.
Example:  folio, folios; cameo; cameos; studio, studios; portfolio, portfolios

Rule #6
Some nouns ending in f or fe are made plural by changing f or fe to - ves.
Example:  beef, beeves; wife, wives

The following form their plurals by adding - s.

chief, chiefs	fife, fifes	mischief, mischiefs	hoof, hoofs
roof, roofs	grief, griefs	kerchief, kerchiefs	safe, safes

IRREGULAR PLURALS

man, men	foot, feet	mouse, mice
woman, women	tooth, teeth	louse, lice
child, children	ox, oxen	goose, geese

The following nouns have no singular:

scissors	oats	tongs	dregs
trousers	pinchers	bellows	snuffers
cattle	shears	measles	mumps
victuals	tweezers	vespers

Some nouns are always singular.  Some of these nouns may be used in the  plural when different kinds are meant as sugars, coffees, cottons

gold	silver	wheat	corn
molasses	copper	sugar	cotton

Singular nouns use this and that.
Plural nouns use these and those.

Noun : Gender

In general there is no distinction between masculine, feminine and neuter in English nouns. However, gender is sometimes shown by different forms or different words.

Ways of forming masculine and feminine pairs:
There are three ways of forming the Feminine of Nouns:

(1) By using an entirely different word:
eg. Boy - Girl

(2) By adding a syllable (-ess, -ine, -trix, -a, etc) as,
Baron - Baroness

(3)  By placing a word before or after as:
grandfather - grandmother

(1) By using an entirely different word:

(2) By adding a syllable :
ess is used for many words, eg. governor goes to governess ... and so on, but there are other like trix or adding a. So let's see how it is done:
(a.) -trix, in a few Nouns taken directly from the Latin: as,-
Masculine               Feminine
administrator            administratrix
executor                   executrix
testator                     testatrix

(b) -en, an old feminine suffix of which only one pure English example remains : vix-en (0. E. fixen ; Germ. fuchsin), she-fox; hence, a spiteful woman.
To this head belong also-
Masculine            Feminine
hero                      heroine (Greek)
landgrave              landgravine (German)
margrave               margravine (German)
comedian              comedienne (French)

(c.) -ster, an old English ending, of which only one example is now in use as feminine : spin-ster-(lit.she that spins; viz. with the spinning-wheel); an unmarried woman.   Also song-ster was originally feminine, so that song-str-ess has two feminine endings. In like manner semp-str-ess from the verb seam, has two feminine endings.

Note. But (the termination -ster came to be used as a masculine. This appears in such old words as brewster, huckster, maltster, tapster.

(d.) -a in a few Romance words:-
Masculine                        Feminine
don                                   donna (Italian)
infant                                 infanta(Spanish)
signor                               signora (Italian)
So- sultan                     sultana

‘Coming out of ears’

When you say that someone has something coming out of his ears, what you mean is that the person has lots of it.

Examples: If it is tax forms you want, ask Devidas. He’s got forms coming out of his ears. * If you want pictures of Brett Lee, ask Ananya. She’s got them coming out of her ears. * If it’s an Asterix comic that you want, ask Bala. He’s got them coming out of his ears.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – July 31, 2006

`Okey dokey’

Pronunciation: The `o’ in the two words is pronounced like the `o’ in `go’, `no’, and `so’. The following syllable is pronounced like the word `key’. The stress is on the first syllable of the two words.

 `Okey dokey’ is a very informal way of saying O.K. When someone says, `please give me Rs. 50′, you can respond by saying, `Okey dokey’.

 The expression is not used in formal contexts.

 Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – July 31, 2006

`Utopian’

The word `utopia’ comes from the Greek `ou’ and `topos’ meaning `nowhere’; in other words, it is a place that doesn’t exist.

Utopia is an imaginary island created by Sir Thomas More in his book written in 1516. The happy inhabitants of this make-believe island enjoyed near perfect living conditions; they had the perfect social and political systems. Nowadays, when you say that a person is `utopian’, what you mean is that he always aims for something that is impossible to achieve. When you dismiss someone’s plan as being `utopian’, you are ridiculing it because you believe that it is unrealistic. Utopian has acquired a negative meaning.
Examples:  Padma, like her father, was pursuing a utopian dream of world peace. *The singer was truly utopian. He believed that countries could exist without borders.
Samuel Butler wrote a novel in 1872 called `Erehwon’ in which he made fun of utopian concepts. `Erehwon’ is actually `nowhere’ spelt backwards!

Source: ‘Know Your English’ ( The Hindu) – July 24, 2006

Proved vs Proven

“Proved" or "proven" is another one of those sets of words journalists, writers and speakers mix up constantly. While the use or should I say the misuse of these two words will not greatly affect the lives of most people, it's the responsibility of aspiring writers and professional writers, however, to know the difference.

Understand that both "proved and proven" are noted by some dictionaries as past participles of "prove."
Professional writers take a more particular view of the use of these words. But you can use whichever word sounds and works the best for you, Just be sure to use "proven" for the adjectives.

Example: "She used a proven method."


Know that "proved" is the current choice for the past participle of the verb "prove."
An example: The child has proved his strengths in numbers.


You may notice that journalist use "proven" as an adjective in journalism always.
"Proven" is not used as a past participle in journalism.


Apply the rules for predicate adjective in a linking verb construction as well by using "proven." Use "proven" as an adjective that modifies another word as in the following example: The child's ability to add has been proven. "Proven" modifies "ability;" it is not a part of the verb.


Be a careful writer when using "proved" and/or "proven" if you are a journalist where rules reign. But for most of us, we can use either word as a past participle if it applies. But remember to use "proven" as the adjective in all cases, just to be on the safe side.

13 rules to using Apostrophes

Rule 1. Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed.
Examples: don't, isn't
You're right.
She's a great teacher.

Rule 2. Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the s to show singular possession.
Examples: one boy's hat
one woman's hat
one actress's hat
one child's hat
Ms. Chang's house
NOTE: Although names ending in s or an s sound are not required to have the second s added in possessive form, it is preferred.
Mr. Jones's golf clubs
Texas's weather
Ms. Straus's daughter
Jose Sanchez's artwork
Dr. Hastings's appointment (name is Hastings)
Mrs. Lees's books (name is Lees)

Rule 3. Use the apostrophe where the noun that should follow is implied.
Example: This was his father's, not his, jacket.


Rule 4. To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe.
Examples: two boys' hats
two women's hats
two actresses' hats
two children's hats
the Changs' house
the Joneses' golf clubs
the Strauses' daughter
the Sanchezes' artwork
the Hastingses' appointment
the Leeses' books

Rule 5. Do not use an apostrophe for the plural of a name.
Examples: We visited the Sanchezes in Los Angeles.
The Changs have two cats and a dog.

Rule 6. With a singular compound noun, show possession with 's at the end of the word.
Example: my mother-in-law's hat

Rule 7. If the compound noun is plural, form the plural first and then
use the apostrophe.
Example: my two brothers-in-law's hats

Rule 8. Use the apostrophe and s after the second name only if two people possess the same item.
Examples:
Cesar and Maribel's home is constructed of redwood.

Cesar's and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed next year. (Indicates separate ownership.)
Cesar and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed next year. (Indicates joint ownership of more than one contract.)

Rule 9. Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose. They already show possession so they do not require an apostrophe.

Examples:This book is hers, not yours.
Incorrect: Sincerely your's.

Rule 10. The only time an apostrophe is used for it's is when it is a contraction for it is or it has.
Examples: It's a nice day.
It's your right to refuse the invitation.
It's been great getting to know you.

Rule 11. The plurals for capital letters and numbers used as nouns are not formed with apostrophes.

Examples:She consulted with three M.D.s.
BUT
She went to three M.D.s' offices.
The apostrophe is needed here to show plural possessive.
She learned her ABCs.
the 1990s not the 1990's
the '90s or the mid-'70s not the '90's or the mid-'70's

She learned her times tables for 6s and 7s.
Exception: Use apostrophes with capital letters and numbers when the meaning would be unclear otherwise.
Examples: Please dot your i's.
You don't mean is.
Ted couldn't distinguish between her 6's and 0's.
You don't mean Os.

Rule 12. Use the possessive case in front of a gerund (-ing word).
Examples: Alex's skating was a joy to behold.
This does not stop Joan's inspecting of our facilities
next Thursday.

Rule 13. If the gerund has a pronoun in front of it, use the possessive form
of that pronoun.
Examples: I appreciate your inviting me to dinner.
I appreciated his working with me to resolve the conflict.

pore and pour

Pore: intransitive verb; : to gaze intently, to read or study attentively —usually used with over,
to reflect or meditate steadily.

She will pore over the book to get ready for the test.

Pour: transitive verb; to cause to flow in a stream, to dispense from a container
to supply or produce freely or copiously
to give full expression to : vent

intransitive verb; to move with a continuous flow , to rain hard, to move or come continuously, stream
to score easily or freely (as in basketball) —used with in

The waiter will pour drinks for the guest while we serve the food.

Did the rain pour down hard in your area?

Beside and Besides

Take a close look at these words and notice that one has a "s" on the end which changes the meaning.

Beside: preposition, near, next to, at the side of

I will stand beside you through good times or bad.
She stood beside the fence gate.

Besides: in addition to, apart from, except
It was the most popular book ever written, besides the Bible.
Everyone besides Anna wanted to go swimming.

Can the word `doctor’ be used as a verb?

Yes, it can. When someone `doctors’ something, he makes some changes in it in order to deceive people. For example, companies, in order to show a huge profit, sometimes change the figures in their accounts. They do this in the hope that their share prices will go up. This practice of changing figures dishonestly is called doctoring.

*These reports suggest that it was the Professor who doctored the figures. *According to the film star, her ex-husband doctored the photographs.
When someone doctors your drink or food, they spice it up with a little bit of poison!
*The police suspect that it was the partner who doctored the drink. *The dog’s food had been doctored.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ ( The Hindu) – July 24, 2006

Crime and punishment related vocabulary

Crime - Crimes

arson

assault

blackmail

burglary

fraud

hijacking

hooliganism

kidnapping

mugging

Crime - Criminals

mugger

murderer

robber

shoplifter

smuggler

terrorist

thief

vandal

Crime - Justice System

appeal

barrister

caution

cell

community service

court

court case

death penalty

defense

fine

gaol, jail

guilty

imprisonment

innocent

judge

jury

justice

lawyer

offence

sentence

prison

probation

prosecution

punishment

capital punishment

corporal punishment

remand home

solicitor

trial

verdict

witness

Crime - Verbs

arrest

ban

break in

break out

break the law

burgle

charge

commit a crime

escape

get away

get away with

hold up

investigate

rob

steal

Crime - Other Related Words

alibi

armed

burglar

car alarm

alarm

legal

illegal

store detective

private detective

weapon