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Frankenstorm: A hurricane and winter storm hybrid, involving a “monster” combination of high winds, heavy rain, extreme tides and snow. A frankenstorm carries with it a risk of fatalities, power outages and severe property damage. Remember Sandy? That was a frankenstorm. Here’s how it is used: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/10/26/frankenstorm-us-canada-sandy.html
When do we use alternate and when do we use alternative? We use ‘alternate’ or ‘alternately’ to mean ‘every second one of something’, or ‘in turns’. But ‘alternative’ or ‘alternatively’ is similar in meaning to ‘different’, ‘instead’ or ‘on the other hand.’ Compare: My daughter spends alternate weekends with her grandparents. Sorry I won’t be … Continue reading
Can and be able often mean the same: ability. Example: Some people are able to/can walk on their hands. So when do we use can and when do we use be able? We use can to mean ‘know how to.’ We use it to mean what people or things are able to do (or unable to do) because of their … Continue reading
‘On time’ means ‘at the planned time’; that is, neither too early nor too late. The opposite is ‘early’ or ‘late.’ It is often used to refer to timetabled events. Example: I just checked with the airport; the flight is on time. I want the meeting to start exactly on time. ‘In time’ means ‘with … Continue reading
During is used to say ‘when’ something happens; for is used to say ‘how long it lasts.’ Example: I was in London during the summer. I was in London for six weeks. It rained during the night for two or three hours. We use both during and in to say that something happens inside a particular period of … Continue reading
We use except for before noun phrases. Example: The classroom was empty except for a little boy at the back of the room. We also often use except (for) after generalizing words like ‘all’ ‘any’ ‘every’ ‘no’ ‘everything’ ‘anybody’ ‘nowhere’ ‘nobody’ ‘whole’. Example: He ate everything on his plate except (for) the spinach. Nobody came … Continue reading
angry I woke up to the angry voices of my parents arguing in their room. furious The minister’s comment provoked furious arguments among members of the opposition party in the parliament. stormy After a long and sometimes stormy discussion, the board finally made a decision. heated The gun control issue continues to be the subject … Continue reading
shoulder surfer: One who watches another person do something (such as use a computer or ATM or fill out a form) to obtain private information. See how it has been used here: http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/shousurf.htm
The words besides, except and apart from are sometimes confused. Here’s a note on how to use each of these properly: ‘besides’ usually adds; it is like saying ‘with’ or ‘plus.’ Example: Besides English and French, he can also speak Spanish. [He speaks three languages] ‘except’ substracts; it is like saying ‘without’ or ‘minus.’ Example: … Continue reading
To mean ‘a little angry’: I. Words to express anger: mad (+at/+about) Our new teacher got mad when she realized that none of us have finished our homework. Little Robin was mad at his mother for being put to bed when his other siblings were still playing. I don’t know what he is mad about. … Continue reading
English Notes 