Discussion Groups / English Usage / November 2006

It was announced tonight that Nick Clarke, a popular performer on BBC
Radio 4, has died of cancer. As well as presenting the World at One,
Clarke also chaired Any Questions and Any Answers when Jonathan
Dimbleby was away, the Round Britain Quiz and the debate series Straw

I will
1. Follow my convictions
2. Build confidence
3. Show determination

I've heard people talking of no-win situations and win-win situations. But
is there anything like a lose-lost situation?
thanks in advance!
Klaus

What do you call people who don't miss any lecture, seminar, big
opening, etc, but only because they are interested in free food&booze
and not in the show/lecture?

Seen in
<http://uk.news.yahoo.com/16112006/325/free-range-egg-labels-face
-criminal-probe.html>
"About 90 percent of British eggs are produced by domestic hens,

[Not OT 'cause it's about food]
    The World Pie Eating Championship -- not previously known for
    its adherence to the principles of healthy eating -- has been
    rocked by new rules designed to help the fight against

Is it bad to call some one an /arse/? :)
Not as bad as an /a.s/, I guess?

Quick straw poll:  do you pronounce the fourth syllable as "tawl" or
"thawl"?

Which is correct to use at the beginning of a letter,"To whom it may be
concerned" or "To whom it may  concern"?
we just had a debate on it .
Thanks

Could you please tell me the exact meaning of this expression and
where it comes from?
"cheers and tigers"
as in, for instance,  "with many rousing cheers and tigers for the good

I have lived in this house since  60-th
OR:
I have been living in this house since 60-th.
OR:

I have checked the dictiionary, and find there is a thin line between
"surroundings" and "environment," which is sometimes very confusing.
Recently I read a sentence in a cloze test and find it difficult to
explain the difference between these two words. Please offer your

If I say in a letter, "But do I think I will find myself in a
relationship of good friends with anybody there."  I suppose you don't
put a question mark after this.
"But do you think I will find myself in a relationship of good friends

Is the term "field modification" a standard term in one or more
engineering disciplines or otherwise, and, if so, how would you define it
(I assume it means "modification in the field" rather than, I suppose, on
the premises of the manufacturer or other originator of the thing in ...

I read a sentence from a cloze test, and I was wondering if there was
another answer to this question.  The sentence is read as below:
To my surprise, when my speech ended, the large room was vibrating with
applause.  Looking out on the audience, I knew all my efforts did __ --