Discussion Groups / English Usage / February 2007

I've always wondered why we need the word 'germane' when we have
'relevant' and 'pertinent'
English, of course, is rife with synonyms, i.e words that have nearly
-- but not quite -- the same meaning or words that mean the same but

Happiness is a common goal that everyone strives to attain.
Philosophers, intellectuals, doctors and artists alike have all
strived in search of the causes of happiness and ways to escape
anxiety.

Here's what I read on a book.
The bus stopped at the top of the hill. "Here you are," said the
driver. "Out you get."
Does that "Out you get" means "Get out"?

What do you consider to be proper:
What is the average size book?
or
What is the average sized book?

The spell-checker made me question this.
It is, I think, usual to distinguish between "reparable" and
"repairable" (the former to do with reparations, the latter with
physical repair).

I don't make light of last night's derailment in northern England, after
which at least one person has died. But I am prepared to mock the radio,
which earlier today said the driver had been "praised for trying to
steer the train to safety".

Greetings everyone -
I appreciate all the help with my question regarding "size vs. sized."
I have another question.
There will be considerably less debate, I'm sure.  I'd really

The following is extracted from
http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Talk:Harry_S._Truman :

[Apologies in advance.]
Just received in my email:
God Said, "Adam, I want you to do something for me."
Adam said, "Gladly, Lord, what do You want me to do?"

Please see the following sentence:
As Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Texas Pacific Group tie up the world's
largest ever private-equity deal with a $45 billion (including debt)
takeover of TXU, a Texas energy firm, expect a little more.

In this context, there are many 'score' which are arranged
as shown below. I wonder if the sentence is right.
The total score of overall motivation factors is 42, the
score of the teachers¡¯ sense of achievement in their

A discourse on the supreme compassion of the Holy Prophet( peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him) :
< Surely, a Messenger has come unto you from among yourselves;
grievous to him is that you should fall into trouble; (he) is ardently

People have asked me this, and it's funny, since "commuting" would
include driving to work.  But people think it only means taking public
transportation.  Have you noticed this usage also?

I'm taking a class on effective writing at the university of phoenix
online.  They go over a quick outline of the whole process within the
entire book in the first chapter.  I've outlined it here because I
know some writers might be able to comment on it and share insight

Here's a little test to see if you're smart or stu^H^H^H not.
Or maybe it's a test to see how *quick* you are -- there's not much time
to mull over the questions.
I'm smarter than average, by the way.