Discussion Groups / English Usage / February 2007

can anybody describe what does the verb "to be" really mean.  you see
it a lot in the grammar books.
can you give examples?
thanks,

Ok, that's a lie.
I don't have a donkey.
However, if I had one, I bet he'd want to fist it.

Do any others here share my distaste for the practice of using "home" when
"house" is the correct word to use?  Contractors and real estate agents
seem particularly prone to the practice; implying that a "home" can be
bought with money.  I wonder how long before the onslaught of ...

Google tells me that
"That is the history"
and
"This is the history"

My name be Eboneesha, an African-American girl who just got an
award for being the best speler in class. I got 57% on the speling
test and 30 points for being black, 10 points for not bringing drugs
into class, 10 points for not bringing guns into class, and 10 points

Last Revised 2007-02-08 (8 Feb 2007)
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What is the term that stands for words like bitter-sweet, sweet-misery?
please help. Thanks

Please come to my site and ask me any question about the English
language and British culture.
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It also has 'Phrase of the Day', 'Common Mistakes', British accents

I have read statements in the press that state: "No conflict of
interest occurred."
This sort of statement is accepting the following definition of
'conflict of interest': "A situation in which a public official's

Here in the U.S., the Interstate Highway System generally has a sign over
the exit lane stating "Right Lane Must Exit". While driving through New
Jersey last month, I saw exit signs which said "Use Right Lane For Exit
Only". I thought it seemed more polite than the usual command, ...

Ok, that's a lie.
Steve Terry has never licked a clitoris.
A penis maybe, but never a clitoris.

I wanna jizz in his eye.

Why do rhotic people insert an R sound into Colonel? As there is no R in it,
would it not be better to pronounce it as non-rhotic Kernel? I think the IPA
is /k3:n@l/ but I'm not sure.
Cheers,

A few days ago, I saw a headline about adding "ic" to Democrat.
I don't get it how this became a big deal.
Could someone explain to me about this fuss?
Craig

How would you describe the accent of the lady with the red shirt?
http://video.tinypic.com/player.php?v=4ifwen7