Discussion Groups / English Usage / May 2007

For years I've heard the word 'responsibility' equated with 'response-
ability', i.e. the ability to respond. This definition is given
frequently in what some call 'new age' groups. I've never been
comfortable with this definition, but I don't know how to find out if

The patrician mansion was build in the 11th century, when/as Venice
was a flourishing trade center in the south of Europe.
Which of the 2 conjuctions is more appropriate here, when or as ?
Thanks!

What's the a name for the figure of speech/rhetorical device where a
statement illustrates what it proscribes?
I'm thinking of something like "Don't anthropomorphise cats:  they
hate it when you do that".

What is the difference, if any, between "blah-blah-blah" and "yakety-
yakety-yak"?

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The Imus firing signals a sea change for freedom of speech in America.
Freedom of speech should protect racist speech, sexist speech, class
speech, ect. the first admendment should be applied to the larger
culture. Imus's remarks over time are mild enough to be tolerated.

could anyone tell me if this sentence is correct: "It  foreshadows
what happens later.
Thanks a lot.
Klaus-Dieter

I read this sentence from the book "tuesdays with Morrie," but I am
not quite sure of what it means. What does a fifth gear refer to?
Would you help me with this. Thanks in advance. Take care,
Gloria

Who am I?Is it a ture question?I can't understand the meaning of it.

I was taught from an early age that when there is a consonant,
regardless of phonics, one uses "a". If there is a vowel, one uses
"an" before. This often flies in the face of the sound "a MP4," or
"a NEWT".

I don't know why the writer used "what count" here. I thought we
should use "what counts" instead. Or there is another rule that I
don't know. Here is the context for your reference.
However, unlike the real world, your knowledge about a person is

Should George Soro's be allowed to control the democratic party?

School newspaper editorial prompts teacher transfer
POSTED: 11:18 a.m. EDT, April 27, 2007
WOODBURN, Indiana (AP) -- A high school teacher who faced losing her
job after a student newspaper published an editorial advocating

There was much work awaiting her, for the children had left a sad
disorder behind them; but she did not at once set about the task of
righting it. She gave one slow glance through the room, and then let
her head fall down upon her bended arm, and began to cry. ON, BUT SHE

I came across this weird looking sentence:
"As many children as came were given some cakes."
Is it correct?
Thanks,