Is the notion that "ever" has a challenging element in these questions an incorrect perception? No. That perception is correct. It's just that in my answers I don't like to get into the more advanced or unusual usage until

Just google for different usages of 'would'.

Dear friend, but is sometimes used to mean 'only', and this usage is considered formal, eg ...Napoleon and Marie Antoinette, to name but two who had stayed in the great state rooms. Respectfully, Gleb Chebrikoff

1. He took lodging in his parents' house due to high rent rates. "Sought lodging" would be less odd that "took lodging," under the circumstances, but it's not very current

I hear "take up lodging" as the beginning of an indefinite stay, possibly long term. "Take lodging," except with birds and other critters, strikes me as very temporary: "We took lodging for the night." Hi, Avangi

That's an interesting point you've made. I never looked at it that way. I think I understand you. (like you must be sober to drive and you must be careful in driving) Thanks for expatiating on it! (Prepositions are treacherous.)

In passing, could you tell me if there's any significant difference between "take lodging" and "take up lodging" ? I agree with Khoff, except for the the birds' selectivity. It may well be the case, but I don't hear

Is as well as considered a parenthical phrase? Should it be set off with commas? Thanks! My non-linguistic view thinks not. I may be wrong but one of the "as well as" usages has a prepositional property which is typically

It may seem like we have a team of dead horses here. We can apply a lot of virtuous adjectives to the process of preparing for an exam. You must be diligent / persevering / thorough in preparing for the exam. (Perhaps you're normally a lazy,

Thanks, Khoff! In passing, could you tell me if there's any significant difference between "take lodging" and "take up lodging" ?