Try not to use a universal quantifier ( all, every, both , etc.) associated with a subject combined with a negative verb. It creates ambiguity. Both of her parents are not home. Neither is at home? Or only one, but not both, of them is at home?

Both is not needed. "Kate's parents aren't home" is perfectly clear as is. Both assumes two and parents assumes two. Yes, you could also say "Neither of Kate's parents is home." (Do not use neither with not -- this

hi,"the terms you use are "coined phrases" not frequently used by the average English speaker,or the speaker of average english, however there is a practical approach to the usage of English, i.e. it is more than likely that 98% of

Is the usage of the phrase "Dish fit for Gods" used for just food items or anything of good quality? Btw, does the word sedulous have a negative meaning in British English? Thanks a lot!

<< Can "No, she seldom is" be used for #3? >> Technically, it can; but it's not idiomatic. To use it in this way would be rude, implying that the questioner has asked the wrong question. If this exchange occurred between

I just want to weigh in on this discussion and say that "Jew" is also a verb Hmm, it's not in Merriam Webster. But it's on thefreedictionary.com, which means it should be in The American Heritage Dictionary or something. So I

Hello. I would like to ask a question about the meaning of "spite" in "in spite of". I have an english dictionary in which the meaing of "in spite of" is written as in spite of: And I also found the

I'm a native speaker but not a grammarian, but I will try to help. 1) "Are they?" means the speaker is asking whether things are still hectic or not. His friend has said he's still at work; the speaker assumes that things must

Hi, I am transcribing medical dictation: "He has a negative Tinel's at the elbow or wrist and a negative Phalen's or elbow flexion test." My question is - is the usage of or here correct; shouldn't it be and ?

Imid, I need a certain explanation why some sounds natural and others does not. I don't want to dowse your enthusiasm. Beside a persistent learning attitude, it will require constant usage and exposure to English to get a sense of what