By Spelling, Constructions

Your instinct is right--the phrase refers to "last year's figure" but the word "figure" is understood and so dropped. So grammatically the spelling should be year's. However, it has become common especially in conversationto drop the 's, and that has slipped into...

You may want to read the U.S. Labor Department site's description of "the nature of the work" of an iron worker at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos215.htm Note that the official spelling at that site is ironworker. It begins thus: "Structural and reinforcing iron and metal...

I've found the following, which answers the question. AskOxford: Can 'cannot' also be written as two words 'can not'? Both cannot and can not are acceptable spellings, but the first is much more usual. You would use can not when the 'not' forms part of another construction...

Your construction is logical....unfortunately the English language is not logical.....the grammar of German and the spelling of French have made it one of the most difficult languages to learn in the entire world.........this is my suggestion......... All his efforts were in vain.....or...

Don't you already have to have a law degree to get an LLM? If so, shouldn't you mention that? Don't start with your mother, start with YOU. I want to pursue an LLM in European law for a number of reasons. I have grown up with an international perspective... . I know that your institution is the...

G'day Anon, Sentence 1. Parents' heads is the correct construction. Parents' indicates plurality. Sentence 2. I can see no difference. Stannum

Phew, I didn't get scolded much, I see! I perfectly understand whay you, CB, and MrPedantic are saying. But I see that we disagree on some points mainly because we are considering the same things form completely different point of views. So in the end it's ok if we disagree! I noticed MrP said:...

Francesca wrote:For example: the word 'plus' is Latin, so it must be pronounced as 'pl-oo-s', at least in Italy! Most people pronounce it in the English way, because they really think it's an English word or simply that the English pronounciation is better Hi FrancescaMost interesting! As I am...

Hello H., First of all, my advice is always to take GG's advice – except when she says to take my advice. On to your answers: 4. Sorry, my comment was unclear. I meant it might be better to "rephrase your answer, so as to avoid the "It's X that Y" construction. 6. Sorry, I was unclear again....

Beare 1 Torey Beare Mrs. Williams English III P.6 February 18 2007 Henry Ford Henry Ford’s greatest contributions...