pronunciation - Is "forte" pronounced "fort" or "for-tay"? - English ...
Aug 21, 2010 · Summary: The confusion may come from 'forte' as used in music for strong or loud, which is definitely pronounced 'for tay' = /ˈfɔr teɪ/. In French, the same letters are pronounced 'fort' = …
Is it "are" or "is" when the noun is plural after a gerund?
Playing shooting games are/is my forte. Watching movies is/are fun. Reading books is or are good for you. Do we use is or are for these sentences?
Is "forth and back" more proper than "back and forth"?
Aug 3, 2012 · "Back and forth" is the more correct idiom, because, well, that's the idiom. There's nothing to stop you from saying "forth and back" — a little voice is repeating the subtitle to The Hobbit, which …
Neesh or Nitch? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Aug 20, 2010 · What is the correct way to pronounce niche? I've always said and heard nitch, but now I hear neesh, but it always sounds trendy to me. Thoughts?
Differences between "propensity", "predilection" and "proclivity"
Jan 17, 2012 · 0 They're essentially synonymous: Proclivity is 'leaning to', propensity is 'nearness to' and predilection is 'preference for'. Worry about something more significant like the misuse of the words …
What is the origin of the term "ginger" for red-headed people?
Aug 31, 2014 · I'd like to know the etymology of the word "ginger" in reference to red-headed people. In particular, if "ginger" in this context is related to the plant root used in cooking, I'd like to know how...
How should "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" be capitalized?
As others have mentioned, Christmas and New Year are proper nouns, and thus are capitalized. Generally the phrases "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" are used in greetings, as headings, …
Where did the phrase "I don't give a rat's ass" come from?
Apr 21, 2011 · Apart from a single occurrence in 1953 (see Colin’s answer), Google ngram sees it picking up from 1970, after sporadic use in the 60’s. I don't know anything about where it comes …
Is it polite to say "as a gesture of goodwill"
Mar 13, 2014 · When offering something based on good will, is it polite to convey to them that this is being done as a gesture of good will?
Single word for one who is a great fan of movies?
Aug 22, 2012 · An aficionado is a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime. Unless it's clear from the context that the person is interested in movies, you …