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 …
Where does the phrase "hold down the fort" come from?
Jun 20, 2015 · I agree the original should be 'hold the fort' and 'hold down…' looks like an aberration. Is it too much to speculate that 'hold down…' could have come from a land-lubbers …
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 …
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?
What's the difference between "to and fro" and "back and forth"?
Jul 17, 2013 · In the example you cite, to and fro is essentially identical in meaning to back and forth. However, to and fro can also carry the less specific sense of ‘moving about in different …
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?
What is the subtle difference between "and so on" and "and so …
May 30, 2021 · Your editor thought that and so forth was somehow more appropriate to the style of whatever the publication was. While it is debatable whether the editor was right about that, …
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 …
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 …
Is there a collective term to describe "coffee" and "tea"?
Any term to describe both of them — coffee and tea collectively? I wanted to call it beverages but that also includes drinks outside coffee and tea. Also, I could call it hot drinks but that would...