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Dad and Mum went to pay for the bed so that we can get it early or earlier. Which is right – early or earlier?
When you use “earlier” you are referring to two periods of time:
I came early but John came earlier.
He graduated from university earlier than expected.
In the above example, it should be:
Dad and Mum went to pay for the bed so that we can get it early.
However, “earlier” is possible in this context:
Dad and Mum went to pay for the bed so that we can get it earlier than we had planned / than we expected.
Source: Edited from "English As It is Broken" on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more.
Why do people say “I fell for you”? Isn’t it better to say, “I fell in love with you”?
To “fall for something or somebody” can give the idea of being deceived or tricked.
For example, I fell for her tricks.
Certainly, the good old traditional line “I fell in love with you” says it beautifully, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
Source: Edited from "English As It is Broken" on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more.
Is it right to say, “I feel so pressurized?” Should it be pressured or pressurized?
“I feel so pressured” is correct. “Pressurized” refers to certain atmospheric pressure as in “The cabin must be pressurized to enable passengers and crew to breathe normally.”
But note how “pressurized” can also be used according to Times Common Errors in English:
American English: I have never pressured my children to study.
British English: I have never pressurised my children to study.
The use of “pressure” as a verb occurs mainly in American English. British English uses “ pressurize” as in to “exert pressure on”.
It is true that when you pressurize or pressurise someone to do something, you persuade or force them to do it, even though they do not want to.
Source: Edited from "English As It is Broken" on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more.
I saw an advertisement which read: "A child’s growth is boundless. At XYZ Learning Centre, we are only too happy to help it expand forever." Is this right?
It is better to say, "At XYZ Learning Centre, we are only too happy to help your child grow."
Or we are very happy to help your child grow.
Expand is not a word I will use on a child.
Nor will I call my child "it".
Be careful with the words you use. Referring to a child as an "it" may be an oversight but it can also sound offensive to others.
Source: Edited from "English As It is Broken" on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more.
Is it "Enquiry" or "Inquiry"? Are both words interchangeable?
In British English, used here in Singapore, if you make an enquiry, you are asking for information.
An inquiry is an investigation conducted by an organisation, the police for example.
However, in American English, it is common that the word 'inquiry' is used for both instances.
Source: Edited from the english@work e-newsletter by 938LIVE. Subscribe to the english@work newsletter.
