2015年1月8日 · The spine -- the backbone -- acts as the fundamental structural support in keeping humans upright and houses the all-important spinal cord. Without it, we would be useless. When something is referred to as the "backbone" of something else, it is usually the most vital thing about it, and necessary for function.

Backbone and spine are both common names for the vertebral column, the series of bones from one's head to pelvis. In my personal opinion, backbone comes across as more of an informal name than spine. It is worth noting that both of these …

2018年10月11日 · I have just written a question in the PPCG site, and now that I read it again I have just noticed that I have just written "split" and "splitted" randomly as the past participle of "to split": C...

2014年11月10日 · Dear Sir is possibly a little over-formal these days, but the choice between Dear Rector, Dear Rector Smith, Dear Professor/Dr/Mr Smith/ and Dear Egbert will depend on the conventions in the institution in which you are studying/working.

2023年7月26日 · To open a hornets nest or stir up a hornets nest comes close to the sense of Pandora's box. I suppose one difference is that in the original myth, the consequenses of opening the box were not forseen, whereas if you describe someone as opening a hornets nest you tend to imply foolishness or short-sightedness or recklessness.

2014年10月27日 · I've read once about "x stories" .. Want to know if there is any difference between stories and floors. Or they are just alias for each other used in different variations of English language?

The direct translation of the latin Qui tacet consentit that has been thrown around here a few times is "He who is silent consents", but obviously that's not in common colloquial use -- nor, might I point out, is the latin phrase; not among your average English speaker.

2014年9月1日 · I see a lot of examples of be intended to and intend to. Both of them mean plan to do. Some examples: Selling was my game and I intended to be a winner. The ban is intended to be permanent. I gue...

2018年9月8日 · Individual animals take on specialized roles to ensure the entire group is fed. Each animals take on specialized roles to ensure the entire group is fed. Is there any meaning difference between th...

2012年7月31日 · Guise: Outward appearance or aspect. Thus guise can be used to describe both what one looks like and how one behaves - In the guise of soldiers the thieves walked boldly past the sentry.