Know Your English - July 2003

• WHAT IS the difference between "aging" and "ageing"?
• What is the meaning and origin of "fall like ninepins"?
• Which is correct? "The media suggest" or "The media suggests"?
• How do you pronounce the word "hymn"?
• Do we have to write "and" in "three hundred and twelve"?
• CAN "FURTHER" be used to refer to distance?
• Is it true that the word "oration" can be used only to refer to speeches given at funerals?
• What is the origin and meaning of the expression "dog's breakfast"?
• What is the meaning and origin of the expression "be up to scratch"?
• WHAT IS the difference between "client" and "clientele"?
• What is the meaning of "leapfrog"?
• What is the origin and meaning of the expression "to haul someone over the coals"?
• What is the meaning of "oxymoron"?
• Do you use a singular or a plural verb after the word "couple"?
• WHAT IS the difference between "unaware" and "unawares"?
• Is "Isabel" actually a colour?
• What is the meaning of "categorical inaccuracy"?
• How is the word "assuage" pronounced?
• What is the meaning of the word "nee"?
• WHAT IS the origin and meaning of "eavesdropping"?
• Would you please explain the meaning of the phrase "many a"?
• What does "darned" mean?
• What is the difference between "compare" and "liken"?