Dear Sir/Mdm,
What is the plural form of soap? Is it still ‘soap’ or is it ‘soaps’?
Thank you for your kind attention and I look forward to your reply.
Regards,
Anne Zeng
Hi Anne!
The word “soap” is a collective noun and is used when you are referring to soap bars and detergent.
For example, “I bought some soap for use in the bathroom.”
However, if you are referring to different brands or uses, the plural form is “soaps”.
For example, “I bought different types of soaps to try.”
Hope this helps to clean up any confusion you may have had about the word!
He lives in a rented flat or rental flat.
Which is correct?
Please assist.
Thanks
Leon
Hey Leon
Both are correct.
However, there are some subtle differences between the two.
A “rented flat” is one that is currently being rented out.
A “rental flat” could be a flat that exists for the purpose of being rented out and may not be occupied at the moment.
“Rental” is also mainly American English.
Dear Sir/Madam
Does "following Sunday" means this coming Sunday or the next Sunday? Should "following Sunday" be preceded by certain days of week e.g. Monday so that it leaves no doubt in the mind of the reader what "following Sunday" means?
Thanks for clarifying this.
Jessica Lim
Hi Jessica
The “following Sunday” would mean the Sunday after the current week.
For example, you said it on 12 April 2013, the “following Sunday” would be referring to 21 April 2013.
Hi Sir/Mdm,
I have a question. Are both sentences below grammatically correct? Is one of them grammatically incorrect?
a) If I were she, I would be angry.
b) If I were her, I would be angry.
Please advise.
Thank you and regards,
Kok Siang
Hi Kok Siang
Either is fine.
The only difference here is the tone.
“Her” is more commonly used.
“She” on the other hand, sounds more unnatural, especially in speech. It’s also very formal.
Do we say "have you drank" or "have you drunk"?
Thanks!
Mel
Hey Mel
We say “have you drunk”!
Hope you’re not drunk!
Which is correct, ‘by- law’ or ‘bye- law’?
How would you pronounce it?
Alfred
Hi Alfred
Are you planning to create a new bylaw?
Well, the word “by-law” is sometimes also spelled as “byelaw” or “by law”, or “bylaw”.
All the spelling variations are acceptable.
I would pronounce it as “by-law”. The phonetic spelling is “/ˈbaɪˌlɔː/” if you’re interested.
Is there another meaning for the sentence " favour us with a prompt reply"?
Is there a better way to rephrase it?
Sazlan
Hi Sazlan
I’m not too sure or aware of another meaning for the phrase but I’m guessing it means you hope the receiver would oblige you with a quick response to your query.
While there’s nothing wrong with the phrase, you might consider saying “We appreciate if you could reply us as soon as possible.”
It’s a little longer than your phrase, but works too if you’re looking for an alternative.
What is the difference between ice cream and ice-cream?
Is one of them wrong?
The Croods
Hello The Croods!
As for your question, the correct spelling is “ice cream” – the word shouldn’t be hyphenated or spelt as one word.
Do you have ice cream in your new home?
Is it redundant to call someone an ‘admin staff’?
Kieran
Hi Kieran!
Well, “admin” and “staff” don't mean the same thing, Kieran. The phrase is a shortening of “administrative staff”, so it isn't redundant!
Can we say
“We eat breakfast in the morning.”
“We eat lunch in the afternoon.”
“ Have you eaten your breakfast?”
Thank you.
Regards,
Michelle Foo
Hello Michelle Foo!
This is sort of a popular question here, Michelle Foo!
Generally, we don't use the verb “eat” with meals like “breakfast” or “lunch”. We use “eat” when referring to specific food items. So we say “I like to eat noodles”.
When we talk about meals, we usually just use the verb “has”. So you say “we have breakfast in the morning” or “have you had your breakfast”!
