Community Discussions

What are some expressions non-native speakers often use (not necessarily grammatically incorrect) that native speakers typically don’t?

I came across a post the other day that mentioned how the word “kindly” (as in “Could you kindly…?”) often gives off a vibe of non-native speakers or phishing emails. While it’s not grammatically incorrect, native speakers typically don’t phrase things that way. What are some other expressions like that?

about 19 hours ago•Last comment 37 minutes ago

💬50

what do you call this?

i want to tell my english speaking friend that my grandma gave me those, what do you call it and how do i say it in a proper/natural english?

1 day ago•Last comment about 6 hours ago

💬48

Never assume because it makes an “ASS out of U and ME”

My dad would tell me this when I was a child and insisted it would help me remember how to spell the word assume “ass-u-me” Are there any other phrases or tricks to remember certain words in the English language?

8 days ago•Last comment 7 days ago

💬46

In Tom's birthday party, Tom is the ? of the party.

Does such a word exist? In Mandarin and Cantonese it is the same word as protagonist, or main character, of a movie or a drama. He isn't the host of the party. He's an invitee.

14 days ago•Last comment 12 days ago

💬46

Questions about the word “Both” in negative sentences

I came across this section in my cousin’s English textbook on how to use the word “both” in negative sentences. Here is the example from the textbook: “Both my brothers don't like birds” I thought the sentence meant “Neither of my brothers likes birds” But apparently it means “One of my brothers likes birds, but the other doesn't.” Some sites even suggest that “both” cannot be used in negative sentences, which makes it even more confusing for me. Which is correct?

14 days ago•Last comment 12 days ago

💬40