Sep 10, 2013 · When testing performance or the output of different combinations of elements against one another - is it correct to say it's a "multivariant" test? Or is it a "multivariate" test?

Q&A for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts

Jul 22, 2024 · What is the origin of the expression "starve a cold, feed a fever"? It is is used as basic (perhaps incorrect) medical advice for common illnesses.

Jan 6, 2025 · It's better to ask about a specific context; there are certain contexts when "receiver" is the usual term even for a human being - American football, for instance. And you'll find occasional …

Oct 10, 2019 · American history is my favorite subject. American History, with Professor Clarke, is my favorite class. Note: these kinds of sentences can be ambiguous when spoken, but when written, the …

Feb 9, 2011 · There's a lot of debate about which is right (!), but not much about why there's a difference - good question. I found this: The word Mathematics was first used in English in 1581, coming from …

Apr 14, 2025 · What is the difference between “tits” and “boobs”? P.S. I'm not sure if this question is appropriate but as English is not my native language I really would love to know the difference.

Jul 15, 2011 · In a statement like The weeds have grown overnight. The reason is because it rained yesterday Is " the reason is because " good grammar? Isn't it better to say The weeds have grown …

Mar 30, 2013 · I know I've seen a word that describes a person who has a high perception of details (for example, seeing specific information in a log file), but I can't recall it now. Insights?

Jan 13, 2014 · Yes, there is a difference. In the idiom you'd better VP, you'd represents you had, and not you would. You can also say you would, but not normally before better, which is the idiom. That's …