WHAT'S IT LIKE BEING OVER THE MOON?
Dear Dr English,
I enjoy reading your column immensely; it's very useful indeed. I wonder whether the meaning of "over the moon" and "having the ball" is the same.
Could you please also explain how to use "ain't" and "thou" and their meanings? Thank you.
Jaruwan Tanrattanawong
Thank you very much for reading my column. I am very happy knowing that it is of use. But it is all the questions sent in from you readers that make this column interesting.
For your question, the first expression "to be over the moon" means to be happy or pleased with something.
Waleerat was over the moon to hear that her daughter passed the university entrance exam.
The second, "to have a ball", means to have a very good time. The noun "ball" in this idiom is used in the sense of "a gala dance".
How was the trip? - It was great. We all had a ball.
"Ain't" is used instead of the negative forms of verb to be: "am not", "isn't" or "aren't". It is not proper spoken English, so I do not recommend using it.
As for "thou", it is an old-fashioned, subjective pronoun used as a singular "you" in poetry or religious context. The word is not normally used in conversation nowadays.
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SOME PHRASES ABOUT TIME
Dear Dr English,
Please explain to me how to use "at the time" and "by the time". Do they have the same meaning? I often use them but I am not certain how to use them correctly. Thank you.
Siriporn J.
"At the time" means the same as "that particular time".
I could not call you at the time because I had a meeting.
Another similar phrase is to use "at" followed with a particular time, meaning something is happening at the time mentioned: at noon, at eight o'clock or at another specific time ...
We reached the temple at dusk.
Finding a job at a time when the economy is bad is really difficult.
"By the time" means at the time or before the time that is mentioned.
By the time I reached home my son was already in bed.
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HOW TO SPELL MY NICKNAME
Dear Dr English,
May I bother you with my question? I would like to know how to spell my nickname ΌΦι§. Should it be Pueng or Peung?
Narak markka
Pueng would be the closest to the sound of your nickname.
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