Which Word to Use

Dear Dr English,

I often go to restaurants and when it comes to ordering food I am always confused with the words "shrimp" and "prawn" I really have no idea what the difference is. Could you please explain to me which one is which so that next time I go to a restaurant, I can order my food correctly. Thanks in advance for your help.

Pranee Tunthiam

"Shrimp" or "prawn" is an edible crustacean. In other words, a shellfish. The only difference is in the origin of the speaker; the Americans call this delicious shellfish "shrimp" and British call it "prawn", so it is okay to order your dish using the word appearing on the menu, but elsewhere it is up to you which word you want to use for this pricey seafood.

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Envy and jealous

Dear Dr English,

I would like to know the difference between "envious" and "jealous" and how to use them in a sentence.

Chureerat Chantharat

"Envious" is the adjective of the noun envy, which is spelled the same as the verb. When we envy somebody, we wish that we had the same thing or qualities that he/she has. The word "envious" is used to show people's behaviour and expressions.
I can't help envy that vendor who won first prize in the lottery.
I gave Laura an envious look. She won the scholarship that should have been mine.

"Jealous" has a similar meaning, although for a stronger feeling. When we are jealous, we feel that someone else has achieved something that we want or possesses qualities that we would like to have, and this causes us anger and bitterness towards them.

I felt jealous because Laura won the scholarship that should have been mine.
Susan felt jealous of her sister's success.

Since "jealous" shows a stronger feeling, it is often used to show an emotion in a romantic relationship when one feels he/she must try to keep his/her partner.

She was very jealous of her boyfriend and constantly worried that he might secretly have another woman.

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