Pier and wharf
Dear Dr English,
Could you please explain the difference between a ÒpierÓ and a ÒwharfÓ citing differences in usage?
Thank you.
Chokchai Sripadungkul
A pier is a bridge-like structure extending into the sea at a seaside town on which people can walk. Piers often have places for entertainment.
The young couple strolled along the pier and stopped from time to time to take photos of the sea birds.
A wharf is a platform built of stone or wood on the banks of a river or by the seaside, often stretching out into the water; more or less structurally similar to a pier. But a wharf is for ships to be moored to it while cargo is loaded and unloaded, or for people to board a vessel or disembark from it.
Many fishing boats were stranded at the wharf because of the monsoon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
What to do when you cannot print
Dear Dr English,
Last week I found the phrase ÒPrint your nameÓ in the form I was filling out. I did not have any printer with me at that time, so I wrote my name in block letters. What should I have done? What did ÒprintÓ mean?
Sho Naruse
You were absolutely correct to write in block letters when the instruction on the form tell you to ÒprintÓ. This is a commonly seen in forms, and comes from the days before printers, when everyone had to print neatly by hand.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Clever or intelligent
Dear Dr English,
I would like to know if there is any difference in the meaning when I use the word ÒcleverÓand ÒintelligentÓ. Please explain the difference to me. Thank you.
Yanisa Sutrachuewchan
The word ÒcleverÓ as well as the word ÒintelligentÓ refer to the ability to use oneÕs brain. However, they seem different in usage. ÒCleverÓ is used in situations where a practical use of brainpower is shown, especially if it is used in an unusual or creative way. ÒIntelligentÓ, on the other hand, is used to laud someoneÕs ability to learn quickly or to say that somebody is an informed person.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Got a question? (drenglish_7@hotmail.com)
If your query is chosen for Ask Dr English, you will receive a Bt1,000 gift voucher.
To claim your price from Nation Educational Services, you must fax a copy of your ID card to (02) 317-2057.
|
