Thin and slim
Dear Dr English,
IÕm unsure when to use the words ÒthinÓ and ÒslimÓ. Could you tell me the difference?
Tunjuti Muifang
A thin person has no extra fat on their body. He/she looks skinny, while a slim person has an attractively thin and well-shaped body. If you want to give a compliment to somebody who has a thin and good-looking figure, use slim.
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Bored of the same old response
Dear Dr English,
I am wondering how to reply to the question 'How are you?'. I don't want to say, 'Fine, thank you, and how are you?', because thatÕs stilted. Please give me a list of sentences I can use.
Sho Naruse
There are many ways to respond to people when they ask after you. The responses depend on how you feel at that time.
If you feel very well, in general, you may say:
'All right, (thank you.) How are you?'
'Very well, thanks. How are you doing?' or ÒQuite well...' if you are not completely well.
With friends, when you feel happy and cheerful, you may use more casual responses such as:
'CouldnÕt be better, (thanks).Ó
'Oh, (IÕm) on top of the world, (thanks)'
'(IÕm) full of the joys of spring!'
But when you arenÕt feeling that well or cheerful, choose one of the following:
'So-so, (thanks).'
'CanÕt complain.'
'Not so bad/Not too bad, (thanks).'
'Surviving, (thanks)
And, 'Still alive - justÓ, when you are not feeling at all well.
Now it's up to you to come up with the appropriate response.
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Among or amongst
Dear Dr English,
I donÕt know when to use among or amongst. What is the difference between these words. Please explain.
Nguyen Thu Ha
Among and amongst are prepositions. Both have the same meaning: Òin the middle ofÓ or Òsurrounded byÓ. There is no difference between the two words.
HereÕs an example how you might use them: Wanda felt nervous among/amongst strangers.
Among also means as part of a group or in the group of people or things mentioned. For example: This is the best book among/amongst the works he has written.
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