Air or weather
Dear Dr English,
I would like to know the difference between ÒairÓ and ÒweatherÓand ÒbeanÓ, ÒpeaÓ and ÒnutÓ. Many thanks.
Ekasak Kawdisri
The word ÒairÓ has a few meanings, but to compare it with the word ÒweatherÓ in your question, I will give only the meaning that is relevant to your question.
ÒAirÓ is the mixture of gases which forms the earthÕs atmosphere and is the mixture of gases we breathe.
The air temperature in Thailand in December is usually lower than in April.
It is very hot we should open all windows to let the air in.
We found ourselves in a small, dirty room and the air smelled musty.
ÒWeatherÓ is the condition of the air at a particular time; such as rain, storm, snow.
While the southern region of Thailand is experiencing bad weather with heavy rains and flash floods, the weather in the North is quite the opposite.
LetÕs move to the next group of words: bean, pea and nut.
ÒBeansÓ are the seeds, or the pod containing seeds, of various climbing plants, eaten as vegetables. Beans also means the large, dried seeds of a bean plant, which are eaten as a vegetable after being soaked in water and cooked.
My father enjoyed baked beans for breakfast.
ÒPeasÓ are round, green seeds, several of which grow in a pod. They are also eaten as a vegetable.
My young son grabbed a handful of peas from the kitchen and played with them as if they were marbles.
ÒNutsÓ are the dried fruits of plants and trees that grow in hard shells and can often be eaten.
Hazelnuts and walnuts are difficult to get in Thailand.
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Keep on/carry on
Dear Dr English,
I wonder if the phrasal verbs Òkeep onÓ and Òcarry onÓhave different meanings. Could you please explain?
Kasneeya Makeh
Both phrasal verbs mean the same, and that is to continue to do something as in:
Mary kept on asking her husband why he came home late last night; he did not give her any answer, but carried on working quietly in the study.
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