Out of someone's depth
Dear Dr English,
What does it mean when someone says he is out of his depth? I heard it during a conversation with my foreign friend. Please explain.
Wantana Suwitviriyaphan
The phrase has two meanings; one shows that the speaker does not have the knowledge, experience or skills to deal with the situation or particular subject.
ÒThis case is out of my depth; we should consult our chief.Ó
The other means that the water is deeper than a person when he/ she is standing so he/she cannot stand up and has to swim.
ÒThe tide is very strong; donÕt go out of your depth.Ó
Now you can choose the meaning according to the situation your friend was talking about.
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In spite of/ although
Dear Dr English,
I have noticed that Òin spite ofÓ and ÒalthoughÓ give the same meaning; can the two words be substituted? If not, how can the words be used correctly?
Charnyuth Sae Kung
You are correct when saying that Òin spite ofÓ and ÒalthoughÓ have the same meaning but they are not the same part of speech. Both are used to introduce a fact or statement which makes the main clause or the other part of the sentence surprising or unexpected.
ÒIn spite ofÓ is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun while ÒalthoughÓ is a conjunction and needs a clause after it.
The fisherman went fishing in spite of the rough sea.
The fisherman went fishing although the sea was rough.
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How to ÒshoutÓ
Dear Dr English,
I am not sure how I should express the action when I call someone loudly. I don't think Òto shout atÓ is the right word for it. Please help.
Nantana Krachangwongse
When you call someone loudly, you say, Òyou shout toÓ the person; this expression means Òto call toÓ.
Malai shouted to Jane to join her somtam party.
ÒTo shout atÓ expresses an aggressive manner usually when someone is angry.
The manager shouted at the security guard who regularly felt asleep on duty.
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