Particular
Dear Dr English,
What does ÒparticularÓ mean and how should I use it? I find this word very often in my texts and examination papers but cannot understand its meaning.
Wissanu Thonglimp
ÒParticularÓ is an adjective used with a noun to emphasise that you are talking about something as distinguished from everything else. For example, ÒSomsri has somtam for lunch every day. I donÕt know why she likes this particular dish so much.Ó In this sentence, the speakerÕs stress is on somtam
My mother likes to cook tomyam with this particular type of mushroom. (The speaker refers to the one type of mushroom her mother always uses.)
This particular type of virus thrives in a cold climate. (The speaker refers to a specific kind of virus.)
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Spectacle or spectacles
Dear Dr English,
I found the word ÒspectacleÓ used with and without an ÒsÓ. Which one is correct? I remember that things that come in a pair must be plural. Please advise.
Supawadee Osakun
Both words are correct because they are two different words that refer to two different things. We are more familiar with ÒspectaclesÓ, an old-fashioned word for glasses.
ÒUncle Sammy canÕt read without his spectacles.Ó
Meanwhile Ôa spectacleÕ is a view, sight or public event, which is very beautiful, splendid or impressive. In this sense the word can also refer to an unusual or unexpected event or situation that attracts attention, interest or even disapproval.
ÒFrom the balcony we could see a spectacle of a landscape.Ó
ÒIt was an unusual spectacle to see a bull terrier trying to rescue a kitten from drowning.Ó
ÒThe fashion show was a magnificent spectacle.Ó
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What is literal meaning?
Dear Dr English,
Can you explain to me what the literal meaning of a word is? Many thanks.
Suntharee Nateprasop
The literal meaning of a word is the one that is the most basic or the main meaning.
ÒDie Kleine Hexe is a young witch.Ó
But if you say, ÒThat woman is a witch; she is very meanÓ, the word ÒwitchÓ in this sentence is not used with its basic meaning but as a comparison. In this sense we call it the figurative meaning.
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