Last but not least
Dear Dr English,
What does the expression Òlast but not leastÓ actually mean? And can you explain how to use this expression properly?
Sonthaya Nagapong
We usually hear this expression when someone is giving thanks or credit to a number of people. The expression is meant to say that despite being mentioned after everyone or everything else, this person or thing is just as important as everyone or everything mentioned before.
I would like to thank Paul, my supportive friend, Professor Karl my teacher and, last but not least, Mum and Dad for their patience and wonderful advice.
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Giving compliments on
food
Dear Dr English,
I am invited for dinner to a colleagueÕs home. I know that, for proper etiquette, I should say something about the food. How should I put it so that it doesnÕt sound unnatural? Thanks.
Suda Srimuang
Just donÕt overdo it. A sentence or two with an approving, smiling face are enough to make your host happy. You can give your compliment either during the meal or after. In the first case, you may say, ÒThis is deliciousÓ, ÒThis fish is delectableÓ, ÒThis chop is lovelyÓ. And for the latter, you can just make a couple of changes; ÒThat was delicious/lovelyÓ, ÒThe food was delicious/lovely.Ó
One more thing, you should thank the host for the invitation when leaving by saying, ÒThanks for inviting/having me this evening.Ó
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Mankind vs manhood
Dear Dr English,
Can I use the word ÒmanhoodÓ to refer to people in general, as in, ÒEnvironment is very important for manhoodÓ? Please explain with an example.
Nattada Suebsagnuan
In this sense the correct word to use is ÒmankindÓ because it refers to all human beings as a group. ÒManhoodÓ refers to a person being a man rather than a boy.
Are you telling me that drunk driving is part of manhood?
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