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English Phrases for Saying “Good Night” Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 30, 2020
One of the first phrases we learn in any language is how to say, “Good night.” As with “Hello” and “How are you?”, saying “Good night” is not only an essential phrase but also something which can be said in many different ways. In English, we have some colorful ways to wish someone a good…
Top Ten for ’20 Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 23, 2020
We are just about at the end of 2020 and, yes, I can hear many of you saying, “Thank goodness!” We will none of us soon forget this year. There’s never been anything like it. The hardships that have affected all of us in one way or another will carry an impact for probably the…
You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 17, 2020
Sometimes a song comes along that everyone learns the words to just because the song is so much fun to sing. Even when the song is about the meanest, worst being on the planet. One of the most enduring tales of Christmas is the book and cartoon film, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas…
Joint Possessives in English Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 10, 2020
Before COVID-19, sharing was considered to be positive and admirable. It was seen as an act of caring, kindness, and selflessness. Whether it was a dessert at a restaurant or a ride service to a hotel, sharing was a nice thing to do. But now, there’s a lot less sharing in the world. Unless you…
Talking About Age in English Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 3, 2020
I have a birthday coming up soon, and it’s a big one. You know, one of those birthdays where you get lots of mail trying to sell you things you thought were just for old people. How did that happen? Words and Phrases for Old Age I am what is known as a baby boomer…
Neologisms, 2020 Edition Posted by Gary Locke on Nov 25, 2020
As we near the end of another year, dictionaries and language nerds seek out the words that have entered our lexicology – the part of linguistics that studies the formation of words. These are neologisms, words that have recently entered our language but are only just beginning to be accepted as part of our daily…
The Blue Strawberry Turkey Posted by Gary Locke on Nov 19, 2020
Holiday traditions always include food. For Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the last Thursday in November, the traditional main course is roast turkey. Well, I have a recipe for roast stuffed turkey which I have made for decades. My family and friends agree with me that the results are fantastic. It is, however, a very…