To anyone who has read something by J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, or Agatha Christie, or watched a show like Doctor Who, Torchwood, or even Top Gear, the major differences between British and American English are fairly obvious. However, even though there is a significant amount of British literature and entertainment media available to writers ( Read more... )

sherron asks, “How should measures of time be written?”

I don’t know about you, but thanks to the internet, I’ve seen measures of time written in all sorts of ways over the years. Fortunately--and also thanks to the internet--the ways to write time are easily demystified. ( With examples from Fullmetal Alchemist, Supernatural, and Sherlock Holmes. )

An anonymous requester asked: Why aren't as and since interchangeable, and what's the difference?

With examples from Saiyuki, iCarly, and Bones.

( Since you asked.... )

perdiccas asked when do you use "nearer" versus "closer"?

( With examples from NCIS )

Today we'll be taking a look at the difference between the verbs "founder" and "flounder."

( With examples from The X-Files )

Is "was/is sat" correct?
Harry was sat at the far end of the seventh years, closest to the Staff Table.
(This usage is commonly heard in Britain, so I'll use examples from Harry Potter ( Read more... )

When is it appropriate to use "try to" vs. "try and"?
(With examples from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.)

( But Yoda says there is no try... )

Is it just a fanfic thing to drop the periods in the abbreviations or has it become “acceptable” outside of fanfic as well? (ex. NCIS vs. N.C.I.S., SGC vs. S.G.C.)

While fanfic has been around for a long time, so have dropped periods in abbreviations. In fact, if you go to the Official NCIS website, you'll notice even the United States government ( Read more... )

What is the difference between "discreet" and "discrete"?

With examples from Stargate Atlantis.

( Discreet vs. Discrete )

t_verano poses an interesting question: When is it appropriate to use "which" vs. "that"? What is the appropriate comma use in each situation?

Is there, in fact, a distinct rule that applies to this situation? Or does it depend entirely on mood, which can change from one moment to the next?

( Let's find out, with examples from Discworld... )