Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Recent Questions - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

Recent Questions - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

Machine learning on or of some data?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 08:44 AM PDT

If it's machine learning using some platform or technology, it makes sense to use "on" ("ML on AWS"), but if we are talking about applying ML to some data, should "on" or "of" be used? Below two examples of real world usage:

  • ...machine learning of collective variables...
  • ...machine learning on binary data...

My specific question is about the phrase "Using machine learning of demographics and personal history to predict XYZ." Should that be "Using machine learning on demographics and personal history to predict XYZ" instead?

There might be a better Stack Exchange site to post this on, but I wasn't sure. Feel free to move or let me know if this is the case.

The diagram for showing Future-Perfect-In-Past Tense

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 08:34 AM PDT

Consider this example:

He said that he would have finished his task before we arrived.

Let's assign a number to each clause:

  1. He said
  2. that he would have finished his task
  3. before we arrive

If we want to show the time scheme for this sentence in the diagram below, each number would be corresponding to which letter?

enter image description here

Should "reader" be capitalised? [closed]

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 06:26 AM PDT

In academic writting, it is occassionally necessary to refer to the person reading the paper. For instance:

"The proof of Theorem B is very similar to the proof of Theorem A. We leave the details to the reader."

I'm fairly sure that it's not a mistake to leave the lower case "r" in "reader". However, it feels like it would be more polite to capitalise it. Would that be correct?

verb + as close(ly?) as possible

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 06:41 AM PDT

Consider the following sentences:

I steer my vehicle as close as possible to the right.

OR

I steer my vehicle as closely as possible to the right.

The first sentence is my version (I am not a native speaker), the second version is the corrected version form an English native speaker. I understand why the correction was made, since the corrector asked herself "How do I want to steer the vehicle? As closely as possible". So "closely" is the adverb to "steer", which makes total sense.

However, I still feel like the first version sounds more natural. What if I ask "Where do I want to steer the vehicle to? As close as possible to the right."? Does that make a difference, or am I just kidding myself here?

Does [z] + [j] equal [ ʒ ]?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 08:09 AM PDT

Could it be that sometimes the voiced alveolar sibilant [z] at the end of a syllable merges with a following palatal approximant [j] to produce a voiced postalveolar sibilant [ʒ]?

Bob Dylan clearly sings "close your eyes", whereas The Hollies seem to say "closureyes".

Is this a dialect thing?

This was the first time I had ever cleaned the flat. Right tense?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 06:10 AM PDT

I write in the past and I'm not sure whether it's:

  1. This was the first time I had ever cleaned the flat.
  2. This had been the first time I had ever cleaned the flat.

In the present it would be: This is the first time I have ever cleaned the flat.

I'm not sure how to express it when writing in the past

Confusion about articles before unique objects in math

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 08:37 AM PDT

I am a graduate math student, English is my second language but we have some courses taught in English.

I often see sentences like There exists *a* unique map/morphism f such that... (for example, when we define some objects by their universal property)

I am quite puzzled by this. We are talking about something unique, there is one and only one map that has desired properties. So based on what I was taught about articles, I would say that the should be used. However, it seems customary to write a and I must admit that when reading aloud, saying it with the sounds funny.

So is this a just a common mistake? And if it is correct, what is the justification for it?

Is "tokenization/tokenize" written with a "z" or "s" in British English?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:56 AM PDT

I can't find any examples of tokenization/tokenize written with an "s", and MS Word also corrects it to a "z" when set to UK English. Is there a reason this word does not follow the general rule of "sation"/"ise" or is it simply too uncommon to be found online or by auto-correct?

Opposite of "failover"

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 07:36 AM PDT

Our software "knows" to migrate itself to spare hardware in case the main hardware is damaged. The process of such a migration is called failover.

When the main hardware is repaired the software can migrate itself back to it. How would you call such a process?

We thought about "fail-back" (to stress it's a reverse of fail-over) and "fallback".

Thank you!

Singular vs. plural when the subject has multiple objects in it

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 07:04 AM PDT

This is a question about deciding singular vs. plural verb where the subject contains multiple objects in it. Let me set the context first.

I have a mathematical problem where I need to find a solution to a problem. A single solution is a collection of three functions I need to find. For examples, the functions f(x) = 1, g(x) = 2x + 1 and h(x) = 3x + 2 may form a single solution. Similarly, the functions f(x) = x + 1, g(x) = 2x and h(x) = 0 may form yet another solution.

Now after solving the problem I find that there is only solution to the problem. Which of the following ways is the right way to express this thought?

  1. The functions f(x) = 1, g(x) = 2x and h(x) = x + 2 is the only solution to the given problem.
  2. The functions f(x) = 1, g(x) = 2x, h(x) = x + 2 is the only solution to the given problem.
  3. The functions f(x) = 1, g(x) = 2x and h(x) = x + 2 are the only solutions to the given problem.

Option 3 sounds grammatically correct to me but sounds mathematically incorrect to me because the functions f(x), g(x) and h(x) are not three different solutions I have found to the problem. Those 3 functions together constitute a single solution to the given problem.

So is option 1 or option 2 correct? If none of the options are correct, what is a correct way to express this thought?

Which of these is the correct form?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:30 AM PDT

The equipment ....... delivered tomorrow afternoon.

A) will been B) will be

And I appreciate it if you explain the differences between the two of them.

What is the opposite of "counter-rotating"?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 03:12 AM PDT

Two objects are termed "counter-rotating", if they rotate in opposite direction, i.e. one rotates clockwise while the other rotates counter-clockwise. (see: counter-rotating propellers)

Is there also a word for objects rotating in the same direction? I though of "corotating", which however seems to have different meanings.

Why is a comma needed here? Before "some"

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 03:57 AM PDT

My teacher said that in this sentence: "She noticed that on one of the pages some information about the painting had been written." I should put a comma before "some". I don't know why and I don't have a way to ask her that right now. Could someone please explain this to me? Thank you in advance.

Origin of ‘for shame’

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 03:02 AM PDT

Collins:

you should feel ashamed

Why does 'for shame' mean that? 'Shame' there is easily understandable, but I can't understand why 'for' is used there for that function. Did it originate in a longer phrase?

What is a synonym for 'expression of character through posture and countenance'?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 03:02 AM PDT

Writing about the images of John Tenniel and their theatricality, I remembered there being a single word for the expression of character through a person's posture, movement, and/or countenance, but I can't think of the word.
I've searched for synonyms for 'theatrical' and 'caricature', but nothing came up. I feel as if it is somehow linked to 'hysteria', but idem ditto.

It's not 'histrionic', because that doesn't necessarily suggest a connection between the character of the person and their behaviour.

Neither is it limited to theatricality or the theatre, as these behaviorisms tend to occur naturally. It is however often used in theatre and illustrations, so the audience gets a direct and clear idea of the actors.

A recognizable example of the concept would be how a sly character stoops and squints. Another would be how J. J. Grandville chose the animals for his anthropomorphic characters.

Noun clause in negative form

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 02:33 AM PDT

My question is about noun clause in the negative form.

So here is the sentence:

But what you can do is don't give up.

Can I use the negative form (don't) in the second part of the sentence? And if so, is it grammatically correct? Should I use "not" instead of "don't"?

Here is the context so you could understand the meaning of the sentence better:

Jack, you can't just let it go. But what you can do is don't give up. I believe in you. You have to try to do it for one time.

What is the difference between "a lack of confidence" and "lack of confidence?"

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:34 AM PDT

Below are some example sentences:

  1. Her only problem is a lack of confidence.

  2. Lack of sleep had made him irritable.

  3. If he fails it won't be for/through lack of effort (= he has certainly tried).

  4. We won't be going away this year - lack of funds, I'm afraid.

What are the differences in those sentences?

Is there a book or website or software with core English words that allow you to understand every English word?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:40 AM PDT

Is there a book or website or software with core English words that allow you to understand every English word?

These core words can give us the meaning of every English word in the entire English literature.

Let us say I want to write a book in English and I don't want to use words that can be described with core words then where do I find the complete list of core words?

What I am saying is, it will be a book written using core words only, this book does not need other words, words that have a meaning defined using core words. So no words that can be defined with basic or core words are needed in this book. The text size will increase but it will be a book written using basic or core English words, words that don't miss anything, words that can define every English word that ever existed and every word that will ever be added on time to time basis to ever growing English language. Let us say few new words need words that are not basic and I don't want those words. For example let us say there is a new English word that needs a name of a place in its definition and this name of a place is not a basic or core word, then I don't need such words.

All I want is all the basic or core English words that can describe anything or everything in the Entire Universe. For example let us say there is a word in English that can be defined using basic or core English words then I don't want that word if that word can't be considered as a core word too.

Kindly point me towards such a book or website or software that is already available on the internet.

Thanks.

Do I include "that" or leave it out when used adjacent to "whatever, whereever, etc." such as in the following example?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:08 AM PDT

"Advantages of whatever THAT happens always outweigh the costs"

Grammarly underlines THAT as red to leave it out. I know that when I say "whatever happens, I will be there for you" there is no need for "that. But when I use it after "of" I feel like a "that" is called for.

If you agree or not could you please ascertain why or when one uses "that" with "whatever, whenever,etc" if ever..

Thank you

Tea bag disposal plate name

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:33 AM PDT

What is a little plate used for disposal of a tea bag called?

I find myself in a real conundrum here. Tea drinker problems.

Typical scenario: I order a cup of tea at a diner. I'm given a cup of hot water and a teabag. Said teabag is steeped for a few minutes until the tea is just how I like it: not too thin, but not too thick.

Now, said teabag must be removed, or the tea will be too strong! A small plate or saucer is immediately needed for disposal.

Establishments are often hesitant to give out these little plates, because it adds a lot of dishwashing/waste for something they seem to think is a luxury item. So, I'm left "holding the bag" as they say... and, sadly, nowhere to put it.

I must then resort to barbaric acts, such as placing the used bag:

  1. Directly on the counter, where it leaks all over.
  2. On my paper placemat, where it makes a big wet spot.
  3. On my teaspoon, which is just rude.
  4. Wrapping it in a napkin, which promptly turns into a soppy brown mess
  5. Using the paper tea bag wrapper for disposal, which really doesn't work very well.
  6. Into an empty water glass, which is obscene.
  7. Rock-bottom has to be eating a single-serve jelly, directly out of the packet with my teaspoon, and putting the used bag into the little empty plastic container.

Don't even think about putting that nasty teabag on the side of my food plate.

So I need to ask, "May I please have a little plate for my used teabag?

English SE, please tell me, what is the name of this little saucer thingy?

https://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst39438_specific-name-for-a-tea-bag-disposal-plate.aspx

Full Swing / Go With A Swing

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 05:04 AM PDT

In what context do we usually use 'Go With A Swing /Full Swing'?

Can I use it when I'm having a casual conversation with my family and friends?

Why do people use all 3 components in their gender pronouns? [closed]

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 02:55 AM PDT

When people talking about their gender pronouns, why do people use all 3 components?

For example, I identify myself as a male, so I understand the use of "HE", but why people use "HE/HIM/HIS"? Is it possible to have your gender pronoun as "HE/HER/THEM"?

(FYI, I'm not a native English speaker but fluent)

"Populist" in the following text context

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 06:05 AM PDT

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwan's main opposition party picked a pro-China populist mayor Monday as its candidate for the 2020 presidential race against an incumbent who often bashes Beijing.

Does "populist" have a derogatory meaning according to the above text?

Articles with Spatial Prepositions

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:03 AM PDT

Are both sentences correct? with and without the indefinite article (a):

She lives two minutes' walk from the station

She lives a two minutes' walk from the station

Is 'I am glad to hear that' very formal or informal phrase?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 03:00 AM PDT

I said this to one professor when she expressed about her current research work. Later, I realized that that phrase could be very informal.

A reality check on "reality check"

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 07:24 AM PDT

Reality check is a very common expression that refers to:

  • a corrective confronting of reality, in order to counteract one's expectations, prejudices, or the like. (Origin 1970-1975 - Dictionary.com)

  • an assessment to determine if one's circumstances or expectations conform to reality, as in : Time for a reality check—wasn't this supposed to be a money-making enterprise? (second half of 1990's. The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary)

  • Ngram shows an increase in usage of the expression from the 80's, but there are usages as early as the 50's such as:

Questions:

When was the expression "reality check" first coined?

What context was the expression originally related to? Was it a military jargon first?

Is it appropriate to use "it's my bread and butter" in formal english?

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 08:53 AM PDT

I am preparing for an English language test. That is why I am working on strengthening my English vocabulary.

My question is regarding the speaking section of the test.

If the examiner asks me about a particular subject, for example mobile development, would it be too informal to say "it's my bread and butter"?

If yes, then could you please suggest to me a word for that? I don't want to write a sentence like "that is how I make money or that is the source of my income"

Thank you.

PS: If you find any grammatical or spelling mistakes in this question then please do let me know. I would appreciate that.

How do you correctly say large numbers

Posted: 13 Apr 2021 04:35 AM PDT

I saw a post on The daily What which links to a video where a person counts from 1 to 100,000.

Is he saying a large portion of the numbers wrong?

Back in high school my algebra teacher was extremely picky. If we were going to say the number 135, we would say one hundred thirty-five. If a person said one hundred and thirty-five my teacher would interpret that to mean 100.35. Was my algebra teacher wrong, or did Jon just waste over 80 hours counting to 100,000 incorrectly.

I tried searching the web, but searching for 'numbers and' doesn't work very well. Can you point me to a reference or style guide that describes how to properly say large numbers?
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