@englishstudent To take that seriously 1) that's simply a Dr. Seuss rhyme and anything goes there. 2) Americans used to say sir and ma'am all the time, but it has become much less common except in the most formal situations (like maybe government officials or in the military). However, it is still not uncommon in normal situations in the South of the US.

@MetaEd You've taken this to the next level:

Can the "her" in this sentence refer to a female person that's not Lisa?: "Lisa found her own book."

Not really.

"Own" really forces "Lisa".

Perhaps in an exceptional context it could be otherwise.

Without "own" it could.

@skillpatrol I agree.

I agree with your answer pal. @Cerberus

I was afk.... I got it, thanks guys!

Thanks for asking. @key_asdfg

:-)

Hello.

Which do you say, /bɪfɔ:r/ or /bəfɔ:r/?

@Færd Difficult to say with a short unstressed syllable. I'm probably more /ɪ/ than /ə/.

@AndrewLeach Thanks.

@Mitch @terdon Yes, exactly. Thanks. So how come when an Indian uses the same word some people say they are being sycophantic and toady? Or do they use it in the wrong context?

I mean my friend at the law firm there in US uses sir and ma'am all the time, in military they use it, in police etc. I think it is kind of polite and shows respect. I don't know what rustle people's jimmies when someone from subcontinent uses it.

I would appreciate it if someone enlighten me.

but those are old questions, so I guess maybe asking a good, well researched question 5 years ago from now.

Lators.

@Tonepoet So, I’m doing language exchange with someone I met on “italki” language exchange site. I’m teaching them Hindi for English. They are fine just that they can’t answer my grammar queries in a way I understand so I’m having to do all the labour with teaching lel.

I’m thinking about blowing them off but that would be mean I think. She is a soccer mom and quite older than me. Other than the queries’ issue the timing difference sucks. I mean they feel like calling me when I’m about to hit the bed. Bah.

I do not like the precarious position of having 1,002 reputation. Two down votes and I fall off the ledge!

And knowing this community, well... I rest my case.

Sorry, that was gratuitous.