Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 133
562. How does one address a divorced woman?
How you address her is going to depend on the woman. If she chooses to retain her married name, then you address her `Mrs.' so and so. If on the other hand, she chooses to go back to her maiden name, then you call her `Ms.' so and so. If you are unsure, use one of the titles and she will correct you if you are in the wrong.
563. What is the meaning and origin of `chimera'?
This is a formal word and it is used to refer to a crazy or a wild idea; something that is extremely unlikely to come true. The `ch' is like the `k' in `king', `key', and `kiss', and the following `i' is like the `ie' in `tie', `pie', and `die'. The `e' is like `ea' in `fear', `dear' and `ear'; the final `a' is like the `a' in `china'. The main stress is on the second syllable. This is one of the ways of pronouncing the word. *The idea that cricket is a gentleman's game is just a chimera. *Expecting honesty from our politicians continues to be as much a chimera as ever. The original `chimera' was a fire-breathing monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a snake's tail. Now do you understand why the word means a fanciful or crazy idea?
564. Is it okay to say, `You can contact him in 25435439 (telephone no)'?
No, it isn't. You usually contact someone `at' a number. "If it's an emergency, you can contact me at 22009988". "I tried to contact him at 22009988, but the line was busy." "Opinions are like feet. Everybody's got a couple, and they usually stink." — Jim Slattery
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
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