Common Expressions

The meaning of duly noted is: “properly recorded” or “acknowledged.”  The first word, duly is an adverb that corresponds to the adjective due.  To “note” something means to record it. For instance, a secretary might make sure that the meeting minutes are duly noted and written down in… continue reading

The English and French languages have a long and complicated history, just like the history between France and the United Kingdom. But it’s not necessary to be a history buff in order to understand the influence of French on the English language. An impressive one-third… continue reading

Vice versa comes from Latin. The phrase is used to say “the other way around.” Vice versa is often used as an adverb, and it doesn’t require a hyphen (nor a dash) between the two words. Unless you’re discussing the term itself (as we are now), vice… continue reading

Looking to voice your agreement with someone during a heated debate? You should shout “hear, hear,” especially if you’re a member of Parliament! Of course, if you’re shouting, nobody will notice your error if you shout “here, here” since the words sound exactly the same.… continue reading

A moot point is an irrelevant fact because it does not pertain to the current situation. The phrase “mute point” does not exist; it’s a mistake since the word mute means silent. Moot rhymes with “root” while mute rhymes with “beaut.” The Definition of Moot… continue reading