Questions tagged [phrasing]

This tag should be used for questions dealing with the phrasing in your writing, such as questions dealing with techniques to come up with a certain way of phrasing or common resources that can help with finding the correct phrasing. Please note that "What should I write?" requests are off-topic here. You might also want to check out our sister site EnglishLanguage&Usage.SE and their phrase-requests tag.

This tag should be used for questions dealing with the phrasing in your writing, such as questions dealing with s to come up with a certain way of phrasing or common that can help with finding the correct phrasing.

Please note that "What should I write?" requests are off-topic here. You might also want to check out our sister site EnglishLanguage&Usage.SE and their phrase-requests tag.

32 questions
10
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5 answers

Should I use the term vis-à-vis? How should I decide when to use/avoid a term?

I wrote a vision statement for a project using the term vis-à-vis (All X investments should be justified vis-à-vis quantified gain). A colleague suggested I shouldn't use vis-à-vis, and prefer simpler verbiage like "in relation to". The colleague is…
Yaniv Aknin
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10
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8 answers

In fiction, what is meant by phrases such as "his eyes flashed anger for a moment"?

I've read a lot of such phrases, but that one in particular doesn't make sense to me. Physically, what is supposed to be described here? How long is the moment? I've personally tried to make my eyes "flash" as quickly as possible and it's not…
Michael Stachowsky
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1
vote
2 answers

How to use the phrase 'by my undertanding' in a formal essay? Or it is formal already?

Is it appropriate to use phrases such as "by my understanding" in a formal setting? If I can't, please suggest alternatives.
ostalot
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0
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2 answers

Is "Truth be told" a valid expression to be used in a written essay?

Can we use the expressions "Truth be told" or "To tell the truth" to describe something factual in our opinion in written arguments? Example: Truth be told, I think no one is winning this war. The very phrase has the verb "told" in it which refers…
srini
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0
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1 answer

Fear/reluctance of doing something terrible

**I asked this question in English.SE, but someone suggested to move it here What are some phrases/expressions that explains someone's fear/reluctance of doing something terrible (like murder for instance)? (There is this character who must kill an…
Nht_e0
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2 answers

Unable to identify this phrase as sarcasm

I am unable to understand if this phrase is meant to be sarcastic. "I'm glad you're constantly thinking about how to make your life easier :)." This is made by a higher ranking official in reference to an senior and respected person proposing a…