DAILY GRAMMAR (DG) 10-05-2018
1. You can not always do what you like. (No)
You cannot always do what you like. (Yes)
(The opposite of “can” is “cannot”, a single word, meaning “not possible”. The meaning of “can not” may be different. For example, “she can not only write but also paint,” meaning that she can do both.)
2. Share the apples between your four siblings. (No)
Share the apples among your four siblings. (Yes)
(“Between” is restricted to two things or people in relation to sharing while “among” is used for three or more entities. However, when sharing is not involved, “between” may be used for many things or people. For example, “he was undecided between pleasing his wife, boss and parents”; “his office is located between the bank, the bakery and the computer centre.”)
3. We are not supposed to organise the conference this year because it is biannual. (No)
We are not supposed to organise the conference this year because it is biennial. (Yes)
(“Biannual” refers to something happening twice a year while “biennial” denotes something happening every two years.)
Did You Know?
“Oysterhood” means “reclusiveness” or “an overwhelming desire to stay at home.”