Hurray!
I just came back from my first full piano lesson.
And, according to my teacher, I have hope!
That’s thrilling news.
Much, much better than being hopeless, don’t you think?
MAILBAG FRIDAY
Friday is the day I answer your questions about English.
A reader writes: “What is the difference between “sorry” and “excuse me”?
Situation One
You’re riding the New York city metro at rush hour.
A gentleman with a squirrel in his pants and a cactus on his head sits next to you.
You decide now would be a good time to get off.
As you push your way through the crowd of commuters you say, “Excuse me.”
(UK: Sorry.)
Situation Two
It’s tea time at Buckingham Palace.
You and the royals are sitting around the kitchen table telling dirty jokes.
It’s King Charles’ turn.
But his mouth is full of crumpets and you can’t understand a word he says.
You say, “Sorry?”
(US: Excuse me?)
Situation Three
You’re playing poker in Las Vegas.
Only one player remains: a sweet old nun who desperately needs money to save her orphanage.
Time to show your cards.
The nun has two kings.
But you have three aces. (ace an exam)
As the dealer shoves the massive pile of chips toward you, you smirk and tell the nun, “Sorry, sister. Better luck next time.”
Have a great weekend,
Mr. Vig
I would say “pardon” to King Charles….
Me too
Mr. Vig, in creating lessons for your students, and probably in life as well, you are one of the most creative people I’ve ever met. Your lessons are better than the best comics in the world.
Thanks!