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  1. etymology - Why is home electricity supply called "mains"?

    Jun 4, 2017 · The word "mains" seems to be a widely understood synonym for home electricity supply. Why is it called so? I always thought it was a corruption of main [electricity supply]. Is it …

  2. When is "Mains" or "grid" no longer the correct electrical term?

    Sep 8, 2015 · Mains means connected to the external utility network (electricity, gas, water, sewerage etc.). So in your example, a "mains" car would have to be connected to the wall …

  3. Is there a term for "mains power" in U.S. English?

    Apr 12, 2011 · This insinuates that "mains" is not a U.S. term, and that the alternatives are all equally imprecise. Conclusion: Americans are likely to use "grid" as a synonym for "mains", …

  4. Are both gasoline and mains gas called "gas" in the USA?

    Dec 16, 2021 · So what if somebody is talking about their gas-stove while casually mentioning their car? I've called the gas company about these outrageous gas bills, oh, and Honey, will …

  5. word choice - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

    Jan 10, 2015 · This length of pipe between the mains and the home is often called the supply line. In the US, the name for the connection between the mains and the supply line is known as the …

  6. poetry - Etymology: "main" meaning sea or ocean - English …

    Jan 27, 2015 · OED says it's short for main sea noun.; the open sea. Now chiefly poetical. In that context, adjectival main is defined as of a material object, an animal, etc.: of great size or bulk. …

  7. "I'm flattered" meaning - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

    Mar 7, 2018 · What does "I'm flattered" mean in context. For example; you find out someone is developing feelings for you and you say "I'm flattered.. I guess"

  8. What is the proper usage of "quite a few"?

    Oct 15, 2010 · Quite a few expresses that the speaker was impressed or astonished by the number, as they would have expected less. Or the speaker wants to emphasize on the fact …

  9. Does "You flatter me" have negative connotations?

    The phrase "You flatter me" is usually taken as a modest response to a compliment, as you originally thought. Although flattery has some negative connotations, it can often be just …

  10. capitalization - Should it be "Happy Birthday!" or "Happy birthday ...

    I've always simply written it "Happy birthday!" but my wife recently said that "Birthday" should be capitalized as well. What's grammatically correct?