Recent comments in /f/explainlikeimfive

Pearsepicoetc t1_je8obq7 wrote

Where I live "pickles" without any elaboration usually means small picked onions so it must just depend on what the most common type of pickled vegetable is where you are and in the US that's cucumbers.

Btw we call pickled cucumbers gherkins if they're big and cornichons if they're small.

Sliced American style pickled cucumbers are sometimes called pickles but thats the influence of American fast food.

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Hefty-Set5236 t1_je8o88k wrote

Codependency is when you become reliant on another individual, or individuals for basic functions or emotional needs. This is unhealthy because over reliance can lead to not developing necessary skills (literally and emotional). When those individuals are taken away, either by death, a break up, moving, or another reason, the codependent person can no longer function. We all rely on others, but by over relying it can lead us to a greater struggle down the road. Its important to build basic skills, including emotional ones, even if you expect to always have people in your life.

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bluecatcollege t1_je8nxrg wrote

I'm now thinking about a crazy world where insurance companies have their hooks in every public service.

Operator: 911, what's your emergency?

Person: I'm locked in my bathroom! My husband's gone crazy and says he's going to kill me!

Operator: Ok, I'll need your address and insurance information and we'll send an officer over right away.

Person: Ok here it is!

Operator: Hmm...It seems your insurance plan doesn't cover domestic violence so you'll have to pay $787 out of pocket. Do you still want us to send an officer over?

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Rcomian t1_je8nld8 wrote

i don't think this question will stay, but I'll have a go at it.

then and than do not sound the same when spoken, they sound similar, but not the same. the 'e' in 'then' is a more closed sound than the 'a' in 'than'.

you might want to compare other words with the same sounds:

  • ben, ban
  • send, sand
  • lend, land

'then' tends to be used when talking about sequences. "i do this, then i do that", it can also be logical sequences: "if you rob a bank, then you will go to jail"

'than' tends to be used more for comparisons: "I'd rather have a nice car than a small payrise", "there's nothing more satisfying than spending the night with your friends".

although I'm not a linguist so I'm probably missing a lot of uses.

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BurnOutBrighter6 t1_je8nilj wrote

*write

No they don't sound the same.

"Then" means "happening next". I'm going to work, and then to the gym, then driving home.

"Than" is for comparisons. You are taller than me. Mexico is hotter than Canada.

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