PREPOSITIONS: Why do we "get on the bus" but "get in the car"?

A lot of people are confused about why we "get on the bus" and "get in the car". How is it possible to be on something when you are actually inside?

We shouldn't take the expression of being "on the bus" literally. This phrase was taken from "get on, " meaning to board, embark, or mount (something). So, we would actually be getting on board when we enter the bus. Instead of saying "We are on board the bus," we say "We are on the bus." In the same way, if we were to "get off the bus," we would be disembarking from the vehicle.

This is also applicable in the context of trains, aircraft, and ships.

On the other hand, you simply and literally "get in" or "get out of" a car.

ANYMORE AND ALREADY: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

We use 'anymore' when we want to express that a situation has changed or that something that used to be is no longer that way.

Example 1: "Emily used to exercise at the gym everyday. She doesn't do that anymore."
This means that Emily exercised at the gym regularly in the past, but she has stopped doing that.

Example 2: "Jason does not work here anymore."
This means that Jason used to work at that office. Now he does not.

We use 'already' to express that something has happened earlier than expected. Take note that 'already' is usually located before the adjective or the verb.

Example 1: "I just bought groceries yesterday and the pantry is already empty.
This means that the groceries have been consumed sooner than expected.

Example 2: Jack was just about to tell her, but Mom already knew about the broken vase.
This means that Mom has found out about the broken vase before Jack could tell her about it.

IRREGARDLESS IS NOT A WORD

Despite what you read and hear, there is no such word as irregardless. 

The proper word choice for what you want to express is regardless. 

For example:  

Regardless of the circumstances of your leaving, your first responsibility is to inform your employer that you are resigning.

IN BEHALF OF or ON BEHALF OF?

What is the difference between in behalf of and on behalf of? 

In behalf of means "for the benefit of" or "in the interest of."

For example:  The First Lady hosted a charity dinner in behalf of the street children of Metro Manila.

On behalf of means "in place of" or "as the representative of."

For example:  On behalf of the President, the First Lady thanked the people for their loyalty and support.

"Since Time Immemorial"

The phrase "since time immemorial" is an idiom that means that a situation or circumstance has been going on for a very long time that no one can remember when it did not exist.

Correct: "Since time immemorial" or "From time immemorial"

For example:

That mansion had stood overlooking the valley since time immemorial.

Flooding in the city during the rainy season has been a problem from time immemorial.

Incorrect: "Since time in memorial" or "In time immemorial"

ADVICE OR ADVISE

Advice is a noun which refers to the counsel or suggestions one gives to another.

Advise is a verb that means to offer counsel or make suggestions.


"Mary asked John to advise her on what to do, but she didn't take his advice."

BORROW vs. LEND

If you get confused about which one to use, remember that you "borrow from" and "lend to".

• She wanted to borrow some money from me.  
• I had no money to  lend to her.