Question Details	Asked By	Asked On
On someone's end - on someone's part	riccioni	06/02/04
Dear ESL Experts: Do "on someone’s part" and "on someone’s end" have the same meaning? (For example, should I say "The Job Center is not down. Maybe the problem is on your end. Try these links." or "The Job Center is not down. Maybe the problem is on your part. Try these links"?) If not, when do you use the first and when do you use the second? Would you please give me some examples? Any alternatives? Are the above phrases used in formal situations? If so, what do you usually say in everyday speech/conversation? Again, many, many thanks for your kind help. Regards, Paolo
Clarification/Follow-up by riccioni on 06/03/04 3:43 am: Dear Ali: Thank you very much for your prompt response. In the example "My husband does a lot on his part to keep our marriage peaceful and happy. We both do our part[s?], but I credit him with doing more than his share when I am troubled," why is the "s" between [] followed by the question mark? Again, many, many thanks for your kind help. Regards, Paolo
Answered By		Answered On
AliMcJ		06/03/04
I put the "s" in brackets to indicate that it is an addition. Usually we use the singular; however, it is possible that it could be a plural -- I put the question mark to indicate that I am not really sure that a plural is required or even correct. It may be correct, but rarely used; here, since it is "we both do our part," it occurred to me that it could be "parts," but I can't think of a precedent for it, so I wasn't sure. You wouldn't be wrong to stick with the singular, as usage determines correctness over time, and when it gets to the point that someone who's a grammar wonk is confused, it has probably already made the change into correctness.

Additional Options and ratings are only visible when you login!