The phrase grabbing at straws means to guess. Here is an example:

• Tom: I think the boss is going to quit.
  Mary: Why do you think that?
  Tom: Well he has been acting very strange lately. Every time I ask him something about the current project he just talks as if it is not important.
  Mary: Tom, you are just grabbing at straws. You do not know if that is the real reason.

Popularity: 18%

“What’s at stake?” is an interesting idiom that means to ask how much. It often used just like this to ask someone what something will cost, or how much time something will take or even if a relationship will be lost. Here is an example:

• John: We put a lot of time into this business deal. I would hate to lose it over something so trivial as a misunderstanding.
• Jerry: I understand. But if we do not apologize, we will definitely lose the deal. What is at stake?
• John: Well, if we do not apologize, we will certainly lose the business. On the other hand, if we do apologize, then other customers might expect the same compensation.

Popularity: 34%

Here is an interesting contrast; What is the difference between the following two sentences?

1. I yelled at him.
2. I yelled to him.

The first uses the prepostion at which means “I was taking my anger and directing it to him.” like “Mike, I am very upset with you because you broke my computer.”
The second uses the preposition to which means “I was calling him.” like “Hey, Mike, can you come over here. I need your help.”

Popularity: 38%

I found an incorrect use of the preposition at in the sentence “…alongside the Language Show at Olympia in November 4th,5th and 6th.” when it should be in and consequently the same page used on in the sentence “…should contact Top language Jobs on 0208.” when it should be at.

This reference is from England so it could be a cultural difference in the use of these prepositions. Learning the Englsh language can be difficult but e-Homework will help you navigate to improve your English language learning capability.

Popularity: 46%

I met you at the station with my husband for the purpose of studying English for travelling to New Zealand in the Winter time.

Popularity: 52%

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