To Ronbee

[Anonymous]

American English is full of localised expressions or informal words . Are the following phrases being widely used in America ? ( in all states )

* " Five and Dime " , " Policy Shop " , " The never-never system "

" hospital " instead of medical centre

Another question about the standard American pronunciation :

How do I pronounce " ability " , "address" , "success " and " calculator "

Thanks for your help .

[RonBee]

American English is full of localised expressions or informal words . Are the following phrases being widely used in America ? ( in all states )

I am quite sure that I am not really qualified to answer that question with any assurance that my answer is accurate, but I can tell you what I know.

* " Five and Dime " , " Policy Shop " , " The never-never system "

The five and dime as a phrase has been around since Woolworth's got started. It is several decades old. However, the phrase is probably outmoded, since you can't buy much for a dime anymore. :(

" hospital " instead of medical centre

The word hospital could hardly replace medical centre, since hospital is quite a bit older than medical center (AE). (Presumably, a medical center is bigger and more comprehensive than a hospital, but that is not necessarily the case.)

Another question about the standard American pronunciation :

How do I pronounce " ability " , "address" , "success " and " calculator "

1. ability -- uh-bill-(short i as in bit)-tee
2. address -- uh-dress OR ADD-dress
3. success -- suck-SESS
4. calculator -- CAL (as in pal) -kew- lay-tore

Thanks for your help.

You're welcome.

:D