Question

1)I don't want to drain my savings to buy a laptop. I'll settle for the old one. Is it possible to use 'drain' in this context?

2)When I'm at the airport I have to go through security checks. What if I have something like a pepper spray with me and they take it away? Could I use the word ''confiscate''? To me it sounds sligthly formal.

3)Situation with a mom and a son.
A: I'll buy the jeans for you and then deduct it from your allowance. Would 'deduct' work in this case or shoudl I say 'take it out of your allowance'? I heard 'deduct' used in a similar context on the Castle TV series.

4) If you drive longer than 8 hours your vigilance is disrupted. (Do you use the word 'vigilance' when describing that it's more difficult to pay attention after driving long distances?

5)I have a burning feeling in my eyes from all the staring at a computer. (correct?)

6)'to claim allowance'' - Does this phrase have something to do with paying taxes? If I claim allowances, will then less money be withheld from my wage? Could you please clear it up for me?

Many thanks!!!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Ann2251)I don't want to drain my savings to buy a laptop. I'll settle for the old one. Is it possible to use 'drain' in this context?

Yes.

Ann2252)When I'm at the airport I have to go through security checks. What if I have something like a pepper spray with me and they take it away? Could I use the word confiscate?

Yes.

Ann225To me it sounds sligthly formal.

No; just specific to the context.

Ann2253)Situation with a mom and a son. A: I'll buy the jeans for you and then deduct it from your allowance. Would 'deduct' work in this case

Yes.

Ann225or shoudl I say 'take it out of your allowance'?

That's more conversational.

Ann2254) If you drive longer than 8 hours your vigilance is disrupted. (Do you use the word 'vigilance' when describing that it's more difficult to pay attention after driving long distances?

No; usually just 'attention' or 'concentration'.

Ann2255)I have a burning feeling in my eyes from all the staring at a computer. (correct?)

Yes, but not very native. 'My eyes are burning...'

Ann2256)'to claim allowance'' - Does this phrase have something to do with paying taxes?

If that is the context, then yes.

Ann225 If I claim allowances, will then less money be withheld from my wage?

Yes, probably, but tax calculations are notoriously complex and illogical, and I am not a tax accountant.

Ann225 · Answer

Thank you so much. It's all clear now. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

SoSaysSunny · Answer

I agree with Mister Micawber but would add a couple of comments:

Ann225: 3) Would 'deduct' work in this case or shoudl I say 'take it out of your allowance'?

Mister Micawber[take it out of your allowance is] more conversational.

Parents often use formal language when they are really mad. They may even call you by your full given name: "James Thomas Brown, what do you think you're doing?"

Ann225: 4) If you drive longer than 8 hours your vigilance is disrupted. (Do you use the word 'vigilance' when describing that it's more difficult to pay attention after driving long distances?

Other options:
If you drive more than 8 hours ...
After driving 8 hours ...
... you lose concentration (or focus).
Driving 8 hours straight will impair your reaction time. (removes you/your to be very formal/scientific)

Ann225: If I claim allowances, will then less money be withheld from my wage?

Mister MicawberYes, probably, but tax calculations are notoriously complex and illogical, and I am not a tax accountant.

Comments from a Former Tax Girl:

Allowances (in USA taxes) reduce the amount of taxes that are taken out of your paycheck. The number of children you have will increase your allowances and reduce the taxes taken out.

Contrast this with deductions, which reduce the amount of taxes owed on your annual tax forms. Excessive medical expenses are a deduction.

Ann225 · Answer

Thank you for elaborating on that! I really appreciate it. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

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