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Ann225 Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

Disservice, phlegm or mucus

Hi,

1) I am aware that 'do a great disservice to someone' means to do something that will make the other person look bad. What if a friend of mine showed up to a party, even though she'd be ill and I'd catch a cold from her?

In my language, we have the same phrase as 'do a great disservice to someone' and it could be used in this example. (You did something (coming to a party while being ill) which caused problems to other people (me catching a cold). I'm afraid that 'do a great disservice' would probably not work here as English is a lot different than my mother tongue. Is there a similar phrase I could use?

2) Can I say that a function (in maths) is cluttered or crammed with a lot of expressions if it's comprised of square roots, absolute values, different powers etc. (it's very long and complicated)?

3) Is there a difference between 'phlegm' and 'mucus'?

If I have a runny nose, is the 'fluid' called 'phlegm' or 'mucus'? What about if I cough? Do I have a lot 'phlegm' or 'mucus' hanging around in the back of my throat?

Thank you! I always appreciate your help.

  

Top answer

Ann225 1) I am aware that 'do a great disservice to someone' means to do something that will make the other person look bad. You can use it if someone gives you a cold. They did not serve you well, did they?

— AlpheccaStars

  • Ann225 1) I am aware that 'do a great disservice to someone' means to do something that will make the other person look bad.
  • You can use it if someone gives you a cold.
  • They did not serve you well, did they?
  • But is seems rather formal or maybe joking to say that.
  • Ann225 2) Can I say that a function (in maths) is cluttered or crammed No, its just a complicated formula or expression.
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2 Answers
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Ann2251) I am aware that 'do a great disservice to someone' means to do something that will make the other person look bad.

You can use it if someone gives you a cold. They did not serve you well, did they?

But is seems rather formal or maybe joking to say that.

Ann2252) Can I say that a function (in maths) is cluttered or
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Ann2253) Is there a difference between 'phlegm' and 'mucus'?

It is the difference between mentioning something in general and something in particular. The second word is for wherever it occurs in the body, including the bowels. The first word is for when it occurs in the throat.

Ann225If I have a runny nose, is the 'fluid' calle
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