GS1The Hindu · Editorial
Know your English (Q&A column)
Language column explaining common English expressions, pronunciation, and usage distinctions
SP
Samachar Pathshala Desk
Published 22 Jul 2026 · 1 min
Key takeaways
- Sindhu Nagaraj’s language column answers reader questions on English usage, pronunciation, and idioms.
- The phrase “joie de vivre” is explained as French for joy of living, with pronunciation guidance.
- The noun “media” can take either singular or plural verb agreement in modern English, depending on context.
Why the topic has limited exam value
What to remember
The UPSC angle
GS1Essay
How UPSC can use this topic
Relevant for Essay: Clarity of expression, communication, and language usage, GS1: Language, expression, and idiomatic usage as part of culture and communication. Sindhu Nagaraj’s language column answers reader questions on English usage, pronunciation, and idioms. It explains the expressions “Bless you,” “joie de vivre,” “media,” “a few” versus “few,” and “to carry coals to Newcastle.”
