More words to mull over:
Walla vs. Voilà
Wrong: We turned the corner and walla, there it was.
Right: We turned the corner and voilà, there it was.
Voilà (or voila) is French for “see there.” It’s used to call attention to something or express satisfaction or success. Walla is simply an attempt to spell it phonetically. But even that fails, because the correct pronunciation of voila is vwa-LA (not wa-LA). The v is not silent.
Eldest vs. Elder / Youngest vs. Younger
Wrong: The eldest of their two daughters is getting married next month.
Right: The elder of their two daughters is getting married next month.
Use elder or younger when referring to one of only two; use eldest or youngest when referring to one of three or more.
Stay tuned for even more words next time.
Mark.
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