Hello and a very warm welcome to the English Language Clinic, with me ?Dr Danny?. This week I?ve been asked to explain the term ?feedback?. ?Feedback? has nothing to do with ?regurgitation? (the contents of the stomach passing ?back? into the mouth), used by certain animals to ?feed? their young (or themselves, in the case of ?ruminants?, such as cows). It is easy to see how this mistake could be made. The most common meaning of ?feed? relates to ?eating? and ?nourishment?. However, ?to feed? also means ?to supply? (?feed? paper into the printer), ?send /carry? (blood ?feeds? oxygen to the muscles) and ?to make known? (?feed? a story to the press).

So, giving ?feedback? is ?sending? something back (information). This information is used to change the way something is done, to make it more effective. For example, when trying on shoes in a shoe shop, I might offer this ?feedback? to the shop assistant: ?too big?, ?too small?, ?I don?t like ribbons?, ?high heels don?t suit me?. It should help the assistant help me find the perfect pair of plimsolls. Acting on ?feedback? (changing in response to it) allows you to do things better.

I?d like your ?feedback?. By emailing the address below, tell me what you think about this column; how can I make it better? If you enjoy reading these articles, if you would like me to change them in any way, let me know. Together we can make things better! Please send your feedback to me, at [email protected] If you wish to join an English language course, please attend registration, at the British Council, from 1100-1700 Thursday and Friday, and 0930-1500 on Saturday.