Does New York refer to a State of New York? Or New York City? It's hard to tell the difference!

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

You're right. It is hard to tell the difference! However, I'd say, in general, people refer to the city more than they do the state. So I'd assume that they mean the city. But both would be valid here! Since perhaps they can recognize the area in the state and not just the main city. If the context isn't enough and a clear distinction needs to be made, then "New York State" or "New York City" would be said. Ex: I'm heading to New York City to meet up with a few friends. Ex: I've never been to the State of New York before. Ex: I want to go to Times Square in New York. => through context, we know this is in the city.

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Popular Q&As

05/11

1
What's "so" mean here? When can I use it like this?
Here "so" is an adverb and refers to an action previously mentioned. It functions similarly to "that." Here, "so" refers to Bruno telling them something. You can use it when you want to refer to specific actions mentioned before. To use it this way it generally requires "do" with it. It can sometimes sound a little formal but is fine to use in casual conversation. Ex: She drank all the coffee we had. By doing so, she couldn't sleep the whole night. Ex: Mom told me to do the laundry. But I'll do so later! = Mom told me to do the laundry. But I'll do that later!

2
What does "pocketbook" mean here? Is "old pocketbook" an idiom?
"Pocketbook" is referring to a woman's purse. "Not too rough on the old pocketbook" is an expression that means they didn't spend too much money on groceries. "Old pocketbook" isn't really an idiom; it just refers to the purse she is using. Ex: This trip was a little rough on our pocketbooks. Ex: Let's take out the old pocketbook and get something nice for mom! Ex: I purchased this really cute pocketbook online.

3
Why would the speaker call a social media as a "platform"?
Social media facilitates social interaction and engagement, so they're often called platforms. Note that the meaning of the noun platform is a thing or opportunity which allows one to share their opinion or views, which is what social media sites and apps do. Ex: Social media is the preferred platform for young people to share their opinions and views. Ex: I have a presence on a few social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

4
Is "patented" adjective here? Does "have patented" mean "take a patent"?
"Patented" is actually the verb in this sentence. "Patent" means the legal right to create and/or sell something for a certain amount of years. If something is "patented" it means that person who patented it can do whatever he wants with it for a certain period of time. Getting something patented is done through a government. As for your second question, "have patented" means to "obtain a patent from the government." You really can't take a patent, you get or obtain a patent from the government.

5
What does "lift up" mean?
To "lift someone up" is used in the metaphorical sense, to make someone happier, more confident, or free. It means to lift someone's spirits or mood. Ex: I love my parents. They always lift me up and support me. Ex: Sometimes, you have to remember to lift yourself up and not just other people.

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