When, and more interestingly perhaps why was it decreed that the word 'free' should become a noun (as in "for (sic) free") as well as a verb, adverb and adjective. In its latter role it is rarely used other than in the nonsense of "free (sic) gift".

It is often reported that some banks are partly owned by the (sic) tax-payer. Am I really the sole contributor to government funds via HMRC?

Those who dismiss the need for apostrophes should read this:

“There was no human food in the fridge so we ate the dogs (sic).”

How soon?

Can someone please explain the difference between "soon" and "any time soon"?

Why do so many people talk about a person speaking, say, seven different languages? And why are we so often told that there are many different varieties/species? They are, by definition, all different.

Can someone explain how a person's skill set differs from their skills?

What sort of preparation?

Could someone please explain the difference between 'pre-planned' and 'planned' police operations?