Author: frank

A common writing error occurs when students use the wrong version of a compound word or phrase. It’s important to know the difference between everyday and every day because these expressions have very different meanings. Improve your writing by learning Read More …

The apostrophe has two main jobs in English: to mark contractions and to indicate possession. While that may sound simple enough, clearly many people are baffled by the little squiggle. The apostrophe is often misplaced or forgotten, and sometimes it shows up in words Read More …

The common modifiers good and well are easily (and frequently) confused. Definitions Good is usually an adjective (a good book, a good job). Good can also function as a noun (the common good). Well is usually an adverb (runs well, a well-written essay). In formal speech and writing, the adjective good generally follows Read More …

In this list of common Latin abbreviations you’ll find what they stand for and how they’re used. The first list is alphabetical, but the definitions that follow are linked thematically. For instance, p.m. follows a.m. A.D. A.D. stands for Anno Read More …

The quantifiers ‘a little’, ‘little’, ‘a few’, and ‘few’ are often used interchangeably in English. However, there is a difference based on whether the object specified is countable or uncountable. The use of the indefinite article ‘a’ also changes the meaning of these important words. Read More …

The words alternate and alternative are closely related, but they can’t be used interchangeably in all cases. DEFINITIONS Alternate As a verb, alternate (the last syllable rhymes with late) means to happen by turns, to take turns, or to exchange places. As a noun, alternate (the last syllable Read More …

The English Language is a difficult beast to tie down. Even those rules which we consider mandatory may actually change very quickly, especially with words moving into ever more fleeting media. However, there are a few mistakes which – for Read More …

Read the following sentences: It’s been a beautiful day. He’ll tell you about its smell. What’s the difference between ‘it’s’ and ‘its’ in these two sentences? In the first case, ‘it’s’ is short for the verb combination ‘it is’ in the sentence ‘It’s been a beautiful day. In Read More …

Enough can be used as an adjective, adverb or exclamation in English. Pay careful attention to the placement of ‘enough’ explained below. Enough Adjective / Adverb + Enough When enough modifies an adjective or an adverb place enough after the adjective / adverb: Examples: Do you Read More …