Writing Numbers (Part One)
In this lesson and the lesson that follows, we’re going to cover when you should write out numbers as words (twenty) and when you should write numbers as numerals (20). Keep in mind that these rules might differ from the rules used in your workplace, especially if you work in a scientific or technical field.…
Read MoreAbbreviations (Part Three)
English punctuation and capitalization rules for abbreviations vary widely because those rules frequently change. Moreover, American and British English differ in the use of periods with names and titles of people. Therefore, you should think of the “rules” for abbreviations as guidelines, not absolutes. Always make sure that the abbreviations you use are consistent with…
Read MoreAbbreviations (Part One)
In this week’s lesson, we’re going to begin examining abbreviations. English punctuation and capitalization rules for abbreviations vary widely because those rules frequently change. Moreover, American and British English differ in the use of periods with names and titles of people. As a general rule, you should avoid abbreviations in formal writing unless you are…
Read MoreAbbreviations (Part Two)
English punctuation and capitalization rules for abbreviations vary widely because those rules frequently change. Moreover, American and British English differ in the use of periods with names and titles of people. Therefore, you should think of the “rules” for abbreviations as guidelines, not absolutes. Always make sure that the abbreviations you use are consistent with…
Read MoreTime Clauses
A time clause is a dependent clause that begins with a “time word” (when, after, as soon as, etc.). Time clauses follow their own special rules for tense combinations. Therefore, the correct verb tense in a time clause may be different from what you expect. Future Time Clauses A future time clause uses the…
Read MoreThe Order of Adjectives
Native speakers of any language intuitively adopt many grammar rules without even realizing those rules exist. One such rule is the order of adjectives. Most native English speakers do not realize that sometimes you must put adjectives in a certain order, and other times you can choose your own adjective order. In English, there are…
Read MoreEven More English Contronyms
This week we’re going to examine another five commonly-used English contronyms: words with two contradictory meanings. A contronym, sometimes called an auto-antonym or “Janus word” (after the two-faced Greek god), is essentially its own opposite. Accordingly, the meaning that a contronym conveys is entirely context-dependent. If you need more help with contronyms or any other…
Read MoreYet More Fossil Words
In this lesson, we’re going to look at five more fossil words that have been preserved within modern English idioms. These archaic words are rarely, if ever, used outside of the idiomatic expressions in which they are embedded. In fact, an English speaker using an idiom containing a fossil word might not even be aware…
Read MoreYet More Words Whose Meanings Have Changed Over Time
This week, we’re going to look at another five words whose meanings have changed over time. English, like any living language, continues to grow and change. New words are created, old words fall out of use, and existing words take on new meanings. Many common English words have very different meanings now than they did…
Read MoreTricky Words Quiz
Test your knowledge of some of the tricky pairs and groups of words that we’ve covered in previous lessons with this short quiz. For each sentence, choose the correct word or words from those in brackets. Answers and explanations can be found at the end of the quiz. If you need more help with tricky…
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