In a previous English lesson we discussed misplaced modifiers: descriptive words and phrases that unintentionally describe (modify) the wrong target. Closely related to misplaced modifiers are dangling modifiers. This type of error occurs when a modifier has nothing to modify.  It is left “dangling” without an appropriate word or phrase to describe. Dangling Modifiers in…

The English language has changed greatly over its existence. Old English more closely resembles modern German, betraying the language’s Germanic origins. Middle English spelling and pronunciation resemble that of modern French and Spanish. Modern English is an odd mishmash of the old and the new. Words with Latin origins exist alongside newly created-words, words borrowed…

Syntax and word order are especially important in the English language. Unlike many other languages, an incorrectly placed word or phrase can completely change the meaning of a sentence. One of the most commonly misplaced parts of English speech and writing is the modifier. Because of the relatively informal nature of modern English, native and…

In this English lesson we’re going to discuss the difference between the words which and that. Both words can be used as relative pronouns to introduce adjective or relative clauses. Whether you should use which or that in this particular role can be a confusing concept for native and non-native English speakers alike. The general…

Transitional words and phrases are devices that help you carry an idea from one sentence or paragraph to another. They link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly, preventing abrupt jumps in the flow of your writing and clarifying the relationship between ideas that you are expressing. Which transitional word or phrase you should use on depends…

A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, begins with either a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. Despite containing both a subject and a verb, a subordinate clause cannot stand on its own as a sentence. It requires additional information in order to complete the thought expressed in the subordinate clause. A subordinate/dependent…

An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is different from the dictionary definitions of the words that comprise it. Idioms pose a special challenge for non-native English speakers precisely because you can’t determine their figurative meanings from their literal meanings. English contains thousands of idioms, making it neither possible nor practical to cover all of…

The English Island in Atlanta offers many services of interest to business professionals. One of our most popular, versatile, and useful is business English instruction. These classes focus on the practical application of the English language as it applies to the business world. Unlike traditional ESL classes, business English courses are designed from the ground…

Modern American English has few official rules for how politely you should address a given individual in a given situation. While there are a handful of basic courtesies that you should consistently employ (please, thank you, you’re welcome, etc.), the structure of the language itself contains none of the signifiers of politeness commonly found in…