I am glad to finally release the first test on this blog, the DWT Vocabulary Test 1. The idea of creating tests and quizzes was bouncing in my head for some time already. Such resources add interactivity to the content, and they integrate perfectly with the topics we already cover routinely. The vocabulary tests will … Read more
We all have our pet grammar peeves, usages that, when we hear them, affect us like the sound of a fingernail against a chalkboard. I’ll bet I’m not the only one who shudders to hear sentences like these: A boxer is different than a Doberman.This car is different to that one. Yet, are these usages … Read more
Daniel recently asked me, “Is it correct to address someone by Sir even in informal contexts such as Instant Messaging or on a blog comment?” The word sir serves a very useful purpose in English, even in those cultures that cherish democratic ideals to the extreme. Sir has been used as a respectful form of … Read more
A common error in modern writing looks a little like this: “Microsoft announced they are releasing a new Xbox console next week…” Since Microsoft is a company made up of many people, it’s easy to make this mistake. But companies are always its, not theys. “Microsoft announced it is releasing…” Another variation on this rule … Read more
Apparently it hasn’t been a good month for sports figures. Chris Chelios is being sued for libel: According to a report by TSN of Canada on Tuesday, Meehan’s lawyers have issued notices of libel against Chelios and several media outlets for statements the Detroit Red Wings defenseman made last week. and the president of the … Read more
Thomas, one of our readers, asks, “What is the difference between “these” and “those”? Can they just be interchanged?” In order to understand the difference between these two terms we need first to understand the difference between “this” and “that,” since “these” is the plural of “this” and “those” is the plural of “that.” The … Read more
The preposition between is from an Old English word related to the word two. It denotes a position between two things: The guard stood between the door and the street. Just between you and me, I’m surprised that a graduate of Yale wouldn’t speak better English. The preposition among derives from an Old English word … Read more
Whenever you encounter another culture, each culture takes something from the other. So it is with English and Japanese. Each language has borrowed from the other. In the case of English, there’s a long list of borrowings. Some of these have no direct English equivalent and describe inherently Japanese concepts. Others come from Japanese via … Read more
The constant misuse of disinterested for uninterested is breaking down a very useful distinction of meaning. To be uninterested is to be lacking in any sense of engagement with the matter: Sallie is uninterested in algebra. To be disinterested is to lack bias: Let the company call in a disinterested mediator to settle the dispute. … Read more
Computers and the Internet are revolutionizing the way we create and share information. Through blogs, wikis and social networks, you can reach literally 1.2 billion of people without leaving your room. That being said, a little attention toward correct spelling and basic grammar rules couldn’t hurt, right? Below you will find some curious, to say … Read more
There are many expressions in English which reflect our need to classify and put a value on items. Here are a few: First water This is most often heard in the phrase ‘a diamond of the first water’. The expression means the best quality. The best diamonds are nearly as clear as water, and this … Read more
It would be difficult to open a business book or magazine would coming across this term. Synergy (sÄn’É™r-jÄ“) refers to a situation where the combined output of two parts is larger the the sum of their individual outputs. That is, when two plus two equals five. Businessmen often justify mergers or acquisitions with synergies that … Read more