In each of the following sentences, the absence of inadvertently omitted words and phrases leads to sentences that, though comprehensible, do not really say what they set out to communicate. Discussion after each example explains the problem, and revisions offer solutions. 1. The Voice mentor and Maroon 5 front man seemed to phone it in … Read more
In each of the following sentences, a connective symbol is employed in a reference to numbers or numerical values, but the usage is incorrect. Explanation of the error, and a revision of the error, follows each example. 1. Open enrollment for 2018 runs from November 1 – December 15. A connective symbol linking two values … Read more
A number of words share the inflected ending -ade, which denotes an action or something that performs an action or function. The following comprehensive but not exhaustive list includes definitions of forty such words (and the meaning of each root word). 1. accolade (“embrace”): an award, praise, or ceremonial embrace or salute 2. ambuscade (“in … Read more
In the following sentences, choose the possessive adjective that agrees in number with the noun or pronoun to which it refers. 1. Only one of the children picked up ______ certificate. a) his b) their 2. All of the beauty candidates showed ______ best smile. a) her b) their 3. We all expected each contestant … Read more
Proper use of semicolons is sometimes seen as such a challenge that some teachers of composition recommend not using them until one develops a more sophisticated grasp of language, which is akin to saying one should hold off on learning the more complicated letters of the alphabet until one is ready for them. The following … Read more
Whether you are learning English as a second language or trying to polish your already adequate grammar and style skills, the seven websites below can help. 1. Memrise Memrise is an online flashcard website where people can upload their own flashcard stacks. You can find a range of topics ranging from Geography to Electronics to … Read more
The English language has, well, a number of words that denote specific or approximate quantities that are themselves not numbers. This post lists and defines a dozen of those words. 1. brace: two, in reference to identical objects 2. century: primarily denotes 100 years, but occasionally used, especially in the context of competitive racing, to … Read more
Find, found, and fund could conceivably be related on the basis of the notion of obtaining something, but the words (except in the case of the link between find and one of three broad senses of found) stem from independent sources. This post defines these words and others derived from them. Find, in the sense … Read more
As a result of the popularity of police drama in U.S. entertainment, many words associated with criminal activity have become common in general usage. Edit the sentences below replacing the slang term with the appropriate standard English word. 1. The movie was about a notorious train heist that occurred in the 1960s. 2. Come on, … Read more