Does being reluctant and reticent mean the same thing? It may seem so, but if we look closer at the definitions of these words, you will see that there are differences between them.
Author: John van Vliet
Word Clash: Affect versus Effect
Knowing when to use affect versus effect in writing challenges all English speakers -- even native ones! Let's break down these commonly confused words.
Word Clash: Capitol versus Capital
A way to help you remember when to use “capitol” is to focus on the o’s: Congress gets nothing done in the Capitol; zero things, a goose egg.
Word Clash: “Home in” versus “Hone in”
As a writer and an editor, it is my duty to hone my vocabulary to best home in my message. In fact, I have a section of this website dedicated to the honing of words: The Whetstone. Should the words I use cause confusion, what use of a writer am I? I admit that I … Continue reading Word Clash: “Home in” versus “Hone in”
A case to capitalise Biblical, Godly, and other adjectives once proper
Is it too Quixotic of me to expect for us to capitalise Biblical, Godly, and other proper adjectives at all times?
5 tips for technical writing
These are five tips for technical writing that I believe are helpful for both new and experienced technical writers. When I started my job with Opera Software in late 2016, my initial tasks were to edit and proofread documents, blogs, and product text. A few months later, I was asked to develop help content for … Continue reading 5 tips for technical writing
Wiseacre and wisenheimer | (S)word Sharpening
Reflecting on the words "wiseacre" and "wisenheimer" allowed me to consider if it is better to be an expert or a novice in all things.
Achieve your learning goals “brick by brick”
Brick-by-brick, percentage-point-by-percentage-point, and non-cashable-investment-by-non-cashable-investment: push to improve yourself every day.
If you’re on time, you’re late
A good coach of any sport has several motivating cliche's ready in their coaching vocabulary. We call these coachisms, and any good coachism will motivate you to perform at your best not only in practice or a game, but in life, too. Ones like "focus on the little things" or "let's take this one game … Continue reading If you’re on time, you’re late
If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me
A good coach of any sport has several motivating cliche's ready in their coaching vocabulary. We call these coachisms, and any good coachism will motivate you to perform at your best not only in practice or a game, but in life, too. Ones like "focus on the little things" or "let's take this one game … Continue reading If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me