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Author: John van Vliet

Word Clash: Reluctant versus Reticent

27th September 202125th September 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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.

Word Clash: Affect versus Effect

25th August 202117th September 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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

4th August 202117th September 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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”

2nd August 202117th September 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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

10th June 202110th June 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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

29th May 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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

5th May 20215th May 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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”

12th April 202112th April 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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

29th March 20212nd April 2021 / John van Vliet / Leave a comment

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

15th March 202115th March 2021 / John van Vliet / 4 Comments

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

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