Knowing when to use affect versus effect in writing challenges all English speakers -- even native ones! Let's break down these commonly confused words.
english grammar
Rule breaking: Why memorizing vocabulary lists is a waste of time
In our second post of the Rule Breaking series, we are looking at vocabulary and why memorizing lists of words is not only pointless, but a waste of your valuable language learning time. Language is too intangible to be rote I have talked about this subject a few times in past posts, but it is … Continue reading Rule breaking: Why memorizing vocabulary lists is a waste of time
Rule breaking: Why teaching grammar rules doesn’t always work
I have been an EFL teacher for about four years now. In this time, I have had the privilege to teach a wide variety of learners, levels and needs, from 9–10 year-old beginners to 45 year-old advanced learners. I feel like “I’ve seen ‘em all.” I’ve also been pretty lucky to have been exposed to … Continue reading Rule breaking: Why teaching grammar rules doesn’t always work
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?
Do your work early
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 Do your work early
Hi, my noun is John
One name re-inspires a movement, rekindles racial tensions, and rescinds beliefs in progress. Plus, are you ready for the final showcase in this week's The Price (of Liberty) is Right? What would we be without our names? Would we be we without our names? Would you be you without your name? Names confer meaning upon … Continue reading Hi, my noun is John
Take an oeillade on this overlooked subject-verb disagreement
Do not be overcome with shame and guilt. I have fallen victim to this overlooked subject-verb agreement issue. Plus, eleven previously unranked words join the Words of the Week. My doubts about function words' legitimacy at the Words of the Week table have been proven wrong. Consecutively, adjective and noun got their spotlight. Verb has … Continue reading Take an oeillade on this overlooked subject-verb disagreement
Pre-position your prepositions
My word-usage crusade grows in purpose: use a hyphen in “pre-position” to avoid confusion with “preposition.”
Masculine and feminine words, He defined them
Somehow, as if these values have been ingrained in us by a higher power, these languages depict the innate quality of words through their gender classification. Man and woman He created us; masculine and feminine words He defined them.