The Whetstone is our blog space where we sharpen our own words, voice, and spirit. You’ll find pieces on English usage, tips for English writing, editing, and learning, and Biblical studies.
Word Clash: Reluctant versus Reticent
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.
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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.
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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.
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Short stories
Stories by John van Vliet | Illustrations by Jennie van Vliet
Destined, Purposed, and Fulfilled
Three men, strangers to each other, sat on a bench. They each felt inwardly incomplete and lacking. After significant time had passed, one man spoke…
Even the Stones Will Cry Out
“We are lovers of ourselves, and no one else. We are boasters, and proud. We call evil things good, and good things evil. In fact, we despise things which are good. We deny a higher power, but act like we are the higher power. And all of these things are driving us from the Lord…
And God Remembered Him
Most of the human race has left Earth, fearing its demise by their own hands was imminent. Few remain on the planet and are kept entertained by devices that can vividly play back their most cherished memories.
Henry is one such person who thrives on the joys of yesteryear. The nomadic man frequently moves…
