Found 317 articles starting with A:

A Comprehensive Guide to the World's Most Difficult Grammars

Top 5 languages with the most difficult grammar Learning a new language may be thrilling and challenging at the same time. While learning certain languages is very simple, learning others takes more time and effort. The top five languages wit...

A Final Summary of Verbs

Summary of VerbsVerbs fulfill five functions in our language. In their conjugated form, they enable us to form clauses, either as complete sentences or as dependent clauses. They also appear as infinitives (to verbs)...

A General Summary of Nouns

At this stage, we are still just exploring the eight parts of speech. The first is the noun. Above, we learned that nouns serve to name things, people, places, ideas, feelings, and other abstractions. One way to test a word to see if it’s acting as a...

A handy note to have tenses at your finger tips

...

a lot - correct spelling

a lot noun
Not alot, which is simply not a word. You wouldn't climb atree, would you? Example: He took a lot of pictures...

A lot vs. allot

Karl needed a lot of time for the job. He allotted three breaks a day to everyone in the department....

A short guide to improving your grammar and increase your vocabulary in a month

Working with online writing services present a great way of learning from professionals. They are very resourceful in helping you make the right choice of words and vocabulary to apply in your writing. Effective communication can only be made when on...

A Summary of Adjectives

In this section, we introduced ourselves to the adjective, which comes in a one-word form that either precedes or follows the noun it modifies.When the adjective precedes the noun, it’s in the attributive position.When it follows the ...

A Summary of Adverbs

In this section, we met the last of the working words, the adverb. We have visited the noun, the verb, the adjective, and now the adverb.We learned that adverbs come in a variety of sizes: one-word adverbs, multiword phrases, and multiword cl...

A Summary of Conjunctions

We have three kinds of conjunctions:1. coordinating 2. correlative 3. subordinatingWe have seen that coordinating and correlative conjunctions join two or three or four or more clau...

A Summary of Prepositions

In this section, we learned all about the preposition, whose primary role in life is to stick nouns on sentences. We met three basic kinds: simple, marginal, and compound. We learned that skilled writers don’t use too many compound prepositions like ...

A Summary of Pronouns

We have seven types of pronouns: (1) personal, (2) reflexive and intensive, (3) indefinite, (4) demonstrative, (5) relative, (6) interrogative, and (7) reciprocal.You must commit to memory some of the basic rules governing the correct use of ...

A Summary of the 10 Functions of Nouns

Here they are again—the 10 functions of nouns.1. Subjects of Sentences The professor, John Smith, is the noun expert, so yesterday he gave the class his views on the importance of learning to ...

A Summary of Verbs

We’re going to return to verbs in more detail below, but now let’s summarize what you’ve learned. For right now, you need to remember that all verbs break down into five groups.A Summary of Verbs Verb...

A while vs. Awhile

Is it correct if you spell "awhile" in one word, or are there some specific contexts that require this expression only split, into "a" + "while"? Is there any rule or hint to help you remember when to use the correct spelling in order to avoid any ty...

a while, awhile

Awhile is an adverb that will most commonly follow a verb
. (Could you wait awhile?)A while i...

a while, awhile - correct spelling

a while, awhile noun
Not awhile, which is an adverb
.Example: Wait here for a while. The expression a whil...

A Word About "Nor"

Nor After NegativesThe conjunction nor can serve either as a coordinating conjunction or as part of the correlative conjunction neither . . . nor. As a coordinating conjunction, it can join a comple...

a, an

Writers sometimes confuse the use of the articles a and an. We were all taught that a precedes a word starting with a consonant ...

Abandon vs. Abandoned

Grammatical Roles: "Abandon" and "abandoned" assume different grammatical roles within a sentence. "Abandon" functions as a verb, denoting the act of willingly or deliberately leaving behind, relinquishing, or forsaking someone or something. ...

abase - vocabulary

abase - verb
To deprive of esteem, to diminish a person’s self-worth or effectiveness; to degrade or demean; to humble, humiliate, mortify; to bring low, take down a peg. When ...

Abbreviate vs. Abbreviation

To make something shorter, such as a word.A short way of writing a word....

abeyance - vocabulary

abeyance - noun
A state of suspension or temporary inaction; the condition of being temporarily set aside or held in suspension, as in They held the program in abeyance. In law, a co...

ability - correct spelling

ability noun
Example: Her ability as a leader impressed us. ...

Ability vs. Capability

Ability – Ability to do some task means that you can do it and have done it in the past. Ability determines a person’s skill or level of expertise. In other words, it denotes the quality of being able to perform something. For examp...

abject - vocabulary

abject - adjective
Sunk to a low condition, miserable, degraded, without self-respect, of the lowest kind.Note: Often used in the cliché, abject poverty...

abjure - vocabulary

abjure - verb
To recant; to repudiate under oath; to disavow a stance previously written or said; to renounce irrevocably. 2. Resolved, That we the citizens of Meckle...

Aboard vs. Abroad

1. Aboard The term "aboard" primarily functions as an adverb or preposition, indicating being or going on board a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle. It refers to being physically present or moving within a mode of transportation. ...

abominate - vocabulary

abominate - verb
To dislike strongly; to regard with loathing; to execrate. Now is as good a time as ever to revisit the history of the Crusades, or the sorry history of parti...

abrogate - vocabulary

abrogate - verb
To abolish by official means; to annul by an authoritative act; to repeal, as in to abrogate a law; to put an end to. The new crusade to render socialism irrevocab...

absence - correct spelling

absence noun
Example: Absence makes the heart grow fonder....

absent - correct spelling

absent correct spelling of absent adjective
Example: The absent board member submitted her proxy....

Absolute Phrase

You must have heard about phrases. Phrases are a group of words that join together to make a clause. There a...

Absorb vs. Absorbent

To soak up liquid.To take in information.If something absorbs you, it takes up all your attention.Something that soaks up liquid, such as a washcloth, towel, or sponge, is absorbent....

abstemious - vocabulary

abstemious - adjective
A state of self-denial or abstinence, regarding the use (usually overuse) of food or drink. When [Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121–180)] was eleven years old, he ...

abstruse - vocabulary

abstruse - adjective
Having to do with matters difficult to comprehend. My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse crypto...

abundance - correct spelling

abundance noun
Example: We harvested an abundance of corn....

Academic vs. Academy

To do with study and learning.Someone who teaches in a university or college or someone who does research.A private junior high, middle school, or high school.A school that teaches special subjects...

accelerate - correct spelling

accelerate verb
Example: The Lexus accelerates faster than a VW Bug....

accept - correct spelling

accept verb
Grammar.com’s section on Problem Words discusses except and accept. Click here for that discussion.Example: ...

Accept vs. Except

To take something that you are offered.To agree to something.Apart from.But for the fact that....

accept, except examples

These two words are actually most likely to be confused in a situation where their meanings are actually the opposite.Accept as a verb means “to receive gladly,” “to be deemed proper...

acceptable - correct spelling

acceptable adjective
Example: She brought an acceptable proposal to the meeting....

Access vs. Excess

Access” and “excess” are often confused due to their spelling similarities. But these words have completely different meanings and must never be used one instead of the other.We have prepared a complete explanation for the meanings of these w...

accessible - correct spelling

accessible adjective
Example: The business built a ramp to make its store accessible to people in wheelchairs....

accident - correct spelling

accident noun
Example: The accident injured the starting wide receiver for the Redskins....

accidentally - correct spelling

accidentally adverb
Not accidently.Grammar.com's section on the Parts of Speech discusses the demise of -ly adverbs. ...

acclaim - correct spelling

acclaim verb or noun
Example: The crowd acclaimed the conquering heroes. verb
Example: ...

accommodate - correct spelling

accommodate verb
Spell with two “c’s” and two “m’s.”Example: We can accommodate your wishes....

accommodation - correct spelling

accommodation noun
Spell with two “c’s” and two “m’s.”Example: The little inn provided warm accommodations for the travelers....

accompanied - correct spelling

accompanied verb, past tense and past participle of accompany.Example: The bodyguard ...

accomplish - correct spelling

accomplish verb
Example: Tiger Woods accomplished the remarkable feat of winning more than 25% of the tournaments he entered....

accordion - correct spelling

accordion noun
Not accordian.Example: Lawrence Welk played the accordion over and over and over again....

Account vs. Accountant

A description of something that has happened, as in an account of the accident.An arrangement to keep money in a bank, as in a checking or savings account.Records of money earned and spent.If you account for some...

accumulate - correct spelling

accumulate verb
Example: The shareholders noticed that someone accumulated thousands of shares in just 15 minutes....

accumulation - correct spelling

accumulation noun
Example: The stock is definitely under accumulation....

Accusative Case

The grammatical case in English language is the mode of the sentence of the parts of a sentence which help u...

accuse - correct spelling

accuse verb
Example: The husband will accuse his wife of being unfaithful....

accustomed - correct spelling

accustomed adjective (a past participial adjective, from the verb accustom) and a verb
Example: I’ve grown ...

ache - correct spelling

ache noun and verb
Example: He fought off all the aches and pains. noun
Example: His...

achieve - correct spelling

achieve verb
Example: He achieved every goal he set for himself....

achievement - correct spelling

achievement noun
Example: Winning the PGA was the golfer’s greatest achievement....

acknowledge - correct spelling

acknowledge verb
Example: The candidate acknowledged the cheers of the crowd....

acquaintance - correct spelling

acquaintance noun
Not acquaintence or aquaintance.Example: In high school, she was a close acquaintance of mine....

acquainted - correct spelling

acquainted verb, past tense and past participle of acquaint, and adjective
Example: He ...

acquire - correct spelling

acquire verb
Not aquire.Example: He tried to acquire a controlling interest in the corporation....

acquit - correct spelling

acquit verb
Not aquit.Example: The jury will acquit the defendant if the prosecutor fails to introduce sufficient evidence....

acquitted - correct spelling

acquitted verb, past tense and past participle of the verb acquitExample: The jury acqui...

Acronym vs Anacronym

Do you know the difference between the words Acronym vs Anacronym? At first glance, we migh...

acronym, initialism

An acronym is a pronounceable name made up of a series of initial letters or parts of words; for example, UNESCO for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.An initialism, on the other hand, is simply a ...

across - correct spelling

across preposition, adverb, and adjective
Example: He traveled across the ocean. ...

Across vs. Cross

Definition and Spatial Connotations: "Across" is a preposition and adverb commonly used to describe movement from one side to another, usually indicating a traversing action over a barrier, obstacle, or distance. It conveys the idea of moving...

action verb

An action verb denotes physical, mental, or even emotional activity. The word run is obviously an action verb. But so is think.Every action verb is either transitive or ...

Action Verbs

When Amber and Igor were grunting all those nouns that named people, animals, and things, they also noticed that people did things: Animals moved around, made noises, and ate stuff; and tangible things could move and affect other things. They noticed...

active voice

Every transitive verb can appear in one of two voices: the active voice or the passive voice
.In the active voice, the grammatical subject of the sentence is the actor. Thus, in the ...

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

Active and passive voice sounds like something complex and complicated, but really, it's not. It's about the relation existing between the subject and the action of a sentence, more exactly about who does what. But the best way to understand these is...

acumen - vocabulary

acumen - noun
Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of judgment, insight, discrimination.Note: The older pronunciation stresses the second syllable. The mode...

Adapt vs. Adept vs. Apt vs. Adopt

Apt Apt is an adjective that describes the right situation for something or the person who is perfectly suitable for some situation. Apt can also be used to describe someone who is quick to learn. Apt sis derived from the Lati...

Addition vs. Edition

He bought a car in addition to the truck he got last week. ...

address - correct spelling

address verb and noun
Example: The politician will address the convention. verb
Example: ...

addressed - correct spelling

addressed verb
Example: The politician addressed the convention....

adduce - vocabulary

adduce - verb
To bring forward evidence in an argument; to cite as pertinent or even conclusive. As shown below, often used in legal proceedings: President Clinton, through undersigned cou...

adequate - correct spelling

adequate adjective
Example: She had adequate funds in her checking account....

adjectival clause

First, a clause is a group of words with a conjugated verb in it. Second, an adjectival clause is a clause that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun
. Note these adjectival claus...

Adjectival Clauses and Phrases

Restrictive vs. NonrestrictiveIf the adjectival clause or phrase is nonrestrictive, put commas around it. If the clause or phrase is restrictive, do not put commas around it. See the discussion of that vs. which...

adjectival phrase

First, a phrase is any multiword group without a conjugated verb
. Second, an adjectival phrase is a phrase that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun
. Usually, an adjectival phra...

Adjectival Phrases

Funny word, the adjective. When it appears as just one word, it must usually come before the word it modifies. Thus, we can write about the essential factor, and we must position essential before factor. But if we add some ...

adjective

An adjective is a word or group of words that modifies or describes a noun (a little girl) or a pronoun (he is ...

Adjective vs. Adverb

We all learned about the different parts of speech in high school and most of us can easily d...

Adjectives - Definition, Overview, and Lists of Examples

WelcomeBelow you’ll find links to our discussion on adjectives. We recommend that you start with the first topic,Adjectives - Words That Describe
. At the bottom o...

Adjectives - Phrases and Clauses

It’s SHOUTING time again. Wake up. This stuff is important.There are two main types of word chunks, clauses and phrases. A clause is a bunch of words with a conjugated verb in it. A phrase is a bunch of words without a conjugated verb in it....

Adjectives - Words That Describe

We’ve learned about nouns. Now we’ll look at words that describe or modify nouns. We call these words or groups of words adjectives. In this section, we’ll also learn about articles—a, an, and the.Adjectives describ...

Adjectives and Adverbs

Simply put, ...

Admit vs. Confess

Ever wondered about the difference between admission and confession? And don’t say there isn’t because there IS! Admit and confess is a pair of words that usually tips of writers while writing their pieces and make them think twice before using t...

Advance vs. Advanced

To move forward or to make progress.Happening before something else, as in advance warning.To lend money.A movement forward made by a group of soldiers.If something has reached an advanc...

advantage - correct spelling

advantage noun
Example: We finally have the advantage....

advantageous - correct spelling

advantageous adjective
Example: This advantageous plan will rescue the company from bankruptcy....

adverb

An adverb is a word or group of words that modifies or describes a verb. Many one-word adverbs end in “-ly,” such as he ran quickly. Others, however, do not, such as he ran ...

Adverb vs. Verb

A word usually used to describe a verb or adjective.A word that expresses an action or a state of being....

adverbial clause

First, a clause is a group of words with a conjugated verb in it. Second, an adverbial clause is a clause that modifies or describes a verb
. Note these adverbial clauses: He quit the race...

adverbial phrase

Many phrases can act as adverbs and modify a verb, another adverb, or an adjective
. A prepositional phrase can act as an ad...

Adverbial Phrases Between Subject and Verb

Put preceding and trailing commas around any adverbial phrase coming between the subject and the verb: Ms. Smith, after commenting on the evidence, ruled in favor of the supervisor. The ...

Adverbs - Definition, Overview, and Lists of Examples

WelcomeBelow you’ll find links to our discussion on adverbs. We recommend that you start with the first topic,Adverbs - More ...

Adverbs - Four Questions

Four questions typically arise about the correct use of adverbs:1. Do all adverbs end in -ly? 2. Where do we put adverbs in the sentence? 3. Where does the word only go in a sentence? 4. How do we form the comparative and su...

Adverbs - More Words That Describe

We’ve learned about verbs. Now let’s study those words or groups of words that describe or modify verbs. We call them adverbs. Sometimes they end in ‑ly, and sometimes they don’t.Just as adjectives modify nouns, adverbs modify verbs....

Adverbs - Phrases and Clauses

More Shouting SHOUTING time. Wake up! Again, learning this concept about chunks of words that act as nouns, adjectives, and now adverbs is crucial to your future as a writer.So here it is again, the key concept: Other...

Adverse or Averse

More significantly, he has shown that if such ageing cells are selectively destroyed, these adverse effects go away. ...

adverse, averse

Adverse means "antagonistic" and is easily seen as the base of the word adversary. Averse means "feeling disinclined" and implies a desire to avoid. The wo...

advertise - correct spelling

advertise verb
Example: We plan to advertise on the radio....

advertisement - correct spelling

advertisement noun
Example: He wrote an award-winning advertisement for a national radio audience....

advice - correct spelling

advice noun
Not advise (which is a verb).Grammar.com’s section on Problem Words discusses adviceand advise. Click here...

advice, advise

Advice is a noun that means “counsel” or “opinion.”Advise is a verb that means “to give advice or counsel.”Use thi...

advisable - correct spelling

advisable adjective
Example: This approach is neither necessary nor advisable....

advise - correct spelling

advise verb
Not advice (which is a noun
).Grammar.com’s section on Problem Words discusses adviseand advice. ...

Adviser vs. Advisor

Are you a student who needs academic guidance about your future studies? You will be advised to visit the academic adviser. Or is it adadvisor? Does it confuse you which advisor to go when you need counsel regarding your studies? Tod...

advisor - correct spelling

advisor noun
Example: Take this matter to your advisor....

aerial - correct spelling

aerial adjective
Example: The aerial satellite pictures showed the location of the lost campers....

Aesthetic vs. Ascetic

Aesthetic and acetic are not exactly homophones but their close resemblance to each other leads to a lot of confusion amon...

affect - correct spelling

affect verb and noun
Not effect (which is usually a noun, but sometimes a verb). For a discussion of affect vs. effect, read Chapter 8 in the section ...

affect, effect

These two words are discussed at length in the Common Grammatical Mistakes section of Grammar.com. Click here for that discussion.Both words can be used as e...

affectionate - correct spelling

affectionate adjective
Example: His affectionate embrace alleviated her fears....

aficionado - correct spelling

aficionado noun
Plural aficionados.Example: John is a wine aficionado....

again - correct spelling

again adverb
Example: Try to use your DVD player again....

against - correct spelling

against preposition
Example: We were young and strong, we were runnin' Against the wind. —Bob Seger....

Ageing vs. Aging

Ageing vs. AgingConversion is one of the most important methods of word formation in English. The English vocab...

Agent Noun

While the topic might give you the impression that the article is about some grammatical crim...

aggrandize - vocabulary

aggrandizement - noun
Aggrandizement: the act of increasing the size or importance of something or somebody. aggrandize - verb
Aggrandize: to widen or increa...

aggravate - correct spelling

aggravate verb
Example: Your constant exercise will aggravate your injury....

aggressive - correct spelling

aggressive adjective
Example: Her aggressive attitude helped her succeed in sales....

agree

Watch out. Those who diminish our language have turned the intransitive verb agree into a transitive verb
. R...

agree - correct spelling

agree verb
Example: A subject must agree with its verb in number
....

Agree vs. Disagree

To say yes to something.To share the same opinions.If something agrees with you, it suits you, or is good for you.If you disagree with someone, you have different opinions.To cause discomfort....

Aid vs. Aide

Due to their similar spellings, “aid” and “aide” are pronounced identically. They sound exactly the same. This is probably the main reason why people often confuse and use them wrongly. Even though using these words in misspelled forms happen...

aide, aid

The word aid is a verb that means “help.” We should note that aid may also be used as a noun in the same way that “help” can be us...

ail - correct spelling

ail verb
Example: He will ail with this sickness....

air - correct spelling

air noun and verb
Example: He wanted to clear the air. noun
Example: He was able to ...

Air vs. Heir

Homophones in English are the words that have the same pronunciation but very different meanings and spellings. Air and heir are an example of a pair of homophones and cause a lot of confusion for beginners of English language an...

aisle - correct spelling

aisle noun
Example: After years of dating, he was ready to walk down the aisle....

Aisle vs. Isle

Aisle and isle are one of the most confusing pair of words as they sound exactly alike and their spellings are almost similar too. There is however, a great difference between ...

alacrity - vocabulary

alacrity - noun
A state of cheerful willingness, readiness, or promptness; liveliness or briskness, as in He accepted the promotion with alacrity. I have not that alacrity...

ale - correct spelling

ale noun
Example: Let me buy you a bottle of ale....

Algebra vs. Mathematics

A type of mathematics in which symbols and letters are used to represent unknown numbers; for example, 2 * x + y = 7.The study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and measurements and how they relate to each other....

alight - correct spelling

alight verb and adjective
Example: He wanted to alight from the limo in style. verb
Exam...

all ready - correct spelling

all ready See already
.See already, all ready in Grammar.com's section on Problem Words.As two words, ...

all ready, already

To figure out which of these is correct, look for a time element. Already as one word implies that there was a time limit and the task was completed ahead of it. (In casual conversation it is also sometimes used to add empha...

all right - correct spelling

all right adjective and adverb
Note: The spelling alright is likely to raise the eyebrows of your readers. The fused words already and altogether...

All right vs. Alright vs. Allright

What is the controversy? All right vs. alright vs. allright: No one argues that they sound the same. But do they mean the same? Are th...

all right, alright

Use two words: all right. The one-word alright is incorrect in American English....

all together - correct spelling

all together See altogether
....

all, all of

allIn formal writing, omit the of after all. Remember the folk song: All My Trials Not:All ...

alleged - correct spelling

alleged verb (past tense and past participle of the verb allege) and adjective...

Alliteration

Alliterations make sentences and phrase words sound catchier and more attractive. There are many well-known companies that use such brand names that can easily fit into the minds of people. For example, Coca-Cola, Dunkin Donuts, Best Buy, PayPal e...

Allude vs. Elude

He eluded to the problem but did not mention it. ...

allude, elude

Allude means “to refer to something indirectly or covertly” without actually naming it. The confusion here might come from the fact that elude means “to evade or escape.” They both can imply an elem...

Allure vs. Allude vs. Elude

Allude Pronounce the ‘a’ allude in the same way as you would pronounce a in assume. The rest of the letters are pronounced as leew-d. So, allude is pronounced as a-leewd. The word comes from the latin alludere, meaning ‘to ...

Allusion vs. Illusion

The nouns allusion and illusion sound quite similar, and they both have connotations of intangibility. As a result, they are sometimes confused by writers. Consider the sentences be...

allusion, illusion

Allusion is a noun form of the verb allude and means “a reference to something indirectly or covertly.“An illusion ...

almost

Place almost directly before the word it modifies.The following is incorrect: There was almost a threatening edge to his voice....

almost - correct spelling

almost adverb
Example: He has read almost every novel by John Grisham. adverb (modifying the adjective every)...

along with

See coupled with, as well as, along with, together with, not to mention
....

alot, a lot, allot

The word lot is a one-word noun. When you precede it with the article a, you write the expression as two words: a lot. You wouldn’t refer to a tree as ...

Aloud vs. Allowed

This is one of the most common misspellings that appear in English grammar: “aloud” and “allowed”. These words are often confused, especially by those who aren’t sure what they mean. The main reason is, obviously, that they sound perfectly the same. ...

Alphabet vs. Letter

All the letters of a language arranged in order.A mark that is part of an alphabet.A message that you write to someone or that someone writes to you....

already - correct spelling

already adverb
Note: The two-word expression all ready means “entirely ready” or “prepared.” The one-word expression already means “previously” or “so soon.” Though indistinguis...

alright - correct spelling

alright The word alright is misspelled. See all right
.See Grammar.com's section on Problem Words for a discussion of ...

Also vs. As well

"Also" is a more common word and can be used in various positions within a sentence. It is used to add emphasis to a statement or to show that something is included in addition to what has already been mentioned. For example, "I'm allergic to cats. A...

Alternately vs. Alternatively

English is a complicated language and some very closely resembling words of English have meanings that are amazingly different from each other. Alternately and alternatively are two words that have only a slight difference in the...

although - correct spelling

although subordinating conjunction
Note: The conjunctions although and though are generally interchangeable. You should use though, however, when it’...

altogether - correct spelling

altogether adverb
Note: The two-word expression all together means “in a group.” The one-word expression altogether means “wholly, entirely, completely.” Though indistinguishabl...

Altogether vs. All together

It was an altoge...

Aluminium vs. Aluminum

English is a complicated language and it may confuse its learners and native speakers alike due to some very similar words or words that have more than one spellings. Aluminium and aluminum are an example of such words and many p...

always - correct spelling

always adverb
Example: He always works on weekends....

amateur - correct spelling

amateur noun and adjective
Example: As an amateur, Tiger Woods played at Augusta National. noun...

Amber and Igor - Primitive Ancestors

You might think of nouns as naming words. It’s not hard to see why our primitive ancestors dreamed them up, at roughly the same time my eighth-grade English teacher, Miss Hamrick, came on the scene. When we used to grunt at one another in caves, mama...

Ambiance vs. Ambience

You might have seen this word written both as "ambiance" and "ambience", so wondering which one is correct or whether any of these versions is wrong is a normal reaction.Is "ambience" confused for "ambiance"? Is there at least one of these ve...

amenable - vocabulary

amenable - adjective
Willing or ready to answer, serve, agree, yield, or act; agreeable, tractable; legally responsible or answerable, as in She was amenable for her husband’s debt. ...

Amend vs. Emend

You will rarely see "emend" spelled like this, rather than "amend". But you might, and it's important that you know it's not a misspelling, as you may be tempted to think at a first sight, only because you haven't seen it frequently written in this f...

American - correct spelling

American proper noun (always capitalized) and adjective (always capitalized).Example: Though a native of Mexico, she admired the ...

Amiable vs. Amicable

There exists words in English language that appear to be closely related to each other hence people believe that their meanings if not exactly the same, are very much similar to each other. That is most often not the case, and it...

among - correct spelling

among preposition
Example: Relax. You’re among friends.For a discussion of the Problem Words among and between, ...

Among vs. Amongst

Amongst" is obviously formed by adding the suffix "-st" to the preposition "among". But you have probably always seen both of these terms used in the same context, just like they mean the same. Then why are they different? Is there something you didn...

among, between

Entire chapters in grammar books have been devoted to this pair of words.Both words are prepositions
.Some assert that between is used only when referring to two...

amount - correct spelling

amount noun and verb
Example: The federal deficit is a staggering amount. noun
Example: ...

Amount vs. Number

Amount" and "number" both refer to quantity and can be used as nouns and verbs as well. Even so, this doesn't mean that they are synonyms or that they can replace each other anytime. In fact, distinct contexts require a certain word from these two, d...

Amplify, Explain, or Digress

Use parentheses to enclose material that amplifies, explains, or digresses from the central message in the sentence: The disagreement between the president and the treasurer (they had fought over the issue a n...

Amuse vs. Bemuse

You may be confused by the words amused and bemused. They sound so much the same but mean something completely different. This could bemuse some and amuse others. Don’t let it befuddle you because it’s really quite funny. Worry n...

anachronism - vocabulary

anachronism - noun
Anything or anyone not in the correct historical or chronological time; an error in the assignment of a date or time to a person, thing, or event, as in To describe Mozart in the 19...

analysis - correct spelling

analysis noun
The plural is analyses.Example: The board paid attention to our analysis of the...

analyze - correct spelling

analyze verb
Example: You must analyze all options. ...

Analyze vs. Analyse

Analyze vs. Analyse"Analyze" and "analyse" are two other English words confusing people around with their spell...

Anaphoric Reference

The word anaphora is an English word that means the repetition of something. When used in English grammar, a...

anathema - vocabulary

anathema -noun
A person or thing loathed, hated, or detested; a curse or execration, as in This topic is anathema to him.Note: The plural is anathemas. ...

and

Don’t hesitate to start a sentence with And. It’s a coordinating conjunction, and great writers have been st...

anecdote, antidote

An anecdote is a short story or humorous tale. An antidote is a remedy that counteracts a poison or relieves an ailment.Example: His funny anecdotes provide...

anecdote, antidote - vocabulary

anecdote, antidote anecdote - noun
A brief account of an interesting or even amusing event or incident. When the ladies removed after dinner Elizabeth ran up to her sister, and se...

angel - correct spelling

angel noun
Not angle
.Example: An angel watches over the small baby at night....

Angel vs. Angle

The English language is full of words that may sound alike but have entirely different meanings. Two such words are "angel" and "angle", which, despite their similar pronunciation, represent distinct concepts. Let...

angle - correct spelling

angle noun and verb
Not angel
.Example: He parked at an angle...

annual - correct spelling

annual adjective
Example: We need to study General Motors’ annual report....

anoint - correct spelling

anoint verb
Example: The nurse tried to anoint the patient’s sores with a cream. ...

another - correct spelling

another pronoun and adjective
Example: The beer was flat, so he opened another. pronoun...

Another vs. Other

One more of the same kind of thing.A different one.Different; not the same as mentioned.Remaining.More or extra.In the recent past.The rest....

answer - correct spelling

answer noun and verb
Example: Please send me your answer soon. noun
Example: She had...

Ant vs. Aunt

An ant is a small insect that is known for its hardworking nature and living in colonies. Ants are known to be strong and industrious, often working together in large groups to achieve a common goal. For example, you might say, "I saw an ant carry...

antecedent

A pronoun takes the place of a noun
. When writing, you'll use a pronoun and that pronoun will refer to some noun close by. That noun (the referent) is called the antecedent. The prefix ante...

Antecedent

English seems a pretty simple language at one glance but when you go deeper into it you will realize that th...

Antecedent Word or Antecedent Phrase

Antecedent:...

Antecedents - Number and Gender

Pronoun AgreementYou must use a plural pronoun to refer to a plural noun, a singular pronoun to refer to a singular noun. This rule is called agreement in number. Thus: The young women...

Antecedents - Placement of Pronouns

Before we discuss the other types of pronouns, let’s pause and discuss the concept of pronoun antecedents.When you use a pronoun, it will typically refer to a word somewhere close by. That is, the noun the pronoun replaces sits somewhere in t...

antediluvian - vocabulary

antediluvian - adjective
Of or pertaining to the times, things, events before the great flood in the days of Noah; something old-fashioned, antiquated, out-of-date. “And is it true th...

Anticipatory Words

In English grammar, various expressions have somewhat different meaning then their exact dict...

antiseptic - correct spelling

antiseptic noun and adjective
Example: To heal the abrasion, the doctor applied an antiseptic. noun...

anxious - correct spelling

anxious adjective
Note: In formal settings, refrain from using anxious to mean eager.Example: The anxious...

Any more vs. Anymore

Any more vs. Anymore: A brief history.In this article, we will look at the two-word phrase any more which, in certain situations, becomes the one-word phrase, anymore. ...

Anyone vs. Any one

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between anyone and any one? Consider the sentences bel...

apartment - correct spelling

apartment noun
Example: She rented an expensive apartment in Manhattan....

aphorism - vocabulary

aphorism - noun
A terse saying that embodies a general truth, as in (with apologies to Lord Acton) Power corrupts and Power Point corrupts absolutely.Note: In The World in a Phrase...

apologize - correct spelling

apologize verb
Example: He should apologize to the voters....

Apologize vs. Apologise

If the athlete wants to rejoin the team, he must apologise for his poor attitude. ...

apology - correct spelling

apology noun
Example: He offered his apology for his failure to increase sales....

apostasy, apostate - vocabulary

apostasy, apostate - noun
Apostasy: a total departure from one’s religious, political, or personal beliefs and principles.Apostate: a person who...

Apostrophes Form a Narrow Class of Plurals

Use "apostrophe ‑s" to form plurals only when absolutely necessary. Use just an ‑s (or ‑es) to form the plurals of dates, acronyms, and families: She longed for the 1960s. The inves...

Apostrophes Form Contractions

Use the apostrophe to form contractions. Though contractions rarely show up in formal writing, a well-placed one now and then can have a positive effect. I use them all the time (you've probably noticed): can't won't ...

apparatus - correct spelling

apparatus noun
Plural, either apparatus or apparatuses.Example: The apparatus of government in that country has totally br...

apparent - correct spelling

apparent adjective
Example: She was fired for no apparent reason....

appear - correct spelling

appear verb
Example: A new flu strain will appear next winter....

appearance - correct spelling

appearance noun
Example: The attorney plans to make an appearance in the case....

appetite - correct spelling

appetite noun
Example: The escargot should whet your appetite....

Applicant vs. Application

An applicant is a person who applies for a job or position at a company or organization. This person has expressed interest in the position and has taken steps to apply, such as submitting a resume and cover letter or completing an online applica...

application - correct spelling

application noun
Example: She submitted her application to college....

apply - correct spelling

apply verb
Example: She must apply for a college loan....

apposite - vocabulary

apposite - adjective
Appropriate, well-suited, apt, relevant, suitable. The opposite is inapposite, often used by lawyers to put down opponents’ arguments. Like most writers,...

Apposition

In English grammar two words can be in apposition with each other. Did you get it? If not, ke...

appositive

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that defines or restates another noun (or pronoun). Generally, the appositive follows the word it defines, as in My friend, Susan...

Appositive

Did you just recently hear about appositives and now desperately want to know what they are and how they fun...

Appraise vs. Apprise

Keep me apprised...

appraise, apprise

Appraise means “to evaluate or estimate the value of something.”Apprise means “to give notice” or “to inform.”Example: After he appraised the house,...

appreciate - correct spelling

appreciate verb
Example: Surely you can appreciate the gravity of the situation.Example: The art collection will ...

appreciation - correct spelling

appreciation noun
Example: The letter expressed her appreciation....

approach - correct spelling

approach verb and noun
Example: This approach will solve the problem. noun
Example: ...

Approach vs. Reproach

Approach ...

approbation - vocabulary

approbation - noun
Approval, commendation, official sanction. Superstars strive for approbation; heroes walk alone. Superstars crave consensus; heroes define themselves by...

appropriate - correct spelling

appropriate adjective and verb
Example: A blue suit is appropriate dress for the interview. adjective...

approval - correct spelling

approval noun
Example: She sought her boss’s approval for the new ad campaign....

approve - correct spelling

approve verb
Example: The CEO will approve the proposed new product....

approximate - correct spelling

approximate adjective and verb
Example: She gave an approximate date for completion of the project. ad...

April Fool's or April Fools'?

1. April Fool's "April Fool's" is commonly used when referring to a specific prank or joke played on April 1st, which is celebrated as April Fools' Day. It is singular and possesses a possessive form. Examples: He exec...

apt, likely, liable

Writers often use apt, likely, and liable interchangeably in constructions, especially with infinitives
: ...

arctic - correct spelling

arctic noun (capitalized when referring to regions of the North Pole) and adjective
Example: We expect an arctic winter. ...

Are Custom Paper Facilities An Excellent Decision?

Keeping away from essays and other writing jobs is difficult while getting university schooling. Without a doubt, pupils do plenty of writing tasks which sometimes make them crazy. A lot of written assignments tend to be quite tricky to total, a...

argue - correct spelling

argue verb
Example: It’s best not to argue with your superior....

arguing - correct spelling

arguing verb (present participle of the verb argue)Example: The teenager was arguing with his parents....

argument - correct spelling

argument noun
Not arguement.Example: The attorney’s argument persuaded the court....

Armour vs. Armor

Another frequently used pair of words, in historical writings and in the gaming industry, "armour" and "armor" are often creating confusion among people who don't know which spelling is correct.They refer to the same thing, yet people claim t...

arouse - correct spelling

arouse verb
Example: This behavior will arouse suspicion....

arrange - correct spelling

arrange verb
Example: The florist will arrange the flowers....

arrangement - correct spelling

arrangement noun
Example: The couple had an arrangement that seemed to work....

Arrival va. Arrive

The act of getting to a place.Someone or something that has gotten to a place.To reach a place.To come....

arrogate - vocabulary

arrogate - verb
To take, demand, or claim, especially presumptuously or without reasons or grounds. This second source of men, while yet but few, . . . Shall lead their lives, and multiply...

Art vs. Artist

The skill of creating something brautiful by drawing, painting, or making things with your hands.Something that requires a lot of skill, as in the art of Chinese cooking.Forms of entertainment, such as music, theater, and f...

Artefact vs. Artifact

Artefact vs. ArtifactYou have probably heard this word frequently used in mystery/adventure movies or games: ar...

article

We have three articles in the English language: a, an, and the. The words a and an are indefinite articles, the word is a definite art...

Article

You would have come across the simple word article many times while reading and speaking English and would p...

article - correct spelling

article noun
Example: She wrote an article for the Wall Street Journal.Example: The ...

artificial - correct spelling

artificial adjective
Example: The soldier went back to war with an artificial limb....

Artisan vs. Artesian: What is the Difference?

Do you think the words “artisan” and “artesian” belong to new-age, eco-friendly lingo?Do these two words mean the same thing?Are they pronounced differentl...

As Far As

As Far As Success …Many smart people flub the use of the subordinating conjunction as far as. Keep in mind that the expression serves as a subordinating conjunction. That is, it joins a clause. What must be ...

as far as

Many writers botch the use of the expression as far as. It serves as a subordinating conjunction
. Therefore, it must be followed by a ...

as per

Many people start off letters with as per your request and similar fluff.For many years, standard texts on writing have condemned this wordy and pompous expression: This hybrid is inexcusable. Instead...

as well as

See coupled with, as well as, along with, together with, not to mention
....

as, because, since, for

We have several words showing causation: as, because, since, for. Be careful in your use of as to show a causal connecti...

as, like

Back in the olden days, when tobacco companies advertised on TV, Winston used the slogan: Winston tastes good like a cigarette should. In that sentence, the word like acts a...

ascend - correct spelling

ascend verb
Example: She will ascend to upper management....

ascetic - vocabulary

ascetic - adjective
Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion. Hester sought not to acquire anything beyond a subsistence, of the plainest and most ...

askance - vocabulary

askance - adverb
Usually describes the act of looking or glancing; with suspicion or mistrust, as in He looked askance at his boss, who seemed to bring bad tidings. “Do you supp...

Aspiration vs. Inspiration

Aspiration and inspiration are two words that have little spelling difference but a huge diff...

Assent vs. Ascent vs. Accent

He assented to d...

assiduous - vocabulary

assiduous - adjective
Constant or unremitting activity, as in assiduous exercise; constant in application or effort; diligent or persevering, as in an assiduous medical student. ...

assistance - correct spelling

assistance noun
Example: Let me give you some assistance....

assistant - correct spelling

assistant noun
Example: He served as the CEO’s assistant....

associate - correct spelling

associate noun and verb
Example: She is a new associate with the law firm. noun
Example: ...

association - correct spelling

association noun
Example: This trade association lobbied for the bill....

assuage - vocabulary

assuage - verb
To cause to be less harsh, severe, or violent, usually in reference to appetite, pain, disease, or excitement, as in She assuaged the pain of her terminally ill patient. ...

Assume vs Presume

Assume The verb assume means to take something upon without any proof. Some synonyms are to suppose, or take for granted. Assume can also mean to begin to have some power or huge responsibility. Assume originated from the Lati...

Assure vs. Ensure vs. Insure

The heading might give the creeps for if you might ...

astringent - vocabulary

astringent - noun
A substance that contracts canals or tissues in the body; in cosmetics, a substance that cleans the skin and constricts the pores.adjective
Harsh ...

ate - correct spelling

ate verb (past tense of the verb eat)Example: He ate a nutritious breakfast....

atheist - correct spelling

atheist noun
Example: The atheist objected to the Pledge of Allegiance....

athletic - correct spelling

athletic adjective and noun (athletics)Example: He excelled in athletic activities. adjectiv...

attempt - correct spelling

attempt noun and verb
Example: The doctor will attempt to reattach the severed finger. verb
E...

attendance - correct spelling

attendance noun
Example: Your attendance at the writing course will improve your skills....

attention - correct spelling

attention noun
Example: Give the teacher your full attention....

Attorney vs. Lawyer

Attorney vs. Lawyer: Navigating Distinctions in Legal Professions Understanding the differences between "attorney" and "lawyer" involves recognizing variations in terminology within the legal profession. This article aims to clarify the d...

audacious - vocabulary

audacious - adjective
Fearless, bold, daring, as in an audacious explorer; extremely original or inventive, as in his audacious vision for improving the tax laws. Th...

audience - correct spelling

audience noun
Example: The audience eagerly awaited the rock star....

augur - vocabulary

augur - verb
Note: Used as either a transitive verb (where the verb requires an object
) or an ...

August - correct spelling

August proper noun
Example: She was born in August....

author - correct spelling

author noun and verb
Example: The author signed books at Barnes & Noble. noun
Example: ...

automobile - correct spelling

automobile noun
Example: Her problems with her automobile prompted her to call Car Talk....

autumn - correct spelling

autumn noun
Example: The oil drilling will begin in the autumn....

auxiliary - correct spelling

auxiliary adjective and noun
Example: Our auxiliary power system helped us survive the storm. adjectiv...

auxiliary verb

When you conjugate a one-word verb, you can form the present tense (he decides) and the past tense (he decided) with just one verb word. But when yo...

Auxiliary Verb

Verbs are one of the first parts of speech a child learns about in high school. They are the main building b...

Auxiliary verbs

BE ...

Auxiliary Verbs - Called “Helping Verbs”

Some people refer to auxiliary verbs as helping verbs.The main verbs we use in the English language break down into the four major verb types:1. action transitive verbs 2. action intransitive verbs 3. the verb to be ...

available - correct spelling

available adjective
Example: We have some available funds for the investment....

avarice - vocabulary

avarice - noun
An unquenchable desire for riches; a miserly desire. By avarice and selfishness, and a groveling habit, from which none of us is free, of regarding the soil...

avenue - correct spelling

avenue noun
Example: She watched him stroll down the avenue....

aver - vocabulary

aver - verb
To assert or affirm with confidence; to declare in a preemptory or positive manner. In law, to allege something as a fact, often followed by a that clause, as in The plaintiff ave...

averse - vocabulary

averse - adjective
Strongly disinclined, a strong feeling of opposition, as in She was averse to taking the risk.Note: Often used with the negative not, as ...

awake, awaken, wake, waken

These words often trip up writers and speakers. All four of them have similar meanings, though some have usages the others cannot perform. Let’s start with some with unique features.Only wake can appear in expression...

Award vs. Reward

Award Award can be used as a noun or a verb. It means a prize or a grant ...

awful - correct spelling

awful adjective and adverb
Note: Some people object to the use of awful or awfully as adverbial intensifiers, but these forms appeared in the early 19th...

awhile - correct spelling

awhile adverb
Not a while (a noun form).See Grammar.com’s section on Problem Words. ...

awkward - correct spelling

awkward adjective
Example: The awkward teenager managed to survive the ordeal....

Axe vs. Ax

Axe vs. Ax They sound the same, they mean the same and they are also written almost the same. One single letter represents the only spelling difference. Is this all? Is the pair of words "axe" and "ax" just another common American/Brit...

axle - correct spelling

axle noun
Not axel.Example: The front axle on the car was defective....

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