Vague numbers like tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands and tens of millions are not scientific. They can be used as a sheer exaggeration, or they could reflect a vague number that’s based on fact. Of course, you could always ask people to clarify what they really mean, or look up the real facts for …
Proverbs are commonly used expressions that illustrate a specific point. They differ from idioms because idioms don’t always make literal sense, but if you have a context, you can usually work out what a proverb means. Here are a few examples of idioms: I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth. I’m fed …
Before we show how to identify passive voice, let’s dispel a few myths that make yours truly turn into a hairy, clawed monster every time they’re repeated. I’m willing to sacrifice the monster coming out so you can rid yourself of these passive voice falsehoods. Passive Voice Is Incorrect This is the worst one, and …
As you may have noticed, I love “it depends” questions because then we can look at a question from every possible angle. Quite a lot of what’s about to follow is personal opinion, so feel free to join the debate if you don’t agree. After all, it just makes it all the more interesting for …
That’s right, this specially compiled article is especially for those who struggle with the difference between the words “specially” and “especially.” But how did this confusion arise to begin with? I suspect the trouble started when people began to use “specially” as an abbreviated form of “especially.” Although some sources say the two words are …
It’s common for people to wonder, “What does it mean to put an apostrophe after an S?” It can get a bit confusing. To get it right, you need to understand what a possessive is. Possessives are used to show ownership; to show that something belongs to someone. “The president’s official airplane” is one example. …
Is it simple, or is it easy? Let’s put it this way, there are a lot of things that are simple, but aren’t in the least bit easy, and there are other differences too. Let’s start with that first one. You want to write a book. It’s simple, isn’t it? All you need to do …
Who doesn’t want to be considered at least somewhat artistic? It’s not a great way to make money unless you’re among the few that hit the big time, but having an artistic hobby is said to be good for oneself, and we all tend to think creative people are somewhat special. Drawing, painting, sculpting, and …
There are a lot of people who are going to tell you “wrought” is the wrong word to use in the context of havoc, but I’m here to tell you it isn’t. Read on and be liberated! Together we’ll wreak havoc on the Grammar Nazis! To understand why I’m going against the mainstream opinion, you …
I’m not a lover of text acronyms. Here’s a true story. When I first began to use e-mail, people kept typing “LOL” in their responses. One day, I asked one of them what LOL actually meant, and they got back with “Laughs out loud!” I must have been feeling a bit grouchy that day because …
