To know how to use a word in a sentence, we need two things. Firstly, we need to understand its meaning clearly. There can be no ambiguity in its definition. Secondly, we need to know which part of speech it belongs to so as to know where it belongs in a sentence. With that in …
Grammar
The English language pulls words from all over the place. In that sense, it’s a lot like today’s word: eclectic. How do you use “eclectic” in a sentence? The word “eclectic” is an adjective meaning that something such as a book, system or method combines practices or theories from different religions, philosophies, systems or …
In English speaking countries, some expressions are so ubiquitous that it seems you run into them everywhere you turn. And, if you don’t know what they mean, you can be left scratching your head, feeling that there is some vital piece of information you’re missing out on. One such expression is “opening hours.” You see …
The wealthy feed on the work of the poor. When I graduate college, the world will be my oyster. Art and science are branches of the same tree. What do all these strange sentences have in common? They could all be made clearer by the phrase “as it were.” What is the meaning of …
Having the ability to use punctuation marks with ease, and perhaps without consulting Dr. Google, entails advanced linguistic literacy. Being able to appropriately employ words that are commonly misused and misinterpreted suggests the same idea. Since these two areas are two of the most crucial parts in language application, it is essential to discuss them …
Have you ever wondered why and how on earth can a word be flanked with its identical twin in a sentence? If you’ve questioned whether or not this type of phrasal construction is grammatically-correct, then you must be a grammar stickler! Kidding aside, if you’ve landed on this post searching for some answers, then that …
Some people would like you to think that the rules of English grammar are set in stone. They want you to follow the rules, and pretend that grammar has always been the way they say it is. You might even hear them say that you’re speaking incorrectly, even if you’ve been saying something a certain …
The flexibility of language as a communication device allows humans to convey information either colloquially or formally. While colloquialism emanates a tone of friendliness, formalistic speech entails more objectivity, logic, and conviction. Hence, the formal language is preferable for record-keeping, such as in historical texts, as well as in pedagogical practices. Let’s take a closer …
Human thought is sometimes represented by expressions that are obscure and vague. The attempt to use precise and accurate language in texts, especially in technical documents, may reinforce some counterproductive effects. One way to address the uncertainty in the written language is by adding non-lexical symbols, such as commas, to assist in the disambiguation process. …