The fact that
A fact is a reality, actuality, truth, certainty and verity. Fact is a useful word. However, as far as possible avoid the expression ‘the fact that’. It sounds rather sloppy. Do not say or...
Category: Vocabulary
Difference between bright and brightly
Bright is an adjective and brightly is an adverb. The bright lights hurt my eyes. (Here the adjective bright modifies the noun lights.) The sun was shining brightly. (Here the adverb brightly modifies the...
Bad and badly
These words are often confused. Bad is an adjective whereas badly is an adverb. When someone feels ill, they feel ‘bad’, not badly. Likewise, when someone feels sorry about something, they feel bad, not...
Backward and backwards
The word backward can be used both as an adjective and as an adverb. Take two steps backward. (Here the word backward is used as an adverb.) She gave the cottage a sad backward...
Colour idioms – part 2
Here are some expressions and words which have the names of colors in them. The meaning of each expression is given on the right. Red-handed – to catch someone red-handed is to catch them...
Clinch and Clench | Words Confused
These words are often confused. Clench To clench is to hold tightly or grasp firmly. The boy clenched his fists in anger. The patient clenched the arms of his wheel chair. Common expressions with...
Difference between classic and classical
Classic and classical can both be used to mean standard, typical or the highest class. Sneezing and a sore throat are the classic / classical symptoms of measles. A classic or a classical car...
Censor and censure | Words confused
These words are often confused. To censure is to reprimand, rebuke, admonish or criticize. The minister censured the reporters for publicizing the scandal. The teacher censured the student for missing his deadlines. Father censured...
Difference between persons and people
The words persons and people are the plural forms of the noun person. They are not used in exactly the same way. People is by far the more common of these two expressions and...
Anyway and anyways
Anyway means anyhow and nevertheless. The weather was uncertain but we went hiking anyway. Anyway can also mean ‘in any case’ or ‘at any rate’. It is too hot to go running anyway. Anyway...