Category: Grammar

Is it okay to use “anyways”?

I recently asked for input on words people commonly confuse, and someone said that she often hears people say anyways, presumably instead of anyway. Most dictionaries and grammarians will indicate that anyway is the proper form and that anyways is the slang version of it. 

Difference between enquire and inquire

This is part of the difference between series. Recently, someone asked me to explain difference between the words enquire and inquire. Here’s the difference between the two. Enquire Enquire traditionally refers to the general sense of asking for something. I’m enquiring about the job you posted in the paper. Have you enquired about your father’s test results? Inquire… Continue reading Difference between enquire and inquire

Difference between imminent and eminent

This is part of the difference between series. I’ve heard some people confusing the words imminent and eminent. Here’s the difference between the two. Imminent Imminent refers to something that is about to happen. This joke is getting long; I hope the punchline is imminent. The hurricane is nearly here. I hope we’re ready for its imminent… Continue reading Difference between imminent and eminent

Difference between spelled and spelt

This is part of the difference between series. I’ve heard some people confusing the words spelled and spelt. Here’s the difference between the two. Spelled Spelled is the past tense of to spell. He spelled the word wrong in his essay. Travelled is spelled with two L’s in Canada. Spelt Spelt, on the other hand, refers to… Continue reading Difference between spelled and spelt

We’ve used “they” as a singular pronoun for 700 years; it’s not a leftist conspiracy

If you hang out on social media long enough, eventually you’ll come across an article about gender that uses they to refer to someone instead of using he or she. You’ll likely also encounter people who cite such a practice as proof of the degradation of society, that the left is trying to force their agenda on… Continue reading We’ve used “they” as a singular pronoun for 700 years; it’s not a leftist conspiracy

Difference between counsel and council

This is part of the difference between series. I’ve heard some people confusing the words counsel and council. Here’s the difference between the two. Counsel Counsel is a verb that means to give advice, or it can be a noun that refers to that advice. I counselled her to be careful about the hot sauce this restaurant… Continue reading Difference between counsel and council

Difference between further and farther

This is part of the difference between series. I’ve heard some people confusing the words further and farther. Here’s the difference between the two. Further Further refers to a metaphorical difference. You have driven me further to anger than ever before. If you push me any further, I will probably lose my temper. Farther Farther, on the… Continue reading Difference between further and farther

Difference between flammable and inflammable

This is part of the difference between series. I’ve heard some people confusing the words flammable and inflammable. Here’s the difference between the two. Actually, there’s no difference; inflammable and flammable are synonymous. The assumption that they have opposite meanings may derive from the fact that inflammable has an in- prefix, which typically has a negative connotation: invisible incapable… Continue reading Difference between flammable and inflammable

Difference between breath and breathe

This is part of the difference between series. I’ve heard some people confusing the words breath and breathe. Here’s the difference between the two. Breath Breath is a noun that refers to the air that travels into and out of the lungs when, well, breathing. I took a deep breath, whispered, “You can do this”, and stepped onto… Continue reading Difference between breath and breathe