Quick Answer Awhile (one word) means “for a short time.” Use it after a verb. A while (two words) means “a period of time.” Use it after words like for, in, or after. ✓ Stay awhile. (= Stay for a short time.) ✓ Stay for a while. (= Stay for a period of time.) Awhile…
Quick Answer Cite means to mention or quote a source. Site means a place or location. Sight means the ability to see, or something you see. They all sound the same, but they mean three very different things. Cite, Site, and Sight — See the Difference These three words sound exactly the same when you…
Quick Answer The past tense of show is showed. With “have,” “has,” or “had,” use shown. Every day: I show my work to the class. Yesterday: I showed my work to the class. Many times: I have shown my work to the class before. Show, Showed, Shown — See the Pattern Read these sentences. Look…
Quick Answer It depends on the sentence. Write Dad with a capital letter when you use it as a name. Write dad with a small letter when you say “my dad”, “your dad”, or “her dad.” Example: I asked Dad for help. / My dad helped me. Dad or dad — See the Difference Look…
Quick Answer The past tense of shake is shook. With “have” or “has,” use shaken. Every day: I shake the bottle. Yesterday: I shook the bottle. Many times: I have shaken the bottle before. Shake, Shook, Shaken — See the Pattern Read these sentences. Look at how the verb changes: Did you see the pattern?…
Quick Answer PS means “postscript.” It is a short note you add after you finish and sign a message. Think of it as saying “Oh, one more thing!” at the end of a letter, email, or text. Best wishes, SarahPS: Do not forget to bring your umbrella tomorrow! PS in Action — See How It…
Quick Answer The plural of axis is axes. The word “axises” is not correct in English. One: The Earth spins on its axis. More than one: A graph has two axes — the x and the y. Axis Becomes Axes — See the Pattern Look at these words. Can you see what happens? Did you…
Quick Answer Use Ms. for any woman (married or not). Use Mrs. for a married woman. Use Miss for an unmarried woman. Not sure? Ms. is always safe. Ms. (say it like “Miz”) — Ms. Lee is our new teacher.Mrs. (say it like “Missiz”) — Mrs. Adams got married last year.Miss (say it like “Miss”)…
Quick Answer The past tense of know is knew. With “have” or “has,” use known. Every day: I know the answer. Yesterday: I knew the answer. Many times: I have known her for years. Know, Knew, Known — See the Pattern Read these sentences. Look at how the verb changes: Did you see the pattern?…
Quick Answer Rational is a describing word (adjective). It means “logical” or “based on clear thinking.” Rationale is a naming word (noun). It means “the reason” behind a choice. “She made a rational decision.” vs “She explained the rationale for her decision.” Rational and Rationale — See the Difference These two words look almost the…
