Quick Answer Verb tenses tell you when something happens. There are three main tenses: past (it already happened), present (it is happening now), and future (it will happen later). For example: “She walked” is past, “She walks” is present, and “She will walk” is future. Past, Present, and Future — See the Pattern Look at…
The simple present describes regular or habitual actions, such as daily routines or universal truths. The present continuous tense is employed to express actions currently in progress or future planned events. The present perfect tense helps to bridge the past with the present, referring to actions that have been completed at an indefinite time. Lastly,…
Quick Answer Adjectives have three forms: the base form (tall), the comparative form (taller), and the superlative form (tallest). Use the comparative to compare two things. Use the superlative to compare three or more things. Tall, Taller, Tallest — See the Pattern Look at these sentences. The key words are in blue: Did you see…
Understanding whether to treat “media” as singular or plural hinges on how it is being used. When referencing the collection of communication outlets collectively, such as newspapers, television, and radio, many experts accept “media” as a collective singular noun. On the other hand, when specifically emphasizing the individual components within the media landscape, treating it…
An understanding of commonly confused words is invaluable for anyone looking to master English grammar and usage. It helps avoid common mistakes that can alter the meaning of a statement or render it unclear. This article takes a closer look at some of the most commonly confused words in English, providing insights into their correct…
Quick Answer Alliteration is when words that are close together start with the same consonant sound. For example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” The “p” sound repeats at the start of many words. Peter Piper Picked… — See How Alliteration Works Look at these examples. Can you hear the same sound repeating…
Quick Answer Hyperbole is when you exaggerate on purpose to make a strong point. It is not meant to be true — it is meant to show how you feel. Example: “I am so hungry I could eat a horse.” (You are not really going to eat a horse. You are just very hungry.) What…
Quick Answer A cliché is a phrase or idea that people have used so many times that it is not interesting or original anymore. For example: “Everything happens for a reason.” Common Clichés — You Have Heard All of These Before Look at these phrases. You probably know every single one: Did you notice? You…
Quick Answer A pun is a joke that plays with words. It works because one word has two meanings, or because two words sound the same. For example: “I used to be a baker because I kneaded dough” — “kneaded” sounds like “needed.” What Is a Pun? See How It Works A pun makes you…
Quick Answer A portmanteau is a word made by mixing parts of two words together. The new word has a meaning from both words. br(eakfast) + (l)unch = brunch (a late morning meal) Breakfast + Lunch = Brunch — See How Portmanteaus Work Look at these words. Can you see how they are made? Did…
