The bike, which is on the footpath, needs fixing. The bike that is on the footpath needs fixing. The difference between which and that When which and that are used to introduce clauses, we’re talking about restrictive and non-restrictive clauses, sometimes called defining and non-defining clauses. Take a look at these two sentences. The bike, which […]
You need to understand about subjects and objects to distinguish between who and whom. The subject performs the action of the verb and the object is the receiver. For example: I like grammar. (I = subject, like = verb, grammar = object) She misses him. (She = subject, misses = verb, him = object) who Use who when the person […]
One or more Reader’s question: Do you use singular or plural with one or more? For example: One or more of the impacted funds is/are available on the investment menus. Answer: I would choose the plural, but grammar experts don’t agree on this one. Writing about one in, one out of, and one of these, […]
Than I or than me? She’s taller than me. She’s taller than I. Reader’s question: Which is correct? He is younger than me. He is younger than I. Answer: ‘I’ is more correct in formal English, but ‘me’ is acceptable in informal English and is increasingly used in formal English too. ‘I’ is more ‘correct’ because you’re […]
I used to walk on the beach. I was used to seeing black swans on the lake. Reader’s question: What is the rule for distinguishing between ‘used to do’ and ‘be used to’? Answer: ‘Used to do’ means something that you did in the past, possibly on a regular basis, and no longer do. […]
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs Reader’s question: Do you need but or but also in a sentence that starts with Not only (e.g. Not only does she excel at swimming, she dances superbly.)? Answer: Yes, you need but also, because not only … but also are correlative conjunctions that work in pairs. Correlative conjunctions link balanced words, […]
The difference between discreet and discrete If you are very good at keeping secrets are you discreet or discrete? discreet Discreet means prudent or circumspect; not given to careless talk. She was very discreet and didn’t reveal his secret. discrete Discrete means separate or individual. The goods are in discrete packages. Memory jogger Discreet: two […]
Within the present tense, we express greater subtlety of meaning by using simple, perfect or continuous tense forms. Simple present The simple present is used for: General truths — Broccoli is good for you. Recurring actions — I walk every day. Future events — The bus departs at 9pm. Events that are taking place now […]
Reader’s question: In Australian English, do we say judgment or judgement? Answer: In Australian and New Zealand English, we tend to use judgement in everyday usage, but judgment is often used in legal writing. American English prefers judgment. The Australian Macquarie Dictionary says: ‘Although the general community is roughly divided on the preferred spelling, with a slight tendency […]
The difference between then and than Then and time have an e in them. Than and comparison have an a in them. One letter different, but a world apart in meaning, these two little words are commonly confused. You are not alone! than Than is used in comparisons. She is older than him. Other than that […]