by Phil Williams | Apr 14, 2016 | Definitions, Vocabulary, Words
Plain and plane are easily confused in English – they are homophones, so you may write one when meaning the other. They have a number of distinct definitions where their meanings are completely different – but one meaning where their meanings are very...
by Phil Williams | Mar 24, 2016 | Definitions, Grammar, Vocabulary
The new Coen Brother’s film Hail, Caesar! was recently advertised with a trailer focused on the strange English expression “Would that it were so simple.” (if you haven’t seen it, check it out here!). This is an interesting construction, which...
by Phil Williams | Mar 17, 2016 | Definitions, General English, Reading Exercise
On March 17th, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated internationally across the English speaking world. Originally an Irish feast day, it has spread to major cities across the world as people of all cultures take part in a celebration of all things Irish. Here’s...
by Phil Williams | Feb 11, 2016 | Definitions, Vocabulary
When we refer to the degrees BA or MA in English, we use an s at the end – calling them a Bachelors or Masters. This may sound strange as it is one degree, not a plural, so why do we say it? Actually it’s not a plural at all, it is a possessive – and...
by Phil Williams | Jan 5, 2016 | Definitions, Vocabulary, Words
The way we describe ages, including years or people’s ages, can sometimes seem strange if you consider that years beginning “20” are referred to as “21st Century” (and similarly, years starting “19” were the “20th Century”). There is a very logical reason for this,...
by Phil Williams | Dec 15, 2015 | Books, Definitions, General English, Reading Exercise, Words
In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote a novella called A Christmas Carol, a story still told today. The story followed a miser (a nasty man who does not want to share his wealth) on Christmas Eve, as he is visited by three spirits that teach him about kindness and caring....