Excess or Excessive? What Is the Difference?
When we talk about excess, we usually refer to a noun describing an amount or degree that exceeds what is normal or necessary. For example,…
Is “Are” Capitalized in a Title?
When it comes to deciding if are is capitalized in a title, the answer largely depends on the style guides you follow. In title case, major…
“Idol” vs. “Idle” vs. “Idyll” – What’s the Difference?
When learners ask me about homophones that sound alike but cause confusion, this trio always comes up because their…
Good Morning [Name]: Is There a Comma After “Good Morning”?
When you write good morning followed by a name, the comma is not optional—it’s a rule that applies because the punctuation separates a direct…
Caddie vs. Caddy – What’s the Difference?
When it comes to golf, many players get confused between a caddie and a caddy, even though the words sound almost identical. A caddie is a…
There Is No or There Are No – Which Is Correct?
In English, using there is no or there are no helps indicate the absence of something. Use there is no for a singular or uncountable noun,…
Flammable vs. Inflammable: Uncovering the Surprising Difference
When it comes to fire safety, the terms flammable and inflammable often cause misunderstanding. Interestingly, both words actually mean the…
Curricula vs. Curriculum – Understanding the Academic Language
Curriculum is singular and usually refers to one specific course or study plan in a school or university. As a teacher, I’ve often seen a…
‘Hang’ or ‘Hung’: What’s the Difference?
Hang and hung cause real confusion in grammar, especially for ESL, non-native, and even native English learners in the USA, India, British,…
Sure vs Surely? What’s the Difference?
When learning English, especially American or British English, one tricky point is knowing when to use sure versus surely. Sure is an…