The order of words in questions in English is different from the order of words in subordinate clauses (i.e. sentences starting with expressions like “the place where …”, “the time when …”, “the man who …”, etc.). This often causes problems for students because both types of sentences typically begin with the same words (“where”, […]
Continue ReadingThe difference between “effect” and “affect” in English
Both words, effect and affect, can be used as a verb and as a noun. But if you found this page through a search engine, it is almost certain that if you want to use a noun, it will be “effect”, e.g. It has a negligible effect on me. And if you want to use […]
Continue ReadingThe difference between “dot”, “period”, “full stop” and “point” in English
These four terms often confuse people because we translate them all into English with the word “period”, but the difference is actually quite simple. A period at the end of a sentence is called a period in American English and a full stop in British English, even when we pronounce it for emphasis – for […]
Continue Reading“Different from/than/to” in English
What preposition should we use in English after the adjective “different”, e.g. in the sentence “My car is different from/than/to your car?” Fortunately, there is no difference in meaning – “different from”, “different than” and “different to” mean the same thing. The difference, however, is in what parts of the world and how often each […]
Continue Reading“I look forward to hear/hearing from you” in English
This phrase is particularly often misused by Czechs, as “to” in English usually implies the infinitive (e.g. in “want to” or “have to”). However, the phrase “look forward to” is used differently: I look forward to. “Hear” is obviously not a thing, but a verb, so it does not make sense to “look forward to […]
Continue Reading“A lot of … is” or “a lot of … are”
The use of plurals and singulars in English can sometimes be a bit complicated. One situation where English differs significantly is the phrase “a lot of”. “A lot of” is singular (as we can clearly see from the use of “a”), and so many people will think that, like in English, the verb that follows […]
Continue ReadingThe difference between “be good in” and “be good at”
If you want to express in English that you are good at something, it is not possible to use “in” (as it might seem based on the English construction), but “at”, e.g.: He is good at playing the piano. (correct) He is good in playing the piano. (wrong) Some native speakers use “in” in connection […]
Continue ReadingStrived or Strove
It has both an irregular and regular form. You can use both and both are correct. Strived or Strove? The past participle is more complicated. Striven is the traditional form, but strived has gained ground and is now more common. So, for example, I have striven five years is the traditional construction, but I have strived five years is acceptable to modern English […]
Continue ReadingIDIOMS: Under the weather
If someone feels under the weather, they feel ill or slightly unwell. The origin of this particular phrase might have something to do with sailing. In the 1900s, when a sailor was feeling sick on a boat during a storm or some other severe weather conditions, he was usually sent below deck so he could […]
Continue ReadingIDIOMS: And Bob’s your uncle!
Have you ever thought about how strangely some of the English idioms may sound to non-native speakers? Here’s a great example! “And Bob’s your uncle!” is a phrase used to conclude something, usually a set of instructions. Non natives would perhaps use a non-idiomatic expressions like “and it’s done” or “and there you have it”. […]
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