Usage Archives - Page 4 of 5

Discreet vs. Discrete

14SeptemberFour Eyes EditUsagecommonly confused words, Discreet, Discrete, homophones

These two words are an example of a pair of homophones (words that sound alike but are different in spelling or meaning or both) that can be tricky to distinguish between. Discreet means to have or show good judgment in behavior and especially in speech. Prudent is a synonym; especially capable of preserving prudent silence.

What sequence of letters has the most different pronunciations?

2SeptemberFour Eyes EditUsage

That answer is -ough. Say these words: bough, rough, through, cough, dough. Not one of these words sounds like any of the others. Surprisingly, these are all native English words and not products of foreign languages. There are seven different ways to pronounce -ough: though (like o in go) through (like oo in too) cough

Anyway, Any Way, or Anyways?

10AugustFour Eyes EditUsageGrammar, writing

Anyway: adverb. regardless or in any event. Examples: Maria’s grades have slipped, but she plans to apply to Ivy League colleges anyway. No matter what you say, she’s going to the party anyway. Any way: adjective and noun. any particular course, direction, or manner. Examples: Chloe is willing to help Maria prepare for the SAT

Show, Don’t Tell

28JulyFour Eyes EditUsageGrammar, writing

Anyone who has taken a writing class has heard or seen (on their manuscript) the words: Show, don’t tell. Effective writing creates an image in the reader’s mind instead of just telling the reader what to think. Here’s a sentence that tells: Mrs. Canter was a large, impatient old woman. That gets the information across,

There, Their & They’re

19JuneFour Eyes EditGrammar, UsageGrammar, writing

There is a place. Their is the possessive for them. They’re is the contraction for they are. Examples: The books are over there. Their house is furnished with antique furniture. They’re going on vacation to San Francisco next week.

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Category Archives: Usage

Discreet vs. Discrete

What sequence of letters has the most different pronunciations?

Anyway, Any Way, or Anyways?

Show, Don’t Tell

There, Their & They’re