Category: Vocabulary

“To Want” is a verb that means to desire or to wish for something. It is often used in the present tense, as in “I want a sandwich for lunch.” It can also be used in the past tense, as in “I wanted to go to the park yesterday but it was raining.” Wants “Wants”…

The preposition “with” can be used with the word “support” to indicate that something is being provided to help or assist with something. For example: “I need support with my homework.” “The company offers support with technical issues.” “She has been a great support with my recovery.” The preposition “for” can also be used with…

In English, there are plenty of words you can use to describe someone who has bad things said about them. One of these words is oft-maligned, but what exactly does it mean, and how do you use it in a sentence? Oft-maligned is a word that has two parts: “oft” and “maligned”. Oft is short…

When it comes to sibling relationships, there are several types, including half-siblings and step-siblings. While these two types of siblings may seem similar at first glance, there are actually some important differences between them. Half-siblings share one biological parent, while step-siblings do not share any biological parents. This means that half-siblings are more closely related…

Describing a smile can be a great way to convey a character’s emotions and personality. A smile can be described in many ways, but using positive adjectives can make it more impactful. Here are some positive adjectives that can be used to describe a smile: Radiant: A radiant smile is one that shines brightly and…

In English, there are plenty of ways to tell someone to enjoy themselves when they’re going to an event. Two popular terms are “have fun” and “enjoy”. Both are very similar in meaning, so is there any difference? Both “have fun” and “enjoy” are correct terms to use when you want to tell someone to…

Flight attendants play a critical role in ensuring the safety of passengers during flights. This includes providing essential information during takeoff and landing, which are the most critical phases of the flight. During landing, clear communication is essential to ensure that passengers understand the safety procedures they need to follow. In this article, we’ll provide…

When it comes to the spelling of this delightful frozen treat, there is often confusion about whether it should be written as “Iced Cream” or “Ice Cream.” So, which is correct? The answer is that “Ice Cream” is the correct spelling. While “Iced Cream” may seem like a logical choice, it is not the standard…

When it comes to job interviews, one of the most common questions that candidates are asked is to describe themselves in a few words. While this may seem like a simple task, it can be challenging to come up with the right words that accurately represent your personality, skills, and experience. Choosing the right words…

Being called “old” can be a hurtful insult, especially if it is meant to bully or shame you. It can trigger negative emotions such as anger, frustration, or sadness. However, remember to understand that the person who is calling you “old” might be acting out of jealousy, ego, or a misguided sense of judgment. Some…

If you’ve ever been on social media sites, especially Discord and TikTok, you’ll see videos and posts about “rants” and “vents”. Both rants and vents deal with emotional topics, but what is the difference between them? Both rants and vents come from a place of emotion, and they both mean to release information that has…

English pronunciation can be a tricky subject for language learners. There are many different accents and dialects, and even native speakers may have difficulty understanding each other at times. One tool that can help with this is the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The IPA is a standardized system for representing the sounds of human speech.…

All around the world, there are many celebrations happening for graduations, promotions, weddings, and other massive events. You’ll hear the words “cheers” and “toast” thrown around when people are celebrating, but what do these words mean, and what’s the difference between them? A toast is a formal term since a toast refers to giving a…

Surprised expressions are a natural and common way to react to unexpected events or information. They are a non-verbal way to communicate your emotional response to a situation and can be effective in conveying your feelings to others. When you are expressing surprise, it’s essential to use the right facial expression and body language. Your…

Saying goodbye to work colleagues can be difficul to but it is always a great idea to have a nice lunch in a restaurant to say goodbye. Moving on to a new company or retiring is a natural part of your working life and having a farewell lunch is a great way to spend some…

The specific origin of the limerick is unknown, likely spoken between ancestral friends long before ever being written down. The first publication of limericks began in the 18th century, but didn’t really gain any popularity until the 19th century. Some believe that limericks were originally made to be naughty. Whether this is true or not,…

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you may have come across the phrase “grand rising.” This slang term is used as a greeting and a way to set positive intentions for the day ahead. But what exactly does it mean, and where did it come from? In this article, we’ll dive into…

Although a bar and a club share some similarities, there are significant differences between the two. The main difference between a club and a bar is the atmosphere and the type of experience they offer. Bars are more relaxed and casual, while clubs are more energetic and lively. A bar is typically a smaller establishment…

If you walk through the streets in an English-speaking country, you’ll often hear people say, “Good Morning!” But, in the UK, specifically in Ireland, there’s an older and more posh way to say this. One of the most quintessential and easily recognizable Irish phrases is “Top of the Morning to You.” While it does equate…

When discussing philosophy, two terms that often come up are realism and idealism. Realism is the belief that things exist independently of our perception of them. In other words, the world exists as it is, regardless of how we perceive it. Idealism, on the other hand, is the belief that reality is ultimately mental or…

If you want to be successful in any field, it’s essential to stay on top of things. But what does it mean to stay on top of something? The expression ‘stay on top of something’ means to be continuously aware of it and give it your regular attention. It also means to keep well-informed about…

In today’s fast-paced world, effective decision-making is crucial to the success of any organization, be it governmental or corporate. One essential aspect of this decision-making process is a quorum. But what exactly is a quorum and why does it matter? In simple terms, a quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to conduct…

If you are wondering what ‘first off’ means and how to use it correctly, you have come to the right place. According to Merriam-Webster, ‘first off’ is an adverb that means “in the first place: before anything else.” It is often used to introduce the first of a number of things that you want to…

When someone says “it was worth it,” they are expressing that the benefits or rewards of an experience, action, or decision outweighed the challenges or sacrifices involved. This phrase is commonly used to indicate that the effort, time, or cost of something was justified by the outcome or result. The phrase “it was worth it”…

“Sir This Is A Wendy’s” is a popular meme that is used when you observe inappropriate behavior and want to acknowledge it in a funny way. The expression can also be used when you see something doing something strange in a certain location where that behavior is not typical. The meme also pokes fun at…

‘Jeez’ and ‘Geez’ are both informal exclamations used to express emotions such as surprise, frustration, or emphasis.  While they are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two. The word Geez is an abbreviation of the word Geʽez, which is an ancient Ethiopian Semitic language. The language originated from what is now northern…

When someone says “it means a lot,” they are expressing that something is very important or precious to them. “It means a lot” is often used to express gratitude or appreciation for something that someone has done for them. It can refer to actions, words, or objects that hold sentimental value. It is commonly used…

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “un poco loco” and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. This Spanish expression translates to “a little crazy” in English, but it’s not always used to describe someone who is mentally unstable. In fact, the connotations of “un poco loco” can vary depending on the context and the…

‘Hence’ is an adverb that is used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses or sentences. It can also be used to indicate a conclusion or result that follows logically from a previous statement. When using ‘hence’ in the middle of a sentence, make sure that it is being used as an adverb and…

When it comes to describing the reddening of the skin after exposure to the sun, there is some confusion over whether the correct term is “sunburn” or “sunburnt.” Both terms are acceptable, but there are some differences in usage between British and American English. In American English, “sunburn” is more commonly used as a noun…

Yes, you can start a sentence with ‘specifically.’ Starting a sentence with ‘specifically’ can help to emphasize a particular point or idea. When used correctly, using ‘specifically’ can help you to clarify your point, narrow down your focus, and make your writing more precise. In this section, we’ll explore how to use ‘specifically’ effectively to…

In English, there are many words and phrases that originate from media such as TV shows, movies, comic books, and more. Writers are always inventing new words and phrases to describe things. “My work here is done” is one of those phrases, but where does it originate? “My work here is done” is a popular…

Dealing with a condescending person can be challenging, especially if you don’t want to come across as rude. Luckily, there are several effective ways to shut down a condescending person without being rude. Here are a few tips: Stay calm and composed: One of the most important things to remember when dealing with a condescending…

When it comes to describing someone who gets things done, there are many words that come to mind. Some of the most common words include diligent, proactive, efficient, and reliable. These words all describe someone who is able to take action and get things done in a timely and effective manner. One word that is…

Weekends are often viewed as a time for relaxation and personal pursuits, but for some professions, work extends beyond the traditional Monday to Friday workweek. This raises the question: do weekends count as business days? The answer is not straightforward and depends on the context. In most regions, business days are considered to be the…

“All but one is true” means that every item on the list is true except for one entry. This sentence is usually an instruction for a test where you need to choose the false item on the list. Let’s look at an example of when we would use “all but one is true” All But…

The topics that may be covered in a Duolingo English speaking test can vary widely. The topics may be based on general knowledge, current events, or even personal experiences. Some examples of potential topics could include: Describing a memorable experience or event Discussing your hobbies or interests Talking about your favorite foods or restaurants Sharing…

Knowing how to professionally say “I don’t know” is an important skill in the workplace. It’s common to feel pressure to have all the answers, especially in positions of authority or management. However, pretending to know something you don’t can be detrimental to your credibility and the trust others have in you. Fortunately, there are…

When it comes to the spelling of “OK” or “okay,” both are considered grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. There is no difference in meaning between the two spellings, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The origin of “OK” is believed to have come from a misspelling of the phrase “all correct”…

When it comes to using the word ‘especially’ at the beginning of a sentence, there is some debate over whether or not it is grammatically correct. The general consensus among language experts is that it is acceptable to use ‘especially’ at the beginning of a sentence, as long as it is used appropriately. One common…

“I can relate” is a phrase that means you understand or have experienced something similar to what someone else is describing or talking about. We use “I can relate” to express empathy and connection with someone else’s feelings or experiences. For example, if someone says “I hate it when I’m running late and can’t find…

When it comes to using prepositions in English, one of the most common questions is whether to use “talk on the phone” or “talk over the phone.” While both phrases seem to convey the same meaning, there is a subtle difference between them that can make one more appropriate than the other in certain contexts.…

The terms the business world uses to describe its days and processes can get confusing and difficult to follow, especially for beginners. Two terms that are hard to tell apart are business days and working days. What’s the difference? Business days and working days are very similar since they both deal with the weekdays. The…

English is a complex language with countless prefixes and suffixes. It’s easy to get them confused, especially words like “post”. When using the word “post”, does it mean before or after? The word “post” is a prefix that must be added to something in order to modify it. When attached to a word, “post” means…

Have you ever been asked the question “What are you up to?” and wondered what it really means? This common phrase is used in English as a way to ask someone what they are doing or what they have been doing recently. It is often used as a greeting between friends or acquaintances. While the…

English idioms are an essential part of daily communication in the business world. They are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning rather than a literal one. Idioms are used to convey a message in a more interesting and engaging way, and they add color and personality to any conversation. Understanding idioms is crucial…

The phrases “hit and miss” and “hit or miss,” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between them. The phrase “hit and miss” suggests that there are some successes and some failures, while “hit or miss” suggests that there is an equal chance of success or failure. In other words, “hit and…