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Article A, An & The

Basically, an article is an adjective. Like adjectives, articles modify nouns. English has two articles: the and a/an . The is used to refer to specific or particular nouns; a/an is used to modify non-specific or non-particular nouns. We call the definite article and a/ an the indefinite article. The is definite article and a/an   is indefinite article "Let's read the book," I mean a specific book.  "Let's read a book," I mean any book rather than a specific book. The is used to refer to a specific or particular member of a group. For example, "I just saw the most popular movie of the year." There are many movies, but only one particular movie is the most popular. Therefore, we use the . "A/an" is used to refer to a non-specific or non-particular member of the group. "I would like to go see a movie." Here, we're not talking about a specific movie. We're talking about any movie. There are many movies,

Using Conjunctive Adverbs

Use conjunctive adverbs (or sentence adverbs) to: indicate a connection between two independent clauses in one sentence link the ideas in two or more sentences show relationships between ideas within an  independent clause . Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs: also however otherwise consequently indeed similarly finally likewise then furthermore moreover therefore hence nevertheless thus nonetheless How to punctuate conjunctive adverbs When a conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses in one sentence, it is preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. Tuition increases, say officials, are driven by the universities' costs; consequently, tuition income typically covers less than 50% of college budgets. If a conjunctive adverb is used in any other position in a sentence, it is set off by commas. Nonetheless, some colleges are making efforts to trim budgets and pass along the savings. Secretary Bennett, however, maintains that more fed

Subject-verb Agreement

Watch the subject-verb agreement in your sentences when... When the subject follows the verb When words like "each" are the subject When words like "none" are the subject When the subjects are joined by "and" When singular subjects are joined by words like "or" When one subject is singular and one plural When a linking verb is used When a collective noun is used When a relative pronoun is used as a subject of an adjective clause When the subject follows the verb When the subject follows the verb (especially in sentences beginning with the expletives "there is" or "there are"), special care is needed to determine the subject and to make certain that the verb agrees with it. On the wall were several posters. There are many possible candidates. There is only one good candidate. When words like "each" are the subject When used as subjects, words such as each, either, neither another anyone, anybo

Than vs Then

The English words than and then look and sound a lot alike, but they are completely different. If this distinction is harder than it should be, read this lesson and then try again. A. Than Than is a conjunction used in comparisons: Tom is smarter than Bill. This is more important than you might think. Is she taller than you? Yes, she is taller than I. Technically, you should use the subject pronoun after than (e.g., I), as opposed to the object pronoun (me). However, English speakers commonly use the object pronoun. B. Then Then has numerous meanings. 1. At that point in time I wasn’t ready then. Will you be home at noon? I’ll call you then. 2. Next, afterward I went to the store, and then to the bank Do your homework and then go to bed 3. In addition, also, on top of that He told me he was leaving, and then that I owed him money It cost $5,000, and then there’s tax too 4. In that case, therefore (often with &quo

Despite vs In spite of

The English terms in spite of and despite are very similar in meaning and usage; in spite of this, English speakers sometimes find them confusing. A. Despite Despite means "even though," "notwithstanding," or "regardless of." It’s the opposite of "because of/due to," and can be used with a noun or gerund. She had difficulty communicating in French despite all her years of study. We lost the game, despite the fact that we practiced all week. Despite not having an umbrella, I walked home in the rain B. In spite of In spite of means exactly the same thing and is used exactly the same way as despite . She had difficulty communicating in French in spite of all her years of study. We lost the game, in spite of the fact that we practiced all week. In spite of not having an umbrella, I walked home in the rain. C. The Bottom Line The English terms despite and in spite of are synonyms. Despite mig

Imply vs Infer

The English verbs imply and infer are often confused by English speakers. That’s not to imply that you’re one of them, but if that’s how you infer it, go ahead and read this lesson. A. Imply To imply means to suggest or to express something indirectly, rather than just coming out and saying it plainly: I don’t mean to imply that you’re doing something wrong, but… The expression on your face implies that you don’t believe me. He didn’t say it in so many words, but he implied that we were required to "volunteer." What are you implying? The noun is implication . There was a strong implication that attendance was required. (There’s also an unrelated meaning of involvement: His implication in the theft is grounds for dismissal.) B. Infer To infer means to read meaning into what was just said, to draw a conclusion from something that was not specifically stated: From that, I infer that you think I’m doing something wrong. Am I meant to infer th

Advice vs Advise

The words advice and advise are often confused in English. I advise you to read through this lesson so you will no longer need advice on this matter. Advice Advice is a noun and refers to information offered by one person to another to help the latter make a decision or take action. We need some advice. I don’t care if you’re my advisor. When I want your advice, I’ll ask for it! My stock broker gave me bad advice and I lost a lot of money. If you’re sick, stay home. That’s my advice. Synonyms: counsel, input, opinion, recommendation, suggestion, two cents Advise Advise is a verb and means to offer a suggestion about what to do. We need you to advise us about something. You’re my advisor, so advise me! My stock broker advised me to invest in that company two days before it filed for bankruptcy. If you’re sick, I advise you to stay home. Synonyms: to give advice, to counsel, to offer input, to offer an opinion, to recommend, to ma