Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Loss is a noun which refers to “the act of losing someone or something” or “something that is lost.”
- The company suffered a significant financial loss last quarter.
- My wife’s engagement ring was the greatest loss from the robbery.
Lose, on the other hand, is a verb that means “to no longer have something,” “to misplace something,” or “to be defeated in a competition or game.”
- Did you lose your keys? I think I saw them on the counter.
Continue reading: What’s the Difference Between Lose and Loss?
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
The correct spelling of the Latin phrase is per se, which translates to “by itself.” It’s used to state that something is inherently true when it’s considered on its own, rather than in connection with outside factors.
- I like pizza per se, but I’m lactose intolerant and can’t eat it.
Per say is an incorrect spelling of per se.
Continue reading: Per Se vs Per Say: Which Is Correct?
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
The correct spelling is would have, not would of. This mistake is common among English speakers because the contracted version of would have (would’ve) sounds similar to would of when pronounced aloud.
- I would have helped, but I didn’t know you were struggling.
- I would’ve helped, but I didn’t know you were struggling.
Continue reading: Is It Would Of or Would Have?
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Break a leg is an English idiom that is used to wish someone good luck, especially in the world of performing arts.
- Your act is up. Break a leg!
Continue reading: Break a Leg: Meaning and Examples
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Many English words look like they have a certain pronunciation, but are pronounced differently. This makes it difficult for some to pronounce them correctly. A few examples are:
- Açaí
- Rendezvous
- Worcestershire
Continue reading: 33 Hard-to-Pronounce Words
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning which differs from the literal meanings of the individual words. Idioms are challenging for non-native speakers to learn because their meanings are not always obvious. For example, the expression break a leg means good luck.
Continue reading: Common Idioms in English and What They Mean
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Subjective relates to personal viewpoints, experiences, or perspectives, whereas objective refers to factual data that is not influenced by personal beliefs or biases.
- Subjective statement: The cake is delicious.
- Objective statement: The cake contains 250 calories per serving.
Continue reading: Objectivity vs Subjectivity: What’s the Difference?
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Another way to say I look forward to is I am eager to.
- I am eager to start the project.
A more casual way to say I look forward to is I can’t wait to.
- I can’t wait to go on vacation.
Continue reading: Seven Alternatives for Look Forward To
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
If you’re referring to death or the verb to die, then the correct spelling of its present participle is dying.
- I think my plant is dying because I overwatered it.
Continue reading: What’s the Difference Between Dieing and Dying?
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
A haiku is a type of Japanese poem that traditionally consists of 17 syllables arranged in a 5-7-5 pattern. In English haiku, the syllable count varies, but the poem generally aims to capture a moment vividly with as few words as possible.
Although traditional haiku focus on nature and use seasonal references, today people worldwide write haiku about anything and everything.
Continue reading: Everything You Need To Know About Writing a Haiku
