Archive for 'English Grammar'
It’s British, but is it English? Posted by Gary Locke on Feb 5, 2021
I admit to being an Anglophile, someone who is very fond of England, its culture, history, and people. Unfortunately, I also love the English language. Sometimes the two conflict with each other. I’m not just talking about words and phrases that the British use that are strange to those of us who are Americans. I’m…
Have a perfect future with the future perfect Posted by carol on Jan 29, 2021
Good morning, dear readers! January is drawing to an end and many of the questions and uncertainties from the previous year still haven’t been answered. My favorite discussion topic for this month, New Year’s Resolutions, ended up falling flat, as none of my friends or students were really eager to make any plans for the…
English Phrases for Saying “Good Night” Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 30, 2020
One of the first phrases we learn in any language is how to say, “Good night.” As with “Hello” and “How are you?”, saying “Good night” is not only an essential phrase but also something which can be said in many different ways. In English, we have some colorful ways to wish someone a good…
Top Ten for ’20 Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 23, 2020
We are just about at the end of 2020 and, yes, I can hear many of you saying, “Thank goodness!” We will none of us soon forget this year. There’s never been anything like it. The hardships that have affected all of us in one way or another will carry an impact for probably the…
Joint Possessives in English Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 10, 2020
Before COVID-19, sharing was considered to be positive and admirable. It was seen as an act of caring, kindness, and selflessness. Whether it was a dessert at a restaurant or a ride service to a hotel, sharing was a nice thing to do. But now, there’s a lot less sharing in the world. Unless you…
Can you deliver the goods? Posted by carol on Nov 30, 2020
Happy Monday to all readers! How is it going? With the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and now with the latest black Friday, delivery is definitely a trending word. Over the quarantine, this type of service has become increasingly popular worldwide, as it allows for people to have access to products and food without having…
Could, Should, Would, Might Posted by Gary Locke on Nov 12, 2020
I try not to play the role of grammar policeman among my family and friends, so I make every effort not to comment on grammatical mistakes when I see or hear them. But I do notice them. When the same mistakes keep appearing from multiple people, I can’t help but wonder why. Lately, I’ve been…