Vocabulary

In my years teaching mathematics and working on complex problems in graph theory and optimization, I’ve seen how often students and even seasoned professionals end up misusing the terms maximal vs. maximum. The differences in meaning might seem minor, but they matter deeply. In mathematical and computer science, maximal means something that can’t be extended … Read more

Growing up in a multilingual home, I often heard my elders use the phrase “For God’s sake” in moments of frustration or despair. I didn’t grasp its full meaning at the time, but the tone always stood out – charged with urgency, and sometimes delivered as a soft exclamation of emotional fatigue. As I dove … Read more

I’ve worked with many writers over the years, and one thing I often reflect on is whether the phrase “and also” really makes writing stronger – or just unnecessarily redundant. It usually pops up in moments when people want to emphasize an addition, offering that familiar double punch of meaning. While it can feel effective, … Read more

During college, I had my fair share of small babysitting gigs, often paid discreetly and without any official paperwork. Back then, it felt harmless, but I later saw the legal and ethical implications behind these seemingly casual transactions. The phrase “under the table” isn’t just an everyday expression – it reveals the weight of choices … Read more

I’ll never forget stepping into a grand theater one crisp autumn evening – the lights began to dim, and the air filled with hushed excitement. A wave of harmonious sound broke the silence, rich and layered, drawing everyone’s attention. Was that the work of a choir or a chorus? The question instantly transported me to … Read more

Back when I was teaching English abroad, I remember a lively classroom debate over whether “rancour” was a spelling mistake or a real word. To the surprise of many students, both “Rancor vs. Rancour” are equally correct – it just depends on where you’re from. That one letter difference can actually reveal more than a … Read more

Every December, many people across the world still write “Santa Clause” instead of the correct “Santa Claus.” Despite being a globally recognized name, it’s frequently misspelled. I’ve seen it on cards, decorations, and all sorts of marketing materials. The confusion largely stems from a beloved Christmas movie, The Santa Clause. It’s a charming film, but … Read more

In English, selecting the correct verb tenses is often tricky – it’s like walking on glass. Even a tiny shift in wording can totally flip the meaning of a sentence. Early in my career as a writer, I often paused over phrases like “is used,” “has been used,” and “was used.” They look similar, but … Read more

In everyday language, I’ve seen how some idioms carry a surprisingly powerful role, and “Takes one to know one” is one of those that sticks with you. This expression is packed with emotion, sharp sarcasm, and real wisdom, depending on how it’s said. I remember hearing it back in high school – sometimes in jest, … Read more

During my university years, reading the Declaration of Independence left a deep impression on me. I remember pausing over Thomas Jefferson’s choice of words, especially the line about truths being self-evident, and that all men are created equal. It wasn’t just a noble idea – it was a bold political statement that sparked a 250-year … Read more