Vocabulary

Many learners of English often struggle with the subtle distinction between the words propose or purpose. They may look and sound alike, and both have their root in Latin, which adds to the confusion. In my years of teaching, editing, and reviewing formal documents, I’ve seen how a simple mix of these terms can shift … Read more

When I taught an advanced writing workshop for ESL learners, a student once asked during class: “Why do we say ‘I’m waiting at the house’ when I’m actually inside?” That simple question got right to the heart of how many people get confused when choosing between common phrases like “At the House or In the … Read more

In the ever-shifting landscape of digital communication, certain words  –  like timeslot, time-slot, or time slot  –  carry more significance than their short form implies. As someone working in content and UX, I’ve seen firsthand how scheduling terminology evolves with usage. The language we write, read, and rely on has weight, especially in professional settings … Read more

When I’ve paused mid-sentence, feeling unsure whether to use “by which” or “in which,” I realize many experienced writers face the same challenge. These formal-sounding phrases often trip people up because their core meanings and function vary depending on contexts. Choosing the right phrase should become second nature, though it isn’t always easy. This guide … Read more

In conversations, people often use the phrase first priority during meetings and discussions. It may sound redundant, but language evolves. The way we interpret grammar, usage, and tone shifts with time. Some argue it’s not correct since anything labeled as a priority is already important – so adding “first” might seem unnecessary. However, in boardrooms, … Read more