Grammar Blog

Let's say you need to stand and deliver a speech tonight. Will you be behind the podium, lectern, or pulpit? Most of us have heard these words, and we generally understand they relate to public speaking. However, some of us might be uncertain about the distinctions among a podium, a lectern, and a pulpit. We'll …

American English is replete with style questions and details. One item that can remain elusive for those seeking consistency in their writing is the treatment of academic degrees. If you complete your education at a junior college, have you earned an associate degree—or an associate’s degree? Let’s discuss that further and arrive at direction you …

The words imply and infer are related. They are also often used as synonyms or incorrectly swapped to mean the other thing. Today we'll help clear confusion concerning these two words. The Difference Between Imply and Infer To imply something means to suggest it indirectly. It's a way of giving information that allows another person …

A while and awhile both sound the same when spoken aloud, leading some to think that the two are the same or that one is a misspelling of the other. The two constructions—one as a two-word phrase and the other as a single word—mean different things. In today's post, we will explain the difference so …

The last couple of years have seen a greater emphasis on how we refer to and write about cultural identity in a wonderfully diverse country such as the U.S. In this discussion, we'll share some current style guidance you can consider. When we seek reinforcement for certain style items at GrammarBook.com, we most often refer …

When our favorite football team is losing often, do we write that we can't handle any more losses by them—or that we can't handle anymore losses by them? We might get confused about whether to use one word or two when we're expressing such an idea in American English. The two treatments (any more and …

Many of us may have at some point wondered whether we should use data as a singular or plural word. The right answer can be evasive. How to treat data can influence our writing and sentence structure in different ways. Let's review this word more closely to reach a conclusion we can work with. Is …

A personal pronoun is a word that replaces a noun. It stands in for a particular person or thing after that person or thing (the antecedent) has been identified. We use personal pronouns to avoid redundancy that can become distracting. Redundant: Sheila goes to the library every other Saturday. Sheila returns old books and checks …

Indefinite articles are small but integral parts of English grammar. Today we'll discuss what an indefinite article is and how it serves communication. What Is an Indefinite Article? An indefinite article is simply the word “a” or “an” used before a noun. It denotes the class to which a noun belongs but does not make …

Both crisis and crises are correct and acceptable words to use in American English, but they also differ slightly in meaning. Today we’ll explain the difference and ensure you know which one to use in the right context. Crises Is the Plural of Crisis The word crisis is defined as “a tragedy or negative event.” …