The words advice and advise look almost the same, yet they serve very different purposes in English. Many learners, and even native speakers, confuse them because the spelling is close and the pronunciation is subtle. However, once you understand the role of each word, the distinction becomes clear and easy to remember. This article explains…
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The word tomato is short, common, and familiar to nearly everyone. Yet its plural form often sparks confusion, especially among learners of English or writers who want to avoid mistakes in professional or academic settings. The reason is simple: nouns ending in -o do not all follow the same rule when made plural. Some take…
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Colons are common in both academic and professional writing. They help introduce lists, explanations, quotations, or emphasize points. One of the most frequent questions people ask about colons is this: Do you capitalize the first word after a colon? The answer depends on the style guide you follow, the type of writing, and sometimes even…
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Language often challenges us with words that do not follow the neat rules we expect. One such word is self. At first glance, it seems simple, yet when asked to form its plural, many people pause. Should it be selves or selfs? This question arises not only for students learning English but also for native…
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Commas can be tricky, especially when they come near the word but. Many people hesitate, unsure whether to place a comma before or after it. The truth is that there are clear rules supported by grammar research, but also moments when writers have stylistic choices. This guide explores those rules, explains why they exist, and…
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The English language is full of pairs that look or sound similar but carry different meanings. One of the most confusing examples is the pair “already” and “all ready.” At first glance, they may seem interchangeable, but in reality, each has its own role in grammar and expression. Mixing them up can change the meaning…
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Understanding the past tense of common verbs is a cornerstone of learning English. Among these verbs, “cost” often causes confusion because it is irregular and does not follow the typical patterns most learners expect. This article will examine what the past tense of “cost” is, how it is used in different contexts, and why it…
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Learning how verbs change from present to past tense is one of the first steps in mastering English grammar. Among these verbs, “eat” is one of the most common, and at the same time, one of the irregular verbs that learners often confuse. Unlike regular verbs that simply add -ed in the past tense (for…
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Language often presents puzzles that appear small at first glance but become intriguing once you look closer. One such puzzle involves the word appendix. Is the plural appendices or appendixes? Both forms exist, and both are considered correct, but they do not always appear in the same settings. Understanding why requires a look at history,…
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Language often hides surprises, especially when words come from Latin or Greek. One such example is the word matrix. It is widely used in mathematics, computer science, biology, and even in everyday conversation. Yet, when people try to write its plural, they often hesitate. Is it matrixes or matrices? Which is correct, and in what…
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