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Category: Definitions

Efficacy or Efficiency: Do You Know the Difference?

Posted on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 6:00 am

The words efficacy and efficiency are so similar in how they are spelled, pronounced, and used that they can be confused for each other. There is a difference, though. If you've ever wondered how to distinguish efficacy from efficiency, we'll leave you with a greater understanding in today's post. The Meaning of the Word Efficacy …

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Podium vs. Lectern vs. Pulpit: What Are the Differences?

Posted on Friday, November 26, 2021, at 6:00 am

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 …

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Imply vs. Infer: What Do They Mean?

Posted on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 6:00 am

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 …

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Euphemisms: What Is a Euphemism?

Posted on Friday, October 15, 2021, at 6:00 am

Some people may not be able to say what a euphemism is, but there’s a good chance they often use euphemisms, including sometimes without being aware. In today’s grammar post, we’ll explain what euphemisms are and how to use them. What Exactly Is a Euphemism? A euphemism is a mild term—typically an idiomatic one—that’s used …

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Acronyms: What Is an Acronym?

Posted on Friday, October 8, 2021, at 6:00 am

Do you know the definition of the word acronym? Even if you couldn’t explain it the way a dictionary would, you probably know many acronyms and use them every day. In today’s post, we will review the definition and usage of acronyms so you can add them to your grammar toolbox. What Exactly Is an …

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Synonyms: What Is a Synonym?

Posted on Monday, October 4, 2021, at 6:00 am

Have you come across the word synonym and not been sure what it means? Or do you have somewhat of an idea of the definition but nothing specific enough to provide an example? If so, this post can help. So let’s get right to it: What is a synonym? The Meaning of Synonym A synonym …

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Inanimate Object

Posted on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at 6:00 am

American English can be flexible and expressive in conveying thoughts and ideas. For example, we might write or say something such as that guitar has been lounging in my living-room corner since Reagan was president. Many of us may understand what that sentence conveys, but some of us might also ask ourselves if a guitar …

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What Is a Past Participle?

Posted on Friday, July 16, 2021, at 6:00 am

English grammar has its share of technical terms, so unless you regularly teach or study the language, you might furrow your eyebrows if you hear things such as present perfect tense or infinitive verb. Many of us may use such components in our writing and speech without being fully aware of what they are. That …

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Examples of Indirect Objects

Posted on Friday, July 9, 2021, at 6:00 am

Most American-born people will have heard of direct and indirect objects at some point in their schooling years. And yet, those same English speakers—even those who grew up in the U.S.—may have a hazy understanding of the difference between a direct and indirect object. Today, we will review the distinction. We'll explain what an indirect …

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How to Use an Ampersand

Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021, at 6:00 am

The ampersand (the "&" symbol) is an unusual feature of the English language. It supposedly has survived in a limited form since the days of the Roman Empire. Despite the mark's longevity, people may still sometimes have questions about when and how to use it. In formal writing, use of the ampersand to replace the …

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