Beginnings are amazing. They mark the start of new chapters, new ideas, new relationships, and new challenges. But as you turn that metaphorical (or physical) page, should you say “at the beginning” or “in the beginning?” “At the beginning” should be used to reference the start of a time period or to reference specific placement …
Dr. Patrick Capriola
Most English language learners know the mnemonic “I before e, except after c.” One uses this rhyme to determine whether to use the digraph “ei” or “ie.” English teachers and learners are often not sure whether this short rhyme applies to the word “weird,” so is “weird” or “wierd” the correct spelling? The correct spelling …
The words “on” and “in” are prepositions, and we use them before a noun or pronoun. When we use them in combination with the noun “time,” these words form phrases with very different meanings. Knowing when and how to use each phrase in the proper context takes time to learn. “On time” means meeting a …
Various chemical reactions can occur naturally or with added energy, and exergonic and exothermic are the two types of energy-releasing reactions. These chemical reactions are key components of thermodynamics, as they involve the transfer of energy with heat as a product. Even though they describe very similar reactions and processes, the terms are not synonymous, …
Who, what, when, where, and why — these words are staples of the English language. It may be simple enough to say, “Do what sounds right,” but often, it doesn’t work that way. The words “what” and “which” are both question words as well as interrogative pronouns, and we can often use them interchangeably. But …
Is it proper grammar to say, “I look forward to speaking with you”? The short answer is, yes. Yet sticklers for formally correct grammar may insist that native English speakers would prefer, or even insist, that the proper phrasing is “I look forward to speaking to you.” The phrases “I look forward to speaking with …