English spellings can quickly become confusing, especially when certain words can be spelled more than one way. Unfortunately, there are not always grammatical rules that can easily be memorized and applied.   The adjective “sweet” refers to something sweet-tasting, but it can also be written as a noun — an affectionate term of endearment spelled “sweetie” …

In nearly every language, we find shortened nicknames for parents, siblings, or other family members. And almost universally, we find that children often refer to their mothers as “mama,” “mamma,” or “momma,” but which one is correct?   Mama is the infantile/childish form of mother, while Momma is the colloquial form of mother. There is no …

Even English native speakers are sometimes uncertain of the real meaning and nuances of words, especially if they often hear and see the terms misused. Two such confusing words, which are even listed as synonyms in thesauruses though they convey different nuances, are “humble” and “modest.” The difference between “modest” and “humble” is that “modest” …

Honorifics play an important role in the English language. Not only do honorifics signify rank, but they help to convey courtesy and respect. In academia, honorifics are especially important, so it’s vital to address someone correctly. Many people wonder if they should address a PhD as doctor. You should address a PhD with the honorific term …

Since the late 19th and early 20th century, recommendations for a healthy diet have changed repeatedly. Food groups have shifted and changed since the early 20th century, so what are the different types of food? Food types are now grouped into what we know as the five food groups, although this has varied from four …

Various nuances in English can be challenging to understand, even for native speakers. For instance, native and second-language speakers sometimes struggle to differentiate between words like “plausible” and “possible” that sound almost identical but have distinct meanings. The main difference between “plausible” and “possible” is that “plausible” means you could make a reasonably valid case …