The Hidden Power of Words: Why Vocabulary Expands Reality

We often assume that language is simply a tool for describing reality. First we see the world, and then we label it. But what if that assumption is backwards? What if the words we know actually shape what we are capable of seeing, feeling, and distinguishing? Research in linguistics and psychology suggests that vocabulary does… Read More

How Adults Can Keep Growing Their Vocabulary

Expanding vocabulary as an adult isn’t about memorizing word lists—it’s about active engagement. Reading widely, encountering words in context, and using them in social settings helps new language stick. By embracing new experiences, hobbies, and conversations, adults can continue growing their vocabulary well into later life. Read More

And the Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year 2023 goes to ‘RIZZ’

The Oxford Word of the Year is a word or expression that has attracted a great deal of interest over the last 12 months to reflect the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of that particular year and to have lasting potential as a word of cultural significance. Transcript: Today we learn what the Oxford Dictionary considers the… Read More

And the Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year 2022 goes to ‘Gaslighting’

People suffering from long Covid took up the term “medical gaslighting” to describe the medical establishment’s inappropriate dismissal of their symptoms. The word can also be used to describe individuals across contexts, from romantic partners to politicians. The dictionary offers two definitions for the term. The first describes it as “psychological manipulation of a person usually… Read More

Confusing words: Then and Than

THAN is used in comparative statements. ~ Another pair of words that I see misused far more often than not is than and then. ~ He is taller than I am. ~ Other than the interest on a small inheritance, he had no income. ~ Today’s students certainly do seem to read less than students in… Read More

Prepositional Idioms? Calm down!

A prepositional idiom consists of a verb followed by a preposition, but unlike an ordinary prepositional phrase, it forms an expression with a nonliteral or idiomatic meaning. Some grammarians consider the prepositional idiom a type of a phrasal verb, others call it the phrasal verb itself, and still others call it a verb phrase. Anyway… Read More

200 Words to Use Instead of “Good” (Infographic)

Source: http://custom-writing.org/blog/writing-tips/28365.html

Confusing words: Make and Do

DO There are no easy rules to follow. We always use do to describe indefinite activities, often with what, thing, anything, nothing, etc and generally speaking we also use do to talk about duties, jobs or (leisure) activities. Look at the following examples: ‘What shall we do now?’ ‘You can do what you like. I’m… Read More