Tutoring English, discoveries continue. The tutor mentions soundscape. In yesterday’s post I mention how a varied thrush’s song dominated the soundscape. At the time of writing, I was seeking a word and tried soundscape, unaware it actually is a word. …
Tutoring English, discoveries continue. The tutor mentions pre-emption. pre-emption (noun): an action that successfully replaces or prevents another. Source: Barber, Katherine et al. Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English. Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 2005
Tutoring English, a specific question arises: the tutor investigates if hilarity can pluralize to hilarities. In my Feb 14 post I use the word hilarities, which the spell-checker doesn’t like, though it’s happy with hilarity. So, is the word hilarities …
Tutoring English, you never run out of material. The tutor shares an observation – will it be relatable? relatable (adj): 1. sensibly connected to some other event or state; 2. understandable by others. The word relatable is listed by a …
Tutoring English, some hilarities just present themselves. Numbskull can also be spelled numskull, according to two dictionaries I’ve checked. Who knew? Source: Mish, Frederick C (editor). The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Springfield: Merriam-Webster, 2004. Gilmour, Lorna (editor). Collins Essential Canadian English Dictionary …
Tutoring English, the literal meaning of a word or phrase is important. The tutor opines about the expression “more or less.” Here is my definition of the expression “more or less”: more or less (adverb): true for practical purposes, if …
Tutoring English, the difference between everyday and formal communication is important. The tutor mentions idea completion. Consider the following sentence: Life in a small town is easier. Informally, people likely assume what is meant is Life in a small town …
Tutoring English, vocabulary is always interesting. The tutor mentions the word plunk. plunk (verb): to drop abruptly. Source: Mish, Frederick C. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Springfield: Merriam-Webster, 2004.
Self-tutoring about news: the tutor mentions the definition of emolument. emolument:payment or gift, often due to position. It can be salary or other benefit. Source: merriam-webster.com
Self-tutoring about lyrics: the tutor reflects on a few lines from Sheryl Crow. Sheryl Crow’s lyrics have caught my attention numerous times. Her song “A Change Would Do You Good” contains a few examples. “Wear your fake fur on the …
English: Sheryl Crow: “A Change Would Do You Good” Read more »