Tutoring English, idiosyncrasies come up. The tutor mentions one. The following is according to my understanding. As most people are probably aware, the word color in the US might be spelled colour in Britain: it’s the same pattern with favor, …
English: US vs UK spelling: is US spelling always shorter? Read more »
Tutoring English, spelling remains important. The tutor mentions something he’s often wondered about. The following is according to my understanding. To convey the idea of meeting a commitment, is it fulfil or fulfill? It turns out either is correct. What …
Tutoring English, you encounter words you’ve heard for decades, but not seen in print. The tutor mentions spelt. I’ve heard people say spelt as past tense of spell, as in “I didn’t know that word is spelt that way.” Yet, …
Self-tutoring about English: the tutor checks a fact. Adaptor or adapter? Either one, apparently: both are correct and have the same meaning. Source: Mish, Frederick C. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Springfield: Merriam-Webster, 2004.
Self-tutoring about English: the tutor relates a story. For years I’ve used “irrecognizable.” I guess I just didn’t type it. When I did yesterday, the spell-checker complained. (I think the spell checker and I have been ready to divorce numerous …
Tutoring English never gets old. The tutor shows a reason why. Denier: one who denies. I can barely believe my eyes, yet the spell checker has no quarrel with denier. How can I never have seen denier in print, yet …
English: how do you spell the word for “one who denies?” Read more »
Self-tutoring about English: the tutor mentions an interesting notion. In English, consonants are easy, but vowels can be a challenge. Perhaps that’s why we might forgive wrong consonants but can’t forgive wrong vowels. For instance, consider the word “meant”: spelling …
Self-tutoring about spelling: the tutor shares a find. Tendinitis or tendonitis – which one is correct? Both are, it turns out: they mean the same. Source: Mish, Frederick C. (editor). Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Springfield: Merriam-Webster, 2004.
Self-tutoring about spelling: the tutor researches, to him, an age-old question. Which is correct – barbecue or barbeque? Either, according to the Oxford Canadian dictionary. However, this spell-checker prefers barbecue. Source: Barber, Katherine et al. Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current …
Self-tutoring about English: the tutor checks about esthetic and aesthetic. Apparently, aesthetic and esthetic have the same meaning. Source: Mish, Frederick C (editor). The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Springfield: Merriam-Webster, 2004.