English Language Help ⁽²⁴⁾

The English Language adverbs Specially and Especially are often confused, even by native English speakers. I will explain the difference using British English usage and examples. Especially means "particularly", "exceptionally" or "above all others". For example "I love flowers, especially pink ones" means that I…

The English language phrases "make up your mind" and "decide" (or "make a decision") have similar but subtly different meanings as I will describe using British English examples. To make up your mind means to form an opinion. When you make up your mind you…

The English Language words dreaded and scared are similar, but different, as I will show using British English examples. Someone is scared when they experience something scary. Scary things cause fear. This fear can be rational or irrational. An example of being scared irrationally is: "I…

The English language phrases Calm Down and Go Easy have related meanings, but they are different, as I shall explain, using British English examples. Calm Down (verb) is an instruction to the listener to reduce their level of emotion. It is often used towards children,…

The English language verbs Stir, Mingle, Intermingle, Mix and Blend have related meanings, but they are all different, as I shall explain, using British English examples. Stir (verb) means the action of using a tool to rotate liquid in a container. "Place the ingredients in…

The English Language phrase Damned By Faint Praise is an idiom still in use 300 years after it was first used, as I shall explain, with examples of its British English usage. Damned by faint praise means to be given such little praise that it…

The English Language nouns Queue and Row have related meanings, but they are different, as I shall explain, using British English examples. Queue (noun) means a line of people waiting for something, where the person at the head of the queue will be served next.

The English language nouns Passion and Compassion have related meanings, but they are different, as I shall explain, using British English examples. Passion is a strong emotional feeling, which can be romantic or a compelling liking for something, or an overwhelming interest in something, such as a…

The English language adjectives Faithful and Loyal have related meanings, but they are different, as I shall explain, using British English examples. Loyal means to do your best for an idea, person or organization, not to betray it. Someone who displays loyalty does not do…

The English language verbs Produce, Create and Generate have related meanings, but they are different, as I shall explain, using British English examples. All three verbs are used to describe making something. Produce is used to emphasise the the process of forming the end product.