Reading nook

Blurring the lines: what is Literary Nonfiction?

Nonfiction. The very term conjures images. Dry facts, historical accounts, and scientific reports. But what if the lines between fact and storytelling are blurred? A captivating genre that reads more like a novel than a textbook? Enter literary nonfiction. A compelling world where truth meets artistry, and the real becomes riveting. What is literary nonfiction? […]

15 July 2024 by Laura Kelly

English Grammar Day 2024

Are you as passionate about the English language as we are? An event dedicated to it took place last week. Friday, June 28, 2024, marked English Grammar Day. It was held at the prestigious British Library in London.  This event wasn’t just about comma placement and verb conjugation drills. It was a vibrant exploration of […]

3 July 2024 by Laura Kelly
The word 'like' spelled out in cubes, Readable blog

“Like” why do we say it so much?

"Like" is a champion among filler words. We look at why we use filler words and what they tell us about human nature.

27 June 2024 by Laura Kelly

The best book-to-film adaptations

The age-old debate: book versus film. Some argue that a film can only partially capture the depth and nuance of a novel. Others find on-screen adaptations a delightful way to relive their favourite stories. We’re bookworms here. And there’s nothing quite like that feeling of stepping out of the cinema utterly satisfied. This comes from […]

13 June 2024 by Laura Kelly
Language App on a smartphone, Readable

Is there an optimal window for language acquisition?

Language is a fundamental human ability. One that allows us to connect, share ideas, and shape our views. But how do we acquire this complex skill?

30 May 2024 by Laura Kelly
Professional Writing, Laptop image with multiple users gathered round

Navigating professionalism in language: a guide

We explore key aspects of professionalism in language and look at the essentials to help your workplace communication. Read more

14 May 2024 by Laura Kelly

Exploring the merits of lengthy celebrity memoirs

Barbra Streisand's memoir, My Name is Barbra became newsworthy for its length. We look at how Streisand's tome compares to other celebrity memoirs. And the merits of such extensive works.

30 April 2024 by Laura Kelly
Lego heads showing different emotions, emotive language, readability blog

How to use emotive language

Emotive language goes beyond simply stating facts. It taps into our emotional reserves. Specific words and techniques trigger joy, sadness, anger, and fear.

16 April 2024 by Laura Kelly

Morphemes: the invisible building blocks of pop-cultural language

Ever wondered how a single word like "un-friend-able" can pack such a punch? Or how "OMG" can express a whole rollercoaster of emotions?  The answer lies in the magical world of morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language.

15 February 2024 by Laura Kelly

New book explores the future of language

Language is the essence of human communication. But what happens when language itself starts to change?

16 January 2024 by Laura Kelly

New year, new you, new (and clear) writing

The new year’s a time for fresh starts and bold resolutions. And what better way to revamp yourself than by sharpening your writing skills? Clear communication is essential in all aspects of life, from work emails to social media posts to that heartfelt letter to Grandma. But achieving clarity can be tricky, especially when common […]

11 January 2024 by Laura Kelly

How did ghost stories become an unlikely tradition?

Telling ghost stories at Christmas time is a tradition originating in Victorian England. How did this come about? 

22 December 2022 by Laura Kelly