Do Inuits really have 50 words for snow?
The belief that the Inuit have dozens of different words for snow has become a widely known piece of linguistic trivia. But, where did this belief come from, and how close is it to the truth?
8 February 2019 by
Laura Kelly
Festive children’s books we love
As we move toward the middle of December – already! – we’re thinking about festive children’s books we adore, from their stories to their wonderful illustrations. After all, children’s books are the most readable of all, and we’re all about encouraging children’s early learning.
19 December 2018 by Laura Kelly
How to swear like the old days
Modern English lets us down when it comes to swearing. What words from old English can bring back the shock factor?
31 August 2018 by
Steve Linney
Making sense of grammar – when nouns and verbs look alike
English has such odd little quirks tucked away in random spots. For native speakers, it comes as second nature to speak and write in certain ways. But, when you stop to really think about what you just said or wrote, it makes no sense. Why are certain things are said or written in that way?
2 August 2018 by
Dave Child
Four words from German that English really needs
The German language can be soft and even melodious at times. Here are some examples of German's more lyrical side.
2 August 2018 by Dave Child
Common word crimes and how to avoid them
Understanding how English fits together is the key to good grammar and great readability.
28 June 2018 by Steve Linney
Unusual American town names
English is known for interesting oddities, including some fabulous American town names. From the obscure to the sublime, it makes traveling through the US even more interesting.
1 June 2018 by Steve Linney
Readable grammar 101: How to use there, their and they’re
Confusing ‘there’, ‘their’ and ‘they’re’ is a common grammar mistake. Learn how to tell the difference between these words so you can use them correctly.
16 May 2018 by Laura Kelly
English grammar – commas and the complex sentence
One of the most common errors identified in writing is the misuse of commas in complex sentences. Here are a few simple pieces of information to help you understand the basic rules of usage.
8 May 2018 by Dave Child
4 words or phrases from French that English really needs
Mon Dieu the French. They are so precisely impeccable about the use of their language. Anyone who has visited France knows that if you attempt to stumble through even the simplest dialogue with a native speaker you had better know what you are saying.
14 March 2018 by Dave Child
4 English words with Spanish origins
Hola, buckaroos! Give your dulcinea an avocado before the cockroaches get it! What's the history of these terms?
14 March 2018 by Dave Child
Four more words from Japanese that English really needs
English borrows from a large number of languages. Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic, to name a few. However, some amazing Japanese words are missing.
1 February 2018 by Steve Linney
