The Real Reason Some English Words Have Silent Letters
There are legitimate explanations for why words like pterodactyl and tsunami exist.
20 of the Toughest Tongue Twisters in the English Language
How many of these can you say without stumbling?
11 Irregular Plural Words That Sound Completely Wrong—But Aren’t
We all know irregular plurals like "geese" and "mice." But have you ever heard of "beeves" or "sphinges"? Laugh yourself...
24 Everyday Idioms You’re Getting Wrong
The cat's out of the bag—idioms can be tricky, even for native English speakers.
“Everyday” vs. “Every Day”: Here’s When to Use Each
"Every day" and "everyday" are easily confused because they deal with the same concepts. But there are some key differences...
Among vs. Between: What’s the Difference?
What's a small grammatical difference among friends! Or is it something different when it's between friends?
Sneaked vs. Snuck: Which Is Correct?
What's the one thing that's more sneaky than a teenager, loophole, and a surprise fine combined? The difference between sneaked...
Who vs. Whom: Here’s When to Use Each Word
You've always wondered, so we're setting the record straight.
Free Reign vs. Free Rein: Which Should You Use?
Does this expression imply that someone with the freedom to do whatever they want is a ruler or a horse...
Passed vs Past: What’s the Difference?
Leave this common word mix-up in your past!
All of a Sudden vs. All of the Sudden: Which Is Correct?
You've been using the phrase "all of a sudden" with confidence. Now "all of the sudden," it's not so clear...
Farther vs. Further: What’s the Difference?
How far would you go to figure out the difference between further and farther? Look no further—we've got your answer.
33 Middle School Vocabulary Words Adults Still Get Wrong
Think you have a strong vocabulary? See how many of these common 8th grade reading words you can recognize when...
This Is Exactly How Many Words You Need to Know to Speak a Language
In the grand scheme of things, it’s not that many.
Systemic vs. Systematic: What’s the Difference?
Here's the difference between these two words that are often used interchangeably even though they have different meanings.
12 Grammatical Errors Even Smart People Make
You may think you’re a stickler for all things grammar-related, but don’t be surprised if you realize you’re guilty of...
11 Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary in Just One Day
The average American has a vocabulary in the thousands. Try these tricks to make sure yours stacks up.
Can You Pass This High School English Quiz?
We've been saving up these words, from the Princeton Review's Word Smart: Genius Edition test-prep guide, for our most confident...
What Does .com Stand for?
This sequence of four characters probably appears at the top of your computer screen several times a day. But do...
This Is the Real Difference Between “Due to” and “Because Of”
If you think you can use "because of" and "due to" interchangeably, watch out: The grammar nerds are coming for...
The Most Misspelled Word in Every State
If you can spell this one word, you’re probably smarter than a majority of the people who live in your...
Imminent vs. Eminent: What’s the Difference?
Is your respected town councilwoman an imminent member of the community, or an eminent one? Here's the difference between these two words, and which...
Merriam-Webster Is Updating Its Definition of Racism After a Woman Asked Them to Change It
The small changes make a big difference.
Affect vs. Effect: What’s the Difference?
That one little letter makes a big difference.
15 Amusing Stories Behind Common Expressions
English has some hilarious expressions—and their origin stories are funny, too! Find out where "last-ditch effort," "under the weather," and...
Where Does the Phrase “Let the Cat Out of the Bag” Come From?
Why was the cat in a bag in the first place?
OK vs. Okay—Which Is Correct?
You might be surprised to learn which came first!