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Knowledge - Grammar / Spelling

Ever gotten called out for the difference between you’re and your? We’ve all been there–and we don’t ever want to go back. These insightful and interesting grammar articles will turn you into a word whiz quicker than you can blame autocorrect for your grammar faux pas.

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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...


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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...


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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...

How to Improve Your Vocabulary and Sound Instantly Smarter

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...


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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...


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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...


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...


OK vs. Okay—Which Is Correct?

You might be surprised to learn which came first!


Do You Know the Last Letter Added to the Alphabet? (It Wasn’t Z)

In fact, the actual last letter is not even close to the end of the alphabet.

40 Words You Think Are Antonyms but Aren’t

At first glance, some words may seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, but once you dive deeper...


Blond vs. Blonde: Which is Correct?

Is your best friend's hair blonde or blond? Is that blond man just your type, or perhaps his blonde sister?...


Barbeque or Barbecue: Which Is Correct?

Being *grilled* over the way you spell this word? Find out if there's a correct way to spell the word...


15 Words That People Say Aren’t Real—but Are

Good news: These are all words! Bad news: Language snobs will scoff if you use them—so you’ll have to politely...


How Many of These 13 Old-School Slang Words Do You Know?

Can you guess the meaning behind these slang phrases from yesteryear?


Grey vs. Gray: Which Is Correct?

Is one of these spellings correct and the other wrong—or is there a gray area? (Or perhaps a grey one?)


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“Toward” or “Towards”: Which Is Correct?

Does that one little "S" change the meaning? Or do these words in fact mean the same thing?


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70 Words (and Phrases) You’re Probably Using All Wrong

You won't make these cringeworthy mistakes ever again.


15 Slang Words You Didn’t Know Were in the Dictionary

English is an ever-evolving language, so as words make their way into the mainstream, they also make it into the...


13 Words from the First Dictionary That No Longer Exist

Don't let these obscure words fade away!


What Does the Saying “Bite the Bullet” Really Mean?

If you've ever chosen to "bite the bullet" you know that you might have had to endure some pain, but...