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Compound Prepositions

2011-08-04T04:11:00.000-07:00

Prepositions are usually single words but there are some which are composed of two or three words. These are known as compound prepositions.

Some examples of compound prepositions are the following:

prior to
next to
on account of
as of
in place of because of

according to
in back of
in front of
instead of
in place of
owing to
apart from

Mal- and Bene-

2010-08-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

mal- and bene-

Prefixes can give us a clue to the definition of certain words. Once an individual knows the meaning of the prefixes, it would be easier for him to broaden his vocabulary.

Many prefixes are based in Latin. Examples are the prefixes bene- (or beni-) meaning good and mal- (mala- or male- or mali-) which means bad.

Examples:

Benefit – a favorable circumstance; charity
Beneficial- advantageous; useful; profitable

Benevolent - doing or inclined to do good; kindly; charitable
Benign - good-natured
Malady - a disease; illness
Malignant – very harmful; very dangerous
Malevolent - having or showing ill will; malicious
Malaria - to speak evil of

How to Pronounce the Verbs In the Regular Past Tense

2010-08-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

The regular past tense of the verbs can be classified into three groups in terms of pronunciation.

The first group is considered as that for voiceless consonant sounds and includes verbs ending in /p, k, s, ch, sh, f, x/ sounds. The /t/ sound is an exemption. The past tense of the verbs in this group has the /t/ sound in the end.

The -ed has the /t/ sound.

Examples:
linked
hopped
mulched
cuffed
boxed
messed

The second group is where those with voiced consonants belong to and includes those verbs which end with /l, v, n, m, r, b, v, g, w, y, z/ sounds except those with the /d/ sound. Those verbs which ends with a diphthong are also included.

The -ed has the /d/ sound.

Examples:
barred
mauled
loved
begged
nuzzled
brayed
bowed
robbed

The last group are those verbs which end with the /t/ or /d/ sounds. The past tense of those verbs is pronounced with an /id/ sound.

Examples:
banded
lifted
sounded
courted

The Challenges of Public Speaking

2010-08-15T17:16:00.001-07:00

Speaking in public or in front of an audience is something scary for a large percentage of people. There have been several studies regarding this issue. This usually happens when the speaker is not very confident with his communication skills or with his mastery of the topic that he is supposed to deliver. For some, just the mere thought of having several pairs of eyes focused on them can already make them sweat. Being under public scrutiny is can cause terror amongst ordinary people.

A healthy amount of tension or stress can help the individual become a better speaker but if it
becomes a cause of him stuttering/stammering, then it becomes unhealthy. It really is difficult at first but once speaking in public has been done several times, it becomes easier.

Confidence is one factor which can greatly affect its outcome. Overcome fear and nervousness. In speaking before the audience, look for a friendly face and imagine that you are talking to him. Fully understand and master the topic. Do not just memorize because once a word or phrase is forgotten, one may not be able to go on. Smile. The audience will react positively to a smile.

Improve Your Vocabulary

2010-08-14T01:21:00.000-07:00

There are many ways in which you can broaden your vocabulary. Reading is one very simple way of doing it. You will encounter more words through reading. Take note of those which are unfamiliar then look it up in the dictionary. If you cannot understand a certain word, you can take it in its context or how it is used in the sentence. You can use context clues by checking the accompanying words which may provide you with a hint.

You can also take note of the roots or origin of the words. The prefixes can also give you an idea regarding the definition of the unfamiliar words. Use the new words as often as possible so that it will not be forgotten. One thing very important though, do not try to learn everything all at once. Enjoy the learning process.

Big or Large?

2010-08-14T01:10:00.000-07:00

Two words may be synonymous but not necessarily interchangeable. Each word has an associated meaning or connotation. Take for example the words big and large. They may have the same meaning and it might be possible that one may be used to take the place of the other. There are instances though that if it is done, it would completely change the whole thing.

If somebody tells you that you are a big girl now, then you might smile because it seems that you are now considered grown-up. But then if you are told that you are a large girl now, you might be

offended because it would be like you were told that you just grew in size. Just imagine if other synonyms of big and large are used to describe you like immense, huge, gigantic, bulky, gross, or gargantuan.

Thus, it is important that we also consider the connotation and not just the denotation of the words.

Similar Sounds, Different Meanings

2010-08-14T01:07:00.000-07:00

There are words which are often confused with each other because of certain reasons like having similar sounds. The meanings are oftentimes very different.

Some of the examples are:

Advise and Advice

Advise is a verb which means to recommend while advice is a noun meaning an opinion on what should be done or a counsel.

She was advised to refrain from eating too much.
She gives good advice.

Council and Counsel

A counsel is a noun meaning advice or a transitive verb meaning to give advice to while a council is an advisory group or an assembly.

I belong to the town council.
I used to counsel a group of young people.

Contractions

2010-08-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

A shortened form of a phrase is known as contraction. This is done by dropping a letter or letters from one of the words or both words and replacing it with an apostrophe.

The following are considered as standard contractions of a noun or pronoun + be:

I am – I’m
You are – you’re
He is – he’s
She is- she’s
It is – it’s

They are – they’re
We are – we’re
There is – there’s
That is – that’s
When is – when’s
Who is – who’s
What is – w hat’s

Learning about contractions is important in the enhancement of English skills.

Euphemism

2010-07-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

Euphemisms are words that we use to substitute for words which are considered too direct or rude. These words or phrases are deemed to be less offensive. Here are some examples of some words/phrases and their euphemisms:

1. old man or woman – senior citizen
2. poor – underprivileged
3. dull or stupid – mentally-challenged
4. fat – chubby; plump; healthy

5. sexual intercourse – making love
6. died – passed away
7. ugly – homely
8. sick – indisposed
9. drop-out – out-of-school youth
10. used or second-hand – pre-owned

We can improve English skills by learning more euphemisms.