Mastering Grammar

'In the Newspaper' or 'On the Newspaper'? | Mastering Grammar

2026-03-30T19:36:00.060+08:00

(Last Updated: 31 March 2026)

In the Newspaper or On the Newspaper: What Is the Difference?

If you have ever written 'I saw a great recipe on the newspaper' or 'There was a photo of my favourite actor on the newspaper', you are not alone. This is one of the most common small mistakes that English learners make, and it is easy to see why: both in and on seem to make sense when we talk about a newspaper.

In this post, I will explain the simple rule that will help you choose the right preposition every time. Let us start with the most important point.

In the Newspaper – Information Inside

When we talk about the content of a newspaper – the articles, photographs, advertisements, letters, or anything that is printed as part of the publication – we use in:

✅ I read an interesting article in the newspaper yesterday.

✅ There was a photo of the Queen in the newspaper.

✅ Did you see your name in the newspaper?

✅ They placed a lovely wedding announcement in the local newspaper.

✅ She found a job advertisement in the newspaper and applied immediately.

Even if the photo appears on the front page, it is still in the newspaper because it is part of the publication. The same rule applies to magazines, books, and other printed material: content is in them.

This photo of a man is in the newspaper. It is printed content, not something resting on top.

On the Newspaper – Physically On Top

We use on when we are talking about something that is physically placed on top of the newspaper. The newspaper is an object, and another object is resting on its surface:

✅ Please do not put your coffee cup on the newspaper – you might stain it.

✅ There was a wet footprint on the newspaper left by the dog.

✅ I found a few crumbs on the newspaper after breakfast.

✅ He placed the fish and chips on the newspaper to absorb the grease.

✅ She sat on the newspaper to avoid getting her trousers dirty on the park bench.

This pen is on the newspaper. When an object is physically on top of the paper, we use on.

There is one extra use that sometimes confuses learners. When we refer to a specific page, we often use on because we are talking about the surface of that page. For example:

✅ The story was on the front page of the newspaper.

✅ I saw your letter on page five of The Guardian.

Even in these cases, if you step back and say 'I saw your letter in the newspaper', that is still correct. The difference is whether you are naming a specific page (on) or referring to the publication as a whole (in).

I hope you have found this content helpful in your English learning journey. If so, please consider supporting this blog by buying me a coffee. Your contributions greatly help in maintaining the blog and are always appreciated.

Examples from the Media

Many, although not all, of the articles that appear in the newspaper are also published online. Use our website search engine, near the top of this page, to find the article you're searching for. —Toronto Star (2024)

Many, however, admitted that when they first saw the pictures in the newspaper they questioned their authenticity. But they defended their editor for doing his job, in making an editorial decision to use them. —The Guardian (2004)

In 1995, a young Mike Burgess saw a "weird, geeky-sounding" advertisement in the newspaper. It was short on details about the identity of the recruiter, but Burgess thought he would give it a go "being a curious guy". —The Sydney Morning Herald (2020)

Police noticed the sleek black-and-gold pen on the newspaper was actually a tiny video camera, which average [sic] about $240 at local spy shops. —New York Daily News (2012)

Practice

Choose the correct preposition for each sentence. Write in or on.

1. I saw a great film review ____ the newspaper.

2. There is a coffee stain ____ the newspaper.

3. She found her friend's engagement announcement ____ the newspaper.

4. Look! There's a spider crawling ____ the newspaper.

5. The headline was ____ the front page of every newspaper.

6. They printed my letter ____ the newspaper.

7. He placed his glasses ____ the newspaper.

8. I enjoy doing the crossword ____ the newspaper every morning.

Answer Key

1. in 2. on 3. in 4. on 5. on 6. in 7. on 8. in

'Rob Someone's Money' or 'Rob Someone of Their Money'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2026-02-19T20:49:00.020+08:00

(Last Updated: 23 February 2026)

Understanding the Correct Usage of the Verb Rob

The verb rob describes the act of stealing something (e.g. money or property) from a person, bank, or other entity. While this definition is straightforward, confusion often arises over what can serve as the object of the verb. Learners frequently write incorrect sentences such as:

❌ He robbed my money.

❌ The man robbed the woman's belongings.

These sentences are understandable but grammatically incorrect. The verb rob is used with the person or place that items are taken from, rather than the items themselves. Here are the corrected versions:

✅ He robbed me of my money.

✅ The man robbed the woman of her belongings.

The key structure to remember is rob [someone/something] of [something]. In this structure, [someone/something] is the victim (the person or place), and [something] is the item taken.

Let's look at more examples to clarify the correct usage:

✅ Last night, someone robbed Emma of her jewellery. (Explanation: Emma is the person from whom the jewellery was stolen.)

✅ The burglars robbed the bank of several million dollars. (Explanation: The bank is the entity from which the money was taken.)

✅ The shop was robbed of a couple of expensive handbags. (Explanation: The shop is the place from which the handbags were stolen.)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

To avoid misusing rob, always identify the victim (the person or place suffering the loss) and what was taken from them. Do not use rob followed directly by the stolen item without indicating the victim:

❌ ~~The thief robbed diamonds.~~
✅ The thief robbed the store of diamonds.

❌ ~~The man robbed her wallet.~~
✅ The man robbed her of her wallet.

❌ ~~They robbed our mobile phones during the party.~~
✅ They robbed us of our mobile phones during the party.

❌ ~~She was accused of robbing a large sum of money.~~
✅ She was accused of robbing the business of a large sum of money.

The entry for the verb rob in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Examples from the Media

A 16-year-old charged with murder in the Wednesday fatal shooting of a man in a convenience store parking lot in Northeast Washington was there to rob people of money and drugs, according to newly filed court documents. —The Washington Post (2018)

After the man withdrew some money, the suspects started pushing him around. Two of them threatened the man with knives and robbed him of his money. —Toronto Star (2014)

He was armed with a gun and robbed the bank of an undisclosed amount of money, police said. —Daily Mail (2016)

An 89-year-old man has been robbed of hundreds of dollars after he was stalked for a kilometre in Toongabbie. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2020)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. In English, you rob a person or a place (e.g. robbed the old lady, robbed a bank). You steal an object (e.g. stole her purse, stole a car).
2. The phrase clean tidily is not idiomatic in English. Tidily is an adverb meaning 'in a neat and orderly manner' and is typically used with verbs like arrange or put, not clean. The appropriate phrasal verb here is clean up, which means 'to make a person or place clean and orderly, usually by removing dirt or mess'. Once clean up is used, the adverb thoroughly pairs perfectly with it, as it means 'to do something completely, paying attention to every detail'.
3. Though not strictly necessary, using the past perfect tense (had robbed or had stolen) would grammatically clarify that the action of robbing or stealing occurred prior to the old lady running after the young man. However, in a simple, sequential narrative like this, using the past simple (robbed or stole) is totally fine.
(Source: Pan Lloyds 26-Week English Consolidation Practice: Grammar (5A))
(Also from the Same Series: 1/2)

'Altogether' or 'All Together'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

2026-01-06T20:16:00.047+08:00

Altogether vs All Together: Understanding the Difference

Altogether and all together may seem similar, but they have distinct meanings and uses in English.

Altogether

Altogether is an adverb meaning 'completely' or 'in total':

✅ After reviewing all the details, I decided to abandon the plan altogether.

✅ He stopped using social media altogether because it was affecting his mental health.

✅ Altogether, there were twenty participants at the workshop.

✅ The books she bought from the bookshop came to $500 altogether.

All Together

All together is a phrase used when referring to a group of people or things being in one place at the same time, or doing something simultaneously. It emphasises the collective nature of an action or state:

✅ The choir sang the hymn all together.

✅ The family reunion brought us all together for the first time in years.

✅ Once you've gathered all the ingredients, put them all together in a large mixing bowl and stir well.

✅ Let's put our hands all together in the middle and shout 'Team' on three.

Common Mistakes

People often mistakenly use altogether in situations that require all together:

❌ ~~Can you put your notes altogether? I'd like to see the overall picture of our findings.~~
✅ Can you put your notes all together? I'd like to see the overall picture of our findings.

❌ ~~Let's sing the song altogether at the party tonight.~~
✅ Let's sing the song all together at the party tonight.

Examples from the Media

Investigators removed more than one kilogram of meth residue from clothing that weighed 71.5 pounds altogether. —Daily Mail (2024)

Gen Zs like me have stopped dating altogether. We're opting for friends with (other) benefits. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2025)

While there is pain in the Blue Jays getting so close and losing, the afterglow of how their extraordinary run brought us all together remains. —Toronto Star (2025)

Lumping them all together as victims of a punitive state makes it much easier to ignore what they actually did. —The Washington Post (2023)

Practice

Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. I was altogether/all together unsure of what decision to make in such a complex situation.

2. We need to clean this room quickly, so let's do it altogether/all together.

3. During the concert, they were altogether/all together in the front row, enjoying the music immensely.

4. The company decided to revise its strategy altogether/all together in response to the new market trends.

5. The desk cost $5,000 and the chair was $2,200, so it was $7,200 altogether/all together.

Answer Key

1. altogether 2. all together 3. all together 4. altogether 5. altogether

'Pass Out' or 'Pass Away'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

2025-09-01T22:06:00.001+08:00

Part 16

Pass Out or Pass Away: What Is the Difference?

Do you know the difference between pass out and pass away? While these two phrasal verbs look similar, their meanings are completely different.

What Does Pass Out Mean?

Pass out typically refers to losing consciousness temporarily. This can happen for many reasons, such as exhaustion, illness, shock, or intoxication:

✅ At the sight of blood, she tends to pass out, so she avoids watching medical dramas.

✅ After going all day without eating, she felt dizzy and nearly passed out.

✅ It was so hot in the classroom that I almost passed out before the teacher turned on the air conditioning.

✅ During the marathon, a runner passed out from dehydration and had to be taken to the medical tent.

What Does Pass Away Mean?

Pass away is a phrasal verb used as a gentle and respectful alternative to die. It is a euphemism, often used to soften the news or to speak about death in a more sensitive manner:

✅ Her grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep last night.

✅ We were all saddened to hear that the community leader had passed away after a long illness.

✅ After a courageous battle with cancer, he passed away surrounded by his loved ones.

✅ News spread quickly that the beloved author had passed away, leaving behind a lasting literary legacy.

Also by Spencer Lam

Part 1: Should We Say 'A Tiger', 'The Tiger', or 'Tigers'?
Part 2: 'Relax' or 'Relax Oneself'?
Part 3: 'Exchange Program' or 'Exchanging Program'?
Part 4: 'Yours sincerely' or 'Yours faithfully'?
Part 5: Should We Say 'Take Bus', 'Take the Bus', or 'Take a Bus'?
Part 6: 'I Afraid' or 'I Am Afraid'?
Part 7: 'Date Someone' or 'Date with Someone'?
Part 8: A Missing Relative Pronoun
Part 9: Are 'Basketball', 'Football', and 'Badminton' Countable or Uncountable?
Part 10: 'Every Time' or 'Every Time When'?
Part 11: Should 'Mum' Be Capitalised? (Read this post for an in-depth discussion of the topic.)
Part 12: 'Grammar' or 'Grammer'?
Part 13: 'List Something' or 'List Out Something'? (Read this post for an in-depth discussion of the topic.)
Part 14: 'Papers 1 and 2' or 'Paper 1 and 2'? (Read this post for an in-depth discussion of the topic.)
Part 15: 'All Students Don't Know' or 'None of the Students Knows'? (Read this post for an in-depth discussion of the topic.)

Examples from the Media

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the diminutive sex therapist and TV personality, is launching a line of lower-alcohol wines, called Vin d'Amour, to help couples loosen up, but not pass out. —Toronto Star (2012)

A Qantas trainee captain who was commanding a flight from Canberra passed out briefly in the cockpit of a Boeing 737 aircraft minutes after landing at Sydney Airport. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2025)

So many stories of dying people holding on until a loved one reaches the bedside or leaves the room make some think we may have some control over when we pass away. —The Washington Post (2022)

Champion bodybuilder Hayley McNeff has passed away at the age of 37, becoming the seventh notable bodybuilder to pass away within the past six months. —Daily Mail (2025)

'Stressful' or 'Stressed'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

2025-07-18T21:42:00.004+08:00

(Last Updated: 19 July 2025)

Stressful vs Stressed: Understanding the Difference

Many common mix-ups exist among English learners, one of which is the distinction between stressful and stressed. Although both adjectives relate to stress, they differ significantly in their application.

What Does Stressful Mean?

The adjective stressful describes situations, environments, or tasks that cause stress. It refers to the potential of external factors to induce stress, rather than the feeling itself:

✅ Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful due to the numerous decisions that need to be made.

✅ Preparing for the HKDSE exam can be extremely stressful for students.

✅ It has been a stressful week at work as we prepare for an important product launch.

✅ He found the job interview highly stressful as he had to answer many difficult questions.

What Does Stressed Mean?

In contrast, stressed describes the state of feeling stress. This adjective focuses on the emotional or physical response experienced by individuals:

✅ She felt stressed after the meeting due to the unexpected negative feedback.

✅ I'm really stressed about the upcoming exams; I haven't studied enough yet.

✅ He looked visibly stressed during the presentation, often stuttering and pausing.

✅ Working long hours without breaks has left me feeling stressed and tired.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use stressful when describing how someone feels, instead of stressed:

✅ The constant deadlines at work make him feel stressed all the time.
❌ ~~The constant deadlines at work make him feel stressful all the time.~~

✅ Balancing her full-time job and night classes has left her feeling particularly stressed this semester.
❌ ~~Balancing her full-time job and night classes has left her feeling particularly stressful this semester.~~

✅ The thought of moving to a new city next month has us feeling stressed and excited at the same time.
❌ ~~The thought of moving to a new city next month has us feeling stressful and excited at the same time.~~

✅ She was stressed about her speech as she hadn't had enough time to prepare.
❌ ~~She was stressful about her speech as she hadn't had enough time to prepare.~~

In summary, use stressful when talking about situations or things that cause stress, and stressed when describing how someone feels because of these situations.

I hope this post has clarified these terms for you. If so, please consider supporting this blog by buying me a coffee. Your contributions help maintain and improve the blog, and your support is greatly appreciated!

Examples from the Media

Starting school can be stressful enough but beginning a new academic year in an independent school environment that parents and children may not be familiar with, can add to those anxieties. —Toronto Star (2025)

Life is stressful enough so it can be really hard to find ways, and time, to chill out and relax. —Daily Mail (2025)

If stressful moments trigger tension in your face and jaw, you may be used to clenching your facial muscles when you feel stressed. —The Washington Post (2024)

Feeling stressed? Try these voice exercises to calm your nerves. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2025)

Practice

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. She's stressful/stressed about her upcoming job interview, especially since it's for her dream company.

2. The period leading up to tax season is always stressful/stressed for accountants.

3. I get stressful/stressed when I think about all the assignments I need to complete by next week.

4. Trying to find a lost pet in a busy city can be an extremely stressful/stressed experience.

5. The first day at a new school can be stressful/stressed for children and their parents alike.

6. The constant barking of the neighbour's dog at night has him feeling stressful/stressed and sleep-deprived.

7. The pressure of being the primary caregiver for her elderly parents often leaves her feeling stressful/stressed.

8. Traffic jams during rush hour are always stressful/stressed situations for me.

Answer Key

1. stressed 2. stressful 3. stressed 4. stressful 5. stressful 6. stressed 7. stressed 8. stressful

Using 'Both' and 'All' in Negative Sentences | Mastering Grammar

2025-07-06T12:19:00.024+08:00

(Last Updated: 2 September 2025)

Have you ever felt confident using both or all, only to be met with puzzled looks? Let's consider a scenario where two men are unable to lift a heavy box. You might say:

⏩ Both men can't lift that heavy box.

Another scenario could be when you and your friends didn't want the front seats in a cinema. You might say:

⏩ All of us didn't want the front seats.

You may think these sentences are clear and straightforward, but they often leave native English speakers scratching their heads. Why? It is because these constructions create ambiguity — they can mean two completely different things! Let's unravel this common pitfall and learn how native speakers express these ideas clearly.

The Core Problem: Positive Words + Negative Verbs = Confusion

The issue lies in combining inherently positive, inclusive quantifiers — both (meaning 'two people or things together') and all (meaning 'everyone/everything in a group') — directly with a negative verb (can't, didn't, isn't, etc.). This clash creates a logical fog.

Why It's Ambiguous: Two Possible Meanings

1. The Neither or None Meaning (What You Often Intend):

You want to say:

⏩ Neither of the two men can lift that heavy box.

⏩ None of us wanted the front seats.

2. The Not Both or Not All Meaning (The Surprise Interpretation):

The sentences could also mean:

⏩ Not both men can lift that heavy box. (This sounds clumsy. A more natural phrasing would be: It isn't the case that both men can lift that heavy box. So maybe one can?)

⏩ Not all of us wanted the front seats. (This implies that some of us wanted the front seats.)

Native English speakers may instinctively apply the negation before both or all (i.e. not both or not all).

Native Speakers Avoid This Ambiguity

With few exceptions (such as the proverb all that glitters is not gold), native speakers tend to avoid using both + not or all + not when they mean complete negation (neither or none). We rephrase for clarity.

How to Say What You Actually Mean: Clear Alternatives

Here's the golden rule: When you mean complete negation, use neither for two people/things and none for three or more people/things or for uncountable nouns:

❌ Both men can't lift that heavy box.
✅ Neither man can lift that heavy box.
✅ Neither of the men can lift that heavy box.
(Meaning: Man A can't lift it, and Man B can't either.)

❌ Both doors aren't locked.
✅ Neither door is locked.
✅ Neither of the doors is locked.
(Meaning: Both doors are unlocked.)

❌ All of us didn't want the front seats.
✅ None of us wanted the front seats.
(Meaning: Every one of us refused the front seats.)

❌ All the students haven't done their homework.
✅ None of the students has done their homework.
(Meaning: Not a single student has done it.)

❌ All the equipment wasn't stolen.
✅ None of the equipment was stolen.
(Meaning: It's all still there.)

Source: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Why Neither and None Are Your Friends

Neither explicitly means 'not one and not the other' of a pair. It signals complete negation for two people or things.

None explicitly means 'not one' or 'not any' of a group of three or more (or an uncountable noun like equipment). It signals complete negation for a group.

Source: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Source: English Grammar in Use, Fifth Edition

The Rare Exception: Proverbs and Fixed Phrases

Sentences such as all that glitters is not gold (which can be understood as not everything that glitters is gold) are old, proverbial expressions. They are fixed in the language but are not a model for modern, clear communication. Don't copy this structure!

In Summary: Keep it Clear!

Avoid both + not / all + not when you mean complete negation. Native speakers rarely use it this way because it is confusing. Instead, use neither for two people/things, and none for three or more people/things (or uncountable nouns).

I hope this post has been helpful in your English learning journey. If so, please consider supporting this blog by buying me a coffee. Your contributions help maintain and improve the blog, and your support is greatly appreciated!

Examples from the Media

Just as my father couldn't readily tell me where he was born, neither of my parents could say exactly where they were from because they'd moved around so much during their childhood, amid conflicts with Japanese forces in the years before and during World War II. —The New York Times (2020)

Neither man was previously known to police, and Radmore said there were no signs of anything amiss in their relationship. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2024)

None of us wants to think about death. But pretending it won't happen may not be the best option. —The Guardian (2025)

"None of our people are surprised by the increased gun violence," McCormack said. —Toronto Sun (2019)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. The phrase no meat inside sounds awkward and unnatural, mainly due to the word inside. This preposition is not typically used to describe ingredients in food. A more natural expression would be does not contain meat or simply vegetarian. These clearly indicate the absence of meat in a dish.
2. The word correct can be ambiguous here, as it might imply grammatical correctness rather than factual accuracy regarding the content described. Using true unambiguously indicates factual accuracy, which better suits a true/false test. Additionally, statements is a more appropriate term than sentence(s) when referring to assertions being tested for truth or falsity.
3. The preposition in in the phrase order the food in the menu is incorrect for this context. We say order food from the menu because we select items from a list.
4. On is the correct preposition when referring to items listed on a menu.
5. The original sentence, All Chinese food in the menu is not spicy, could be misinterpreted to mean Not all Chinese food is spicy, suggesting that some dishes might be spicy. To avoid ambiguity, use No Chinese food on the menu is spicy or None of the Chinese food on the menu is spicy. These state unambiguously that all Chinese options are mild.
(Source: St. Joseph's Primary School)
(Also by the Same School: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7)

1. The original sentence structure creates ambiguity, as it could be interpreted to mean either 'not a single student knows' (likely the intended meaning) or 'not all students know' (i.e. some might know). Using None of the students knows/know clarifies that not one student has this knowledge, eliminating ambiguity.
2. The verb know is necessary to form a complete interrogative sentence that asks for knowledge or information.
(Also by Spencer Lam: Parts 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/16)

'On the Menu' or 'In the Menu'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

2025-06-14T11:26:00.011+08:00

(Last Updated: 9 July 2025)

On the Menu or In the Menu: What Is the Difference?

Are you ever confused about whether your favourite dish should be described as on the menu or in the menu? Or whether the 'Save' option is on the Edit menu or in it? This post offers guidance on choosing the correct preposition to use with menu in different contexts.

1. Menus Showing Availability: On the Menu

In restaurant settings, on the menu is used to indicate that food or drinks are listed on the menu and are available for ordering:

✅ Is the vegetarian lasagna on the menu today?

✅ There's a chocolate lava cake on the menu for dessert.

✅ What's on the menu? I'm starving!

✅ I didn't see that dish on the menu anywhere.

The entry for the noun menu (sense 1) in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

2. Menus as Documents: In the Menu

When treating a physical menu as a document (similar to a brochure or a book), we use in the menu to describe content within it:

✅ There is a section in the menu dedicated to the chef's specialities.

✅ The desserts are grouped together in the menu.

✅ There are many typos in the menu.

✅ There are no descriptions or photos in the menu, so everything you order is a bit of a surprise!

3. Computer Program Menus: In the Menu

In the context of software, in the menu is used for options within a drop-down or pop-up menu:

✅ The 'Save As' option is in the File menu.

✅ You'll find the font settings in the Format menu.

✅ Look in the Tools menu for the spellchecker.

✅ Right-click to open the context menu; 'Copy' should be in that menu.

The entry for the noun menu (sense 2) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Examples from the Media

Since opening day in 2014, Fat Pasha's whole roasted cauliflower has been the most popular dish on the menu. It's also gone through multiple price changes as the cost of ingredients went up and down over the last decade. —Toronto Star (2025)

Each dish on the menu has personal significance, though Hadid sees the pippies and chippies as a signature. —The Age (2025)

That dish, which will be on the restaurant's menu starting next week, also incorporated aquafaba, the slightly viscous water in cans of chickpeas, which is sometimes used as an egg white substitute. —The Washington Post (2019)

Cheng's background in French cuisine is apparent in the menu, but the Asian influence is there as well, which he holds close to his heart. —Toronto Sun (2024)

Tap on WhatsApp in the menu, then tap on 'Delete Hidden App Data', then 'Delete'. —Daily Mail (2018)

Photoshop has distortion correction functions in the Edit menu, labelled Perspective Warp. This is much harder to use than the new module in Lightroom, but once mastered it works well enough. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2016)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

'A Few Times' or 'For a Few Times'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2025-04-16T20:44:00.021+08:00

(Last Updated: 21 October 2025)

A Few Times or For a Few Times: Which One Is Correct?

A common question among learners of English is whether to use for when talking about how many times something has happened. This post will clarify the correct usage with plenty of examples.

When Not to Use For

In English, we do not use for when indicating the number of times something has occurred. This applies to expressions like once, twice, three times, several times, and a few times:

✅ I've been to London once.
❌ ~~I've been to London for once.~~

✅ The heating system has been checked twice this month.
❌ ~~The heating system has been checked for twice this month.~~

✅ He played football three times last week.
❌ ~~He played football for three times last week.~~

✅ They've visited us several times this year.
❌ ~~They've visited us for several times this year.~~

✅ We've watched that film a few times.
❌ ~~We've watched that film for a few times.~~

When to Use For

For is correctly used to indicate the duration of an action or state, not the number of occurrences. Here are some examples:

✅ We talked for a few minutes.

✅ The typhoon lasted for several hours.

✅ He's going to stay in Toronto for three days.

✅ They travelled through Europe for two weeks.

✅ I've been living in Hong Kong for over fifteen years.

Summary

To avoid mistakes:

Do not use for when stating how many times something happens.
Use for when referring to how long something lasts.

Examples from the Media

We were kind of destroyed the next morning. The old man was outside the house, on the front porch. Derek seemed surprised to see him out front and cleared his throat a few times, saying good morning and introducing me quickly. —Toronto Star (2017)

There are few things worse than trying to engage in conversation someone who plainly does not want to talk to you. As a teenage boy, I went through the pain barrier several times while trying in vain to get a girl interested in me or anything I had to say. —The Guardian (2024)

As I was drafting this week's Work Therapy, my six-year-old daughter, who's just starting to read, came and sat beside me and asked what the word was that I'd written three times in a row in all caps. I asked her to have a go at it. She did and was shocked when I told her that she'd got it right. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2023)

Robert Fico was shot five times, an act of violence that left Slovakia's populist leader "fighting for his life" and the country reeling. —The Washington Post (2024)

If your asparagus has gone limp, don't worry—soaking it in cold water for a few minutes can revive it. —Otago Daily Times (2024)

An 11-year-old girl is sharing a joke every day for a month in memory of her grandfather, who died from pulmonary fibrosis earlier this year. —Belfast Telegraph (2022)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. It is generally a good idea to place only closer to the word or phrase it limits. In the original sentence, only is placed before the verb participate. This could be interpreted as limiting the action itself, meaning the user's only action is to participate. While most people would understand the intended meaning, it is technically ambiguous. The edited version places only before once, which is the term it truly limits, making the meaning precise.
2. The preposition for is incorrect when describing how many times an action occurs. It is standard to state the number of times directly (e.g. once, twice, and three times).
3. The phrase for one time is not idiomatic. Replacing it with the single word once is more natural and concise.
4. The preposition throughout implies a continuous action over an entire period. Since participation in the draw is a single action, during is the more accurate choice, as it means 'at some point within' the specified time frame.

Since is used to specify the starting point of an action or state that continues into the present, connecting it with a specific moment in time (e.g. since 2005). In contrast, for indicates the duration of an action or state, used with a period of time (e.g. for a few minutes). The phrase for many times is incorrect; instead, many times alone is used to indicate frequency (e.g. I have been to Japan many times.).
(Source: Ying Wa Primary School)
(Also by the Same School: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7)

1. When discussing how many times an action has been performed, we do not use for.
2. The correct expression is once in a while, which means 'every now and then' or 'occasionally'.
3. While in may not be grammatically incorrect, on is the more typical preposition used in English when referring to someone performing well in relation to a task or project.
(Source: 易進中學英文文法全書)
(Also from the Same Series: 1/2/3/4/5)

1. The preposition for is not used with expressions of frequency (e.g. a few times). Instead, it is used with expressions of duration (e.g. for two hours).
2. The second instance of he can be removed to streamline the sentence.
3. A comma is typically used before the coordinating conjunction and when it links two independent clauses. This follows standard comma rules for compound sentences.
(Source: R & B Tutorial Centre 紅藍補習社)
(Also by the Same Centre: 1)

Weather: Countable or Uncountable? | Mastering Grammar

2025-02-25T15:11:00.002+08:00

(Last Updated: 26 February 2025)

Is Weather Countable or Uncountable?

When we discuss the weather in English, we often treat it as an uncountable noun. However, there are nuanced exceptions and specific phrases where the term behaves differently. This blog post aims to clarify these subtleties and provide examples of correct usage to help you communicate effectively.

General Rule: Weather as an Uncountable Noun

Typically, weather is used as an uncountable noun. This means we do not use the indefinite article a before weather, nor do we use it in the plural form. Here are a few examples:

✅ It's nice weather today, isn't it?
❌ ~~It's a nice weather today, isn't it?~~
❌ ~~It's nice weathers today, isn't it?~~

✅ In February, we always like going to places where there is great weather.
❌ ~~In February, we always like going to places where there is a great weather.~~
❌ ~~In February, we always like going to places where there are great weathers.~~

✅ There is nice weather in Hong Kong at this time of year.
❌ ~~There is a nice weather in Hong Kong at this time of year.~~
❌ ~~There are nice weathers in Hong Kong at this time of year.~~

✅ We've had such terrible weather all week, making it hard to schedule any outdoor activities.
❌ ~~We've had such a terrible weather all week, making it hard to schedule any outdoor activities.~~
❌ ~~We've had such terrible weathers all week, making it hard to schedule any outdoor activities.~~

In all these instances, weather refers to the general condition of the atmosphere and is not preceded by the article a or made plural, even when modified by adjectives such as nice or great. We could speak of a weather station, a weather report, or a weather system, but in each of these cases, a modifies station, report, and system respectively, not the word weather.

The entry for the noun weather in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Exceptions and Special Phrases

While weather is generally uncountable, there are set phrases where it can take a plural form. A good example is the use of all weathers, which is fairly common in British English:

✅ Fishermen go out in all weathers.

✅ The homeless man found shelter in a small tent, managing to sleep soundly even in all weathers.

✅ She goes jogging in all weathers, never missing a morning, regardless of whether it rains or shines.

In these examples, in all weathers means 'in all kinds of weather, both good and bad', highlighting the plural use of weather in specific contexts.

The Cambridge Dictionary's entry for the idiom in all weathers

In summary, while weather is predominantly uncountable, expressions like in all weathers demonstrate its potential plural form.

I hope you have found this post helpful in your English learning journey. If so, please consider supporting this blog by buying me a coffee. Your contributions help maintain and improve the blog, and your support is greatly appreciated!

Examples from the Media

After all that, we had such good weather that we ended up barbecuing on the terrace most nights, even though there are plenty of restaurants. —Daily Mail (2011)

Many people, including doctors at a clinic on the track, said they could not understand why the aircraft had attempted the trip in such bad weather. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2009)

Now, as we move into spring, a March heat wave that smashed previous temperature records only seemed to invoke a chorus of "how fortunate we are to have such incredible weather." —The Seattle Times (2019)

The sunny shores and urban vibrancy of San Diego tempt travellers with great weather, fabulous activities on land and sea, and a bustling mix of artistic, cultural and culinary adventures. —Vancouver Sun (2024)

We're getting excellent feedback from lots and lots of people, even though we had bad weather on Friday. —Otago Daily Times (2024)

From a postman to a vet, we asked people who work outside in all weathers for tips for getting through the coldest, darkest months of the year – from big pants to barrier cream. —The Guardian (2019)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

(Source: An Instant Approach to English Grammar Practice for HKCEE and ASL Students)
(Also by the Same Author: 1/2/3)

Hair: Countable or Uncountable? | Mastering Grammar

2025-02-05T22:36:00.003+08:00

(Last Updated: 6 February 2025)

Is Hair Countable or Uncountable?

One common source of confusion among English learners involves the word hair. This post explores whether hair is considered countable or uncountable and provides examples to help clarify its correct usage.

When Hair is Uncountable

Typically, hair is used as an uncountable noun when referring to hair collectively; that is, the mass of fibres that grows from the skin:

✅ She has long hair.
❌ ~~She has long hairs.~~

✅ He noticed that his hair was thinning.
❌ ~~He noticed that his hairs were thinning.~~

✅ Short hair is much easier to dry and style than long hair.
❌ ~~Short hairs are much easier to dry and style than long hairs.~~

✅ He admired her long hair as it flowed beautifully in the breeze.
❌ ~~He admired her long hairs as they flowed beautifully in the breeze.~~

✅ The new student in class has short black hair and bright green eyes.
❌ ~~The new student in class has short black hairs and bright green eyes.~~

When Hair is Countable

Hair can be used as a countable noun when referring to individual strands. Therefore, it is appropriate to use hairs to indicate multiple strands of hair, or a hair for just a single strand:

✅ There are three grey hairs on my head.

✅ She noticed five hairs on her pillow when she woke up this morning.

✅ I found a hair in my soup, which really put me off my meal.

✅ He plucked a hair from the lens of his camera before taking the photo.

✅ She pulled a hair from her eye, blinking rapidly.

The entry for the noun hair (senses 1 and 2) in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

In summary, when referring to the general mass, hair should be uncountable. However, when referring to individual strands, hairs can be used as a countable noun.

Examples from the Media

If you go to a restaurant and there is a hair in the soup, that is not a successful bowl of soup. —Toronto Star (2017)

They found that three hairs found on two of the victims and kept in storage matched the DNA profile of a hair found in the car of a known paedophile at the time. —Daily Mail (2012)

Hairstyles go in and out of vogue but despite my life-long love affair with fashion, the one thing I'll never change is having short hair. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2020)

The students, aged 7 to 17, allege that the district's policy prohibiting boys from wearing long hair is based on gender stereotypes that violate the Constitution. —The Washington Post (2021)

'Nature' or 'The Nature'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2025-01-17T16:05:00.004+08:00

(Last Updated: 18 July 2025)

Nature or The Nature: Which One Is Correct?

In English, whether we use the definite article the before nature depends on the meaning of nature we wish to convey. When nature is used to refer to the natural world as a whole, encompassing all plants, animals, landscapes, and other features and phenomena that are not created by humans, we do not use the before it:

✅ Nature is full of beauty and wonder.
❌ The nature is full of beauty and wonder.

✅ I find peace when I am surrounded by nature.
❌ ~~I find peace when I am surrounded by the nature.~~

✅ We must do everything we can to preserve nature.
❌ ~~We must do everything we can to preserve the nature.~~

✅ We should take time to appreciate the beauties of nature.
❌ ~~We should take time to appreciate the beauties of the nature.~~

✅ Nature provides us with all the resources we need to survive.
❌ The nature provides us with all the resources we need to survive.

In other contexts, the use of the before nature is possible. The nature is typically used when specifying the inherent qualities or the essence of an object, concept, or person, and it is often followed by the preposition of:

✅ The documentary explores the nature of happiness.

✅ Understanding the nature of electromagnetic forces requires advanced physics.

✅ We need to understand the nature of the problem before we can solve it.

✅ The changing nature of society has led to new family dynamics, with more emphasis on flexible work arrangements.

✅ It is the nature of humans to strive for betterment, constantly seeking ways to improve their lives and the world around them.

The entry for the noun nature (sense 1) in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Source: Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Examples from the Media

There will always be something alluring about the great outdoors. Maybe it's a primal urge. Maybe it's a reaction to this modern life. Whatever it is, travellers will always want to get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer, will always glory in the feeling of being amid forests, mountains, oceans and beaches. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2018)

Davies says: 'If you are a stressed office worker, and you spend five or ten minutes of your day walking in nature, slowing down, looking at things in detail and feeling that atmosphere of being out in the woodlands – it brings your heart rate down.' —Daily Mail (2019)

Youth who had spent time in nature at younger ages were 20 per cent more likely to do it in their free time as teens. Most kids with experience in outdoor programs had done them through schools or on field trips. —Toronto Star (2012)

As nonbinary teenagers push for driver's licenses that reflect their identity, a fraught debate over the nature of gender has arrived in the nation's statehouses. —The New York Times (2019)

The Waitangi Tribunal has voiced its deep concern, saying that if the Bill were to be enacted, it would fundamentally change the nature of the partnership between the Crown and Māori by "substituting existing Treaty principles for a set of propositions which bear no resemblance to the text or spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi". —Otago Daily Times (2024)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. Do not use the definite article the when referring to nature as the natural world or environment.
2. Visitor centre is a common term used to describe a facility that provides information and services to tourists or guests. The singular form visitor is typically used in this context, rather than the plural visitors. This observation is supported by data from Google Ngram Viewer.

'Abroad' or 'Aboard'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

2025-01-01T13:47:00.002+08:00

(Last Updated: 18 April 2025)

Abroad vs Aboard: Understanding the Difference

Learners of English often confuse the words abroad and aboard because they look and sound similar. However, these two words have very different meanings and uses. This post will clarify their differences and provide helpful examples to show when to use each word correctly.

What Does Abroad Mean?

The word abroad means 'being in or going to a foreign country'. It is typically used to describe travel or existence in a place outside one's home country. Formally, it can also mean that something is widely spread or known:

✅ My niece plans to study abroad in Canada next year.

✅ Many people dream of travelling abroad after retirement.

✅ News of the discovery quickly spread abroad.

What Does Aboard Mean?

The word aboard means 'being on or entering a ship, plane, train, or bus'. It refers to physical presence on a mode of transport:

✅ All passengers are now aboard the ship.

✅ He stepped aboard the train just before it departed.

✅ Welcome aboard! We hope you enjoy your flight.

Common Mistake: Using Aboard When You Mean Abroad

One of the most common mistakes English learners make is using aboard when they mean abroad. Remember, aboard refers to being on a vehicle, while abroad refers to being in or travelling to a foreign country. Here are some examples of this mistake, along with corrections:

❌ ~~She wants to go aboard to study.~~
✅ She wants to go abroad to study.

❌ ~~He has lived aboard for three years.~~
✅ He has lived abroad for three years.

❌ ~~They are planning to travel aboard next summer.~~
✅ They are planning to travel abroad next summer.

Memory Aid: How to Remember the Difference

Here is a simple way to remember the difference between these two words:

Abroad: Think of the broad in abroad as referring to locations 'broadly' in the world—in other words, outside your home country.
Aboard: Think of the board in aboard as referring to boarding or being on a vehicle.

This quick mnemonic will help you avoid confusing these two similar-sounding words.

Examples from the Media

In the Chinese city of Shanghai, two young women seeking an education abroad have both decided against going to the United States, a destination of choice for decades that may be losing its shine. —Toronto Star (2024)

As we wave goodbye to a troubled year for the travel industry, the British appetite for a holiday appears as strong as ever. A recent survey of 2,000 UK travellers by easyJet found 70 per cent would prioritise a trip abroad over other yearly expenditure. —Daily Mail (2023)

Swedish police say they will participate as observers as Chinese authorities conduct investigations aboard a China-flagged ship in the Baltic Sea that was seen in an area where two undersea data cables were damaged last month. —The Washington Post (2024)

Two other Ministers can count themselves fortunate that they were not aboard the plane. The Assistant Treasurer, Mr Fadden, and the Minister of Customs, Senator McLeay, were offered seats, but declined the invitation. —The Age (2020)

Practice

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. The crew abroad/aboard the plane is preparing for take-off.

2. He works abroad/aboard and only visits home twice a year.

3. Living abroad/aboard has taught her to appreciate different cultures.

4. They climbed abroad/aboard the bus and found their seats.

5. They decided to spend their honeymoon abroad/aboard in Italy.

6. All passengers must be abroad/aboard the ship by 6 p.m.

7. The captain announced that everyone abroad/aboard must remain seated.

8. News of the company's success quickly spread abroad/aboard.

9. Once abroad/aboard, the passengers were shown to their cabins.

10. The politician's speech was well-received both at home and abroad/aboard.

11. Is everyone abroad/aboard the coach ready to leave?

12. The sailors spent months abroad/aboard the navy vessel.

13. Happy New Year to everyone in Hong Kong and abroad/aboard!

Answer Key

1. aboard 2. abroad 3. abroad 4. aboard 5. abroad 6. aboard 7. aboard 8. abroad 9. aboard 10. abroad 11. aboard 12. aboard 13. abroad

'Investigate Something' or 'Investigate into Something'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-12-19T13:54:00.012+08:00

Investigate or Investigate Into: Which One Is Correct?

The verb investigate is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object. Therefore, it should not be followed by the preposition into. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

✅ We should investigate all possible solutions before making a decision.
❌ We should investigate ~~into~~ all possible solutions before making a decision.

✅ The police are investigating the cause of the fire.
❌ The police are investigating ~~into~~ the cause of the fire.

✅ The detectives investigated the crime scene thoroughly.
❌ The detectives investigated ~~into~~ the crime scene thoroughly.

✅ Researchers are investigating new treatments for cancer.
❌ Researchers are investigating ~~into~~ new treatments for cancer.

This common mistake likely stems from confusion between the verb investigate and its noun form, investigation. While the verb does not include the preposition into after it, the noun often does. For example:

✅ The police launched an investigation into the robbery.

✅ The company is conducting an internal investigation into the allegations.

✅ The investigation into the accident showed that it was caused by human error.

✅ The government promised a transparent investigation into the scandal.

An Informal Alternative: Look Into

In more casual or informal contexts, you can use the phrasal verb look into, which has a similar meaning to investigate. Here are some examples:

✅ The manager will look into the issue and get back to you.

✅ The police are currently looking into the suspicious activity reported last night.

✅ She looked into the matter thoroughly before making her decision.

✅ They have looked into the complaint and resolved it.

You can use into with the noun investigation, but not with the verb investigate.

Examples from the Media

The Competition Bureau said in a news release Monday that it plans to investigate various issues "with the goal of recommending measures that governments can take to help improve competition in the sector." —Toronto Star (2022)

Police are investigating whether an acid attack on a 14-year-old girl was linked to a dispute at her school, her family has said. —Daily Mail (2024)

The corporate watchdog has launched an investigation into Westpac over potential legal breaches linked to the bank's money laundering compliance scandal, as chairman Lindsay Maxsted commenced critical meetings with investors and proxy advisers. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2019)

The Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into whether Microsoft has violated antitrust law in multiple segments of its wide-ranging business, according to two people familiar with the inquiry, the latest salvo in a battle by the government to rein in the most powerful tech companies. —The New York Times (2024)

A review of Dunedin Public Libraries will look into ways to reduce pressure on staff. —Otago Daily Times (2022)

The PSNI is looking into an incident alleged to have taken place during a team trip to the USA. —Belfast Telegraph (2024)

'Subscribe Something' or 'Subscribe to Something'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-10-29T19:02:00.004+08:00

(Last Updated: 30 March 2026)

Subscribe or Subscribe To: Which One Is Correct?

Subscribe is an intransitive verb and therefore does not take a direct object. In other words, it is never followed immediately by a noun or noun phrase. It is used with the preposition to to specify the object of the subscription:

✅ Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
❌ ~~Don't forget to subscribe my YouTube channel.~~

✅ He subscribes to several newspapers.
❌ ~~He subscribes several newspapers.~~

✅ To read the full story, subscribe to our free podcast.
❌ ~~To read the full story, subscribe our free podcast.~~

✅ Which magazines do you subscribe to?
❌ ~~Which magazines do you subscribe?~~

It is important to note that subscribe is not always followed by to. If the context is clear and the object of the subscription is implied, subscribe can stand alone:

✅ Don't forget to subscribe if you enjoyed the video.
❌ Don't forget to subscribe to if you enjoyed the video.

✅ If you like my channel, please subscribe.
❌ If you like my channel, please subscribe to.

✅ Thank you for reading our report. Please subscribe for more updates.
❌ Thank you for reading our report. Please subscribe to for more updates.

✅ They have decided to subscribe after the free trial.
❌ They have decided to subscribe to after the free trial.

The entry for the verb subscribe (sense 1) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

I hope you have found this content helpful in your English learning journey. If so, please consider buying me a coffee. Your support keeps this blog running and is greatly appreciated!

Examples from the Media

If you want to know more about Analog Sea, you can subscribe to their newsletter — by snail mail, of course, although you can get their address by going to analogsea.com. —Toronto Star (2023)

His name? Troye Sivan Mellet, although the 2.38 million fans who subscribe to his YouTube channel, his 1.6 million Twitter followers and his 900,000 Facebook fans know him better — just as you will as of now — as Troye Sivan. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2014)

I discovered the Guardian, in Auckland, New Zealand when we went into our first strict lockdown last March/April. I had worked as a proofreader for a daily newspaper for decades. Also I had just retired and had booked a big holiday in the UK for June-July which of course was cancelled due to the pandemic. So I jumped online and subscribed to the Guardian (and New York Times and also the Washington Post). I quickly realised my absolute favourite was the Guardian and I've been reading it every day for over a year now. —The Guardian (2021)

The Washington Post is the first major national newspaper with a digital subscription service available on +play, which is Verizon's one-stop-shop to subscribe and save on over 30 subscription services across entertainment, gaming, music, wellness and more. —The Washington Post (2023)

Practice

Fill in the blanks with either subscribe or subscribe to.

1. I ________ a newsletter.

2. ________ now to get early access.

3. Don't forget to ________ for updates!

4. If you enjoy our content, please ________.

5. They ________ music streaming services.

6. We ________ a daily news digest.

Answer Key

1. subscribe to 2. Subscribe 3. subscribe 4. subscribe 5. subscribe to 6. subscribe to

'Lack Something' or 'Lack of Something'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-10-17T12:57:00.001+08:00

Lack or Lack Of: Which One Is Correct?

Learners of English often wonder when to use lack of and when to use lack on its own. Let's explore their correct usage.

Lack of Something

We use lack of something when lack functions as a noun:

✅ We face a lack of resources.

✅ John's lack of skills is evident.

✅ The lack of funding halted the project.

Lack Something

We use lack something when lack functions as a verb:

✅ We lack the resources to continue.

✅ John lacks the skills needed for the job.

✅ The project lacked funding.

However, learners often mistakenly use lack of when using lack as a verb:

❌ ~~They lack of confidence in public speaking.~~
✅ They lack confidence in public speaking.

❌ ~~This pizza lacks of flavour.~~
✅ This pizza lacks flavour.

❌ ~~He lacks of patience with children.~~
✅ He lacks patience with children.

The entry for the verb lack in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

I hope you have found this content helpful in your English learning journey. If so, please consider buying me a coffee. Your support keeps this blog running and is greatly appreciated!

Examples from the Media

A survey of 1,000 school leaders found four out of five said they lack the funding needed to properly maintain school buildings. —Daily Mail (2024)

A series of articles on Venezuela published last May lacked balance because of the absence of comment from government representatives, the Ontario Press Council says in upholding a complaint against the Toronto Star. —Toronto Star (2007)

Graeber is the lead voice of the University of Sydney Association of Professors, an organisation that has attacked Scott and his administration, citing a decline in academic standards, arguing they are a result of a university run by non-academic management teams without academic values, a lack of understanding of high-level expertise needed for each discipline area, authoritarian determinations undermining academic freedom, and a university senate responsible for oversight of management which does not exercise its governance function. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2024)

While there is no federal data on unhoused workers, shelter administrators and local groups report a spike in first-timers with jobs. In Tulsa, for example, where homelessness rose 26 percent this year, lack of affordable housing ranked as the top reason people said they were homeless, beating out mental health struggles or job loss. —The Washington Post (2024)

Practice

Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. The design team lacks/lacks of creative ideas.

2. The design team's lack/lack of creative ideas is troubling.

3. The room has a lack/lack of natural light.

4. The room lacks/lacks of natural light.

5. What we lack/lack of is time.

6. There is a lack/lack of time.

Answer Key

1. lacks 2. lack of 3. lack of 4. lacks 5. lack 6. lack of

Furniture: Countable or Uncountable? | Mastering Grammar

2024-10-06T23:10:00.003+08:00

(Last Updated: 1 January 2025)

Is Furniture Countable or Uncountable?

Furniture refers to movable items used to make a room or building suitable for living or working in. It is an uncountable noun and should not be used in the plural form:

✅ We bought some new furniture for the office.
❌ ~~We bought some new furnitures for the office.~~

✅ The store sells a wide range of furniture.
❌ ~~The store sells a wide range of furnitures.~~

✅ I need to rearrange all the furniture in my bedroom.
❌ ~~I need to rearrange all the furnitures in my bedroom.~~

Like other uncountable nouns, furniture takes a singular verb:

✅ The furniture in the living room is very modern.
❌ ~~The furniture in the living room are very modern.~~

✅ The furniture was delivered yesterday.
❌ ~~The furniture were delivered yesterday.~~

✅ All the furniture has been arranged perfectly in the room.
❌ ~~All the furniture have been arranged perfectly in the room.~~

If you need to quantify furniture, you can say piece(s) of furniture or some furniture. Alternatively, you can use specific terms such as a chair or a table. Do not say a furniture:

✅ That bookshelf is a nice piece of furniture for the living room.
❌ ~~That bookshelf is a nice furniture for the living room.~~

✅ Only two pieces of furniture were needed to fill the space.
❌ ~~Only two furnitures were needed to fill the space.~~

✅ She sold some furniture before moving abroad.
❌ ~~She sold a furniture before moving abroad.~~

The entry for the noun furniture in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

I hope you have found this content helpful in your English learning journey. If so, please consider buying me a coffee. Your support keeps this blog running and is greatly appreciated!

Examples from the Media

Resist the temptation to buy too much furniture and instead focus on some comfortable pieces that will correctly suit this small area. —Toronto Star (2007)

Want to hang outdoors with your friends and family but need some furniture perfect for relaxing in the utmost comfort? —Daily Mail (2021)

When you're living in an apartment or condo, it can be tough to figure out when to invest in a piece of furniture and when you can get away with something cheaper. —The Washington Post (2016)

Only about 50 pieces of furniture are expected to be made each year, at least in the immediate future, as each one takes at least three weeks to produce. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2017)

'Luggage' or 'Luggages'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-09-26T15:31:00.006+08:00

(Last Updated: 15 July 2025)

Is Luggage Countable or Uncountable?

Luggage refers to bags and suitcases used for travel. It is an uncountable noun and should not be used in the plural form:

✅ I need to pack my luggage for the trip.
❌ ~~I need to pack my luggages for the trip.~~

✅ Please keep an eye on your luggage at the airport.
❌ ~~Please keep an eye on your luggages at the airport.~~

✅ The tour group arrived with a lot of luggage.
❌ ~~The tour group arrived with a lot of luggages.~~

✅ How much luggage do you have?
❌ ~~How many luggages do you have?~~

Like other uncountable nouns, luggage takes a singular verb:

✅ Her luggage was too heavy to carry alone.
❌ ~~Her luggage were too heavy to carry alone.~~

✅ Make sure your luggage is properly tagged.
❌ ~~Make sure your luggage are properly tagged.~~

✅ There is some luggage by the entrance that needs to be moved.
❌ ~~There are some luggage by the entrance that need to be moved.~~

If you need to quantify luggage, you can say piece(s) of luggage or some luggage. Do not say a luggage:

✅ She lost a piece of luggage at the airport.
❌ ~~She lost a luggage at the airport.~~

✅ They travelled with three pieces of luggage each.
❌ ~~They travelled with three luggages each.~~

✅ We left some luggage in the car.
❌ ~~We left a luggage in the car.~~

The entry for the noun luggage in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

I hope you have found this content helpful in your English learning journey. If so, please consider buying me a coffee. Your support keeps this blog running and is greatly appreciated!

Examples from the Media

The pilot then announced that some luggage would be left behind because the plane was overweight. —CBC (2023)

Since it opened its doors in 1994, the airport has never lost a piece of luggage, giving it an impeccable 21-year record. —Daily Mail (2015)

But with 470 million pieces of luggage checked on domestic flights alone in 2022, a fraction of a percent still adds up to hundreds of thousands of orphaned bags. —The Washington Post (2023)

If you're booking ahead and have a lot of luggage, let the taxi company know — some cars can't accommodate lots of cases. —The West Australian (2014)

"Qantas offers the most generous amount of cabin baggage of any Australian airline and we know customers like the convenience of not having to check in luggage. But we're getting feedback from regular flyers who say all customers need to be reminded about how much luggage they can take on-board," a Qantas spokesman told news.com.au. —The New Zealand Herald (2018)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. A better word choice would be place. Place is more formal and standard than put for official signage and instructions.
2. Luggage is an uncountable noun. The plural form luggages is grammatically incorrect. Luggage refers to bags and suitcases collectively. We say 'one piece of luggage' or 'two pieces of luggage', not 'one luggage, two luggages'.
3. While conveyor can be synonymous with conveyor belt, conveyor belt is the more common, specific, and unambiguous term in the context of luggage handling on public signage.

'Scenery' or 'Sceneries'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-09-20T08:52:00.017+08:00

(Last Updated: 12 December 2025)

Is Scenery Countable or Uncountable?

Scenery refers to the natural features of a landscape that are visually appealing. It encompasses the collective view, which is why it is uncountable. Using a scenery or sceneries is incorrect:

✅ We are so lucky to be surrounded by such picturesque scenery.
❌ ~~We are so lucky to be surrounded by such a picturesque scenery.~~

✅ The scenery is unbelievably beautiful!
❌ ~~The sceneries are unbelievably beautiful!~~

✅ We admired some scenery along the river during our walk.
❌ ~~We admired some sceneries along the river during our walk.~~

✅ There is a lot of scenery to explore in the national park.
❌ ~~There is a lot of sceneries to explore in the national park.~~

✅ We stopped at the viewpoint to take in the beautiful scenery.
❌ ~~We stopped at the viewpoint to take in the beautiful sceneries.~~

✅ The stunning scenery of the mountains left us speechless.
❌ ~~The stunning sceneries of the mountains left us speechless.~~

✅ I've never seen so much breathtaking scenery in one place before.
❌ ~~I've never seen so many breathtaking sceneries in one place before.~~

The entry for the noun scenery (sense 1) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Examples from the Media

After weeks of staying indoors, Canadians are more than ready for a change of scenery. This summer could see the return of the great Canadian road trip — the kind of vacation many of us remember from childhood. —Toronto Star (2020)

Though Jersey is only nine miles by five, it packs in a lot of scenery — best appreciated on two wheels or foot. —Daily Mail (2015)

In April, it is almost a certainty that the Tioga Pass Road, the main east-west road across Yosemite, will be closed because of snow. From San Francisco, you could still visit the western region of the park, but unless you can cross the park on the Tioga Pass Road, the drive to Las Vegas involves a tedious 800-kilometre journey, most of it on interstate highways with not much scenery. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2012)

When Kathy Duyer retired, she moved to Hobart to surround herself with beautiful scenery and plenty of books. —CBS News (2024)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. When referring to the sport or activity of dragon boat racing in general, there is no need for capitalisation. Capital letters are used when mentioning specific events or titles that are formally recognised or branded as such.
2. We typically say it is someone's first time in a place. If you want to use to, it would be better phrased as first visit to that location.
3. The word scenery is uncountable in English and does not have a plural form.
(Source: St. Paul's Convent School, Primary Section)
(Also by the Same School: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12)

'Regarding Something' or 'Regarding to Something'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-09-19T10:57:00.005+08:00

(Last Updated: 25 September 2024)

Regarding or Regarding To: Which One Is Correct?

The word regarding is a preposition used to introduce a topic or subject. It is directly followed by the noun or noun phrase it refers to:

✅ I have a question regarding your recent email.

✅ She spoke to the manager regarding the issue.

✅ There are concerns regarding the new policy.

✅ The teacher answered all our questions regarding the exam.

✅ He received an update regarding his application status.

The entry for the preposition regarding in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

The phrase regarding to is incorrect. Many learners of English mistakenly use it, likely due to confusion with similar-sounding expressions such as with regard to or in regard to. These expressions are correct and often used interchangeably with regarding:

✅ We need more information with regard to the project.
✅ We need more information regarding the project.
❌ ~~We need more information regarding to the project.~~

✅ He made a decision with regard to his career path.
✅ He made a decision regarding his career path.
❌ ~~He made a decision regarding to his career path.~~

✅ With regard to your enquiry, we will respond shortly.
✅ Regarding your enquiry, we will respond shortly.
❌ Regarding to your enquiry, we will respond shortly.

✅ I have a few questions in regard to the terms of the contract.
✅ I have a few questions regarding the terms of the contract.
❌ ~~I have a few questions regarding to the terms of the contract.~~

✅ The company issued a statement in regard to the recent changes.
✅ The company issued a statement regarding the recent changes.
❌ ~~The company issued a statement regarding to the recent changes.~~

The entry for the expression in/with regard to in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Examples from the Media

Everyone can agree on one thing regarding the government's review of the school curriculum and exams in England: Becky Francis, its leader, faces a mammoth task. —The Guardian (2024)

Canada's Supreme Court rules against the federal government's impact assessment law. The judgment sets the tone regarding how different levels of governments work together to balance the economic benefits of resource development, against the environmental risks. —Toronto Star (2023)

Australia needs strong leadership with regard to climate change, bushfires and land management. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2019)

With regard to election reforms, even the obvious doesn’t strike us as obvious. —The Washington Post (2018)

Carnegie Scholar Vaneeta D'Andrea, an internationally respected expert in tertiary teaching models, writes an open letter to Minister of Education Chris Hipkins in regard to his proposals to reshape vocational education in New Zealand. —Otago Daily Times (2019)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. Regarding does not require the preposition to after it. The correct phrase is regarding this project. Alternatively, you could use with regard to this project.
2. The expression should be in the active voice.
3. Since multiple individuals are listed, people is more appropriate than person.

'Responsible to Do' or 'Responsible for Doing'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-08-28T20:36:00.002+08:00

(Last Updated: 14 June 2025)

Responsible to Do or Responsible for Doing: Which One Is Correct?

The adjective responsible is not followed by an infinitive (to + base verb). Instead, we use the pattern responsible for doing something. This pattern is often used to convey the idea that someone has the duty to manage or handle a task:

✅ Louise is responsible for organising the annual conference.
❌ ~~Louise is responsible to organise the annual conference.~~

✅ The committee is responsible for reviewing all applications.
❌ ~~The committee is responsible to review all applications.~~

✅ I'm responsible for updating the software regularly.
❌ ~~I'm responsible to update the software regularly.~~

✅ Mr Lee is responsible for grading the assignments.
❌ ~~Mr Lee is responsible to grade the assignments.~~

✅ The chef is responsible for creating the menu.
❌ ~~The chef is responsible to create the menu.~~

The entry for the adjective responsible (sense 1) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Examples from the Media

Queensland police are responsible for enforcing the legislation and can issue on-the-spot fines. —The Guardian (2016)

Shandro says the province is responsible for ensuring people receive effective police services and Edmonton residents are not getting that. —Toronto Star (2022)

Those of us who do believe, do not hold God responsible for taking us too soon or too late, but are happy that God is there to welcome us home. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2015)

Who's responsible for fixing a mold problem in a rental? —The Washington Post (2024)

'Person' vs 'People': Not as Simple as You Might Think | Mastering Grammar

2024-08-22T13:44:00.001+08:00

(Last Updated: 25 September 2024)

Person vs People: Understanding the Differences

Most learners of English know that the plural of person is people, but there is more to it. This blog post will explain the meanings of these words and help you use them correctly.

Person

A person refers to an individual human being. It is the singular form used in everyday contexts:

✅ Tom is a kind person who always helps others.

✅ She is a person who values honesty above all else.

✅ As a person ages, their perspective often changes.

People

People is the usual plural form of person and is used to refer to more than one individual:

✅ Many people attended the concert last night.

✅ People from all over the world visit Hong Kong each year.

✅ The park was filled with people enjoying picnics.

Persons

The plural form persons is a formal term often used in official or legal documents, notices, or statements to refer to individuals:

✅ The policy applies to all persons entering the building.

✅ The lift has a maximum capacity of eight persons.

✅ Only authorised persons are allowed beyond this point.

A People or Peoples

A people refers to a group with a shared culture or ethnicity. Peoples is used when referring to multiple such groups:

✅ The Maori are a people with rich traditions.

✅ We as a people must work together to achieve peace.

✅ Despite our differences, we are one people united by shared values.

✅ The Indigenous peoples of the Americas have diverse cultures.

The entry for the noun people (sense 3) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

In summary, use a person for an individual, people for the general plural of person, persons in formal or legal contexts, a people for a cultural or ethnic group, and peoples for multiple such groups.

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Examples from the Media

According to Google (who else?), a cyberchondriac is a person who compulsively searches the internet for information about particular real or imagined symptoms of illness. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2023)

A person who radiates warmth will bring out the glowing sides of the people he meets, while a person who conveys formality can meet the same people and find them stiff and detached. —The New York Times (2023)

We are a people who care deeply about both our institutions and our responsibilities to create a better country. —Toronto Star (2016)

The only fair and equitable way forward is for racial separatism and division to be abandoned, and for us to move forward as one people in one nation under one flag. —Daily Mail (2023)

The honorary degree recognised Prof Ruru's work on indigenous peoples' rights and indigenous law, especially in relation to land and water management and legal personality of the environment. —Otago Daily Times (2024)

Practice

Fill in each blank with person, people, or peoples.

1. ________ often enjoy spending time outdoors on sunny days.

2. The only ________ here who knows anything is James.

3. We are a ________ known for our resilience.

4. The United Nations recognises the rights of Indigenous ________ globally.

5. Many ________ find reading to be a relaxing activity.

Answer Key

1. People 2. person 3. people 4. peoples 5. people

Real-World Examples of Misuse

Hardware: Countable or Uncountable? | Mastering Grammar

2024-08-14T20:38:00.003+08:00

(Last Updated: 7 October 2024)

Is Hardware Countable or Uncountable?

Hardware is an uncountable noun and should not be used in the plural form. Instead of hardwares, we refer to multiple computer components or tools collectively as hardware:

✅ He is responsible for maintaining the office's IT hardware.
❌ ~~He is responsible for maintaining the office's IT hardwares.~~

✅ The company specialises in hardware for gaming consoles.
❌ ~~The company specialises in hardwares for gaming consoles.~~

✅ She visited the store to buy some new hardware for her kitchen cabinets.
❌ ~~She visited the store to buy some new hardwares for her kitchen cabinets.~~

✅ There is so much hardware in the workshop that it is hard to find anything.
❌ ~~There are so many hardwares in the workshop that it is hard to find anything.~~

To refer to a single computer component or tool, use a piece of hardware. Do not say a hardware:

✅ The engineer examined a piece of hardware that was malfunctioning.
❌ ~~The engineer examined a hardware that was malfunctioning.~~

✅ He bought a new piece of hardware for his gaming setup.
❌ ~~He bought a new hardware for his gaming setup.~~

✅ Each piece of hardware was carefully tested before being approved for use.
❌ Each hardware was carefully tested before being approved for use.

✅ The technician brought several pieces of hardware to the repair site.
❌ ~~The technician brought several hardwares to the repair site.~~

The entry for the noun hardware (sense 1) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Examples from the Media

The 300 square-foot unit has Clei furniture that's designed with European hardware, so it's not just your everyday Murphy bed. —Toronto Sun (2013)

Having a programmer around the house is most helpful, since a personal computer is just so much hardware without an instruction program ("software") to guide it through an assigned task. —The New York Times (1979)

Only the front part, windows and a piece of hardware remained, and a piece of the engine is lying on one wing. Everything else burned out. —Daily Mail (2023)

Both pieces of hardware are designed to help companies fetch information stored on Oracle's database software more quickly while taking up less space in corporate data centers. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2008)

'Succeed to Do' or 'Succeed in Doing'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-08-08T15:08:00.021+08:00

(Last Updated: 13 October 2025)

Succeed to Do or Succeed in Doing: Which One Is Correct?

The verb succeed is commonly used to mean 'to manage to do something'. In this meaning, the verb is intransitive (i.e. it is not followed by a direct object), and when it is followed by another verb, we use the pattern succeed in doing something, not succeed to do something:

✅ With enough perseverance, you will succeed in reaching your target.
❌ ~~With enough perseverance, you will succeed to reach your target.~~

✅ After years of hard work, the fencer succeeded in winning an Olympic medal.
❌ ~~After years of hard work, the fencer succeeded to win an Olympic medal.~~

✅ Despite initial setbacks, she succeeded in starting her own business.
❌ ~~Despite initial setbacks, she succeeded to start her own business.~~

✅ The company succeeded in reducing its carbon footprint by implementing green technologies.
❌ ~~The company succeeded to reduce its carbon footprint by implementing green technologies.~~

✅ The author succeeded in capturing the essence of the city in her novel.
❌ ~~The author succeeded to capture the essence of the city in her novel.~~

The entry for the verb succeed (sense 1) in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

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Examples from the Media

It's a tight, expertly assembled collection of mostly up-tempo songs that succeed in being both retro and contemporary. —Toronto Star (2007)

She predicted the Tories would succeed in making it 'eighth time unlucky' for the Reform leader, whose seven previous parliamentary bids failed. —Daily Mail (2024)

Countries that succeed in tackling their infection rates, such as Australia, have many different challenges but one common enemy – the coronavirus. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2020)

Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving prime minister in Bangladesh's history, resigned and fled the country on Monday, bringing a tumultuous end to her 15-year rule as an extraordinary wave of protest succeeded in toppling her government. —The Washington Post (2024)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. While not grammatically incorrect, the shift in verb tense between is (present) and was separated (past) can be slightly jarring. If Tommy is currently a barrister and the separation from his wife is still relevant or ongoing, it might be better to align the tenses to reflect the current state consistently.
2. The correct preposition to use with separated in this context is from.
3. The correct construction is succeed in followed by a gerund (verb+ing). Succeeded to admit is grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, admit is a transitive verb that requires an object. Since she is the one being admitted, the passive voice getting admitted is correct. The original phrase admit the university incorrectly suggests that Suki is allowing the university to enter somewhere.
4. Unless a specific university was mentioned previously, the indefinite article a is more appropriate than the definite article the.
5. The adjective charming is the correct form to describe someone's personality or demeanour. The word charm does not fit grammatically in this context where an adjective is needed.
6. The noun girlfriend is a countable noun. In its singular form, it requires a determiner such as a or the. Since no specific girlfriend is being referred to, the indefinite article a is appropriate.
7. The verb surface is metaphorical and means 'to appear after a period of absence or hiding' (e.g. He finally surfaced after working in his office for hours.). It is unsuitable for the context of a birthday party. The common and idiomatic expressions for this situation are show up, appear, or simply come. Additionally, switching to the past tense (did not) is more appropriate if the party has already taken place or is currently ongoing but past the point of his expected arrival.
8. The preposition at is typically used with events, such as parties.
(Source: Seko 思高)
(Also from the Same Series: 1)

'Try to Do' or 'Try Doing'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

2024-08-05T08:09:00.001+08:00

Try to Do or Try Doing: What Is the Difference?

Distinguishing between similar-sounding phrases with different meanings is never easy. In English, one such pair is try to do something and try doing something. In this post, we will explore the differences between these two constructions, provide memory aids, and offer examples to help you use them correctly in your writing and speech.

Try to Do Something

When you try to do something, you make an effort to accomplish a task or goal, often implying a challenge or difficulty:

✅ Chris is trying to lose weight.

✅ I'll try to call you later this evening.

✅ They tried to solve the puzzle, but it was too difficult.

✅ He tried to convince her to stay, but she had already made up her mind.

✅ The team will try to win the championship this year.

✅ Anna tried to learn French, but found it very challenging.

Try Doing Something

When you try doing something, you experiment with a new or different approach, often to see if it yields a better result or to solve a problem:

✅ If your back hurts, try stretching in the morning.

✅ Try drinking less coffee to see if your sleep will improve.

✅ If you can't sleep, try drinking a warm glass of milk.

✅ Try turning the computer off and on again if it doesn't work.

✅ You should try meditating to reduce your stress levels.

✅ Try walking to work instead of driving to see if you like it better.

Memory Aid: Effort vs Experiment

To help you remember the difference, think of the following:

1. Try to Do Something (Effort):

Try To = Target
Think of To as a Target. When you try to do something, you are making an effort to reach a specific target.

2. Try Doing Something (Experiment):

Doing = Different Approach
Think of Doing as Different. When you try doing something, you are experimenting with a different method or approach to see if it works.

Summary

Remember, use try to do something when emphasising effort and potential difficulty, and try doing something when suggesting an experiment with a new approach.

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Examples from the Media

All Democrats can do is try to convince the president they won’t swerve. —The Washington Post (2024)

The Australian Defence Force is facing a major shortfall as it tries to boost personnel numbers. Could generous housing policies unlock a flood of new recruits? —The Sydney Morning Herald (2024)

Skip the coffee sachets and syrups. For those who love their coffee, and lattes or cappuccinos in particular, try making them with ground coffee and real milk, as opposed to powdered sachets, which are ultra-processed. —Daily Mail (2024)

Before you complain to condo board about noisy neighbours, try talking. —Toronto Star (2013)

'Temporary Closed' or 'Temporarily Closed'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

2024-07-27T21:27:00.006+08:00

(Last Updated: 23 August 2024)

Temporary Closed or Temporarily Closed: Which One Is Correct?

A common point of confusion that arises when describing a short-term state of closure is whether to use temporary closed or temporarily closed. This post will clarify the correct usage and provide examples to help you avoid common mistakes.

Temporarily Closed

The phrase temporarily closed is grammatically correct. Here's why:

Temporarily is an adverb, which modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a clause.
Closed can function both as a past participle adjective, describing the state of being, and as a verb.

In the phrase temporarily closed, the adverb temporarily modifies the adjective closed, indicating the duration or manner of the closure. Additionally, when closed is used as a verb, temporarily modifies the verb:

✅ The store is temporarily closed for renovations. (closed used as an adjective)

✅ The office is temporarily closed due to electrical maintenance. (closed used as an adjective)

✅ The road is temporarily closed for construction work. (closed used as an adjective)

✅ The shop has temporarily closed after another break-in. (closed used as a verb)

✅ The café has temporarily closed because of staff shortages. (closed used as a verb)

✅ The museum has temporarily closed due to a power outage. (closed used as a verb)

Temporary Closure

If you wish to use the adjective temporary, you can pair it with the noun closure. This combination is also grammatically correct and can be used to describe a short-term closure:

✅ The store is undergoing a temporary closure for renovations.

✅ There is a temporary closure of the office due to electrical maintenance.

✅ There is a temporary closure of the road for construction work.

Common Mistake: Temporary Closed

A common mistake is to use temporary closed. This structure is incorrect because temporary is an adjective and cannot modify another adjective or a verb directly:

❌ ~~The library is temporary closed for maintenance.~~
✅ The library is temporarily closed for maintenance.

❌ ~~The gym is temporary closed due to pandemic restrictions.~~
✅ The gym is temporarily closed due to pandemic restrictions.

❌ ~~The park has temporary closed for safety inspections.~~
✅ The park has temporarily closed for safety inspections.

Summary

To summarise, use temporarily closed to correctly describe a short-term state of closure, whether closed functions as an adjective or a verb. Use temporary closure when you want to use the adjective temporary. Avoid using temporary closed, as it is grammatically incorrect.

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Examples from the Media

A community resource well used by newcomers and the homeless will be temporarily closed in Parkdale as the public library branch undergoes an estimated three months of renovations. —Toronto Star (2019)

Analysts predict there will be many more closures to come as the data does not include outlets that were temporarily closed under lockdown rules when analysts visited and which might end up permanently shuttered. —The Guardian (2020)

The Children's Museum of Denver said in its statement that all reservations are canceled during its temporary closure. —The Washington Post (2022)

The temporary closure will enable the protection of the collection and the most efficient delivery of the project, the government said, and have the least impact on the Powerhouse, communities and audiences. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2023)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

The adverb temporarily is needed to modify the adjective closed.

Mastering Grammar

'In the Newspaper' or 'On the Newspaper'? | Mastering Grammar

In the Newspaper or On the Newspaper: What Is the Difference?

In the Newspaper – Information Inside

On the Newspaper – Physically On Top

Examples from the Media

Practice

Answer Key

'Rob Someone's Money' or 'Rob Someone of Their Money'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

Understanding the Correct Usage of the Verb Rob

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Examples from the Media

Real-World Examples of Misuse

'Altogether' or 'All Together'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

Altogether vs All Together: Understanding the Difference

Altogether

All Together

Common Mistakes

Examples from the Media

Practice

Answer Key

'Pass Out' or 'Pass Away'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

Pass Out or Pass Away: What Is the Difference?

What Does Pass Out Mean?

What Does Pass Away Mean?

Also by Spencer Lam

Examples from the Media

'Stressful' or 'Stressed'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

Stressful vs Stressed: Understanding the Difference

What Does Stressful Mean?

What Does Stressed Mean?

Common Mistakes

Examples from the Media

Practice

Answer Key

Recommended Further Reading

Using 'Both' and 'All' in Negative Sentences | Mastering Grammar

The Core Problem: Positive Words + Negative Verbs = Confusion

Why It's Ambiguous: Two Possible Meanings

1. The Neither or None Meaning (What You Often Intend):

2. The Not Both or Not All Meaning (The Surprise Interpretation):

Native Speakers Avoid This Ambiguity

How to Say What You Actually Mean: Clear Alternatives

Why Neither and None Are Your Friends

The Rare Exception: Proverbs and Fixed Phrases

In Summary: Keep it Clear!

Examples from the Media

Recommended Further Reading

Real-World Examples of Misuse

'On the Menu' or 'In the Menu'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar

On the Menu or In the Menu: What Is the Difference?

1. Menus Showing Availability: On the Menu

2. Menus as Documents: In the Menu

3. Computer Program Menus: In the Menu

Examples from the Media

Real-World Examples of Misuse

'A Few Times' or 'For a Few Times'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

A Few Times or For a Few Times: Which One Is Correct?

When Not to Use For

When to Use For

Summary

Examples from the Media

Recommended Further Reading

Real-World Examples of Misuse

Weather: Countable or Uncountable? | Mastering Grammar

Is Weather Countable or Uncountable?

General Rule: Weather as an Uncountable Noun

Exceptions and Special Phrases

Examples from the Media

Real-World Examples of Misuse

Hair: Countable or Uncountable? | Mastering Grammar

Is Hair Countable or Uncountable?

When Hair is Uncountable

When Hair is Countable

Examples from the Media

'Nature' or 'The Nature'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

Nature or The Nature: Which One Is Correct?

Examples from the Media

Real-World Examples of Misuse

'Abroad' or 'Aboard'? What Is the Difference? | Mastering Grammar