English Language Dictionary
English Language Dictionary

English Language Help (30)

Articles helping people who are learning English as a foreign language.

Martha Ryan

Loose and Lose - the differences

Understanding the Difference Between "Loose" and "Lose" The English words "loose" and "lose" are frequently confused due to their similar pronunciation. However, they have very different meanings and uses. This article will clarify these differences, providing examples to help you understand how to use each term correctly. Loose (adjective) describes…

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Martha Ryan

Principal and Principle - the difference

Understanding the Difference Between "Principle" and "Principal" The English words "principle" and "principal" are often confused due to their similar pronunciation and spelling. However, they have distinct meanings and uses. This article will clarify these differences, providing examples to help you understand how to use each term correctly. Principle…

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Martha Ryan

Accept and Except - the differences

Understanding the Difference Between "Accept" and "Except" The English words "accept" and "except" are commonly confused due to their similar pronunciation and spelling. However, they have distinct meanings and uses. This article will clarify these differences, providing examples to help you understand how to use each term correctly. Accept (verb)…

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Martha Ryan

Difference between Always and Forever

The English language words Always and Forever have similar but different meanings, as I shall explain, using British English examples. Always means at all times, that is, it implies something is happening or is true no matter the time period you are talking about. Forever…

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Martha Ryan

Difference between Effect and Affect

The English language words Effect and Affect sound similar but have different meanings, as I shall explain, using British English examples. Effect as a noun means the change caused by something else. "Cause and effect" is a common phrase describing the fact that actions produce…

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Martha Ryan

Between vs Among - What's the difference

The two English language prepositions Between and Among are used in similar ways, but there are differences which I will explain. Both mean "surrounded by, in the midst of, in the group of" and similar phrases. Between is used to describe the relationship of one…

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Martha Ryan

Specially vs Especially - the difference

The English adverbs specially and especially are often confused, even by native speakers. In this article, I will clarify the differences between these two words using examples from British English. Especially means "particularly," "exceptionally," or "above all others." It is used to highlight something that stands out among others. Examples:…

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Martha Ryan

Make up your mind vs. Decide

The English language phrases "make up your mind" and "decide" (or "make a decision") have similar but subtly different meanings as I will describe using British English examples. To make up your mind means to form an opinion. When you make up your mind you…

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Martha Ryan

Dreaded and Scared: the difference

The English Language words dreaded and scared are similar, but different, as I will show using British English examples. Someone is scared when they experience something scary. Scary things cause fear. This fear can be rational or irrational. An example of being scared irrationally is: "I…

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Martha Ryan

Calm Down and Go Easy - the differences

The English language phrases Calm Down and Go Easy have related meanings, but they are different, as I shall explain, using British English examples. Calm Down (verb) is an instruction to the listener to reduce their level of emotion. It is often used towards children,…

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