Grammar Tips

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Allude vs. Elude?

The verbs allude and elude are homophones. “To allude” is to hint, suggest, or mention briefly. “To elude” is to escape or slip out of reach.

Bad vs. badly?

Use bad (adj.) to describe nouns and pronouns as “immoral” or “of low quality.” Use badly (adv.) to modify verbs when meaning “to a great degree” or “in a bad manner.”

Labor vs. labour?

Labor and labour are different spellings of the same word. “Labour” is standard for British English, while American English uses “labor.”

Adaptor vs. adapter?

“Adapter” and “adaptor” are two spellings of the same word, although “adapter” is the more common spelling.

Drier vs. dryer?

The noun dryer references something (esp. a machine) that dries things. The word drier is the comparative of the adjective dry, meaning “more dry.”

Aisle vs. isle?

An aisle is a walkway between rows of seats or shelves. An isle is a small island or a peninsula surrounded by water.

Upmost or utmost?

The “upmost” or “uppermost” is the highest position above. The “utmost” is the most possible, (of) the greatest degree, or the furthest point away.

Read vs. read?

“Read” (pronounced “red”) is a noun and the past participle of read (pronounced “reed”). Same spelling, different sounds.

Favorite vs. favourite?

“Favorite” is the American English spelling of the word “favourite,” an adjective and noun that references something one prefers most.

Would vs. will?

Use “will” to describe the future with a high degree of certainty and "would” to discuss past habits, hypotheticals, or imaginary situations.

Yea vs. yeah?

Yeah is the correct, informal spelling of “yes.” The word yea is an archaic way to express a verbal “yes” vote.

Wonder vs. wander?

To wander is to walk aimlessly or go astray. To wonder is to think or question.