How to Make my Child Love Spelling?
Sheena J. from Kerala, India, asks, “How to make my son love spelling?” Here’s an answer from Thomas on how important it is to center on the love.
What Ever Happened to I Shall and We Shall?
Colleen B. asks, “What happened to I SHALL and WE SHALL?” She’s referring to the distinction that was once taught between the first person use of SHALL and the second and third person use of WILL for the future tense. Here’s what Thomas has to say!
How to teach have gone vs have went?
Leamon M. from New Orleans asks, “Can I use a plural and a singular together to express an understanding?” Here Thomas explores subject verb agreement, pronoun antecedent agreement, and using the singular and plural together.
Can you help me analyze the clauses in this sentence?
Arcix from Australia asks, “Can you help me analyze the clauses in this sentence?” Here Thomas walks us through a complicated and interesting sentence.
Can I use a plural and a singular together?
Leamon M. from New Orleans asks, “Can I use a plural and a singular together to express an understanding?” Here Thomas explores subject verb agreement, pronoun antecedent agreement, and using the singular and plural together.
There, Their, and They’re | What is the Difference?
Jason J. from Cape Town, South Africa asks, “What is the difference between there, their, and they’re? It’s a bit confusing.” Here are three ways to remember the difference forever.
What Part of Speech is a Number?
Liam from Meridian, Idaho, asks, “What part of speech is a number in a sentence?” Here Thomas explores how numbers sometimes serve as adjectives or determiners, and sometimes serve as nouns. It all depends on the context of the sentence.
A Poem from Avvaiyar: “To Behold a Good Person”
To close out this month’s Ask Cozy Grammar session, Thomas reads a poem about gratitude from the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar and her book “Moothurai.”
Debussy and the Music of Imagination
We’re delighted to announce the release of Marie Rackham’s Debussy & Me, 21 pieces of classical piano music to facilitate learning.
What is the Difference between Anyone and Any One?
Wondering when to use anyone vs any one? Here, with the help of a madrona tree and some deer, Thomas explains the difference between anyone and any one.
If “I” is Singular, Why Do We Use “Have” and Not “Has”?
Awais from Pakistan writes, “The word ‘I’ is singular, but we use ‘have’ with it and not ‘has.’ Why is this?” Here’s a simple way to distinguish between singular and plural subjects, and first person, second person, and third person.
What is the Difference between Allude and Elude?
Wondering when to use allude vs elude? Here, in the middle of a snowstorm, Thomas explains the difference between allude, elude, and also the more unusual word illude.
Where is Marie’s Cozy Beach Cottage Located?
Debra H. from Montreal asks, “Where is Marie’s cozy beach cottage located?” Here Thomas explains not only where Marie’s cottage is located, but why she wanted to film Cozy Grammar there.
What is the Difference between Awhile and A While?
Wondering when to use awhile vs a while? Here, in the middle of a snowstorm, Thomas explains the difference between awhile, as an adverb, and a while, as a noun phrase.
How to Use a Dash in a Sentence
Here’s how to use a dash in a sentence—and why! Dashes can be one of the most confusing punctuation marks in the English language. Not even the experts agree on how to use them. This, however, is a good thing. It shows how the English language is constantly evolving. And there are some simple ways to use them.
What is the Difference between Avocation and Vocation?
Jorge R. from Sacramento asks, “What is the difference between avocation and vocation?” Here’s a simple way to remember that an avocation is a hobby, while a vocation is a calling.