Are Amend and Emend Synonyms?
Dave P. from Evanston, Illinois. asks, “Are amend and emend synonyms?” Here’s a handy trick from Thomas about how to remember amend vs emend.
What is the Difference between All Ready and Already?
Lucretia D. from Milwaukee asks, “What is the difference between all ready and already?” Here’s a handy way to remember the difference!
What are Ergative Verbs?
Georgia N from Albuquerque asks, “What are ergative verbs?” As Thomas explains, ergative or ambitransitive verbs are verbs that can be used both transitively and intransitively.
They’re Great! How To Use Apostrophes In Contractions
Let’s explore how to use apostrophes in contractions. Apostrophes are different from other kinds of punctuation marks. Unlike periods, commas, or question marks, for instance, an apostrophe becomes part of a word and can change its meaning dramatically.
Was it Fun to Film at the Harry Potter Studio?
In a recent Ask Cozy Grammar session, Thomas answered a question about filming at the Harry Potter Studio outside London for the Basic Cozy Essay Course.
Adopt Vs Adapt Vs Adept
Hakkim A. asks, “What is a simple way keep from getting adopt and adapt confused?” Here Thomas explores adopt vs adapt vs adept, with three simple ways to remember the difference.
How do you Tell the Difference between a Gerund and a Verb?
Liam W. asks, “How do you tell the difference between a gerund and a verb?” Here’s simple and clear answer from Thomas.
How to use the Simple Past Tense and Past Perfect Tense?
Konica M. from Mumbai asks, “What is the Difference between the Simple Past Tense and the Past Perfect Tense?” Here’s how to use the simple past and the past perfect or pluperfect tense.
What Are Tenses In English Grammar?
Emory B. asks, “What are tenses in English grammar?” Here’s a surprising answer from Thomas and some creative writing activities for exploring tenses in English.
How do we develop writing skills in young people?
Komal V. asks, “How do we develop writing skills in young people?” Here Thomas explores 3 ways to make writing more playful and fun writing activities for kids.
How to Use an Ellipsis in a Sentence
Something students often find confusing is how to use an ellipsis in a sentence. We may see it employed all around us . . . and yet be uncertain how to use it ourselves. In the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, Marie explores how to use the ellipsis as one of the four ways a period is used within a sentence.
The Hidden Power of Intransitive Verbs
Cozy Grammar recently offered a workshop for teachers on how to teach transitive and intransitive verbs in creative and playful ways. Hosted by Digi Phonics in India, this complete workshop explores the hidden power of intransitive verbs and answers questions from teachers.
What is the Difference between Accept and Except?
Juliana R. asks, “What is the difference between accept and except?” Here Thomas explores the difference between these commonly confused words, with clear examples of both accept and except and some handy memory tricks.
Difference Between Ability and Capacity (and also Capability!)
Jonathon C. asks, “What is the difference between ability and capacity?” Here Thomas gives an answer that explores ABILITY, CAPACITY, also also another frequently confused word, CAPABILITY.
When to Use A or An Before a Word?
Carrie V. asks when to use A or AN before a word: “I thought it had to do with vowels, but sometimes people don’t follow this rule. Help!” Here Thomas gives 3 essential tips about A and AN, including in front of the letter H
How to Use a Semicolon in a Compound Sentence
In the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, one of the topics both Marie and I explore is how to use a semicolon in a compound sentence. Semicolons have a way of confusing young learners (and not-so-young learners) because their appearance can seem a bit confusing, but there’s a simple way to remember what they do.