Why foundations matter
Here’s a thought nugget from Thomas on why foundations are so important in language. If your foundation is sound, you can build any building your heart desires.
Tag: Tips for Teachers
The high and low tides of learning
Here’s a thought nugget from Thomas on how sometimes what is hidden to us later becomes clear. Both experiences are essential to learning.
How to learn to spell words in writing in English?
Mary T. from Iron Springs in Alberta, Canada, asks, “How to learn to spell words in writing English?” Here Thomas shares three simple but powerful principles.
How to Memorize Verb Moods in English
Anays R. writes, “How to memorize verbs and moods, such as the conditional, imperative, indicative, interrogative, and subjunctive?” Here’s an answer from Thomas.
Should commas be used to separate days from dates?
Imran K. from Pakistan asks, “Should commas be used to separate days from dates?” Here’s a quick and easy answer from Thomas.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.