LIE vs LAY

LIE vs LAY

The First Thing to know is: there is no longer a difference between LAY and LIE. “Lie”(or “lie down”) has traditionally been the word to describe putting yourself in a horizontal position either in bed, on the ground, or some other flat surface.  “Lay” has always been...
LOOSE vs LOSE vs LOSS

LOOSE vs LOSE vs LOSS

Loose … Young children get what we call a “loose tooth.” That is, an adult tooth starts pushing on a baby tooth. This makes the baby tooth wiggle back and forth when gently touched with a finger.  It is a “loose” tooth because the tooth is not tightly held in by...
Felt or Fell?

Felt or Fell?

“Felt” and “fell,” two past tense verbs, are often confused by nonnative speakers. The words look and sound similar, so the confusion is understandable. Still, the words mean two very different things. FALL (fall-fell-fallen).  “Fall” means to drop or come down...
How to spell capital or capitol

How to spell capital or capitol

Today is Inauguration day 2021. The ceremony takes place in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., and the 46th president, Joe Biden, will be sworn in on the Capitol steps.  Which brings up the common confusion between the two words:  CAPITAL and CAPITOL The two...
How to Say, “ASKED”

How to Say, “ASKED”

How to Say, ASKED Let me ASK you something: Is it possible to say the past tense form, ASKED (aSKT) with any degree of confidence or fluency? Of course not!  Even native speakers of English do not attempt the hard mash of the three consonant sounds, S+K+T. Instead,...