Published on
August 29, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 13, 2023.
Protagonist is a noun meaning “principal character in a fictional work.” It can also be used more broadly to refer to the main participants in a real-life event. And it can be used to refer to the leader of a cause or a supporter of an idea, though this meaning is less common.
The word “protagonist” comes from an ancient Greek term for an actor who plays the main role in a drama. In fiction, a protagonist is traditionally a heroic figure, opposed by a hostile antagonist.
Examples: Protagonist in a sentenceAn interesting protagonist should overcome obstacles and grow as a character.
A story can have multiple protagonists.
The protagonists of the Hundred Years’ War were France and England.
Published on
August 21, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
October 3, 2023.
An adjective is a word that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. Adjectives can be used to describe the qualities of someone or something independently or in comparison to something else.
Examples: Adjectives in a sentenceI like old houses.
Published on
August 19, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
August 22, 2023.
Realise and realize are two different spellings of the verb meaning “become aware” or “make real.” The spelling varies based on whether you’re writing UK or US English.
In UK English, “realise” (with an “s”) is more common.
In US English, “realize” (with a “z”) is the only correct spelling.
Examples: “Realise” and “realize” in a sentenceJake didn’t realise/realizethat he had left his wallet at home.
Clara wanted Paul to realise/realizehe was mistaken.
Sierra hopes to realise/realizeher dream of writing a novel.
The more goals you realise/realize, the more confident you’ll be.
NoteWhile “realise” is more commonly used in UK English, note that Oxford style recommends “realize.” “Realize” is always used in US English.
Published on
August 11, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
Gray and grey are two different spellings of the same word, used to refer to the color between white and black. It can be used as a noun to refer to the color, an adjective to describe something as being that color, and as a verb to refer to the act of becoming that color.
The spelling tends to vary based on whether you use US or UK English:
In US English, “gray” is standard.
In UK English, “grey” is more common.
Examples: Gray and grey in a sentenceThe couch comes in two colors: beige and gray/grey.
It was supposed to be sunny today, but the sky is gray/grey.
Cooper’s beard is black with patches of gray/grey.
In the last few months, Peter’s hair has grayed/greyed.
NoteWhile the normal meanings of gray/grey vary in spelling depending on the version of English, some special meanings are only spelled one way. For example, the tea “Earl Grey” (because it’s a proper noun), the measure of energy called the “gray,” and the “greyhound” dog breed (or the bus service named after it) never vary in spelling.
Published on
August 11, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
August 22, 2023.
Travelling and traveling are two different spellings of the present participle of the verb “travel” (and the identical gerund) meaning “move from one place to another” (typically over a long distance). The spelling tends to vary based on whether you’re writing UK or US English:
In UK English, “travelling” (double “l”) is standard.
In US English, “traveling” (one “l”) is correct.
Examples: Travelling and traveling in a sentenceAva doesn’t like travelling/traveling by boat because she gets seasick.
If you’re travelling/travelingthrough Central Europe, you should visit Berlin.
Karen likes travelling/travelingby train because she enjoys watching the landscape go by.
I’m saving up for a trip because I realizedtravelling/travelingcan be expensive.
Published on
August 11, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
Learnt and learned are two different spellings of the past tense of the verb “learn,” which means “gain knowledge or skill” or “come to be able to do something.” The spelling tends to vary based on whether you use US or UK English:
In UK English, “learnt” is standard.
In US English, “learned” is more common.
Examples: Learnt and learned in a sentenceKayla recently learnt/learned how to drive a car.
In school, I learnt/learned how to speak French.
Jamie hasn’t learnt/learned how to dance yet.
The students learnt/learned about the history of the Capitol.
NoteIn UK English, “learn” is an irregular verb, meaning that the past tense is not formed by adding the standard “-ed” suffix. In US English, “learn” is a regular verb (i.e., the past tense is formed by adding “-ed”).
Published on
August 10, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 31, 2023.
Used to and use to are related phrases that can have the same meaning but are used differently.
Used to is a verb that indicates a past habit, action, or state. It can also be used as an adjective meaning “accustomed to.”
Use to also indicates a past habit, action, or state, but it’s only used in combination with “did,” “did not,” or “didn’t.”
Examples: Used to in a sentence
Examples: Use to in a sentence
Sophie lives near the train tracks, so she’s used toa lot of noise.
Did you use to be a musician?
There used to be a theater in the city, but it closed down.
Zack didn’t use to care about politics.
NoteThe confusion regarding used to and use to is partly due to the blended “d” sound at the end of “used” and the “t” sound at the beginning of “to,” which means the two spellings are pronounced similarly. However, in formal and academic writing, it’s important to note the difference.
Published on
August 10, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 11, 2023.
Flier and flyer are nouns that can be used to refer to a person or thing that flies, or more specifically to a leaflet. While the words are often used interchangeably, there is a general trend:
Flier is commonly used to refer to someone or something that flies. It is also used in the expression “take a flier.”
Flyer is the more common spelling for an advertising leaflet.
Examples: Flier in a sentence
Examples: Flyer in a sentence
Jane has frequent flier miles because she travels a lot for work.
Luis found out about the fundraiser from a flyer someone gave him.
Some birds, like the gray-headed albatross, are very strong fliers.
Instead of handing out flyers, we created a post online and asked people to share it.
NoteThis article describes the general trend in how the two spellings are used, but different style guides give contradictory advice on this issue.
If you’re not bound by a specific style guide, use “flyer” to refer to a leaflet and whichever spelling you prefer for other meanings, and no one is likely to object.
Published on
August 10, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
Cancelled and canceled are two different spellings of the past tense of the verb “cancel,” which means “annul,” “revoke,” or “match in force or outcome.” The spelling tends to vary based on whether you use US or UK English:
In UK English, “cancelled” (double “l”) is standard.
In US English, “canceled” (one “l”) is more common.
Examples: “Cancelled” and “canceled” in a sentenceThe concert was cancelled/canceled due to a fire at the theater.
My vote cancelled/canceled out Dave’s.
Farrah cancelled/canceled the reservation at the restaurant because of a family emergency.
I cancelled/canceled the hotel booking too late and lost the deposit I already paid.
Published on
August 9, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
Defence and defense are two different spellings of the same word, a noun used to refer to the act of protecting or defending something, the legal plea of a person on trial for a crime, or a sports position intended to prevent an opponent from scoring.
The spelling tends to vary based on whether you’re writing in UK or US English:
In UK English, “defence” (with a “c”) is standard.
In US English, “defense” (with an “s”) is more common.
Examples: Defence or defense in a sentenceLucas used to play offense, but now he plays defence/defense.
Besides exercise, a healthy diet is another good defence/defense against illness.
There are members of the defence/defense force outside the embassy.
The attorney was confident they had a strong defence/defense.
NoteAnother word used in a legal context, judgment/judgement, also has two spellings.
