Published on
December 3, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
February 6, 2023.
Modelling and modeling are two different spellings of the present participle of the verb “model” (and the identical gerund) used to mean “display by wearing or posing” or to refer to the act of creating a representation or imitation of something.
The spelling tends to vary based on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In UK English, “modelling” (double “l”) is standard, but “modeling” (one “l”) is acceptable.
In US English, “modeling” (one “l”) is correct.
Examples: Modelling and modeling in a sentenceAriana is modelling/modeling for a new fashion company.
Modelling/modelingauditions will be held in the local theater.
Isla’s research involves computational modelling/modeling.
Published on
December 1, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
February 5, 2023.
Sense is a verb meaning “feel” and a noun meaning “good judgment,” “awareness,” “vague impression,” and “particular meaning.” It can also be used to refer to one of the five sensory faculties (i.e., sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing).
People sometimes mistakenly write “sence” instead of sense, but it’s wrong and should be avoided. While some words with a similar pronunciation are spelled with a “c” (e.g., “fence”), others are always spelled with an “s” (e.g., “tense”); sense belongs to the latter group.
Published on
November 25, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
February 6, 2023.
A participle is a word derived from a verb that can be used as an adjective or to form certain verb tenses. There are two main types of participles:
Past participles (typically ending in “-ed,” “-en,” “-n,” “-ne,” or “-t”) are used for perfect tenses and passive voice constructions.
Present participles (always ending in “-ing”) are used for continuous tenses.
Examples: Past participles and present participles in a sentenceSurprised by the sound of sirens, I looked out the window.
Andy cleaned up the broken glass.
I saw Kevin running down the street.
Everyone stared at the laughing man.
NoteThe words “past” and “present” do not indicate the specific tenses in which participles are used. Both past participles and present participles can be used in the past, present, and future tense. And both are commonly used as adjectives.
Published on
November 25, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
February 5, 2023.
Nowadays is an adverb meaning “at present” or “in comparison with a past time.”
“Now a days,” written with spaces, is sometimes used instead of nowadays. However, this is not correct and should be avoided. Other variants such as “now-a-days,” “now days,” “nowdays,” and “nowaday” are also wrong.
Examples: Now a days and nowadays in a sentence
Now a days, many people work from home.
Nowadays, many people work from home.
April used to work for a large firm, but now a days she runs a small legal practice.
April used to work for a large firm, but nowadays she runs a small legal practice.
Beck and call is part of the expression “at someone’s beck and call,” meaning “ready to do whatever someone asks.”
“Beckon call” is sometimes used instead of beck and call, but it’s incorrect and should be avoided.
Examples: Beck and call and beckon call in a sentence
Rose is at the beckon call of her boss.
Rose is at the beck and call of her boss.
I’m not at your beckon call.
I’m not at your beck and call.
NoteWhile the nounbeck is closely related to the verbbeckon, they don’t mean the same thing and can’t be used interchangeably. Beck is quite rarely used outside of this expression in modern English.
Published on
November 19, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
February 5, 2023.
Gist is a noun meaning “essence” or “main idea.” It’s always preceded by the definite article “the” (you can’t say “a gist”). In legal contexts, gist is used to refer to the grounds of a legal action.
“Jist” is sometimes mistakenly used instead of gist. However, “jist” is not a real word and should be avoided.
Published on
November 19, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
February 5, 2023.
Genuflect (pronounced [jen-yoo-flekt]) is a verb referring to the act of briefly bending down on one knee as a sign of respect or worship (similar to kneeling). It’s a common feature of Christian religious practices and marriage proposals.
“Genuflect” is also used metaphorically to describe the behavior of someone who is overly humble or subservient.
Examples: Genuflect in a sentencePatrick didn’t genuflect when he proposed to his fiancée.
The protagonist of the story refused to genuflect before the evil king.
I’m not someone who genuflects for powerful people. I treat everyone equally.
Published on
November 19, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
December 5, 2022.
Kneeled and knelt are two different spellings of the past simple and past participle of the verb “kneel,” used to refer to the act of placing one or both knees on the ground. This action is often used as a gesture of respect or worship (similar to “genuflecting”).
The spelling of the past tense varies somewhat between UK and US English:
In UK English, “knelt” is standard (though “kneeled” is still acceptable).
In US English, both “knelt” and “kneeled” are commonly used (“knelt” is more popular).
Examples: Kneeled and knelt in a sentenceThe people knelt/kneeled before the queen.
The worshippers knelt/kneeledand prayed every morning.
The mother knelt/kneeledon the floor to play with the child.
NoteVerbs whose past simple and past participle are formed in some way other than by adding the suffix “-ed” are called irregular verbs.
“Kneel” can be either regular or irregular; the irregular form is more popular today, especially in UK English. Other verbs that can be either regular or irregular are “learnt/learned,” “dreamt/dreamed,” “spelt/spelled” and “burnt/burned.”
