Published on
January 31, 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
A linking verb (or copular verb) connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement (i.e., a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject). For example, in the statement “Max is excited,” the verb “is” links the subject “Max” to the adjective “excited.”
Linking verbs are used to indicate conditions or states of being. They’re often contrasted with action verbs, which describe physical or mental actions (e.g., “run”). Some verbs can be classed as either linking or action verbs, depending on how they’re used.
Examples: Linking verbs in a sentenceVera wasmy favorite aunt.
An intransitive verb is a verb that doesn’t require a direct object (i.e., a noun, pronoun or noun phrase) to indicate the person or thing acted upon. For example, the verb “yawn” is intransitive because it’s not possible to “yawn” something.
The opposite is a transitive verb, which must take a direct object. For example, a sentence containing the verb “hold” would be incomplete without a direct object clarifying the action of the verb (e.g., “Bill holds a book”). Some verbs can be classed as either transitive or intransitive, depending on the context.
Examples: Intransitive verbs in a sentencePaul is leaving.
Published on
January 23, 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
May 22, 2023.
Honor and honour are different spellings of the noun meaning “integrity” or “privilege” and the verb meaning “regard something with great respect” or “fulfill an obligation.”
The spelling varies depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In US English, “honor” (no “u”) is standard.
In UK English, “honour” (with a “u”) is the correct spelling.
Examples: Honor and honour in a sentenceThe film’s protagonist fought out of a sense of honor/honour.
The young doctor felt it was an honor/honour to shadow such an accomplished neurosurgeon.
One day each year, the king would honor/honourthe townspeople with his presence.
Please honor/honourthe terms of our agreement.
NoteMany words that end in “-our” in UK English end in “-or” in US English. Some other common examples include “behaviour/behavior,” “colour/color,” “favour/favor,” and “flavour/flavor.”
Published on
January 20, 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
Favourite and favorite are different spellings of the noun used to refer to something that is well liked and the adjective meaning “preferred above all others.” The word is closely related to the verb and noun “favour/favor.”
The spelling tends to vary depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In UK English, “favourite” (with a “u”) is standard.
In US English, “favorite” (no “u”) is the correct spelling.
Examples: Favourite and favorite in a sentenceAlthough it’s an old song, it’s still a national favourite/favorite.
Summer is undoubtedly my favourite/favorite season.
History is Joseline’s favourite/favorite school subject.
Andre enjoys hiking and reading, but traveling is his favourite/favorite pastime.
Published on
January 20, 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
May 22, 2023.
Color and colour are different spellings of the noun referring to the hue or shade of something and the verb referring to the act of changing the color of something by painting, shading, or dyeing it. The verb is also used figuratively to mean “make something vivid or expressive.”
The spelling tends to vary depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In US English, “color” (no “u”) is the correct spelling.
In UK English, “colour” (with a “u”) is standard.
Examples: Color and colour in a sentenceOrange is Olivia’s favorite color/colour.
I think we should repaint the kitchen. Gray is such a bland color/colour.
The child tried to color/colour inside the lines of the drawing.
Anthony colored/coloured the banal story by adding fantastic details.
NoteMany words that end in “-our” in UK English end in “-or” in US English. Some other common examples include “favour/favor,” “behaviour/behavior,” “honour/honor,” and “flavour/flavor.”
Published on
January 19, 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase) to indicate the person or thing acted upon by the verb. For example, in the sentence “I received a letter,” the direct object is necessary for the statement to make sense.
In contrast, an intransitive verb is a verb that doesn’t take a direct object (e.g., “Hannah runs”). Some verbs can be classed as either transitive or intransitive, depending on how they are used.
Examples: Transitive verbs in a sentenceKatarina raisedher hand.
Published on
January 16, 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
May 22, 2023.
Behaviour and behavior are two different spellings of the noun referring to the way a person, animal, other organism, or machine acts or functions. It’s related to the verb “behave” meaning “conduct oneself” or “act.”
The spelling varies depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In UK English, “behaviour” (with a “u”) is standard.
In US English, “behavior” (with no “u”) is the correct spelling.
Examples: Behaviour and behavior in a sentenceThe school does not tolerate bullying or other forms of anti-social behaviour/behavior.
Ever since he broke the vase, Gus has been on his best behaviour/behavior.
Jordan’s research focuses on the relationship between empathy and criminal behaviour/behavior.
As of yet, little is known about the behaviour/behavior of the virus.
NoteMany words that end in “-our” in UK English end in “-or” in US English. Some other common examples include “favour/favor,” “colour/color,” “honour/honor,” and “flavour/flavor.”
Published on
January 16, 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
Favor and favour are different spellings of the verb meaning “prefer” or “give support to” and the noun used to refer to an act of kindness or to mean “approval.”
The spelling varies depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In UK English, “favour” (with a “u”) is the correct spelling.
In US English, “favor” (with no “u”) is standard.
Examples: Favor and favour in a sentenceI don’t mean to be presumptuous, but can you please do me a favour/favor?
NoteMany words that end in “-our” in UK English end in “-or” in US English. Some other common examples include “behaviour/behavior,” “colour/color,” “honour/honor,” and “flavour/flavor.”
Published on
December 25, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 13, 2023.
As of yet (or as yet) is an expression used to say that something has not happened up to now. The phrase, especially the version including “of,” is normally considered unnecessarily long-winded and best replaced with a more concise alternative such as “so far” or “yet.”
Examples: As of yet in a sentence
The war-torn country has not received any aidas of yet.
The war-torn country has not received any aid yet.
As of yet, the president has made no official comment on the proposed cutbacks.
So far, the president has made no official comment on the proposed cutbacks.
