Duly noted is an expression meaning “acknowledged and given appropriate consideration.” It’s formed using the adverb “duly” (i.e., “in the proper way”) and the verb “noted” (i.e., “recorded” or “observed”).
It’s typically used in formal or professional contexts. However, it can also be used ironically in informal contexts to dismiss someone’s opinion or idea.
Examples: Duly noted in a sentenceYour criticism has been duly noted.
The parents’ complaints were duly noted by the principal.
Thank you for your suggestions; they have been duly noted.
Published on
December 19, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
January 5, 2023.
Regards is a common sign-off in emails and other forms of correspondence. It’s used to end an email by wishing the recipient well. It’s followed by a comma, and then your name on a separate line.
While regards is an effective and respectful way to end an email, there are numerous alternatives and modified versions that can be used to vary the tone of your writing to make it more or less familiar.
Published on
December 17, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
January 5, 2023.
I hope this email finds you well is an expression commonly used at the start of formal emails to express interest in the recipient’s well-being.
This expression is polite and establishes a professional tone. However, it’s frequently used and might be perceived by some people as formulaic, insincere, or old-fashioned.
Below, we provide seven useful alternatives so you can vary how you start an email, creating polite and engaging introductions that will stand out.
Published on
December 9, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 13, 2023.
Few is a word meaning “not many” or “a small number of.” It’s used to refer to a nonspecific quantity of countable nouns (e.g., “few books”). Depending on how it’s used, “few” can be grammatically classified as a determiner, adjective, noun, or indefinite pronoun.
Few doesn’t refer to a specific number, and its correct use depends on context. For example, if you’re discussing something there are millions of, “few” could reasonably be used to refer to several hundred. If you’re discussing something there are forty of, “few” could be used to refer to three or four.
Examples: Few in a sentenceVery few people have been to the South Pole.
Few bank employees have access to the vault.
My coworkers and I touch base a few times each week.
The restaurant has quite a few vegetarian options.
NoteIn some contexts, such as academic writing, few may be considered too vague, and you may need to use a more precise alternative.
Published on
December 9, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 2023.
A present participle is a word derived from a verb that can be used as an adjective and to form the continuous verb tenses. It is one of two types of participles, along with past participles.
The present participles of both regular and irregular verbs end in “-ing” (e.g., “traveling”).
Examples: Present participles in a sentenceJessica found skydiving to be a terrifying experience.
Running to catch his bus, Darren tripped and fell.
I would love to go to the concert, but I’m working this weekend.
Sara has been planning a trip to Machu Picchu for the last few weeks.
Published on
December 3, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
April 4, 2023.
A past participle is a word derived from a verb that can be used as an adjective, to form perfect verb tenses, and to form the passive voice. It is one of two types of participles, along with present participles.
The past participles of regular verbs are usually formed by adding the suffix “-ed” (e.g., “learn” becomes “learned”).
The past participles of irregular verbs have numerous endings like “-en,” “-n,” “-ne,” and “-t” (e.g., “kneel” becomes “knelt”).
Examples: Past participles in a sentenceThe children played with the excited dog.
Published on
December 3, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 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
March 14, 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.
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.
