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
July 19, 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.
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
June 1, 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
September 11, 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
September 25, 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.
