Published on
December 3, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
August 23, 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
August 23, 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.
Published on
November 25, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
March 14, 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.
Published on
November 19, 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
August 23, 2023.
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
August 23, 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
March 13, 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.
