With back-to-school action words, rule-breaking el endings, and synonyms for nice, we hope our September spelling lists kept you on your toes! Didn’t get a chance to try them out? Don’t worry: now you can use them in our Autumn Anagrams spelling game. Tailoring Spellzone to your students’ needs has never been easier! As students work through the Spellzone course, they are automatically assigned Learn the Words activities such as Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check; Listen and Spell; and a range of spelling games. Our latest update means you can now choose which Learn the Words activities you would like your s...
What does each word mean? Been is the past participle form of the verb to be. For example, Present tense: I am. I am at school. Past tense: I was. I was at school. Past participle: I have been. I have been at school. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word been. Gone is the past participle form of the verb to go. For example, Present tense: I go. I go to school. Past tense: I went. I went to school. Past participle: I have gone. I have gone to school. Click here for the full Spellzone...
In British and Australian English, when two words sound similar but one is spelt with a ‘c’ and the other with an ‘s’, it is usually the case that the former is a noun and the latter is a verb. In a previous blog post we shared four pairs of words that follow this rule and today we have another pair to add to the list: prophecy and prophesy. The difference in meaning between these two words is also present in American English. A prophecy is a prediction of something that will happen in the future. It is pronounced prof-eh-see. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word and to hear how its...
March 4th marks National Grammar Day in the United States and to celebrate we're compiling some of our grammar articles from over the years. What exactly is grammar? When we talk about grammar, we are referring to the whole system and structure of a language, the way words are put together to form sentences. Learn more about the history of grammar here. Grammar is often confused with punctuation which is the written marks used to separate sentences in order to clarify meaning. Click here for Spellzone's guide to punctuation. Here are some of our top grammar articles: Clauses A clause is a group of words containing a verb that can either stand alone as a complete...
Commonly Confused Words: Precede vs. Proceed What does each word mean? Precede is a verb that means 'to come before'. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is precede used in some example sentences: Each film will be preceded with an introduction by the filmmaker. She let her friend precede her through the door. The dinner was preceded by canapès on the lawn. Proceed is a verb that means 'to begin or follow a certain course'. The word proceed is also sometimes used to refer to the income or profits from an endeavour. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is pr...
Not to be confused with a semi colon, a colon has three main uses: Use a colon between two main clauses when the second clause explains or clarifies the first. A clause is a group of words containing a verb that can either stand alone as a complete sentence or make up part of a more complex sentence. You can learn more about clauses here. Here are some examples of colons used in this way: She soon discovered the secret to spelling success: practise as often as possible. The journey won’t be easy: the buses are infrequent and there are often railway engineering works on the weekends. She had one motto in life: never give up. Use a colon ...
What does each word mean? The verb infer refers to the act of correctly guessing or deducing something. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is infer used in some example sentences: She inferred from her friend’s tone that he wasn’t having fun. While it might be tempting infer from tabloid stories that crime is on the rise, it would be better to look at the statistics on the subject before jumping to any conclusions. Imply refers to the act of suggesting or expressing something indirectly and inviting someone to deduce what you mean. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is imply...
What does each word mean? A hoard is a secret store of valuables or money. As a verb, the word refers to the act of gathering or saving supplies for future use. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is hoard used in some example sentences: While cleaning out his late mother’s house, he found a hoard of old coins. Some animals hoard food for the winter. Click here to find the Spellzone study lists related to the word hoard. The word horde refers to a large group of moving people like a crowd or a nomadic community. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is horde used in an example sent...
What does each word mean? An heir is a person who is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate, title, or office of another. The word is pronounced with a silent ‘h’ like ‘air’. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is heir used in an example sentence: Prince Charles is the heir apparent to the British throne. In the Harry Potter series, Tom Riddle is Slytherin’s heir. Click here to find the Spellzone vocabulary lists related to the word heir. The word air can refer to a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing, the region of free space above the ground, or a d...
Depending on the way you phrase a sentence, a verb can be either active or passive. The active voice is more common in everyday writing, whereas the passive voice is usually used in formal documents such as official reports or research papers. The subject of a sentence is the person or thing the sentence is about. When the verb is active, it means the subject is doing the action that the verb indicates. If the verb is passive, it means the subject is having that the action the verb indicates done to them. The voice you choose to write a sentence in will help emphasise what the most important aspect of the sentence is. Let’s look at some examples of the active voice vs. the passiv...
What does each word mean? The word balmy is an adjective used to describe mild and pleasant weather. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is balmy used in an example sentence: The weather was unexpectedly balmy. Click here to create a Spellzone vocabulary list using the word balmy. Barmy means mad, crazy, or foolish. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is barmy used in an example sentence: It drives my sister barmy when I leave the television on standby instead of turning it off properly. Click here to create a Spellzone vocabulary list using the word barmy. Where does each word co...
What does each word mean? If something is moot, it is open to argument or debate. Moot can also be used to describe something that is insignificant or irrelevant.Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is moot used in an example sentence: It was a moot point. Click here to create a Spellzone vocabulary list using the word moot. The verb mute describes the act of muffling or silencing a noise. As a noun, mute is used to refer to both someone who is unable to speak and something used to soften the sound of an instrument. As an adjective, the word describes someone who is unable to speak. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary defin...
What does each word mean? Alternate means ‘every other or every second’. As a verb, it describes the act of ‘taking turns’. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word and here for Spellzone vocabulary lists related to it. Here is alternate used in some example sentences: We Skype on alternate weekends. They alternated between driving and giving directions. In American English, alternate is also used to describe something that is presented as ‘another option’. For example: Would it be possible to schedule our meeting at an alternate time? In British English, however, this use of alternate is consider...
Last week we looked at redundant expressions and why you should cut them from your writing. Here ten examples: I am absolutely certain that the train is at 3pm. Since ‘certain’ means ‘established beyond doubt or question’, the word ‘absolutely’ is redundant. A better sentence would be: I am certain that the train is at 3pm. They should have given us advanced warning that the road would be closed. A ‘warning’ is usually given ahead of time, so the word ‘advanced’ is unnecessary. Better sentences would be: They should have given us warning that the road would be closed. They should have warned us ...
What is a redundant expression? A redundant expression, or tautology, is an expression in which a word or group of words is unnecessary because it repeats something that has already been expressed by another word. For example: This envelope contains important documents inside. While at first it might seem like there is nothing wrong with this sentence, if you take a closer look, you’ll notice that the word inside is redundant. This is because the word contains already indicates that the envelope holds documents within it. Why is it important to be aware of redundant expressions when writing? If your writing contains redundant expressions, a reader might think th...
Do you find commas confusing? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Commas have a variety of functions yet many people are uncertain of how to use them. So far this year we’ve looked at how to use commas as part of a list and how to use commas in direct speech. Today we’re taking a look at how to use commas between clauses. What is a clause? A clause is a group of words containing a verb that can either stand alone as a complete sentence or make up part of a more complex sentence. Complex sentences are usually split into main clauses and subordinate clauses. Subordinate Clauses A subordinate clause doesn’t make sense on it’s own – it ne...
What does each word mean? If you flaunt something, it means you are displaying it in an ostentatious manner. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is flaunt used in some example sentences: He flaunted his new shoes. Having saved up for months, she was looking forward to flaunting her new iPhone. Click here to find the Spellzone vocabulary lists related to the word flaunt. If you flout something, it means you are disregarding a rule or convention. The word is also sometimes used to mean ‘mock’ or ‘scoff’. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is flout used in some exa...
A poll is a way of looking into the public opinion of something by gathering information through votes or interviews. The word can also be used as a verb to describe the act of gathering this information. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is poll used in some example sentences: It is imperative that you go to the polling station and vote in the election. He took a poll to see which members of the group used Apple products. They polled a sample of the public in attempt to predict the outcome. Click here to find the Spellzone vocabulary lists related to the word poll. A pole is a long rod, usually round and made of wood, metal, or...
Happy Easter! If you need a break from all the chocolate, why not have a look at these eggy idioms and their origin stories? A bad egg A ‘bad egg’ is someone who is disappointing or a bad influence. Here is the idiom used in an example sentence: James fell in with a group of bad eggs who got him in trouble. The idiom certainly derives from the irritation felt when cracking an egg only to find it has gone off. One early use of the phrase is in this 1856 issue of the Milwaukee Daily American: "Mayor Wood is moving heaven and earth to procure his renomination. One of his dodges is, to get up letters in the newspaper, pretending to em...
What does each word mean? The word curb is a verb used to describe the act of restraining or restricting something. As a noun, the word can also describe the restraint or restriction itself. In American English, curb also refers to the edge between a sidewalk (pavement) and a road. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is curb used in some example sentences: He needs to learn how to curb his temper. In England, there are curbs on watching television without a license. Click here to create a Spellzone vocabulary list including the word curb. In British English, the word kerb describes the raised edge that separates a road from the p...
Often, in our Commonly Confused Words and Word for Wednesday blog posts, we use word classes to describe the way a word functions within a sentence. Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going back to the drawing board. What are the main word classes? What are their functions? There are nine main word classes: adjective, adverb, conjunction, determiner, exclamation, noun, pronoun, preposition, and verb. While this list might look daunting, it is very likely that you are already using words within each of these classes instinctively and correctly. Knowing the names of the word classes is useful for describing what a word is doing in a sentence and for helping you tell apart commonly c...
What does each word mean? Dual is an adjective used to describe something that has two parts. In British English, it is also occasionally used as a verb to describe the act of converting a road into a dual carriageway. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is dual used in some example sentences: My driving instructor’s car has dual controls. We use dual-language textbooks in our Spanish class. There are plans to dual the road. Click here to find the Spellzone vocabulary lists featuring the word dual. A duel is a fight with deadly weapons arranged in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honour. Today, it is mostly used ...
What does each word mean? As a noun, the word ‘pore’ refers to a tiny hole in a surface (e.g. the skin) which allows particles, liquids, or gases to pass through it. As a verb, it is used to describe the act of reading or studying something thoroughly. Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. Here is pore used in some example sentences: She uses a pore-minimising lotion. In the weeks leading up to his exam, he stayed up all night poring over his books. Click here to find the Spellzone vocabulary lists featuring the word pore. If you are pouring something, you are causing it to flow quickly and steadily. Click here for the full S...
In British English, when two words sound similar but one is spelt with a ‘c’ and the other with an ‘s’, it is usually the case that the former is a noun and the latter is a verb. Today we’re looking at four pairs of words that follow this rule and share some example sentences which show how to use each word. Confusing Words Example sentences What about in American English? Are there any exceptions Advice vs. Advise Advice is a noun meaning ‘guidance’ or ‘recommendations’: The doctor’s advice was to rest and drink plenty of water. My ...
“Would you like to go to the zoo with Jane and me?” Somewhere along the way, many of us have got it into our heads that we should always be saying and I, and that saying and me is wrong.This is perhaps because many of us, at one time or another, have been corrected for using me in the wrong context without being taught the appropriate way to use each pronoun. I should be used when the pronoun is the subject of a verb. If the sentence makes sense with the word we, you should write Jane and I. If it doesn’t make sense, you should write Jane and me. Me should be used when the pronoun is the object of a verb. If the sentence make sense with the word us, you sh...
It’s been a while since we’ve looked at a pair of commonly confused words, but today we’re back with the words ‘passed’ and ‘past’. Because these words sound so similar, people often think they’re interchangeable – but be warned: they’re not! Scroll down to make sure you’re using each word in the correct context! What does each word mean? The word passed is the past tense form of the verb pass. The Spellzone dictionary defines the word pass as ‘to go across or through’, but the word can also be used in other contexts such as ‘to pass laws’ (i.e. to create laws) or ‘to pass exams’ (i...
Recently a Spellzone user got in touch with us to ask for information on the words device and devise. Naturally we thought these words would make a great subject for our Commonly Confused Words series. In British English, when two words look similar but one is spelt with a ‘c’ and the other is spelt with an ‘s’, it is often the case that the former is a noun and the latter is a verb. For example, when spelt with a ‘c’, the word ‘practice’ refers to application of an idea or the carrying out of a profession: He tried to put his new maths skills into practice, but still needed a calculator to work out the final sum. Dr Smi...
We have a confession to make, here in the Spellzone office we’ve been addicted to Scrabble for the last few months. The intensely addictive blend of chance and skill combined with our love for words has led to plenty of office rivalry. Scrabble is one of the best selling board games ever with a whopping 150 million units sold worldwide. If word games really are that popular perhaps we’re in the right business! Playing Scrabble is a great way to discover new words, recall words readily, and learn or reinforce spellings. In fact we were surprised at the amount of new words we discovered purely by fooling around with our tiles including the terribly lazy (but high scoring!) ab...
What does each word mean? The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines ‘lose’ as to ‘be deprived of’ or to ‘cease to have or retain’ something. The past tense and past participle of the verb ‘lose’ is ‘lost’. Here is the word used in some example sentences: I think we’re going to lose the game. I have a special compartment in my handbag to make sure I don’t lose my car keys. I’ll need to lose weight if I want to wear that dress. The OED defines ‘loose’ as an adjective which describes something that is ‘not firmly or tightly fixed in place, detached or able to be detached’...
Everybody needs a little bit of luck sometime. The word itself originates from the 15th century Dutch ‘gheluc’: ‘happiness, good fortune’(Online Etymology Dictionary). Eventually, this shortened to ‘luc’. The modern German descendant, ‘Glük’ means prosperity. It is suggested that the word made its way into English via the gambling scene. Also worth noting is that fifteenth century Middle English featured a verb, ‘lukken’ meaning ‘chance’. Perhaps today’s ‘luck’ is a merging of its two ancestors: ‘Gheluc’ and ‘Lukken’ combined to mean the ‘chance of good fortune&r...
The word Keeper is derived from the Middle English verb kepen; the act of taking possession and or care of something. The Oxford English dictionary tells us that a keeper is a person charged with responsibility for the preservation and conservation of something valuable. Strangely we hear the idiom ‘I am not my brother’s keeper’ (a distorted quote from the Biblical story of Cain and Abel); apparently brothers don’t qualify as valuable! Most often, the word keeper is used with a prefix: goalkeeper, gatekeeper, zookeeper and so on. However, keeper is sometimes used in informal contexts as a noun referring to something of high quality worth keeping, ‘this one’s a keeper’. The title of ‘kee...
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