5 Synonyms That Will Make You A Better Writer and Speaker

Language is a sound. It's equivalent to a piano sonata played skillfully, drawing attention and stirring emotions. A key played wrongly destroys the magic that enthralls people. Be it in writing or speaking, sophistication and eloquence, or a lack thereof, may make or break one's reputation. And don't you know that science confirmed that well-spoken people appear more attractive than those who aren't? Clearly, a sophisticated vocabulary is the new sexy. So here are the words you could use that would make your writing and speaking more persuasive!

1. "A lot of Myriads of insects danced around the light above my head."

As the prolific writer Mae Lander of Reader's Digest once said,  " 'a lot' is a descriptor that skews ultra casual." Which means that we use this word inappropriately, especially when a situation calls for a more professional tone, say for example, a job interview or a cover letter. Most of us would have written or said something like "I have done a lot of projects..." or "I have a lot of experience in...". This paints us an image of a laid-back, informal person. Laura Hale Brockway of Entrepreneur suggested 32 other synonyms of a lot, with "copious amount", "myriad", "numerous", and "excessive amount" as my personal favorites.

2. "The team played very exceedingly well."

It's a habit that's difficult to break, but I mean well when I say that this word makes an educated person sound lazy. We pepper our emails, letters and speeches with this hackneyed expression that it loses it's meaning already. It's now a near equivalent of a language filler. Here's the secret: do not to use this adverb or any adverb unless the word calls for emphasis. If emphasis is necessary, then use other words like "remarkably", "profoundly", "exceedingly", "immensely", or "exceptionally". If not, then you're just being lazy... and imprecise.

3. "I have some things errands to do run tonight."

Another overused word. Ever wonder why people don't believe us or get hurt by us when we say our excuses? It's because we like to use 'thing' over the actual word that describes our situation. "Sorry, I can't go. I have to do a lot of things today." This actually translates to: "I don't wanna be with you, so don't disturb me." Do people a favor by substituting 'thing' with exact vocabulary. This is true in writing as well. Instead of saying, "I have one thing to ask", say "I have a question about...". Or instead of saying "You have to know one thing...", say "You have to know this problem  about...". Remember, we only use "thing" when we can't remember a word precisely.

4. "Her GPA is really undoubtedly impressive and convincing."  

"Really" is as hackneyed and as lazy as "very". Again, try to not use and overuse adverbs as they are rarely necessary, and actually makes your point weaker than they're supposed to add. There are other vocabulary words that you can use if you feel like stressing your point: "undoubtedly", "unquestionably", or "truly". Here's 35 more words to use in place of 'really.'

5. "I just only want to let you know that I genuinely support your advocacy."

Here's the best advice from Forbes' Avery Bank: the word "just" is a "protector" word the softens your message and makes it come across as less important. Most of the time, sentences will read better if "just" is simply nixed. However, if it is necessary, try out synonyms like "only" as in, "I only want to follow up on..." That offers a more precise message that's direct. Words like "merely", "simply", or "solely" can also be used in place of "just".

The takeaway...

An extensive vocabulary brings people places, both literally and metaphorically. It's one big predictor of career success and social influence, not to mention the fact that it benefits us cognitively. By knowing the most hackneyed words that we use, we reflect on it, learn about it, and ultimately, make ourselves effective speakers and writers! 

Read More

5 Of The Biggest Language Learning Myths You Should Stop Believing

Just like everything else, language learning starts with a good mindset. As the old saying goes, it's all in the mind! So today, we'll explore 5 language learning myths that's stopping most people from making progress, if not discourage them from learning it.

1. Children are better at learning a language.

This is the biggest misconception in language learning. There was once a popular belief that our brain stops developing at a certain age, making it difficult for older people to learn a foreign language. However, the latest breakthrough research on neuroscience has disproved this myth and stated that our brain has the ability to renew its neurons to compensate injury and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment.

Sure, the adult brain looks different, physically but this does not mean that they're inferior learners. The advantages younger learners have over adults are just that they have more time and fewer responsibilities. Only that. In fact, a research by the University of Essex concluded that there is no critical period for learning a second language. So please stop blaming your parents for not hiring an English tutor for you when you were 6 years old.

As a teacher, I have found that the biggest difference in the classroom between the adult and the young learners is the fact that the latter group is not afraid to commit mistakes and do not fear looking stupid or embarrassed. But I truly believe that once adult learners overcome this, they can beat children with discipline, consistency, and critical thinking. Ever saw a six-year old sit down to learn a grammar book for hours?

2. You can achieve fluency through books and apps alone.

I'm sorry Duolingo and Memrise apps subscribers, but you've been had. The idea is that, by spending few minutes a day on your app, you'll achieve fluency in no time. This marketing is just so similar with fast diets: it's a lie. What it does is help you build vocabulary and basic concepts, nothing more. It lacks the pragmatic approach, but gives you the basic knowledge.

The thing is, the ultimate goal of learning a language is to have conversations. So go out often and hold conversations with people, only by immersing yourself in the real world are you going to really be fluent in any language.

3. The best way to learn a language is to go to it's native country.

I had students who were excited to go to US to improve their English fluency, only to come back disappointed. It didn't help much, and it happened to all of them. Coincidence? I think not. The general consensus among language acquisition researchers is that studying abroad does not automatically make you better at a foreign language. Results are case to case basis, affirming once again that there is no one and certain way to learn a language.

One foolproof tip to remember: always think about the quality of instruction that you're going to get. Be it abroad or at home, it doesn't matter. I am an English speaker with CEFR level C1, that means my level is native-like. I correspond with native speakers on email, I laugh at my American friends' jokes, and gets annoyed at my British friends' sarcasm. I can speak in my native accent, in a neutral accent, in an American accent, and I could do a better British accent than Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins. I never went outside Asia, and Japan is actually my first overseas destination. So much for immersing in a native speaking country, eh?

4. You need to study grammar first.

You didn't become fluent in your language because of studying grammar. Grammar is learned through mimicry, that is copying others. This is not only true to your native language, it is true to all languages all over the world. As modern language experts/educators said, grammar is the side dish, not the main course. There's no one-size-fits all kind of method in language learning.  

In fact, learning grammar can slow down your progress because you're trying to be perfect at a stage where learning through trial and error should take place. Ever wonder why Japanese have trouble becoming fluent in English? It's mainly because their education system emphasizes grammar  too much. Perfection is the enemy of progress.

It's also important to bear in mind that grammar is something that fluent speakers say about the things that they already know. That means, they've mastered utilizing the language first, and that's why they can talk about grammar. Not the other way around. Also, I just want to let you know one fact: only a small fraction of native speakers know grammar. So don't obsess and stress over it.

5. There is one sure method to learning a language.

In case you haven't noticed, I've mentioned here twice that there's no one-size-fits-all method in language learning. Most language educators are bombarded by the hackneyed question: how do I study to improve my English level? And if you're going to search it on the internet, you'd be overwhelmed by the vast quantity of tips on how to do it. 

I'm not saying that those tips from experts are not true, it's just that you have to explore, mix and match, and tailor your methods to your own learning style. Society has taught us to rely too much on experts and not on our personal experience, and it's going to take a toll on your language learning.

For example, when I was little, most of my classmates were really good at remembering grammar rules and its usage from a book. In contrast, I only fully understand grammar rules if  I 1.) know the meaning of the vocabulary and the word function in a sentence/phrase, and 2.) encounter it in the most mundane things and situations like a shampoo bottle, a novel, or TV commercial. I recognized this during my pre-teens and that's why I always ask my teachers where can I pragmatically see this grammar rule, or in what situation can this rule be applied.

The conclusion...

Society has its own way of pressuring us into a belief system that does not really serve us well. This is true particularly in language learning. By busting and dispelling these beliefs, we can fully understand the ways to reach our goals and most importantly, to enjoy our journey in language learning. Good luck!

Read More

Know Your Hyphens and Dashes! (A Comprehensive Guide For Better Writing)

They might look the same on a printed material, but hyphens and dashes are so much different from one another. For one, hyphens (-) are shorter than dashes, (—) and (–). And yes, there are 2 kinds of dashes, the Em dash (—) and the En dash (–). But that's just the beginning. If you want to keep these lines straight, then keep reading!

What is a hyphen? 

A hyphen is the punctuation mark (-) used especially to divide or to compound words, word elements, or number.

Everybody knows that a hyphen is used in many compound words like good-hearted and mother-in-law. Likewise, words from twenty-one and ninety-nine should also be hyphenated when spelled out. And finally, we all know that hyphens are used to join prefixes to other words like pre-eminent and co-owner. Be warned, though, for many hyphens have perished as the English language marched on. Many words that are hyphenated in the past had been changed into one word. For example, today was once spelled as to-day, and crybaby was once cry-baby. So if you are not sure whether or not a hyphen is required, better check the dictionary. 

There are few things to keep in mind when using hyphens, though! Here are some:

1. Use a hyphen with a compound modifier before a noun, but never put the hyphen when the compound modifier comes after a noun. So, it's correct to write 'a dog-friendly hotel', but not 'a hotel that is dog-friendly'. It should just be 'a hotel that is dog friendly.'

2.  Don't use a hyphen when you have a compound modifier that consists of an adverb ending in -ly plus a participle or adjective. The ly is sufficient enough to show that the compound is a unit of meaning. For example, write 'a highly respected researcher', not 'a highly-respected researcher.'

3. When you are writing a compound modifier that is interrupted by some other word that's not really part of the modifier, use a suspended hyphen: Take a five- or ten-minute break.

What is an en dash?

Ah, the not so popular en dash. We're using it as often as the hyphen, without really calling it properly by its name. En dash is the punctuation mark (–) which is often used in writing expressions that has number in it. It is said that it's called an en dash because the length of this punctuation mark is the same as the width of the uppercase alphabet N. Oh, and don't you know that you can type the en dash on your computer keyboard by pressing Alt+0150? You're welcome. And oh, the numbers should be typed on the numeric keypad, not the numbers on top.

Here are the uses of the en dash:

1. Use an en dash when expressing a period of time. So put en dash on this sentence: He lived in Shanghai from 1995–2003.  Or in this sentence: I will include you in my 4:30–6:00pm schedule.

2. Use an en dash when indicating a range of numbers. You could choose 2 numbers between 1–10.

3. Use an en dash with scores in sports. For example: The Cavs won 3–1 against Spurs.

and finally,

4. Use an en dash when indicating distance: Japan–USA is a long flight.  

Sadly, en dash is just replaced by a simple hyphen in our day-to-day lives, except of course, in publications and formal documents.

What is an em dash?

The em dash (about as wide as the uppercase alphabet M), is a relatively artistic punctuation mark, compared to the more technical hyphen and en dash. An em dash is most often used to indicate a pause in a sentence. It's stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period or a semi colon. You can type the en dash on your computer keyboard by pressing Alt+0151 (the numbers should be typed on the numeric keypad).

These are the uses of the em dash:

1. Use an em dash to show emphasis on unimportant or parenthetical words/expressions in a sentence.

Examples: 

My manager—John Wick who's not here now—will deal with you once he clocks in.

To get to Tokyo from Tsurugashima—you're heading there, right? Take the Tobu line.

2. Use an em dash like a colon to add an explanation, or to highlight an information, especially when it is surprising. So we use the em dash in this sentence: I sent my resume to Ritsumeikan University as a joke and an email came—an invitation for an interview next week!

3. Use an em dash to express a sudden change of thought, or an interruption.

Examples:

I had a great time in Maldives—oh! Is that your cat? 

"Wait! I forgot to tell you—" The door slammed shut between us and I missed whatever she was trying to say.

There you go! The differences among hyphen, en dash, and em dash. It is very important to remember that while en dash can be replaced by a hyphen, that is not the case with em dash. Hyphens and em dashes are not interchangeable. Furthermore, some writing styles would require you to put space before and after your hyphens and dashes. Whether or not to put spaces is all up to you, just be sure to stick with one style throughout your composition. Happy writing!

Read More

15 Eggcorns People Should Stop Saying

The English language is definitely a dynamic language, so much so, that it never runs out of surprises. As for today, we'll look into eggcorns, which are words or phrases that sound like and is mistakenly used in seemingly logical or plausible way for another word or phrase. You might have been saying these eggcorns, and today is the day you learn the correct ones!

Let me walk you through it: 

1. "Oh no! You're barking at the wrong tree!"

'Barking up the wrong tree' originated in 1800s America when hunting involves a whole pack of dogs. It's probably from the fact that dogs tend to bark up a raccoon on a tree, even though the raccoon had already leaped from one tree to another. So when you bark up the wrong tree, it means you misunderstand a person or a situation and your actions against them will be futile. It also means you are doing something that won't give you the results you desire. 'Barking at the wrong tree' just doesn't exist in any lexicons yet. 

2. "He ran butt naked from the shower because he thought it was a real snake!" 

Buck naked is an expression used to describe a person in a state of utter undress. Butt naked would mean other people just saw your butt exposed, which, if you think about it, is just foolish. Although, this expression has been misheard too often as 'butt naked', that most grammarians are starting to accept it. One point for eggcorns.

3. "The CEO was made the escape goat for the company's failure."

Scapegoat means to punish someone for the error or errors made by others. It's like when your sibling would eat all the chocolates while you're asleep and tell your parents that it was you who ate it all. You are their scapegoat. As for escape goat, it hasn't been accepted yet, but you can see it in many slangs and modern lexicons like Urban Dictionary.

4. "He thinks I'll chase him? Tell him that I could care less!"

If you intend to be very angry and indifferent, please do so by correctly saying this hackneyed expression. I couldn't care less means you're at the point of really not caring at all that you can't give anymore cares. You have depleted whatever care you have. 'I could care less' simply means, well, you're implying you still have some degree of care - an amount such that there could be a lesser amount.

5. "This fabric is totally inflammable, it's very safe!"

If someone tells me a fabric is inflammable and very safe, I'd definitely won't believe. Inflammable means easy to catch fire, it's combustible. What people should start saying is that, something fire-resistant is 'not flammable'. Yes, inflammable means the same as flammable.

6. "I tripped on my way home on (an) accident."

To clear things up, younger generation has started using 'on accident' in speaking terms, and is very popular in US. However, on accident means on purpose. One won't trip on purpose, will they? By accident means unintentionally, and on accident means totally the opposite.

7. "I've put my jewelry in a bank's safety deposit box."

The phrase referring to a box in which valuables are stored is called 'safe deposit box' because it's a box in which you can make a safe deposit. But this eggcorn is totally understandable because when you say 'safe deposit box' aloud and in faster manner, the first two syllables run together to sound exactly like 'safety'.

8. "Studying at Caltech is just too difficult. It's a doggy-dog world."

Another notable and pardonable eggcorn. Dog-eat-dog world means an extremely competitive environment. It's a world where only the fittest survive. Think about the hunger games, it's exactly like that. Although we only use this expression metaphorically in real life, of course.

9. "Nip it in the butt so you won't have problem in the future."

'Nipped in the bud' has it's origin from gardening. When you nip something, you sever it or you pinch it to stop or stunt its growth. When you nip a bud (the topmost part of a plant), it will stop growing. Nipped in the bud means to solve minor issues now, so it won't bring more problems in the future. When you nip someone in the butt... I don't really think you should be nipping somebody else's. 

10. "The queen is to deliver a message to everyone, supposably."

If you're saying 'supposably' to mean 'according to what many believe', then you should say 'supposedly.' I can't find anything online and on books which justifies that people can use 'supposably'.

11. "This document can be used for all intensive purposes."

This one's a big pet peeve of mine. How can a document be used for an intense purpose? If you mean that a document or something can serve 'for all practical purposes and situations', then the correct expression is 'for all intents and purposes'.

12. "Well, if you think about what I said, you've got another thing coming."

To be honest, this phrase has been so misheard too often that it's just going to be a matter of time before 'you've got another thing coming' gets accepted. When someone says "If you think that, you've got another think coming" what the speaker is meaning is 'if you think that, then your thought is wrong, you need to have another one." 

13. "People take their health for granted in this day in age."

Another eggcorn, but this time, unforgivable. Day and age means right at this moment and during a considerable stretch of time around this moment. Day in age just doesn't mean anything.

14. "All and all, everything went well."

If you're going to argue that 'all and all' is the same as 'all in all', I'd tell you that's it's so totally not. All in all is an idiomatic expression which means everything taken into account. It could be reworded as 'in sum'. All and all is just a redundancy.

15. "Please don't call me now. I'm on tenderhooks."

Whatever adjective you want to associate with hooks, it's definitely not the word tender. According to our friends from The Phrase Finder, we are once again get caught out by an archaic word that isn't used outside of this expression. This time the word is 'tenter', which is a wooden frame used to dry cloth. The wet cloth was fixed to the frame with hooks, hence the expression. So, "on tenterhooks" means under stress or tension. It's also used as a general term for anxiety and uneasiness.

Read More