What Is Inflection in English Grammar?
In this excerpt from the Intermediate Cozy Grammar Course, Marie introduces the concept of inflection, complete with examples. Remember, inflection means change.
Category: Newsletters
Should we say “It is I” or “It is me”?
A student recently asked whether it is correct to say “it’s me” or “it’s I.” As Thomas explains, both are right but for different reasons.
What are Plural Verbs?
One of the key concepts of grammar is agreement of verbs. That may sound awfully technical, but as Marie shows in these two excerpts from the Basic Cozy Grammar Course, we make verbs agree all the time!
The rewards of patience
Here’s a thought nugget from Thomas on where all the seemingly endless details of grammar can ultimately lead you, with the help of Sarah the Herrerasaurus!
A poem on the two uses of wealth
Thomas shares a verse from his new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and love, The Kural: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural, published by Beacon Press.
When to Use After or Afterwards?
Pablo R. asks, “How do you know when to use after or afterwards?” Here’s a way to tell the difference between them and also the word afterward.
A poem on strangers and openness
Thomas shares a verse from his new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and love, The Kural: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural, published by Beacon Press.
What Are Auxiliary or Helping Verbs?
One of my favorite kinds of verbs are helping verbs (also known as auxiliary verbs). As the name suggests, helping verbs help—they help other verbs, known as principal verbs, to do their job.
Why foundations matter
Here’s a thought nugget from Thomas on why foundations are so important in language. If your foundation is sound, you can build any building your heart desires.
What is the Difference between Literally and Figuratively?
Ezane H. asks, “What is the difference between figurative and literally, metaphorically? Does literally also mean figuratively? How do you use it in a sentence?” Take a peek at this answer from Thomas
Can you end a sentence with a preposition?
Sometimes people teach that you can’t end a sentence with a preposition in English, but as Thomas explains, this simply isn’t true. Here’s why!
A poem on four leadership qualities
Thomas shares a verse from his new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and love, The Kural: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural, published by Beacon Press.
A poem on giving nourishment to the ear
Thomas shares a verse from his new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and love, The Kural: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural, published by Beacon Press.
The Three Degrees of Comparison of Adjectives
One of the most colorful parts of speech are adjectives. Here’s how Marie explains the three degrees of adjectives.
A poem on what it means to have a home
Thomas shares a verse from his new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and love, The Kural: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural, published by Beacon Press.
The high and low tides of learning
Here’s a thought nugget from Thomas on how sometimes what is hidden to us later becomes clear. Both experiences are essential to learning.