Leamon M. from New Orleans asks, “Can I use a plural and a singular together to express an understanding?” Here Thomas explores subject verb agreement, pronoun antecedent agreement, and using the singular and plural together.
Wondering when to use allude vs elude? Here, in the middle of a snowstorm, Thomas explains the difference between allude, elude, and also the more unusual word illude.
Wondering when to use awhile vs a while? Here, in the middle of a snowstorm, Thomas explains the difference between awhile, as an adverb, and a while, as a noun phrase.
Dave P. from Evanston, Illinois. asks, “Are amend and emend synonyms?” Here’s a handy trick from Thomas about how to remember amend vs emend.
Georgia N from Albuquerque asks, “What are ergative verbs?” As Thomas explains, ergative or ambitransitive verbs are verbs that can be used both transitively and intransitively.
Liam W. asks, “How do you tell the difference between a gerund and a verb?” Here’s simple and clear answer from Thomas.
Konica M. from Mumbai asks, “What is the Difference between the Simple Past Tense and the Past Perfect Tense?” Here’s how to use the simple past and the past perfect or pluperfect tense.
Cozy Grammar recently offered a workshop for teachers on how to teach transitive and intransitive verbs in creative and playful ways. Hosted by Digi Phonics in India, this complete workshop explores the hidden power of intransitive verbs and answers questions from teachers.
Juliana R. asks, “What is the difference between accept and except?” Here Thomas explores the difference between these commonly confused words, with clear examples of both accept and except and some handy memory tricks.
One of the most common and confusing issues in English grammar is the difference between lay, lie, and laid. People can usually remember that there IS a difference, but most have trouble remembering what the difference is. Here Thomas shares a way to remember the difference between lay, lie, and laid for good.
Sri Kushal asks, “What is the difference between gerunds, infinitives, and participles?” Here is an answer from Thomas with three handy ways to distinguish these commonly confused verbals.
This question comes from Rosie C., writing from the UK. Rosie has asked a wonderful question about some of the exercises. In Lesson 9 of the Basic Cozy Grammar Course, we discuss the topic of singular versus plural verbs. What makes clings singular and cling plural? And what makes knocks singular and knock plural?
Lewis W. asks, “What does verb tense consistency mean?” Here’s a simple and direct answer from Thomas and Ask Cozy Grammar.
This month we wanted to take another look at the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. Marie gives us a special memory trick that no one else that I know of has used. We also have an exciting announcement about some new features and an upcoming release. Take a peek at this month’s free videos!
This month we wanted to talk about the hidden gift of the present tense and make a special announcement about our new PDF workbooks. Take a peek at her lesson on the present tense, then I’ll explain what I mean by the hidden gift of the present tense.
Two video excerpts from Marie about plural verbs, as well as a companion video about why we use the plural verb “are” with the pronoun “you,” even if there’s only one of you. Both videos give a sense not only of Marie’s way of clarifying the basics of grammar, but also of how Marie and Thomas take those points into other realms of life. Take a peek!