Compound Prepositions

Prepositions are usually single words but there are some which are composed of two or three words. These are known as compound prepositions.

Some examples of compound prepositions are the following:

prior to
next to
on account of
as of
in place of because of

Mal- and Bene-

mal- and bene-

Prefixes can give us a clue to the definition of certain words. Once an individual knows the meaning of the prefixes, it would be easier for him to broaden his vocabulary.

Many prefixes are based in Latin. Examples are the prefixes bene- (or beni-) meaning good and mal- (mala- or male- or mali-) which means bad.

Examples:

Benefit – a favorable circumstance; charity
Beneficial- advantageous; useful; profitable

How to Pronounce the Verbs In the Regular Past Tense

The regular past tense of the verbs can be classified into three groups in terms of pronunciation.

The first group is considered as that for voiceless consonant sounds and includes verbs ending in /p, k, s, ch, sh, f, x/ sounds. The /t/ sound is an exemption. The past tense of the verbs in this group has the /t/ sound in the end.

The -ed has the /t/ sound.

Examples:
linked
hopped
mulched
cuffed
boxed
messed

The Challenges of Public Speaking

Speaking in public or in front of an audience is something scary for a large percentage of people. There have been several studies regarding this issue. This usually happens when the speaker is not very confident with his communication skills or with his mastery of the topic that he is supposed to deliver. For some, just the mere thought of having several pairs of eyes focused on them can already make them sweat. Being under public scrutiny is can cause terror amongst ordinary people.

A healthy amount of tension or stress can help the individual become a better speaker but if it

Improve Your Vocabulary

There are many ways in which you can broaden your vocabulary. Reading is one very simple way of doing it. You will encounter more words through reading. Take note of those which are unfamiliar then look it up in the dictionary. If you cannot understand a certain word, you can take it in its context or how it is used in the sentence. You can use context clues by checking the accompanying words which may provide you with a hint.

Big or Large?

Two words may be synonymous but not necessarily interchangeable. Each word has an associated meaning or connotation. Take for example the words big and large. They may have the same meaning and it might be possible that one may be used to take the place of the other. There are instances though that if it is done, it would completely change the whole thing.

If somebody tells you that you are a big girl now, then you might smile because it seems that you are now considered grown-up. But then if you are told that you are a large girl now, you might be

Similar Sounds, Different Meanings

There are words which are often confused with each other because of certain reasons like having similar sounds. The meanings are oftentimes very different.

Some of the examples are:

Advise and Advice

Advise is a verb which means to recommend while advice is a noun meaning an opinion on what should be done or a counsel.

She was advised to refrain from eating too much.
She gives good advice.

Council and Counsel