Patrice Riley, Author at BusinessWritingBlog

Vocabulary

Onsite vs. On-site

Every year, there are new words added to the English dictionary. These changes can be confusing. For example, two commonly confused words are onsite and on-site. Do you know the right way to use these words? Different dictionaries have different advice about how to use… continue reading

A graphic with the words suppose and supposed ti

Vocabulary

Correct Use of Suppose and Supposed

Suppose and supposed are sometimes confused with each other. Supposed to means expected to. It is not correct to say suppose to. Suppose is a present tense verb that means to assume. Supposed To This phrase functions like a modal verb. Modal verbs add on to the main verb to show possibility, permission,… continue reading

A graphic of a figure holding an umbrella with the words "under the weather"

Expressions and Phrases

The Meaning of “Under The Weather”

What is the meaning of being “Under the Weather?” The phrase means that someone feels sick or sad. For example: I am not going to work because I feel under the weather. Here are a few phrases with similar meanings: sick as a dog, in a… continue reading

graphic comparing the definitions of ramp up and amp up

Expressions and Phrases

Ramp up vs. Amp Up

Ramping up and amping up sound very similar. How much difference does the letter “r” make in these phrases? Similarities Both ramping up and amping up refer to something increasing. They also look and sound very nearly the same. Ramping up If you imagine a… continue reading

Grammar and Usage

Adjective “Fast” vs. Adverb “Quickly”

What is the difference between fast and quickly? Is quickly an adverb? An adjective? Fast and quickly are often used interchangeably. Is there any difference between them? Fast is an adjective and refers to speed. Quickly is an adverb that refers to time. For example: That horse is very fast. The… continue reading

Punctuation

Three Week’s Time or Three Weeks Time?

Do you know which is correct: I will finish in three weeks’ time or in three weeks time? In one day’s time or in one days time? ANSWER: It is correct to say three weeks’ time and one day’s time. In order to answer this… continue reading

title graphic stating "details are present... or details are presented...?"

Vocabulary

Use of “Present” and “Presented” in Technical Reports Writing

When reading a technical report, you may come across the phrase “Details are present in Table 2.” Sometimes, it will be written “Details are presented in Table 2.” Which one do you think is correct? The confusion comes because “present” can be a noun, verb,… continue reading

A picture of three cactus plants with the words "Cactuses or Cacti?"

Is It Cactuses or Cacti?

When you see two spiky succulents, are they “cacti” or “cactuses”? Let’s look into it! Cactuses or Cacti? In Latin, cacti is the correct plural form of cactus. And this is also popular for English speakers. However, cactuses is actually the correct English plural. Many dictionaries will list both as… continue reading

A picture of a spooky background with the words "Heebie-Jeebies"

Expressions and Phrases

The “Heebie-jeebies”

Have you ever heard the phrase “heebie-jeebies”? This silly-sounding phrase means “a feeling of anxiety, illness, or apprehension.” Neither “heebie” or “jeebie” mean anything by themselves. During the 1920s in the United States of America, many similar phrases became popular. For example, “hocus-pocus,” “the bee’s… continue reading

Graphic showing the articles a and an before the letter H

Grammar and Usage

Do you use“A” or “An” before “H”?

Two simple rules govern how to use indefinite articles for most words. Use “a” before words that start with a consonant: a bag, a cup, a frog. Use “an” before words that start with a vowel: an orange, an eel, an igloo. However, there is… continue reading

Author Archives: Patrice Riley