This common English saying, the bigger they are the harder they fall, derives from a truism, which is a true observation about the world, but is commonly used idiomatically. Let’s break it down! Harder in this phrase means with greater force—and therefore, more painfully. It could be based on the idea of a tree falling; […]
The Adjective in English Grammar: Explanation and Examples
An adjective modifies a noun; that is, it provides more detail about a noun or pronoun. This can be anything from color to size to temperature to personality. Adjectives usually occur just before the nouns they modify, but they can also follow a linking verb (in these instances, adjectives can modify pronouns as well): […]
Envoke vs Invoke: Here’s the Difference and Sentence Examples
Envoke is an alternative spelling of invoke, and must not be confused with evoke, an entirely different word (although related). Invoke has several meanings: a) “to call upon a law, rule, or other idea,” b) “to appeal to authority,” c) “to use a magic spell for calling on a spirit,” d) “to put into effect or […]
What Does “Lion’s Den” Mean? Learn About This Common English Phrase
The lion’s den is a metaphor for the usual location of a dangerous person or feared authority, such as an employer. For example, a teacher’s office could be the lion’s den—if you are afraid of that teacher. Or, if one is afraid of drunk people, then any bar would be the lion’s den. In this […]
Phrase vs Clause: Here’s the Difference
Phrase and clause both have multiple meanings. We’ll focus first on how they refer to grammatical units of language; then we’ll look briefly at their other uses. Phrases include any groups of words that form grammatical and meaningful units that are not clauses or sentences. Here are some examples: The little green men (a noun phrase) Eat pancakes […]
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