The words as and so have many different uses in English, but today we’ll look at one in which they work together to create comparisons: the as…so too sentence pattern: As Louis aged, so too did the manner in which he was depicted. In such constructions, as means like. and is used to compare similar things—not really stand-alone things (nouns), […]
“On One Hand” “On the One Hand” and “On the Other Hand” – What’s the Difference?
These phrases are all used to introduce contradictory alternatives, using the following pattern(s): On (the) one hand, X, (but) on the other hand Y. This makes sense as people have two hands, which are opposite in shape. And we use our hands to present or give things. We can uses these phrases to offer choices: Person […]
Prescriptive Grammar vs Descriptive Grammar – A Detailed Explanation with Examples
In simple terms, prescriptive grammar is the way society tells us to speak a language. As the phrase implies, you can think of it as a grammar prescription, a prescription being a list of things you should do—like the prescription for medicine that a doctor prescribes for you. Descriptive grammar, in contrast, simply describes the way […]
Act out vs Act up: Here’s the Difference in Meaning with Sentence Examples
The phrasal verb act out has two main meanings, which are connected: 1) to perform, like in the theater, and 2) to express emotions—especially anger—dramatically (physically, and vocally): 1) Let us act out the argument between Hamlet and Ophelia in Act III of the play. 2) Children act out frustration by screaming and hitting but adults should […]
Restless vs Restive: Here’s the Difference in Meaning and Usage
The adjectives, restless and restive, have similar but distinct meanings. Restless, the more common word, means “not resting” or “not able to rest.” Restless implies anxious, nervous, agitated, disturbed, or hyperactive—i.e. “unable to fully relax.” It is impossible to sleep with a restless mind. Restive can have the same meaning as restless, but it also connotes rebellion; instead […]
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