Spelling in English can be challenging. Several spelling rules exist to navigate the treacherous spelling realm. Once you think you have a handle on one spelling rule, a rule exception throws you off course. Not to mention, many archaic phonetic words are mudding the English language waters. Have you ever wondered why some words have … Read more
Learn the hard words to spell in English. The English language is notorious for being difficult to learn. With daily usage causing constant change, and the influx of people from diverse backgrounds always adding new expressions, it is a wonder anyone can keep up with it. Still, the complexities are part of what make English … Read more
Diphthong in English! When we speak, the way in which we pronounce words is determined by the letters of each word. These letters are symbols that represent speech sounds. In studying speech and how each letter is articulated, linguists often refer to things called diphthongs. Studying and classifying diphthongs helps to communicate how words are … Read more
Vowels and consonants are all of the letters of the English alphabet that represent unique speech sounds. They are symbols that let the reader know what a word should sound like. When humans speak, air flows through the vocal cords and is altered to change how sounds come out. These sounds are ascribed different letters. … Read more
Phonetic Spelling in English! Spelling is one of the more difficult parts of learning a new language. There are many spelling rules and special cases that make it hard to spell correctly. Words often sound very different from the way in which they are written. This makes both speaking and writing a difficult challenge. Many … Read more
Words without vowels! It may be surprising to learn that the English language has many words that do not have any vowels at all. Vowels are the letters A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y. All letters that are not vowels are called consonants. Most people probably think they don’t know of any words … Read more
Whether you have written, read, or heard poetry, you’ve likely come across a rhyme. Rhymes are common literary tools that pair similarly sounding syllables and words. Often used in poems and songs, rhymes can be fun, humorous, and educational. Unlike prose, which is plain text, rhymes rely on the way in which words sound, not just … Read more
Tongue Twisters in English! Have you ever heard someone say a funny phrase like “If a dog chews shoes, whose shoes does he choose?,” and wondered, what are they saying? This is a popular example of a tongue twister. Tongue twisters are fun and nonsensical, intended to confuse both the speaker and the listener. They … Read more
Vowels in English! Though we may not think of them beyond their role in spelling out a word, the 26 letters of the English alphabet are symbols representing speech sounds. Letters help to tell the reader how a word is articulated. Speech sounds are broken into two different types, vowels and consonants. Whether a sound … Read more