Learn English!

English is a tough language to learn. How else can we explain away the spelling of avocado as avocardo or the confusion between then and than, your and you’re? This section is a collection of short tips to teach you how to speak and write English well.

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‘Criteria’ is not singular.
Last revised yonks ago — Learn English!.
Often in educational texts I read ‘Criteria’ when the writer means ‘Criterion’. At this point I fall to the floor and sob.

‘Bacteria’ is not singular.
Last revised yonks ago — Learn English!.
I keep reading ‘bacteria’ where ‘bacterium’ should be used. I sigh for sadness every time.

Your and You’re.
Last revised yonks ago — Learn English!.
Your and You’re vary in usage. They do not mean the same thing.

Then and Than.
Last revised yonks ago — Learn English!.
Then and than do not mean the same thing. They should not be used interchangeably.

How to use the apostrophe.
Last revised yonks ago — Learn English!.
A quick and dirty guide to correct apostrophe usage in all its obvious forms.

The PC is not a typewriter.
Last revised 2009 Feb 22 — Learn English!.
I’d like to make clear the difference between ‘typewriter’ quotes and ‘curly’ quotes (including the apostrophe) and how they should be used.

The problem with Em, En and Hyphen.
Last revised 2009 Feb 22 — Learn English!.
Em, En and Hyphen don’t get along in this sick world of desktop publishing. Let me show you the right dashes to use when.

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