Alike | Definition, Meaning & Examples

Published on October 12, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan.

Alike is an adjective meaning “similar” and an adverb meaning “in a similar way.” The meaning of the word can vary in degree depending on the context—from saying two things are exactly the same to saying that they merely have something in common.

Examples: “Alike” in a sentence
The two political opponents are actually alike in their views.

The twins seem to always dress alike.

The father and son are somewhat alike, but the father is more patient.

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Who vs. Whom | Examples, Definition & Quiz

Published on October 7, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan.

Who and whom are both pronouns used to refer to people, but they have different grammatical functions.

  • Who is a pronoun that functions as the subject of a sentence or clause (i.e., the person performing the action).
  • Whom is a pronoun that functions as the object of a verb or preposition (i.e., the person that is acted upon).

Who and whom are used to refer to people and sometimes animals.

Examples: Who in a sentence Examples: Whom in a sentence
Who is at the door? To whom should I speak?
Who knows the answer? With whom do you want to work?
Jamil, who just started last week, is already excelling at his new job. Fia, whom I have known for years, is getting married next week.
Note
Whom is considered very formal and is often replaced with who in informal contexts. For example, “To whom should I speak?” would more typically be phrased “Who should I speak to?”

However, it’s important to use “who” and “whom” correctly in formal and academic writing.

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What Is an Interjection? | Examples, Definition & Types

Published on September 29, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan.

An interjection is a word or phrase used to express a feeling or to request or demand something. While interjections are a part of speech, they are not grammatically connected to other parts of a sentence.

Interjections are common in everyday speech and informal writing. While some interjections such as “well” and “indeed” are acceptable in formal conversation, it’s best to avoid interjections in formal or academic writing.

Examples: Interjections in a sentence
Wow! That bird is huge.

Uh-oh. I forgot to get gas.

We’re not lost. We just need to go, um, this way.

Psst, what’s the answer to number four?

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Burned or Burnt | Meaning, Difference & Examples

Published on September 28, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan.

Burned and burnt are two different spellings of the past tense of the verb “burn,” used to refer to the act of undergoing combustion and the act of injuring someone or damaging something by heat or fire.

The spelling tends to vary based on whether you’re using UK or US English:

  • In UK English, both “burned” and “burnt” are commonly used for both the verb and adjective sense of the word.
  • In US English, “burned” is standard as a verb, but both “burned” and “burnt” can be used as adjectives.
Examples: “Burned” and “burnt” in a sentence
Shawna burnt/burned her hand on the stove.

Gina forgot to turn the oven off, so the chicken was burnt/burned.

The fire burnt/burned all night and kept the room warm.

Luckily, I remembered to blow out the candles; otherwise, the house might have burnt/burned down.

Note
Verbs that form their past tense in some way other than by adding the suffix “-ed” are called irregular verbs. “Burn” can be either regular or irregular, with the irregular form more commonly used in UK English. This is also true of “learnt/learned” and “dreamt/dreamed.”

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Theatre vs. Theater | Meaning, Spelling & Examples

Published on September 28, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan.

Theatre and theater are two different spellings of the noun used to refer to the building in which theatrical performances are carried out and to the art or profession of theatrical production. The spelling varies based on whether you’re writing UK or US English.

  • In UK English, “theatre” is standard.
  • In US English, “theater” is more common.
Examples: Theatre and theater in a sentence
The local theatre/theater has received national funding.

Whenever I visit London, I go to the theatre/theater.

Eva has always wanted to work in the theatre/theater.

I’m not a fan of the theatre/theater. I prefer watching movies.

Note
Sometimes a distinction is made between theater (meaning a building) and theatre (meaning the art or business of theatrical production). However, this distinction is not commonly accepted and does not reflect actual usage.

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For All Intents and Purposes | Meaning & Examples

Published on September 28, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan.

For all intents and purposes is an expression meaning “essentially” or “in effect.” It’s used to say that something has the same outcome or result as something else.

Examples: For all intents and purposes in a sentence
For all intents and purposes, this is an introductory course.

The warring sides had, for all intents and purposes, agreed to a ceasefire.

The old laptop is, for all intents and purposes, useless.

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Dreamt or Dreamed | Definition, Difference & Example Sentences

Published on September 22, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on October 10, 2022.

Dreamt and dreamed are two different spellings of the past tense of the verb “dream,” used to refer to the act of experiencing thoughts or images while asleep or to the act of fantasizing while awake. The spelling tends to vary based on whether you are using UK or US English:

  • In UK English, both “dreamed” and “dreamt” are commonly used.
  • In US English, “dreamed” is standard (though “dreamt” is still acceptable).
Examples: Dreamt and dreamed in a sentence
Katja dreamt/dreamed that she had superpowers.

Lionel dreamt/dreamed about a talking lamp.

When I was young, I dreamt/dreamed of becoming a famous musician.

Vanessa never dreamt/dreamed that she would be so successful.

Note
Verbs that form their past tense in some way other than adding “-ed” are called irregular verbs. “Dream” can be either regular or irregular, with the irregular form showing up more often in UK English than in US English. The same is true of “learnt/learned.”

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What Is a Determiner? | Definition, Types & Examples

Published on September 18, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on October 17, 2022.

A determiner is a word that modifies, describes, or introduces a noun. Determiners can be used to clarify what a noun refers to (e.g., your car) and to indicate quantity or number (e.g., four wheels).

Examples: Determiners in a sentence
That cup is chipped.

Priya is taking her first steps.

The festival has been postponed due to bad weather.

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Bear vs. Bare | Definition, Difference & Examples

Published on September 12, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on October 10, 2022.

Bear and bare are pronounced the same but have different meanings.

  • Bear can be used as a verb meaning “endure” or “carry” and as a noun to refer to the animal. It’s also used in a range of expressions (e.g., “bear with me”).
  • Bare can be used as a verb meaning “uncover” or as an adjective meaning “exposed” or “without anything added.”
Examples: Bear in a sentence Examples: Bare in a sentence
The desk could hardly bear the weight of all the books. The apartment is bare, but it will feel like home once I decorate it.
The tree no longer bears fruit. Let me bare my soul to you in a song.
Rajesh froze when he saw a bear approaching his tent. Anna does the bare minimum at the office.

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Besides | Meaning, Definition & Example Sentences

Published on September 12, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan.

Besides can be used as a preposition meaning “except” or “in addition to.” It can also be used as an adverb meaning “as well” or “moreover.”

Examples: Besides in a sentence
I’ve never loved anyone besides you!

Besides being a writer, Sophie is a painter.

Tyra wasn’t free on the night of the party. Besides, she wasn’t even invited.

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