Apr 18
This is another post about English language usage.
The word “may” expresses likelihood.
The word “might” expresses a stronger sense of doubt.
It is a difference of degree.
You may be right means there’s a possibility that you are right.
You might be right means you could be right. Or not.
If you think you need help with English language usage, you may be right!
Permanent link to this article: http://writingitrightforyou.com/home/2012/04/18/may-or-might/
Mar 05
Here is another word pair that is often misused or misunderstood. Both words define the annual path of the Sun.
“equinox”: there are two sets of days of the year when the Sun crosses the equator and the length of the day and the night are equal (hence, “equinox”). The vernal equinox is in the spring about March 20-21, and the autumnal equinox occurs in the fall (autumn) around September 22-23. These dates are for the northern hemisphere, the vernal and autumnal equinoxes are reversed in the southern hemisphere. The word “equinox” comes from the Latin equinoxium, which translates to “equality between day and night”.
“solstice”: the solstice also occurs twice a year–once when the Sun is at its northernmost point (at the Tropic of Cancer) and again when the Sun is at its southernmost point (at the Tropic of Capricorn). The summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere occurs about June 21-22. The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere occurs about December 21. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium which translates to “sun standing still”. During each solstice, it seems as if the Sun is standing still.
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Permanent link to this article: http://writingitrightforyou.com/home/2012/03/05/is-it-an-equinox-or-a-solstice/
Feb 28
Empathy and sympathy are similar, but not the same. When to use which word depends on the context.
*empathy* means the ability to better understand a person’s or point of view because you yourself have experienced something similar.
*sympathy* means feeling compassion for another’s person’s feelings or point of view although you have probably not been in the same situation or same place.
According to dictionary.com, you feel empathy when you’ve “been there”, and you feel “sympathy” when you haven’t “been there” (literally or figuratively).
If you need help with confusing word pairs, the awesome writers and editors at Writing It Right For You can emphasize! We’ve been there! We can also sympathize and we’re ready to work with you!
What word pairs confuse you? Let us know in the comments section!
Permanent link to this article: http://writingitrightforyou.com/home/2012/02/28/empathy-or-sympathy/
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