Sometimes that word you use does not necessarily mean what you think it does. As famously pointed out in The Princess Bride, there are many words in the English language that are used often, but many times used incorrectly. Today’s infographic points out 12 of these. [VIA]
Sometimes our students get in a rut when writing and fall into the trap of using the same descriptive words over and over again. I know that I have this problem myself sometimes too, as you might. Today’s infographic takes 16 of these more commonly used words, what they term “boring” and provide a few suggestions to use instead to help spice up and make your writing and descriptive language pop. Share this with students and have them try to incorporate as many as possible the next time they delve into their descriptive writing. [VIA]
I know I often find myself in a rut or getting trapped using the same words and descriptors over and over again in my writing. I am sure it’s not an uncommon ailment. Many times our students get caught in this trap as well. Try having them speak without using “like” and their heads might explode! Today’s infographic helps give a a little relief and some suggestions for avoiding another trap word, “very”. [VIA]
All too often, we try to use words that will increase our vocabulary. Students do this all the time, inserting what they believe are fantastic vocabulary words into papers to try to impress us, but sometimes they are using them in the wrong context, or really (“literally”) don’t understand the definition. Today’s infographic looks at ten of the most commonly misunderstood and misused words in the English language. From the 90s pop song “Ironic” to an overuse of “literally” today to simply add emphasis, some words have truly evolved over time. [VIA]
As more and more students have mobile devices and use them as their primary source of communication, “techspeak” had become more prevalent. There are arguments on both sides as to whether or not this is a good thing. Some argue that allowing students to use techspeak actually encourages writing and the free flow of ideas in the classroom, while others argue that encouraging techspeak actually leading to a decrease in the basic understanding and application of traditional grammar. Today’s infographic addresses this issue showing where educators are seeing a change in student writing and a marked decline in grammar skills. [VIA]
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