Friday, 6 July 2012

What Is Your Email Patronus? Quiz

It’s practically magic how much work can be accomplished by email, especially for us mere muggles! If emails were sent by owl, our skies would be darkened day after day. Fortunately for our view and keeping the streets clean, you just need internet access. Everyone has a different approach to managing their email mischief. Take our fun quiz to find out what kind of email patronus you have.

Did we get it right? Tell us what kind of patronus you conjure when you’re working your email magic!

Thursday, 5 July 2012

How to Use “Alike” and “Same” Correctly

A well-known idiom says that great minds think alike. It’s what we say when two people think of the same great idea at the same time. History is full of examples that reaffirm the claim that great minds think alike, with discoveries and inventions like the jet engine and the theory of evolution being made at roughly the same time by different people. However, this idiom is interesting to us for an entirely different reason. When you say that all great minds think alike, you are using “alike” correctly. Being an adverb, “alike” is used to modify the verb that precedes it, in this case “think.” A common misuse of “alike” is when we use it as an adjective, as in this sentence:

The two scientists had alike ideas about the Big Bang.

In that sentence, we were trying to modify the noun “ideas.” By using “alike” instead of an adjective, we effectively modified the verb in the sentence—“had.” If we were to rewrite the sentence correctly, we would have to say:

The two scientists had similar ideas about the Big Bang.

Or maybe,

The two scientists had the same ideas about the Big Bang.

So now that we know that “alike” is an adverb and that it should be used to modify verbs. Just as it’s common to incorrectly use “alike” when we should be using the adjective “same,” it’s also common to make a mistake the other way around and use “same” as an adverb when we should be using “alike”:

All great minds think the same.

Because “same” is an adjective and not an adverb, in this sentence it could only modify “all great minds.” But since we want to point out that their thinking is similar, not the minds themselves, we say that they think alike. But we could add a noun for the adjective “same” to modify and make the sentence work:

All great minds think the same thing.

This sentence might not be true, but it’s grammatically correct, with “same” being used as an adjective which modifies the noun “thing.”

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

8 Embarrassing (Yet Common) Malapropisms

You may or may not have heard of these funny little things: malapropisms. A malapropism is the misuse of a word that creates a ridiculous sentence, usually as a result of confusing similar-sounding words. This can create embarrassing situations for people, especially during public speeches. To get a better idea of how malapropisms work, check out some of the examples below.

”1”Supposively/Supposably

People sometimes say these when they mean to say “supposedly.” Supposively and supposably probably arose because they’re phonetically a little easier to say, but when you see them written down, their incorrectness becomes very obvious. Just remember, the word you’re looking for ends in “-EDLY.”

”2”Jive

Often, you’ll hear people say that one thing doesn’t “jive” with another. What they probably meant to say was “jibe.” And they’re so close to correct — only one letter off. But in meaning, the two words are completely different. The word jive means a few things, and none of them mean to complement or agree; that’s “jibe.” Jive, as a verb, either means to perform a dance called the jive or to taunt.

”3”Pacifically

When referring to anything in particular, don’t use the word pacifically. Specifically is the correct word to use here, as in the adverb for specific. Pacifically means to do something in a pacifying way, mildly, calmly, etc. Ironically, people often correcting the misuse of this word claim it relates to the Pacific Ocean. While this makes sense, you’ll have a hard time finding a definition of the word “pacifically,” capitalized or not, that relates to the Pacific Ocean. “Pacific” was an English word on its own, before applied to the ocean.

”4”It Was All an Illusion

Another close one, but not quite right. Things can be an illusion, like a magic trick, but people using this phrase typically mean to say “delusion.” A delusion means somebody was out of touch, or couldn’t understand the reality of a situation. An illusion refers to a mirage. Malapropisms like this can be the most dangerous to your writing, as spell check won’t help catch them.

”5”Could of/Should of/Would of

This might be the most frequent malapropism of all. You shouldn’t say any of these phrases. Our speech often slurs the correct words of the phrase “must HAVE” into a kind of contraction, like “must’ve.” This makes it sound like we’re saying “must of,” but the correct term is, and always has been “have.” For example: “I wrote ‘could of’ when I should have written ‘could have’.”

”6”For All Intensive Purposes

Another common malapropism, even those educated thoroughly in English seem to have a problem with this one. When you say “for all intensive purposes,” you probably mean to say “for all intents and purposes.” When you say, “for all intensive purposes,” you’re saying for intensifying purposes, or making things more intense. “All intents and purposes” should accurately portray the message you want to send.

”7”Please Precede

Sometimes, words seem purposefully confusing. Especially when it comes to words with the suffix “-cede.” In this case, when telling somebody they may precede, you probably meant to tell them that they may “proceed.” Precede means to go before something; proceed means to move forward.

”8”Sixteenth Chapel

The name of the Chapel is “Sistine Chapel.” No need to explain the meaning here; it’s just the correct name, and it happens to sound like sixteenth.

Remember, if you’ve fallen victim to these malapropisms, don’t feel too embarrassed; they can happen to anybody. When have you caught yourself using malapropisms?

Monday, 2 July 2012

Hoping vs. Hopping

Even though the difference in spelling between hoping and hopping is just one letter, the difference in meaning is actually much bigger. All you need to do is hope and hop to see how big a difference it is.

What Is the Difference Between Hoping and Hopping?

When you look up the definition of hoping and the definition of hopping, you notice that they have one thing in common—both are present participles. Hoping is the present participle of the verb hope, and hopping is the present participle of the verb hop.

To hope for something means that we want it to happen. We use hoping to form one of the progressive tenses, like the present progressive and the past progressive:

I am still hoping I’ll go to Paris by the end of the year.

He was hoping you’d have time to talk before you left.

To hop, on the other hand, is to make a small jump, and we use the form hopping like this:

The bunny was hopping happily in the backyard.

You will be hopping on one foot until your other foot heals.

The past tense forms of hope and hop can also be easily mixed up. The past tense of hope is hoped and the past tense of hop is hopped.

Peter hoped he’d never have to sit another test again.

Peter hopped across the cold floor to get his other sock.

How to Remember the Difference

The best way to remember the difference between hoping and hopping is to remember the “c-v-c rule.” If the last three letters of a verb are a consonant, a vowel, and another consonant, double the last consonant. If you know this, it’s obvious that hopping is the inflected form of hop, because hope doesn’t fit the c-v-c rule.

Hoping vs. Hopping: Examples

Andy Murray is hoping all his big rivals will offer him competition for the number one ranking in 2017.
Belfast Telegraph

SpaceX is hoping to reach speeds of up to 1 Gbps, about 200 times faster than the average user’s connection.
The Huffington Post UK

That’s right, I’m hopping on the Jake-Browning-for-the-Heisman bandwagon.
HeraldNet
That’s exactly what this teenager found when he hopped into the car for the drive back from work.
Yahoo! News UK

Sunday, 1 July 2012

How to Date Introverts, From an Introvert

Dear Prospective Dates,

We need to talk. After a string of meh encounters, it’s time to clear the air: I’m a lady introvert*, and the way you’ve been going about courtship just isn’t working. As an introvert, I need a much lower level of mental stimulation to operate than ambiverts or extroverts require. Though everyone is different, you should know that we introverts don’t like “typical” dating approaches. If you want to get to know us, you have to go about things differently, and in return, we’ll be fiercely loyal and communicative partners. This letter is an attempt to outline some tips that will endear you to your introverted love interests. Take heed!

1 Cut the small talk. Cut. It. Out.

Let it be known once and for all that introverts hate small talk. Whether you are using a dating app or you approach us in line at the grocery store (meeting in a bar, are you kidding?), don’t spew cliches. You’ll get a lot further with us if you cut typical “pick-up” strategies. Instead, strike up a conversation on something more personal and relevant. “I love that flavor of Ben & Jerry’s. Have you tried the new flavor?” is far better than “Looks like a wild night. Need company?” Humor is good, but can be off-putting from strangers.

2 Take me somewhere quiet, away from the crowd.

Assuming you’ve landed a date, don’t take me to a busy restaurant or crowded bar. I will notice Every. Little. Thing. I won’t be able to focus. For introverts, getting acquainted with people is a deep investment. From the start, we prioritize the quality of communication. We much prefer to do this in spaces with limited distraction. So, a walk in the park, a visit to a new bookstore, or a calm, cosy cafe are much better options for making your introvert date comfortable from the get-go.

3 Show me your brain.

As I said earlier, getting to know someone is an investment for an introvert. If that investment isn’t reciprocated early on, we’re often left feeling that the interaction is just too shallow and uninteresting. Introverts are less likely to be interested in discussing work or home at length (unless you happen to be a librarian or your home is full of rescue animals). Instead, tell us about something you’re learning or reading. The more you show your inner world, the easier it is for an introvert to feel a connection.

4 Be careful with compliments.

Introverts rarely are comfortable as the center of attention or when they feel they’re being judged—particularly for characteristics that they themselves don’t strongly identify with. For example, you may be tempted to compliment your introverted love interest on looking nice, but it can fall flat if your date doesn’t actually identify with a strong investment in appearance.

Additionally, superficial compliments can signal to an introvert that you pay attention to something that they haven’t developed. As a result, an introvert can become self-conscious. As a rule, introverts (and probably most people) respond best to insightful, concrete compliments on their strengths, e.g., “You have great taste in music. I loved that album you told me about.”

5 Practice patience.

Because our tolerance for mental stimulation is lower than that of other personality types, if we’re unexpectedly caught in a noisy, crowded, or chaotic situation, we can have trouble functioning. It may seem like we are very quiet, zoned out, distracted, or bored. The truth is we want to continue focusing on you, but we’re flooded with details. It can be helpful for all parties to recognize that deep conversation (or, sometimes, all conversation) should be put on hold until the level of stimulation decreases.

On a related note, introverts are likely to avoid substances that heighten stimulation—excess caffeine, sugar, drugs, that really hyper dude in the corner . . . Respect our decision to abstain from additional stimulation.

In sum, we introverts function optimally in low-stimulant environments, value deep interactions over superficial ones, and genuinely don’t appreciate social pressure. In return for making the effort, we’ll be loyal, supportive, and engaged partners.

Kindly,

Your Next Introverted Date

If you’re an introvert or have successfully dated one, what tips would you add?

*These tips are written from the perspective of a heterosexual female. Some of the examples may not be applicable to other perspectives, but the general ideas should still hold.

Thursday, 28 June 2012

5 Pieces of Fiction to Inspire Productivity

With 2017 beginning in earnest and resolutions being made, you may be looking for a way to make your leisure time a little more productive and guilt-free. To that end, there are some excellent pieces of fiction that provide more than just entertainment; they also inspire productivity. These are just a few titles that can motivate and energize you as you set new objectives for the year ahead.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This fantasy novel is often held up as a shining example of a motivational work of fiction. Written by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho de Souza, this book tells the tale of a shepherd boy who embarks on a long pilgrimage from Spain to Egypt in search of treasure.

The boy’s journey takes on the form of a simple, earnest fable and includes mysterious, symbolic characters who test the boy or provide him with insight. The tale explores themes of transformation, hope, and desire as the boy endlessly pursues his dreams. The actual nature of the treasure is unimportant compared with the journey and the wisdom gained along the way. This novel is ideal for those who seek the motivation to pursue their innermost desires, especially in creative endeavors.

Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer

This novel was written in 1979 by the somewhat infamous British author and peer, Jeffrey Howard Archer. The title is a play on the biblical Cain and Abel, but rather than following a theme of sibling rivalry, it compares two distinct but intertwined lives.

The themes of the novel are more historical than religious. The two men, William Kane and Abel Rosnovski, are born on the same day and share the same power of will and determination. Kane is a wealthy American socialite, while Abel is a destitute Pole. The novel follows the lives of the two men through disaster, heartache, and strenuous endeavor. Abel’s tale, in particular, is very inspirational, as he takes a painful journey from Poland to America to make his name. Both characters undergo trials and tribulations in the worlds of industry and high society while exploring their world views and the strengths that make triumph possible.

Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

This book is often overshadowed by George Orwell’s later, iconic works, Animal Farm and 1984. In 1933, Orwell published Down and Out in Paris and London, a semi-autobiographical tale about his early difficulties.

This work touches on themes of social justice and personal strength. The story is set in the 1920s and later, initially following Orwell’s younger self as he struggles with poverty in Paris. Down and Out is in many ways the novelization of a memoir, written in Orwell’s strident narrative style. He tells a tale of strife but often balances the scales with hope and humor. The first half deals with his work in the hotels of Paris, detailing awful conditions reminiscent of a Dickensian tale of woe. The second half sees Orwell arrive in London and face a whole new set of obstacles. Down and Out gains much of its inspirational quality from the presence of real-life anecdotes and evidence, detailing a true story of success against the odds.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha is a 1922 novel that follows a tale of personal discovery, enlightenment, and spiritual well-being. This novel is sure to inspire personal growth, if not productivity, though it does demonstrate the link between the two.

The name Siddhartha roughly means “he who has found meaning” or “he who has attained his goals.” This simple and undemanding read follows a man who learns all there is to know about happiness and success as he faces various trials in his life. A novel of wisdom and fulfillment, Siddhartha is set during the time of Gautama Buddha (roughly between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE) and reads like a fable or gentle fantasy. With a pleasing historical aesthetic and powerful themes of spirituality and mysticism, this novel reminds readers to be thankful, to find out what truly matters, and to value introspection. Siddhartha is a tale about understanding goals, not just attaining them.

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian is a direct contrast to Siddhartha, dealing with opposite but parallel themes. This book, self-published in 2011 and later taken on by Crown Publishing, tells the tale of an astronaut stranded on Mars. The protagonist of this novel spends no time on introspection or existential matters but instead focuses purely on hard, realistic goals.

The Martian follows NASA astronaut Mark Watney, who becomes stranded on Mars after an accident. After the rest of the crew evacuates and leaves Watney behind, he must find ways to survive with very limited resources. The Martian environment is truly hostile and taxing, and Watney must rely on his ingenuity and the scraps of technology brought with him (and left behind by previous missions) to survive. The story has powerful themes of determination and resourcefulness, which are sure to inspire productivity in readers with practical minds. Watney does not assign blame or complain about his dire predicament but instead champions rational thinking and utilitarian decision-making. The Martian is a dry but powerful tale of grim fortitude.

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Negatives and Negation–Grammar Rules

When you want to express the opposite meaning of a particular word or sentence, you can do it by inserting a negation. Negations are words like no, not, and never. If you wanted to express the opposite of I am here, for example, you could say I am not here.

Below, you’ll find lists of common negative words used to negate ideas.

Negative words:

  • No
  • Not
  • None
  • No one
  • Nobody
  • Nothing
  • Neither
  • Nowhere
  • Never

Negative Adverbs:

  • Hardly
  • Scarcely
  • Barely

Negative verbs

  • Doesn’t
  • Isn’t
  • Wasn’t
  • Shouldn’t
  • Wouldn’t
  • Couldn’t
  • Won’t
  • Can’t
  • Don’t

Remember, when using negatives, make sure you only use one at a time in reference to any particular idea. Otherwise, you will create a double negative, which is an error in English.

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