December 2020

Lesson #153: How Writing Is Made Memorable: Three Observations On A Poem

As a short break from the grammatical lessons we have had of late, todays’ lesson will be short and sweet! I have been looking forward to an opportunity to share a favourite poem of mine by William Blake (1757-1827). It is called ‘The Tyger’ (an archaic or old-fashioned way of spelling ‘tiger’) and is often […]

Lesson #153: How Writing Is Made Memorable: Three Observations On A Poem Read More »

Lesson #152: ‘If I May …’: Using ‘May’ And ‘Might’ To Ask / Give Permission And Express Possibilities

‘I am sorry I have been so long, ma’am,’ said she, gently, as she finished her work. ‘I was afraid it might tear out again if I did not do it carefully.’ She rose. 🧵 ‘I don’t know how to thank you for all you are doing; but I do love you, and will pray

Lesson #152: ‘If I May …’: Using ‘May’ And ‘Might’ To Ask / Give Permission And Express Possibilities Read More »

Lesson #151: ‘To Put One’s Finger On The Passage’: How The Indefinite Pronoun ‘One’ Is Used In English

📜 Miss Tita confided to me that at present her aunt was so motionless that she sometimes feared she was dead; moreover she took hardly any food—one couldn’t see what she lived on. – Henry James, The Aspern Papers (1888) If you have been studying or reading in English for a while, chances are that you have

Lesson #151: ‘To Put One’s Finger On The Passage’: How The Indefinite Pronoun ‘One’ Is Used In English Read More »

Lesson #150 (Part 2): When Should You Use ‘Shall’ Vs. ‘Will’?

This lesson post completes the yesterday’s, so please make sure to read it before this one. The last principle or rule for distinguishing how to use ‘shall’ vs. ‘will’ in English: … 📝 #5 When describing a future action or decision in a non-interrogative context, should you use ‘shall’ or ‘will’? The best way to

Lesson #150 (Part 2): When Should You Use ‘Shall’ Vs. ‘Will’? Read More »

Lesson #150 (Part 1): When Should You Use ‘Shall’ Vs. ‘Will’?

📘 ‘I beg, Catherine, you will always wrap yourself up very warm about the throat, when you come from the rooms at night; and I wish you would try to keep some account of the money you spend; I will give you this little book on purpose.’ – Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey (1817) Have you

Lesson #150 (Part 1): When Should You Use ‘Shall’ Vs. ‘Will’? Read More »