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Ablaut Reduplication in English

2026-02-19T13:21:21+01:00

What sounds weird about the following terms? Flop-flip. Hop-hip. Tac-tic-toe. Tock tick. They don't follow something called ablaut reduplication. This makes them sound really weird to English speakers. So what exactly is ablaut reduplication and what are some examples we use in everyday life? Keep reading to find out! What is ablaut reduplication? A lot like how English has a set order of adjectives, which we've written about before, it also has a set order for vowels in words that repeat with similar sounds. Much like the order of adjectives, this has a set order that a lot of English [...]

Ablaut Reduplication in English2026-02-19T13:21:21+01:00

Legal Doublets in English

2026-02-19T13:15:47+01:00

Have you ever heard of legal doublets? I didn't know the term until I saw an Instagram post from Miriam Webster. They're a huge part of the English language, and a great way to learn new vocabulary if you're an English student! Legal doublets are falling out of fashion (becoming less popular) as (because) people think they're very wordy and unnecessary. However, they're very common in English and are great to know. Here's a little bit of the history of legal doublet, as well as some examples to learn from! A History of Legal Doublets In 1066, William the Conqueror, [...]

Legal Doublets in English2026-02-19T13:15:47+01:00

Phrasal verb: get down

2026-02-19T13:04:05+01:00

Phrasal verbs are an important part of learning a language, which we’ve spoken about before on the Bespeaking blog. But there are so many different phrasal verbs, all with at least one meaning, so we thought it was high time (overdue, past time) to introduce you to another one! Phrasal verbs are a verb + preposition or participle. The preposition or participle changes the original meaning of the verb into something else. One common phrasal verb you’ll hear in English is get down, or get down to. Get down has a few different meanings, so let’s get going and talk [...]

Phrasal verb: get down2026-02-19T13:04:05+01:00

Orphaned Negatives in English

2024-11-18T20:18:43+01:00

One of my favorite movies, 10 Things I Hate About You, has a great quote: "I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?" "I think you can in Europe!" When I first learned about orphaned negatives, I was reminded of (made me think of) this quote. Orphaned negatives, which are words that have a negative form (version), but no positive form, reminded me about whelmed, and how this word doesn't exist (isn't real) in English (not even in Europe!). This week on the blog, we'll be looking at orphaned negatives: what [...]

Orphaned Negatives in English2024-11-18T20:18:43+01:00

Suffixes -er and -ee: Which is which?

2023-06-03T20:14:49+01:00

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the suffixes -er and -ee? They can be very confusing when you're learning English, so Bespeaking is here to help you learn the difference! These suffixes turn up (are found) pretty often in English, so this is definitely something that will come in handy (be useful) if your aim is to become fluent in English -- or even just want to understand more about the language. Ready to beef up (add to, improve) your English knowledge? Then let's explore the suffixes -er and -ee! What is a suffix? Before we get [...]

Suffixes -er and -ee: Which is which?2023-06-03T20:14:49+01:00

Why You Could Use a Bespeaking Proofreader

2023-05-31T14:44:56+01:00

Have you ever written a text and then realized that it would be useful to have another person read it as well? This person could then give you feedback (thoughts, opinions) on what you've written, as well as look for any mistakes you may have made. If this is the case, then you may have been looking for a proofreader. A proofreader is someone who reads over texts to look for and correct mistakes as well as help people improve their writing. There are many different aspects that a proofreader can help with, and a Bespeaking proofreader is the perfect [...]

Why You Could Use a Bespeaking Proofreader2023-05-31T14:44:56+01:00

Many and Much: Which One to Use?

2023-05-19T10:31:24+01:00

We've talked on the blog before about when to use fewer vs. less, which are both opposites of the word more.  Another similar set (group) of words are many and much. Many and much are used in very similar circumstances (instances, situations) to fewer and less. Many and much are used with countable and uncountable nouns, respectively. For a quick refresher on countable and uncountable nouns, an explainer on when to use many and much, as well as a short quiz, keep reading! Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns, and Many and Much Whether a noun is countable or uncountable has to [...]

Many and Much: Which One to Use?2023-05-19T10:31:24+01:00

How to Use Quotation Marks

2023-05-04T09:08:27+01:00

Do you know how to quote (cite) someone in your writing- whether in business, academia or in informal situations? Knowing how to use quotation marks – these -> “….” can help you write clearly and talk about what other people have said. They're an extremely useful part of writing, so it's important to know how to use quotation marks correctly. Whether you're a student who is learning about quotation marks for the first time, or a native speaker who wants a refresher (to review, learn again) on how to use quotation marks properly, keep reading to find out how to [...]

How to Use Quotation Marks2023-05-04T09:08:27+01:00

Do and Make Phrases in English

2023-05-03T15:51:46+01:00

In some languages, the words make and do are very similar, and can sometimes be used interchangeably. However, this is not the case in English. Make and do are two separate words that cannot be used to substitute (replace) one another. But there are some do and make phrases in English to help you remember when to use each word. Make In English, the word make is typically used when you create, construct, or build something. You will often hear the word make in relation to meals (prepared food). For example, you make yourself some lunch, or you ask your partner [...]

Do and Make Phrases in English2023-05-03T15:51:46+01:00

Root Word Fort: Strong

2023-05-03T14:33:48+01:00

Has anyone ever told you that you have fortitude? Do you put a lot of effort into the things that you do? Then you might be interested to know about the root word fort, or strong. We love root words here at Bespeaking because they're a great way to learn and remember new words! Root words like Ject, Err, Cult, Se give you terrific (great) insight into how words work and how they are related. Find out how the root word fort strengthens these words, with some help from our friends at Merriam Webster. Fortitude (noun) mental strength and courage that allows someone to face danger, pain, etc. For example: Her fortitude helped her get [...]

Root Word Fort: Strong2023-05-03T14:33:48+01:00

Both, Either, and Neither

2023-04-25T11:00:40+01:00

How do you talk about two things in English? Whether you're talking about two things that are similar or eliminating (getting rid of, deleting) two things, it's important to have the right vocabulary. For that we have the words both, either, and neither in English. Curious about how to use these words? Then read on to improve your English vocabulary! Both Both, quite simply, is an easy way to talk about two things at the same time. We use both in English to talk about one thing and second thing. You can use it with two adjectives to help describe [...]

Both, Either, and Neither2023-04-25T11:00:40+01:00

Mistake Words in English

2024-08-29T16:45:35+01:00

As much as we may like to be, we can't be perfect all the time. We're only human, and humans make mistakes. That means we say or do something wrong. That's why we decided to introduce you to some mistake words in English. The next time you make a mistake, slip up, or an error, you'll have the vocabulary to describe what happened. Mistake A mistake is something that is wrong or incorrect, and usually done on accident (not on purpose). People don't mean to make a mistake, but sometimes it happens! If you make a mistake, don't beat yourself [...]

Mistake Words in English2024-08-29T16:45:35+01:00
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