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Idioms & expressions

Add new idioms and expressions to your vocabulary. Learn how to use them in real-life situations.

The Differences Between “How are You Doing?” and “How are You?”

The Differences Between “How are You Doing?” and “How are You?”

The two phrases typically sound the same. But do you know that there’s a significant difference between “how are you?” and “how are you doing?”

Geoffrey Mutie
Geoffrey Mutie
English
Nerve-Wracking or Nerve-Racking — Which Spelling is Correct?

Nerve-Wracking or Nerve-Racking — Which Spelling is Correct?

Nerve-wracking and nerve-racking are two very similar-looking words. But are there any differences between them both?

Aneeca Younas
Aneeca Younas
English
To Whom It May Concern: When to Use It and When to Avoid It

To Whom It May Concern: When to Use It and When to Avoid It

When you use the phrase “To Whom It May Concern” it can make you sound ancient and offensive. It’s an outdated salutation that sounds out of place in this century.

Milena Lazova
Milena Lazova
English
Saying “All of a Sudden” vs. “All of the Sudden”

Saying “All of a Sudden” vs. “All of the Sudden”

If you’ve ever read an old detective paperback or suspense novel, you’re almost certainly already familiar with the phrase “all of a sudden.” It’s used to denote an event that occurs as a surprise or in an unguarded moment.

Cecilia Gigliotti
Cecilia Gigliotti
English
“My Apology” Or “My Apologies”—How to Use These Phrases Correctly

“My Apology” Or “My Apologies”—How to Use These Phrases Correctly

Both phrases for apologizing are correct, but they are used on different occasions.

Milena Lazova
Milena Lazova
English
Other Ways to Say “Broaden My Horizon”

Other Ways to Say “Broaden My Horizon”

Before we tell you the best synonyms for this phrase, let’s see what it actually means.

Milena Lazova
Milena Lazova
English
The Meaning of Comradery and Camaraderie

The Meaning of Comradery and Camaraderie

One on the slightly more formal side is comradery, often spelled camaraderie. It frequently denotes people who are united in a certain cause or interest, sometimes political or social, and suggests their regular collaboration to further that interest.

Cecilia Gigliotti
Cecilia Gigliotti
English
“Beck and Call” or “Beckon Call”? What is the Correct Phrase?

“Beck and Call” or “Beckon Call”? What is the Correct Phrase?

If you ever doubt whether you should use “beck and call” or “beckon call,” remember that it’s always the first one.

Milena Lazova
Milena Lazova
English