Lesson 2: Glossary of Usage B

Definition

Fewer is used with plural words. Less is used with singular words.

Explanation

Think about things you can count versus things you can't. You use fewer for items you can count one-by-one, like books, friends, or cars. It answers the question "how many?" You use less for things that are a general amount, like water, time, or homework. It answers the question "how much?"

Examples

• Are there fewer cars on the road on Sunday mornings? [Cars is plural, so fewer is used.]
• My dad puts less sugar in his coffee than my mom does. [Sugar is singular, so less is used.]

Definition

Good is an adjective. Do not use good to modify a verb; use well. Well can be used as an adverb.

Explanation

Here's a simple trick! Use good to describe a noun (a person, place, or thing), like a "good movie" or a "good dog." Use well to describe a verb (an action), like when you "sing well" or "play well." Also, remember that "feeling well" means you feel healthy, but "feeling good" means you feel happy.

Examples

• That was a good story you told. [Good is an adjective that tells "what kind" of story.]
• Maria did well on her science test. [Well is an adverb that tells "how" Maria did.]
• He felt good [happy] about helping his neighbor.
• My brother didn't feel well [healthy] so he stayed home from school.

Definition

These words are nonstandard English. Use himself and themselves.

Explanation

Watch out for words that sound like they could be right but aren't standard! Words like "hisself" and "theirselves" are not correct in formal writing. Always use himself when talking about one male person and themselves when talking about a group of people.

Examples

• NONSTANDARD: The chef made hisself a sandwich.
• STANDARD: The chef made himself a sandwich.
• NONSTANDARD: The players got theirselves ready for the game.
• STANDARD: The players got themselves ready for the game.

Definition

In informal situations, how come is often used instead of why. In formal speaking and writing, why is preferred.

Explanation

It's okay to ask "How come...?" when you're talking with friends or family. But when you are writing a school paper or speaking to a teacher, it sounds more formal and correct to use why. Think of why as the more professional-sounding choice for formal situations.

Examples

• INFORMAL: How come we have to leave the party so early?
• FORMAL: Why do we have to leave the party so early?

Definition

Its is the possessive form of it. It means "belonging to it." It's is a contraction of it is or it has.

Explanation

This is a super common mix-up! Its (no apostrophe) shows ownership, like "The dog wagged its tail." The apostrophe in it's is a tiny signal that it's a shortcut for two words: "it is" or "it has." If you can replace the word with "it is" and the sentence still makes sense, you should use it's.

Examples

• The robot moved its mechanical arm. [Its means "belonging to the robot."]
• It's almost time for summer vacation. [It's is a contraction of It is.]

Definition

"Kind of" and "Sort of" both mean a type of something or to some extent.
They are nearly identical in meaning and often interchangeable.
Used as noun phrases (type) or adverbial phrases (degree).

Explanation

"Kind of" is more common in American English.
"Sort of" is more common in British English.
In formal writing, avoid using them to mean "somewhat"; use alternatives like slightly, rather, or somewhat instead.

Examples

• For "Type of":

That's a weird kind of question.
I don’t like this sort of behavior.

• For "Degree / Slightly":

She’s kind of annoyed right now.
I’m sort of tired, but I’ll go anyway.