Spanish words of the week: herida or herido?

Here’s another opportunity to cut through the differences between a pair of related, similar-looking Spanish words. The two on the examination table today are herido and herida. Read More

French word of the week: plein

This series of weekly blogs takes a closer look at words from our French dictionaries. The word we're focusing on this week is the French word 'plein'. Read More

Vane, vein or vain?

The words vane, vein and vain are pronounced the same but each has a different meaning. This article explains how each word is used in English. vane Vane is a countable noun. A weather vane is a metal object on the roof of a building which turns round as the wind blows. It is used to … Read More

Spanish words of the week: cartero or cartera?

Of all the similar-looking Spanish wordswith different meanings and uses that could have come knocking, today it’s cartero and cartera that have arrived at our door. Read More

French word of the week: demi

This series of weekly blogs takes a closer look at words from our French dictionaries. The word we're focusing on this week is the French word 'demi'. Read More

Proper nouns

Nouns that are really names of particular people, places or things are called proper nouns. Proper nouns and titles are always written with an initial capital letter. They include: The names of specific peopleAnna DicksonMr John MertonUncle Liam Geographical places SpainThe ThamesHome FarmGlen RoadMount Fuji Planets and galaxies JupiterEarthMilky Way Days… Read More

Spanish words of the week: puerto or puerta?

It’s that time of the week when we navigate the different uses of a pair of similar-looking Spanish nouns with different genders, endings and meanings. Enter puerto (masculine) and puerta (feminine). Starting with puerta (feminine) you can listen to how it’s pronounced… Read More

French word of the week: repasser

This series of weekly blogs takes a closer look at words from our French dictionaries. The word we're focusing on this week is the French verb 'repasser'. Read More

Principle or principal?

Principle is always a noun. A principle is a general rule that someone’s behaviour or ideas are based on. She did not eat meat because it was against her principles. We follow the principle that everyone should be treated equally. Principal can be an adjective. The principal thing or person in a group is the… Read More