Quick practice
He _____ these remarks so that his readers might understand.
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Thanks for everything.
Thank you for your patience while I learned the ropes.
“Everything” is kind but vague. One concrete detail makes the thanks memorable.
Better ways to say thank youEveryday word
benefitnoun
A good result or help that you get from something.
Where you'll meet it: B1 · noun
Full word pageUsage insight
Breath vs. Breathe: What’s the Difference?
Breath is a noun (take a deep breath). Breathe is a verb (remember to breathe). The verb has an extra “e” at the end and a longer vowel sound.
Read the lessonWord in context
stoicnoun
Calm and uncomplaining during pain or trouble.
A Stoic achieves happiness by submission to destiny.
How it's used: C1 · noun
Full word pageWord worth knowing
conciseadjective
Short and clear, using only the words needed.
Why it's useful: B2 · adjective
Full word pageA better word
nice (person)
warm
Makes people feel comfortable.
Better ways to say “bad”, “nice” and “interesting”Quick practice
She was the most important _____ in my life.
Full word pageDon't confuse these
Elicit vs Illicit
Elicit
To draw out a response or reaction.
The question elicited an awkward silence.
Illicit
Not allowed by law or rules.
They were fired for illicit use of company funds.
Elicit is something you do. Illicit is something something is.
Learn the differenceUsage insight
Professional Alternatives to “I Think” for Work Emails and Meetings
Replace “I think” with a phrase that matches your actual confidence and evidence: use “I recommend” for advice, “the data suggests” for evidence, and “in my experience” for judgment calls.
Read the lessonWord worth knowing
delicateadjective
Easily damaged or needing gentle care.
Why it's useful: B2 · adjective
Full word pageDon't confuse these
Jealous vs Envious
Jealous
Afraid of losing something you already have.
He got jealous when she spent the evening talking to someone else.
Envious
Wanting something that someone else has.
I'm envious of her ability to fall asleep anywhere.
Jealousy is about keeping. Envy is about wanting. Everyday speech blurs them, but careful writing keeps them apart.
Learn the differenceQuick practice
A walk through town will _____ many interesting buildings.
Full word pageSay this, not that
She's a good manager.
She's an effective manager, projects land on time.
Effective and supportive are both “good”, and they're not the same praise. Choose deliberately.
Better ways to say “good”