Practice expressions used to talk about work, projects and other people. Try each recording before opening the explanation.
Use an adjective clause after a noun when you need to identify it or add a useful detail. Use who for people, which for things, whose for possession, and where for places. In many identifying clauses, that can replace who or which. Use commas when the clause adds extra information rather than naming which person or thing you mean.
Use an adverb clause with a main clause to show time, reason, condition, or contrast. Start the adverb clause with a linking word such as when, because, if, unless, or although. If the adverb clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause. If it follows the main clause, a comma is not usually needed.
Use affect as a verb for influencing something. Use effect as a noun for the result of an influence or action.
Albeit means although. Use it to add a contrast, often before an adjective, adverb, or short phrase.
Put an appositive next to the noun it renames. Use commas when the reader already knows which person or thing you mean. Leave out commas when the appositive is needed to identify that person or thing.
Assure someone that something is true. Ensure that something happens or is ready. Insure a person or thing against a financial risk through an insurance policy.
Use beyond the pale when you mean that an action is seriously unacceptable: Sharing a colleague's private message was beyond the pale. The phrase is stronger than simply saying that you disagree. When people need to understand the problem or respond to it, say what happened and why it was harmful.
To burn the candle at both ends means to do too much over a period of time, especially by working or staying busy late and then starting early. Say, 'I have been burning the candle at both ends lately.' In a work conversation, a direct description of hours, deadlines, or support may be kinder and clearer.
Capricious means changing suddenly and unpredictably, often in a way that seems based on a passing mood rather than a clear reason.
Capricious means likely to change suddenly and unpredictably, often because of a whim rather than a clear reason.
Use compliment when you mean praise. Use complement when one thing completes, improves, or matches another thing.
Use although, even though, or though before a complete clause. Use despite or in spite of before a noun phrase or an -ing form. Put a comma after the opening concession clause when it comes before the main clause.