FAQ: frequently asked questions about English
What is English a mix of?
English is a language that has borrowed words and influences from many other languages over its history. It's primarily a mix of Germanic languages like Old English and Norse, with a significant influence from Latin and French due to historical events. English also incorporates words from Spanish, Dutch, Arabic, and countless other languages due to global interactions. This diversity makes English rich and versatile, with a wide vocabulary and a mix of grammar rules from different language families. It's a constantly evolving language that continues to absorb new words and expressions from various sources.
What is the difference between "your" and "you're"?
- "Your" is a possessive adjective (e.g., "This is your book").
- "You're" is a contraction of "you are" (e.g., "You're very kind").
When should I use "a" and "an"?
- Use "a" before words that start with a consonant sound (e.g., "a dog").
- Use "an" before words that start with a vowel sound (e.g., "an apple").
What is the difference between "past" and "passed"?
- "Past" refers to time or position (e.g., "I walked past the house").
- "Passed" is the past tense of "pass" (e.g., "I passed the test").
When do I use "much" and "many"?
- Use "much" with uncountable nouns (e.g., "How much water do you drink?").
- Use "many" with countable nouns (e.g., "How many books do you have?").
What is the difference between "since" and "for"?
- Use "since" with a specific point in time (e.g., "I have lived here since 2020").
- Use "for" with a duration of time (e.g., "I have lived here for three years").
How do I know when to use "who" or "whom"?
- Use "who" as the subject of a sentence (e.g., "Who is calling?").
- Use "whom" as the object (e.g., "To whom should I send the email?").
What is the difference between "there," "their," and "they’re"?
- "There" refers to a place (e.g., "The book is over there").
- "Their" shows possession (e.g., "This is their house").
- "They're" is a contraction of "they are" (e.g., "They're happy today").