Grawlix is a term for the use of an unpronounceable string of punctuation in place of a curse word or other taboo term. It can also be called “obscenicon” (a portmanteau of “obscenity” and “emoticon”) or “symbol swearing.”
Comic strips often use grawlix to show that a character is saying or thinking something “unprintable”—often to express frustration or surprise. It can also be used on social media to hide profanity. An instance of grawlix can appear alone or as part of a sentence.
Grawlix example“I had a $%#! day, and I’m $%@!%&$ tired!”
The prepositiondespite means “regardless of,” “even though,” or “notwithstanding.”
Despite and in spite of are also synonymous, but it’s important to remember that despite of is incorrect; the “of” is only needed in the other phrasing. A QuillBot grammar check can help you easily catch errors like “despite of.”
Examples: Despite of in a sentence
The dog keeps whining, despite of the fact that he’s been fed.
The dog keeps whining, despite the fact that he’s been fed.
The dog keeps whining, in spite of the fact that he’s been fed.
In spite of is a preposition that means “regardless of,” “even though,” or “notwithstanding.”
It introduces a prepositional phrase providing some contrasting information (e.g., “In spite of his lateness, Jimmy strolled into class as if nothing were wrong”).
In spite of and despite can be used interchangeably (e.g., “Despite his lateness …”).
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Jack Caulfield, MA.
Revised on
August 12, 2024.
Simile is a rhetorical device that makes a comparison between two things and/or people using the comparison words “as,” “than,” or “like.”
The comparison made in a simile is not a literal one between like things but a figurative one between unlike things. For example, “John is as tall as me” is not a simile—just a literal comparison—but “John is as tall as a mountain” is a simile and shouldn’t be taken literally.
Simile examplesHer hair was red as roses.
The crisp, white snow sparkled like diamonds.
I’m happier than the morning sun.
Similes are often used in prose or poetry. Do you want to find your creative voice? Try QuillBot’s Paraphraser!
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Jack Caulfield, MA.
Revised on
August 13, 2024.
The adverbial phraseevery time is used to mean “without exception” or “whenever.” It can also be used alone as an interjection, usually expressing frustration with some repeated problem.
It should always be written as two words with a space in between. Writing everytime is a common mistake that should be avoided. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can fix errors like this automatically.
Examples: Every time or everytime in a sentence
You don’t have to ask me for permission everytime you want to change something.
You don’t have to ask me for permission every time you want to change something.
Everytime! Bill exclaimed as the car engine struggled to start.
Every time! Bill exclaimed as the car engine struggled to start.
Published on
June 28, 2024
by
Jack Caulfield, MA.
Revised on
August 26, 2024.
A metaphor is way to describe something or someone by saying that it is (or sometimes isn’t) something else, as in the examples below.
Metaphor examplesDad is a caveman when it comes to social media.
Paul is my rock when I need someone to support me.
This is a figurative (nonliteral) use of language. A metaphorical statement isn’t literally true, but it’s used to state or imply something true about the thing or person described.
Metaphor can be categorized as a literary device, figure of speech, or rhetorical device. It is encountered in everyday speech, in literature, and in all kinds of writing. QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you explore creative writing devices like metaphors!
Truly is the correct spelling of the adverb used to mean “absolutely,” “properly,” or “in a truthful manner.” The related adjective is “true.”
People sometimes write “truely” instead, but this is the wrong spelling and doesn’t appear in the dictionary. The QuillBot Grammar Checker will always catch pesky mistakes like this.
Example: Truely vs truly
Do you truely believe that?
Do you truly believe that?
I’m truely exhausted after my long journey.
I’m truly exhausted after my long journey.
Adding “-ly” to the end of an adjective is the standard way of forming an adverb. When the adjective ends with “-ue,” though, the “e” is usually dropped for the adverb form, as is the case with “true/truly” and “due/duly.”
