Published on
July 2, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
February 19, 2025
A collective noun is a type of noun used to refer to a group or collective of animals, people, or things. Collective nouns are treated as grammatically singular, even though they refer to a group.
Collective nouns include both common nouns (such as “family”) and proper nouns, like “Apple” or “QuillBot.”
Collective noun examplesThe herd of elephants lumbered gracefully through the savanna.
Our team is working diligently to complete the project ahead of schedule.
The jury delivered a unanimous verdict in the courtroom.
Published on
July 2, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
May 1, 2025
Cancelled and canceled are both correct spellings of the past tense of the verb “to cancel,” which means “revoke,” “annul,” or “neutralize.” The spelling depends on the variant of English you use:
In British English, “cancelled” with a double “l” is most common.
In American English, “canceled” with one “l” is the standard.
Nowadays, it’s also possible to say “someone is cancelled/canceled” when celebrities and influencers lose their support after a scandal. This use is informal and should be avoided in academic writing.
Examples: Cancelled or canceled in a sentenceMy membership was cancelled/canceled automatically.
The seasonal variations in revenue cancelled/canceled each other out.
Do you know that influencer who got cancelled/canceled after shouting at her kid?
The difference in spelling is also true for similar verbs, such as labelled or labeled, levelled or leveled, and travelled or traveled.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
November 5, 2025
Accept and except are two words that are typically pronounced identically (
), but they have different meanings.
Accept is a verb meaning “to receive” or “to agree to” something. Except is most commonly a preposition meaning “not including” or “other than.” A helpful trick is to remember that “except” starts with “ex-,” like the word “exclude.”
Examples: Accept in a sentence
Examples: Except in a sentence
I’m happy to accept the job offer.
I like all fruits except bananas.
Sandra did not accept John’s apology.
I would have gone to the park, except it started raining heavily.
Our company accepts and embraces diversity in the workplace.
He excepted his dad’s watch from the list of things to be sold at the auction.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
May 1, 2025
Theatre and theater are two spellings of the noun used to refer to the art of theatrical production or the building where theatrical performances take place. The spelling depends on whether you’re using American or British English.
In British English, “theatre” is correct.
In American English, “theater” is standard.
It’s important to choose one type of English and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Examples: Theatre or theater in a sentenceThe local theatre/theater put on a fantastic performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
The theatre/theater is hosting a series of classical film screenings this month.
Studying the art of theatre/theater allows you to explore the history of storytelling.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
Irregardless is often used instead of the adverbregardless to mean “despite everything.” It’s typically used as a transition word at the beginning of a sentence to change the topic.
Many dictionaries and other language authorities consider irregardless a nonstandard word, so you should avoid it in academic writing or professional communication.
Examples: Irregardless or regardless in a sentenceInformal writing Nonstandard (but sometimes accepted): I’m not sure about your advice, but I’m going to follow it irregardless. Best option: I’m not sure about your advice, but I’m going to follow it regardless.
Formal writing Not accepted: Irregardless, the organization remains committed to its environmental goals. Accepted: Regardless, the organization remains committed to its environmental goals.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
Ours is a first-person plural possessive pronoun. It’s sometimes written as “our’s”—with an apostrophe—but this spelling is incorrect.
Possession is typically indicated by adding ’s to a word, but possessive pronouns are an exception to this rule. This means that “our’s” is always incorrect. This is also true for other possessive pronouns, such as hers and theirs. A QuillBot grammar check will fix this and other common mistakes automatically.
Examples: Ours and our’s in a sentence
You paid for the food too! It’s not mine; it’s our’s!
You paid for the food too! It’s not mine; it’s ours!
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
Nowadays is an adverb that means “at this time.” It’s often used to make a comparison with a past time.
Now a days (with spaces) is a common misspelling of the word nowadays. It’s never correct and should always be avoided, similar to other misspellings like “now days,” “now-a-days,” “nowaday,” and “nowdays.”
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
November 5, 2025
Among and between are sometimes used as synonyms, but they don’t mean the same thing.
Among is a preposition meaning “in the company of” or “surrounded by.” It’s typically used before a plural noun.
Between is a preposition used to describe the space that separates two or more things or the time interval that separates two or more specific times. It often precedes a series of singular nouns.
Examples: Among in a sentence
Examples: Between in a sentence
I found the book I was looking for among the many books on the shelf.
The cat squeezed between the narrow gap in the fence.
There’s no honor among thieves.
A compromise was reached between the two parties.
The secret agent moved stealthily among the crowd.
Between breakfast and lunch, I like to have a light snack.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
November 5, 2025
Advisor and adviser are two accepted spelling variants of the same noun. They have the same meaning (someone who gives advice about a subject) and are pronounced the same.
Adviser is the older and more frequently used spelling, but it may be considered less formal in some contexts.
Advisor is used less frequently than “adviser.” It generally indicates an official (job) position and is more commonly used in US English than UK English.
Examples: Advisor vs adviserMy financial advisor helped me create an investment plan for my retirement.
The academic advisor helped the students select their courses.
The legal adviser reviewed the contract carefully.
She sought the counsel of an adviser before making a major career decision.
