Field Notes
uk-us
Their, There or They're?
Their, there and they're sound identical out loud and identical is exactly the problem on paper
SpellingComplement/Compliment, Principal/Principle, Stationary/Stationery
Compliment your principal on the stationary he ordered — three classic swaps, sorted before they embarrass you
SpellingAdvice/Advise & Practice/Practise (Regional Split)
That email to your tutor stalls on advice or advise, practice or practise — here's the fix
SpellingHome & Household Vocabulary (Flat or Apartment?)
An American film says "leave your coat in the closet" — flat or apartment, wardrobe or closet, sorted
SpellingTransport Vocabulary (Lift or Elevator?)
The sign says elevator, you wanted a lift — the transport words that swap sides of the Atlantic
SpellingFood & Shopping Vocabulary (Crisps or Chips?)
Ask for crisps in an American shop and watch the blank stare — the chips/fries tangle, untangled
SpellingClothing Vocabulary (Trousers or Pants?)
You know the words, you've worn the clothes — until trousers meets pants and the meaning flips
StyleFormal or Informal? Choosing the Right Register
"Write it formally" says one teacher; "sound like yourself" says another — how to pick the right register
StyleContractions in Formal Writing: Is "Don't" Ever OK?
"Don't" comes back ringed in red on a history essay — when contractions actually work in formal writing
StyleSlang, Emoji, Ellipses & Dashes: When They Earn Their Place
One emoji, one dash, one ellipsis... knowing when they land and when they just look sloppy
StyleAcademic & Professional Style: Credible Without Stiff
Blank page, renewable energy essay due — how to sound credible without sounding like a robot
StyleImpersonal Tone, Hedging & Cautious Claims
It could be argued or I think when hedging sounds sharp not shifty