Monthly Archives: September 2015

Count and Noncount Nouns: Technology Edition

September 28, 2015UncategorizedComputers, Grammar, Job, Universitydave

In class, these topics often come up. I decided to post it here as well.

Hardware = noncount
Software = noncount
Information = noncount
Computer = count
File = count
App = count
Data = plural, but most people use it as a noncount noun. (datum is the singular form, but this use is very uncommon.)

How to Pay and Save

September 22, 2015UncategorizedVocabulary, Workdave

Just a few notes about money today.

The verb is pay. It is regular, so the past is paid and the past participle is also paid. Spelling the past form “payed” is always wrong.

“Deposit” is the verb you use when you put money into your back account. To take the money out, say “withdraw.”

Deposit is regular: deposit/deposited/deposited, but “withdraw” is irregular: withdraw/withdrew/withdra

Road Trip Series – Banff

September 17, 2015UncategorizedRoad Tripsdave

Banff

Banff. Winter sports galore!

Feminist and Sexist: Common Confusion

September 12, 2015UncategorizedSpeaking, Workdave

In an exercise, my students learn about a woman who thinks that women are better managers than men. When I ask them, many students will say that this woman has a feminist idea. It’s time to clear up the confusion. The idea that we need for this situation is sexist. A sexist person believes that one sex is always better. A feminist is a person who believes that men and women are equal.

Please, also be careful with ‘sexist’ (believes one sex is always better) and ‘sexiest’ (the most attractive.)