Suffix -wise

 

The suffix -wise is quite versatile in informal situations. It can be added to almost any noun to form an adjective or adverb to mean with respect to or concerning, in the manner of or in the direction of. 

• Food-wise there are many excellent choices on the menu, but money-wise the prices are high.
• Everything is going well job-wise but things could be better salary-wise.
• Health-wise Marie has completely recovered after chemotherapy.

I like to divide -wise into two categories: 

1.  Directional or in the manner of (clockwise, counterclockwise, lengthwise, crosswise, etc). These usually drop the hyphen because they are fixed expressions. Other examples could be otherwise or likewise.  Ex: Turn the dial clockwise to open. 
2.  Respect to or concerning (security-wise, school-wise, tax-wise, money-wise, etc.). The suffix -wise is attached to a noun with a hyphen.  Ex: Hillary always knows the current trends fashion-wise. (With respect to fashion, Hillary always knows the current trends.)

Adding -wise to nouns in informal English provides more versatility for you speaking-wise and writing-wise ;) 

Negative Infinitives

 

Here’s an inspiring quote from Albert Einstein: "Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.”

In this quote there is a great example of a grammar rule, which is how to make an infinitive negative. The famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet “To be, or not to be?” can help you remember the rule too: When making an infinitive negative, you put “not” before the infinitive.

Examples: 

• Marco decided not to go to Paris.
• Olga chose not to fly on the holiday. 
• I always try not to be late.
• It’s best not to drive if you are tired. 

An infinitive is the basic form of a verb with "to": to + verb  (example: to sing/to drive/to go). A split infinitive occurs whenever a word appears between ‘to’ and the verb. Here are those same sentences as split infinitives: 

• Marco decided to not go to Paris.
• Olga chose to not fly on the holiday. 
• I always try to not be late.
• It’s best to not drive if you are tired. 

Generally, experts don’t approve of split infinitives so the recommendation is to use them only  in informal situations.

 Try not to forget this grammar rule ;)

Speaking politely

It always helps to use polite words when communicating but sometimes, when learning a new language, we don’t know whether something we say is impolite or not. Here I will try to distinguish polite and informal / overly casual expressions so you will always be correct in any social situation. 

1. When making polite requests, use the modals would or could (+ simple verb +) : 

Would you wait a moment, please? 

Could I borrow your pen?

2. Will or can (+ simple verb +) are acceptaple but a little less formal: 

Will you show me how to install the new software?

Can you repeat that, please? I didn’t hear you. 

3. I would like  / or I’ll have. . .  (not I want): I would like a hamburger and a Coca Cola, please. 

4.  Let me know (not tell me): Let me know when you’re available. 

5. I prefer / or I’d rather / or I’m not too fond of / or I’m not a fan of . . (not I don’t like). 

I’m not too fond of the mountains / I’d rather go somewhere else instead of the mountains. (not I don’t like the mountains.)

6. I disagree / I’m afraid I disagree (not you’re wrong): 

It’s better to use more indirect speech when pointing our someone’s error. It’s a solfter, less offensive way to communicate your opposing view. 

An even less direct way to correct someone is to say actually / or I think you’re mistaken, and then give the correct information. 

We don’t want to offend anyone so keep these phrases in mind and the world will be a happier place. Also, don’t forget that please, thank you, and excuse me are universally polite and should be used often!

Make a splash!

The word splash is associated with water. Rain splashes on my windshield, children splash each other in the swimming pool, you splash water on your face, etc.

To splash is to move water around energetically, causing it to fly around noisily. You get many things wet by splashing.

There is also an English expression (a dry way of splashing), which is to make a splash. When you make a splash, you do or say something to attract a great deal of attention. It’s an informal way to talk about getting noticed or making an impression.

• The unknown painter made a splash in the artistic community with his abstract designs.
• Lorenzo’s original presentation made a splash with our most important client.
• The Beatles made a big splash during their first visit to the U.S. in 1964.

Making a splash always involves excitement so I hope someone makes a splash in your life soon!