Word of the Day

delay

The word "delay" can be used as a verb or as a noun when describing a situation in which something or someone is late. In fact, "delay" has a similar meaning to the adjective "late," but you can’t use "late" as a verb or as a noun.

  • My flight was delayed for about two hours. (The plane was late. This sentence is in the passive voice. "Delay" is often used in the passive voice.)
  • I’m sorry I’m late. I was delayed by traffic.
  • You should expect to be delayed if you drive on a highway where there’s a lot of construction.
  • They’re going to delay their wedding until next year. (delay = put off; postpone)
  • Don’t delay. Try to make a decision now.

All of these sentences use "delay" as a noun:

  • There was a 30-minute delay during the game because of rain.
  • Highway construction causes big delays during rush hour.
  • Now that the problem has been solved, there should be no further delay.
  • A big snowstorm created delays at the airport.
  • If you order now, there won’t be any delay.
construction worker

Road construction causes delays for commuters.

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July 23, 2014

Word of the Day

Quiz 1 September 2012

Directions: Choose the best words to complete each sentence. (Answers: 1. edible; 2. cool; 3. sound; 4. jealous; 5. open; 6. drink; 7. sight; 8. eat; 9. store; 10. lick) cool drink eat edible jealous lick open sight sound store

  • 1. This steak is so over-cooked, it's barely __________.
  • 2. John lost his __________ when he realized someone hit his new car.
  • 3. Even though the construction of the building was __________, it could not withstand the force of a tornado.
  • 4. Gerald became __________ when he saw his girlfriend talking with another man.
  • 5. Are you __________ to the idea of going to Brazil on vacation?
  • 6. She can't drive. She's had way too much to __________.
  • 7. Try not to lose __________ of your goals.
  • 8. This meeting is probably going to __________ up most of the afternoon.
  • 9. Where do you __________ your frozen food?
  • 10. It's not necessary to _________ postage stamps anymore. Most of them have an adhesive backing.

Word of the Day

able

The word "able" is almost always used with "be" and "to." Together these words form a verb phrase. When a person can do something or has the ability or time to do something, use "be able to" to describe the situation. It’s very similar to "can."

  • She’s able to speak English. (She can speak English.)
  • He isn’t able to finish his work. (He can’t finish his work.)
  • We’re able to donate money to that organization.
  • I’m not able to see you today.
  • Why aren’t you able to help me?

Sometimes "be able to" appears with modal verbs or other verb phrases:

  • Tom has to be able to use his computer.
  • Sarah wants to be able to leave work early today. (She wants permission from her supervisor.)
  • Are you going to be able to get your homework finished?
  • If you want this job you must be able to speak English well.

"Be able to" is often used at the end of a sentence in the negative:

  • He wanted to go to the party, but he wasn’t able to.
  • I’d love to see you, but I’m not able to.
  • The police officer told her to move her car, but she wasn’t able to. The battery was dead.

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December 14, 2011

Word of the Day

Word Of The Day Quiz 58 November 2016

Here’s a printable PDF for this quiz.

Directions: Choose the best word to complete each sentence or question. arm basket danger disappoint fuss grumble hesitate lapse maintain never opinion pale rake sock take vote

  • 1. You shouldn't __________ to call the police if your life is in __________.
  • 2. Gladys is frustrated with her boss because he never asks for her ___________.
  • 3. A momentary __________ in judgement caused the young man to make a big mistake.
  • 4. Many people use a laundry ___________ for carrying clothes.
  • 5. Mr. Olson knew his employees would __________ about having to work on a holiday.
  • 6. Martha looks really __________ today. Is she sick?
  • 7. You'll __________ your parents if you don't finish your education and get a good job.
  • 8. A convicted criminal who receives a life sentence will __________ be released.
  • 9. We have to __________ up all the leaves on the ground before the snow falls.
  • 10. A homeowner who fails to __________ his house will reduce the value of the home.
  • 11. In most states In the United States its legal to carry a fire_________ if you have a permit.
  • 12. Hilda doesn't want anyone to make a big ___________ about her upcoming 50th birthday.
  • 13. A big snowstorm is going to __________ the east coast this weekend.
  • 14. A person who doesn't __________ can't complain about election results.
  • 15. Try not to __________ too long in the shower.
  • 7. disappoint; 8. never; 9. rake; 10. maintain; 11. arm; 12. fuss; 13. sock; 14. vote;
  • 15. take