Found 97 articles starting with N:

narrative - correct spelling

narrative - noun and adjective
Example: The writer’s narrative recounts the plight of immigrants in 1900. ...

natural - correct spelling

natural - adjective and noun
Example: She insisted on buying natural foods. adjective...

naturally - correct spelling

naturally - adverb
Grammar.com's section on the Parts of Speech discusses the demise of -ly adverbs. Click here for...

Naught vs. Nought

The source of some of the most confusing spelling differences in English can be placed in the evolution of the English vocabulary over the past decades.American English and British English vary a lot in pronunci...

nausea, nauseate, nauseous, nauseating - vocabulary

nausea, noun
; nauseate, verb
; nauseous, nauseated, and nauseating, adjectives
.Note: Purists insist that nauseou...

nauseated - correct spelling

nauseated - adjective and verb (past tense and past participle of the verb nauseate)  Note: For a di...

Nauseated vs. Nauseous

Nauseated vs. Nauseous: Navigating Descriptions of Feeling Unwell Choosing between "nauseated" and "nauseous" can be a matter of precision when describing feelings of discomfort. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between "naus...

nauseous - correct spelling

nauseous - adjective
Note: For a discussion of the differences among nauseous, nauseating, and nauseated, see Grammar.com’s section on Problem Words....

nauseous, nauseated, nauseating

Using nauseous for nauseated is incorrect but so common that we can no longer call it an error.But careful writers observe traditional meaning. The word nauseous de...

naval, navel

Your navel is your belly button. Naval is a synonym for nautical, which is used to describe anything having to do with the Navy or ships.Example: The ...

necessary - correct spelling

necessary - adjective and noun
Example: The weather caused a necessary change in our plans. adj...

necessity - correct spelling

necessity - noun
Example: He viewed his laptop computer as his one necessity....

Need vs. Knead

I need to knead ...

needle - correct spelling

needle - noun and verb
Example: The gentle nurse slipped the needle into the child’s arm. noun...

nefarious - vocabulary

adjective
Wicked or villainous in the extreme; vile, heinous. One of the most nefarious aspects of the court of Constantinople (known as the Seraglio and the Sublime Porte) was the all-...

negligence - correct spelling

negligence - noun
Example: His negligence on the highway caused him to lose his license.Example: The lawyers brought...

neighbor - correct spelling

neighbor - noun and verb
Example: Their neighbor mows his lawn at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. noun...

Neighbor vs. Neighbour

New neighbors just moved in the big white house. Consider this sentence for a moment. Does the word neighbors make you think again that maybe the spellings of neighbor aren’t re...

neither

When neither serves as a pronoun, it is typically singular, that is, it requires a singular verb
and a singul...

neither - correct spelling

neither - correlative conjunction, adjective, and pronoun
Example: Neither...

neologism

A neologism is a newly coined word, or a new use for an old word. An example of a neologism is the word webinar, for a seminar on the web or the Internet....

Nerve Wracking vs. Nerve Racking

With today’s hectic schedules, everyone in their life experience at least one stressful situation every day. Anything which causes a feeling of stress or anxiety to an individual is referred to nerve-racking. However, there is another similar word in...

Net vs. Gross

Gross” and “net” are complex English words. More exactly, both come with their own, unique significations, multiple meanings and uses. The words aren’t spelled similarly, so it’s quite logical and easy to distinguish them and use them correctly. But ...

Neurology vs. Numerology

Introduction Despite their similar phonetic structure, "neurology" and "numerology" refer to distinctly different fields of study. Understanding the meanings and implications of these terms is crucial for their accurate application in co...

neutron - correct spelling

neutron - noun
Example: The tiny neutron has slightly more mass than a proton....

Never mind vs. Nevermind

Never mind vs. Nevermind: Navigating Common Expressions When expressing dismissal or indicating that something is not worth further consideration, the terms "never mind" and "nevermind" are often used interchangeably. However, there are s...

New vs. Knew

If two or more words sound the same when spoken out loud, but have different meanings, they are called homop...

newspaper - correct spelling

newspaper - noun
Example: The newspaper arrived in a plastic bag, but it was still all wet....

newsstand - correct spelling

newsstand - noun
Example: He bought the daily newspaper at the newsstand....

nickel - correct spelling

nickel - noun
Example: In the 1940s, the elderly lady paid a nickel for a cup of coffee....

niece - correct spelling

niece - noun
Example: My niece lives in California....

night - correct spelling

night - noun
Example: It was a dark and stormy night. ** From wikipedia:"It was a dark and stormy night" is an infamou...

Night vs. Knight

Night vs. Knight: Navigating Homophones in Language Homophones, words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings, can lead to confusion. "Night" and "knight" are classic examples. This article aims to clarify the distin...

nihilism, nihilist - vocabulary

noun
Nihilism: the total rejection of laws and institutions; nihilism is marked by terrorism, anarchy, and other revolutionary activity. In philosophy, nihilism is an extreme form...

ninety - correct spelling

ninety - noun and adjective
Example: He lived to the ripe old age of ninety. noun...

Ninety vs. Ninty

Ninety vs. Ninty: Unraveling the Distinctions Within the numerical realm, the terms "ninety" and "ninty" appear similar at first glance, yet a closer inspection reveals subtle differences in their usage and application. This article aims ...

ninth - correct spelling

ninth - adjective, noun, and adverb (also ninthly)  Example: He was the ninth person t...

No Deposit Bonus Terminology: How to Correctly Interpret and Use Specific Terms

What is a no deposit bonus, and what do players need to understand about this bonus? What important terms and features should bonus gamblers focus on? This article will cover the basic terms and requirements of the no-deposi...

No Later Than vs. No Later Then

No Later Than vs. No Later Then: A Clarification Within the realm of deadlines and time-related expressions, the terms "no later than" and "no later then" may seem interchangeable, but a closer examination reveals crucial distinctions. Th...

no one - correct spelling

no one - pronoun
Not noone.Example: He apparently likes no one, and no one...

No One vs. Nobody

In today’s world, with a rise in feminism, the application of basic masculine pronouns makes it difficult for writers to write without receiving criticism. That leads to the writers switching to the use of nobody and no one in their writings. ...

No One vs. Noone

Have you ever wondered why some pairs of words are shortened into a single word, but not other pairs? To mak...

no-action verb

All main verbs divide into two broad categories: action verbs (transitive and intransitive
) and no-action verbs (the ...

No-Action Verbs

Recall that we’ve divided all verbs into two groups—action verbs and no-action verbs. The action verbs consist of two kinds: transitive and intransitive. Transitive verbs have direct objects. Intransitive verbs don’t.The no-action category al...

noisome, noisy

The human ear can detect only one of these words, that is, noisy. The other, noisome, is better associated with the nose. Noisy means “loud.” Noisome ...

noisome, noisy - vocabulary

adjective
Noisome: very offensive, particularly to the sense of smell, as in noisome fumes.Noisy: loud.Note: The human ear c...

nominal clause

A nominal clause is a group of words with a conjugated verb in it that acts as a noun
. Also called a noun clause, this structure can fulfill virtually all functions of a noun. A nominal clause s...

Nominative Case

Th...

Non-Profit vs. Not For Profit

At a first sight, "non-profit" and "not for profit" seem to mean the same. But these terms are used most commonly in economic contexts, where accuracy is essential. So if you have to choose the right spelling to include into your writing, especially ...

nondefining clause

The great grammarian Henry Fowler coined this term to refer to a nonrestrictive clause. A nondefining clause looks to the noun modified and adds information about it. It does not single it out among others that could exist in the ...

none, singular or plural

This indefinite pronoun may take either a singular or a plural verb
. Don’t pa...

nonparallel construction

When you write a series of elements in a sentence, each element must (1) appear in the same grammatical form and (2) perform the same grammatical function. This is the rule of parallel construction
. If any element...

nonpareil - vocabulary

noun, adjective
A person or thing without equal, peerless; a small pellet of sugar used for decorating cookies or candy; a bite-sized chocolate covered with these pellets. I see you ...

nonrestrictive clause

A nonrestrictive clause is also called a nondefining clause.A nonrestrictive clause looks to the noun modified and adds information about it. It does not single it out among others that could exist in the context....

nor

Many writers use nor as a conjunction even when the negative state has already been established in the sentence. Savvy writers use or because the nega...

normality vs. normalcy

Normality vs. Normalcy: Navigating Distinctions in Usage Understanding the differences between "normality" and "normalcy" involves recognizing variations in usage and acceptance. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between "norm...

Nose vs. Knows

The English language is a complex tapestry woven with words that, despite sounding alike, can have vastly different meanings and origins. Among such pairs are the words 'nose' and 'knows'. This essay seeks to illu...

nostrum - vocabulary

noun
A medicine sold with exaggerated claims of its efficacy; quack medicine; snake oil; a scheme, theory, or device, especially one to remedy social or political ills. As to Squire Western, he was seldom ou...

Not Surprising vs. Not Surprisingly

Not surprising vs. Not surprisinglyWhen you want to use the opposite meaning of a word, adding "not" before tha...

not to mention

See coupled with, as well as, along with, together with, not to mention
....

noticeable - correct spelling

noticeable - adjective
Example: The stain was noticeable and caused him embarrassment....

Notional vs. National

The English language is rich and diverse, housing words that often sound alike but carry vastly different meanings. Two such terms are 'notional' and 'national.' This essay will explore the definitions, usages, and distinctions between these two w...

noun

A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea or emotional state. Nouns are characterized by their ability to form plurals and to take possessive endings. The noun serves a variety of roles in our sentence...

noun absolute

The noun absolute is a power structure that belongs in your style. All great writers routinely use noun absolutes. In fact, you won't find a great work of fiction without oodles of noun absolutes. You form a noun absolute by taking a ...

noun adverb

A noun can act as an adverb
. In the following examples, notice how the noun answers one of the adverbial questions (how, when, where, or why): He went h...

noun appositive

 See appositive
....

noun chain

These days writers write long chains of nouns that befuddle the reader. A noun chain is a string of nouns, some acting as noun modifiers and one finally serving the noun function in the sentence. The expression noun chain is, itself, a noun ...

noun clause

 See nominal clause
....

noun clause

 See nominal clause
....

Noun Function 1 - Subjects of Sentences or Clauses

We reviewed this first function in our overview above: The subject joins with the verb to form the main idea of the sentence. An example will jog your memory. We’ll use our noun-packed sentence, a sentence showing all 10 functions of the noun....

Noun Function 10 - Noun Absolutes

And now we reach the end of the list and find one of the most potent structures the English language makes available to aspiring writers.But before visiting noun absolutes, let’s review. Here’s the list of the 10 functions of nouns. Notice th...

Noun Function 2 - Subject Complements

We reviewed this function in our overview above: The subject complement is a noun following the verb to be or other linking verb. An example should suffice to remind you of the gist of the subject complement. Remember, this function also car...

Noun Function 3 - Direct Object of Transitive Verb

In the Grammar.com section on verbs, we’ll discuss transitive verbs, those that can pick up nouns. (Click here for the beginning of that discussion.) The noun it sticks to the sentence is call...

Noun Function 4 - Object of Verbal Phrase

Transitive verbs—those that can directly pick up a noun and stick it to a sentence—can appear as phrases, specifically as infinitive phrases (to win the game) or as present-participial phrases (winning the game). Well, notice that e...

Noun Function 4 - Object of Verbal Phrase

Transitive verbs—those that can directly pick up a noun and stick it to a sentence—can appear as phrases, specifically as infinitive phrases (to win the game) or as present-participial phrases (winning the game). Well, notice that e...

Noun Function 5 - Indirect Object

Here’s a function of the noun we skipped over in our general overview above. Look at the following example. Then we’ll discuss the nature of the indirect object.5. Indirect ObjectOnce again, one sentence shows all 10 ...

Noun Function 6 - Object of the Preposition

We’ll learn more about this function in the Grammar.com section on prepositions.  (Click here for the beginning of that discussion.) A preposition has one major role ...

Noun Function 7 - Noun Appositives

Now let’s look at some noun structures that can hang directly on sentences all by themselves without prepositions or verbs. We’ll visit the final four functions:7. Noun Appositives 8. Noun Modifiers 9. Noun Adverbs 10. Noun AbsolutesL...

Noun Function 8 - Noun Modifiers

Nouns often modify other nouns, as in noun modifier or sentence structure. We have thousands of terms where a first ...

Noun Function 9 - Noun Adverbs

Words we think of as nouns often act like adverbs.9. Noun AdverbsOur model sentence shows a noun adverb: The professor, John Smith, is the noun expert, so yesterday he gave th...

Noun functions - What They Do - A Closer Look

Above, we learned about three functions of the noun: subjects, objects, and complements. But nouns perform 10 functions in our language, and good writers take advantage of all of them. When you finish this more detailed discussion, you’ll start playi...

Noun Functions 1-5 - Verb Dependent

Take a look at the first five noun functions:1. subject of the verb 2. complement of to be or a linking verb 3. direct object of a transitive verb 4. object of a verbal phras...

Noun Functions 1-6 - Dependent Nouns

Noun Functions - Dependent on Verbs and PrepositionsA noun has a hard time jumping up on the back of a sentence without some help. It turns to the verb for its first five functions, to the preposition for its sixth. Its remai...

noun modifier

A noun can act as an adjective
. When it does, we call it a noun modifier. Indeed, in the expression noun modifier, the word noun acts as a noun modifier. We have hundreds of these expressions in our...

Noun Modifiers

Noun Acting as an AdjectiveIronically, another word often acts as a modifier of nouns. The noun itself often modifies another noun.Our language overflows with noun modifiers: football ...

noun substitute

This is not an official grammatical term. Rather, I made it up to refer to three structures in our language that can step in and perform the roles of the noun: (1) nominal clauses, (2) infini...

nouniness

In his great work, Modern English Usage, Henry Fowler referred to a “nouny abstract style.” I took that adjective nouny and turned it into the noun nouniness.The term nouniness describes the style of many w...

Nouns - Definition, Overview, and Lists of Examples

WelcomeWhat's a noun?Below you’ll find links to our discussion on nouns. We recommend that you start with the first topic,Nouns - Words That Name
. At the bottom of...

Nouns - Words That Name

Let’s start with the noun. Here, you’ll learn about the nature of the noun and three of its main functions in our language: (1) subjects, (2) objects, and (3) complements. Then, in later sections, we’ll explore the 10 functions that nouns perform in ...

Now let’s fix the chapter title…

The chapter title "There's lots of these subject-verb disagreements" should read:There are lots of these subject-verb disagreements.The expression "there is" should alw...

now, know, no

Now means “at the present time,” “immediately,” or “at this point.” Know means “to perceive” or “to understand.” No means “no.”Example: Ri...

nowadays - correct spelling

nowadays - adverb and noun
Example: Few people grow their own food nowadays. adverb...

nuance - vocabulary

noun
A slight degree of difference in anything perceptible; a very slight variation or difference in color or tone. Throughout these eight or ten volumes he proves himself to be one of those rare writers who...

nuisance - correct spelling

nuisance - noun
Example: The barking dog was nothing but a nuisance....

number

The concept of number applies to nouns, verbs, and pronouns
. Number distinguishes “oneness” and “more-than-oneness,” that is, it distinguishes the singular from th...

Number - Singular or Plural

More than OneWhen the Pronoun Committee met in Amber and Igor’s cave, it realized another universal truth:Often there would be more than one speaker, more than one listener, and more than one unfortunate soul ...

Numbers in Lists Within Text

Use parentheses to enclose numerals or letters marking divisions or enumerations within the text of your writing. Remember, in indented and vertical lists, the period sets off the number or letter: He discovered the various abuses in ...

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    Quiz

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    Choose the sentence with correct use of the possessive apostrophe:
    A The cat's tail is fluffy.
    B Its been a long day.
    C Theyre planning a trip for next summer.
    D Shes going to her friends party.

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