The trick I use to remember whether to use discreet or discrete is based on the placement of the Es. In discreet, which is used for keeping things quiet, the two Es are close together as if they are whispering in each other’s ears telling a secret. In discrete, which is used for things that are separate, the two Es are separated by a T. Let me know if that also helps you remember which is which.
The expression “no small feat” is used to point out a big accomplishment. The expression “no small feet” is used to point out big feet.
The meaning of forward can change depending on the context and the part of speech, but a foreword is only one thing. Memory trick: A foreword is the WORD that comes beFORE.
“When” should be used if you are referring to a specific time.
“Whenever” should be used if the time is less specific or repetitive.
“When ever” should only be written as two words if the meaning is “when, if ever”.
Example: When ever will you answer your email?
“Voilà is used in English to call attention to something, or to present some kind of accomplishment. For example, if you worked all day to plant a beautiful garden, you might present it to the rest of your family with a sweeping arm gesture and an enthusiastic “voilà!” “Viola” clearly doesn’t make sense in this context, but at least senseless violas are better than senseless violins.
“Voilà” is also frequently misspelled in ways that don’t confuse it with another word (but do indicate a mispronunciation). I’ve seen it as wala, wa-lah, wah-lah, and similar variations. Still spelled wrong, but perhaps not as confusing. If you have trouble remembering how to spell “voilà”, remember that it Very Often Isn’t Lettered Accurately.
“To toe the line” figuratively means to conform, submit to authority, obey the rules. The expression started out literally meaning to put your toes against a marked line. It has been used in the discipline of sailors and in sporting events with a starting line among other things. It dates from the 1800s, when “to toe the mark” was also a common expression.
“To tow the line” is not a common expression, but it would mean to drag a rope or something similar behind you.
Examples:
His last book was a letdown. (Noun=disappointment)
I let down my friends when I cancelled at the last minute. (Verb phrase=disappointed)
I let down the rope ladder so she could join us in the tree house. (Verb phrase=lowered)
I was still a good distance from the airport when I started to let down. (Verb phrase=to descend before landing an airplane)
I let down the hem of his pants because he has grown two inches this month. (Verb phrase=to lengthen)
We let down the participants as gently as we could when we cancelled the festival for the second year. (Verb phrase=give bad news)
The object of the verb can also be placed between “let” and “down”. If that is the case, then you know it needs a space.
