Monday Muddle: fell, foul

fell: (adjective) evil, cruel, sinister, deadlyPart of the expression “one fell swoop”. foul: (adjective) unpleasant or offensive, especially relating to smell or taste; immoral; polluted; stormy, when relating to weatherNOT part of the expression “one fell swoop”. “Fell” is also a noun, a verb, and the past tense of the …

Monday Muddle: any more, anymore

any more: (determiner/quantifier) indicates an indefinite amount Used in questions asking about quantity. Used in negative statements to indicate there is no more of something.Examples:Do you have any more cake? I don’t have any more cake. anymore: (adverb) any longerExample:You have had enough, so don’t ask me for cake anymore.

Monday Muddle: collected, collective

collected: (adjective) gathered together, composed, self-controlledUsed in the expression “calm, cool and collected”. collective: (noun) a group with a common interest or objective; (adjective) done or shared by people as a groupNOT used in the expression “calm, cool and collected”.

Monday Muddle: bear, bare

bear: (noun) a large animal; (verb) to carry; to withstand; to support; to provide; to give birthPart of the expression “bear with me”. bare: (adjective) minimal; plain; uncovered; unclothed; (verb) to uncover; to remove clothingNOT part of the expression “bear with me”. It has always been my advice that if …

Monday Muddle: circumstances, circumcisions

If you saw my Facebook post on Friday, you will understand why I’m sharing this muddle. It’s a mistake you don’t want to make, and you especially don’t want to put it on a public sign. circumstances: (noun, plural) situation; conditions; factors affecting a situation or event circumcisions: (noun, plural) …