We're taught in grade school to use "a" before words beginning with consonants and "an" before words that start with vowels.
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The Tricky Exceptions to the "A" vs. "An" Rule

We're taught in grade school to use "a" before words beginning with consonants and "an" before words that start with vowels. But this simple grammar rule is more complex than it seems.

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What Is a Metaphor Versus a Simile?

Similes compare two things explicitly using "like" or "as," while metaphors compare two things implicitly by stating that one thing is another.

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When Do You Say "Somebody" Instead of "Someone"?

While "someone" is usually considered more formal, in some contexts "somebody" is more important.

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What Is an Idiom?

You likely learned this in high school English class, but do you remember what an idiom is? We're not calling names — we're talking about figurative language.

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Is "I Wish I Were" or "I Wish I Was" Correct?

When wishing upon a star, is it "I wish I were" or "I wish I was"? This tricky conundrum comes down to the subjunctive mood, and it's pretty easy to figure out when you understand the grammar rule behind it.

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