Despite vs In Spite of | Difference, Examples & Use

Published on 2 March 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

Despite and in spite of are both prepositions meaning ‘regardless of‘, ‘even though’, or ‘notwithstanding’. They can be used interchangeably.

  • Despite is always written as one word (never ‘despite of‘).
  • In spite of is always written as three words (never ‘inspite of’).
Examples: Despite and in spite of in a sentence
Despite/in spite of his bad behaviour, the child was not grounded.

People lined up outside the store, despite/in spite of the weather.

Continue reading: Despite vs In Spite of | Difference, Examples & Use

Among vs Between | Difference, Examples & Quiz

Published on 2 March 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

Among and between are two prepositions that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have different meanings.

  • Among means ‘surrounded by’ or ‘in the company of’. It’s normally followed by a plural noun.
  • Between refers to the space that separates two or more distinct things or to the interval that separates two or more distinct times. It’s normally followed by a series of two or more singular nouns.
    Examples: Among in a sentence Examples: Between in a sentence
    The thief hid among the wandering tourists. The coffee shop is between the post office and the bank.
    Alicia is happy when she’s among friends. Paul works between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day.

    Continue reading: Among vs Between | Difference, Examples & Quiz

    Imperative Mood | Definition, Examples & Use

    Published on 1 March 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

    The imperative mood is a verb form used to make a demand or to give advice or instructions (e.g., ‘slow down!’).

    The imperative mood is one of three grammatical moods in English, along with the indicative mood and the subjunctive mood.

    Sentences in the imperative mood imply a second-person subject (i.e., ‘you’), but they normally don’t actually include the word ‘you’ or any other subject.

    Examples: Imperative mood sentences
    Stop!

    Don’t touch!

    Go to your room.

    Continue reading: Imperative Mood | Definition, Examples & Use

    The Subjunctive Mood | Definition & Examples

    Published on 25 February 2023 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on 28 August 2023.

    The subjunctive mood is a verb form used to refer to a hypothetical scenario or to express a wish, suggestion, or command (e.g., ‘I suggest you be quiet’).

    The subjunctive is one of three grammatical moods in English, along with the indicative mood and the imperative mood.

    There are two types of subjunctive verb forms. Verbs in the present subjunctive take the infinitive form (e.g., ‘be’), while verbs in the past subjunctive are identical to their simple past forms (e.g., ‘ran’).

    Examples: Sentences in the subjunctive mood
    I demand that everyone have an opportunity to speak.

    Sharon insisted that she be notified of any problems.

    If Jane were here, she could tell us what to do.

    Note
    The subjunctive mood is less common in UK English than US English. In UK English, the modal verb ‘should’ is often used instead of a subjunctive verb (e.g., ‘Sharon insisted that she should be notified of any problems’).

    Continue reading: The Subjunctive Mood | Definition & Examples

    Hers or *Her’s | Meaning, Spelling & Use

    Published on 24 February 2023 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on 8 October 2024.

    Hers is a third-person singular feminine possessive pronoun.

    ‘Her’s’, written with an apostrophe, is sometimes mistakenly used instead of hers, but this is never correct. While possession is usually indicated by adding ‘s to the end of a word, possessive pronouns don’t take an apostrophe.

    Examples: Hers and her’s in a sentence
    • That bag is her’s, not yours.
    • That bag is hers, not yours.
    • I have my ticket for the theatre, but Lisa lost her’s.
    • I have my ticket for the theater, but Lisa lost hers.

    A Scribbr Grammar Check can help make sure you’re using words like ‘hers’ correctly in your writing.

    Continue reading: Hers or *Her’s | Meaning, Spelling & Use

    Ours or *Our’s | Meaning, Spelling & Use

    Published on 23 February 2023 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on 23 August 2023.

    Ours is a first-person plural possessive pronoun.

    ‘Our’s’, written with an apostrophe, is sometimes used instead of ours, but this is incorrect and should be avoided. While possession is typically indicated by adding ‘s to the end of the word, possessive pronouns don’t take an apostrophe.

    Examples: Ours and our’s in a sentence
    • These seats are our’s, not yours.
    • These seats are ours, not yours.
    • Their strategy was not as effective as our’s.
    • Their strategy was not as effective as ours.

    Continue reading: Ours or *Our’s | Meaning, Spelling & Use

    Theirs or *Their’s | Meaning, Spelling & Use

    Published on 22 February 2023 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on 5 October 2023.

    Theirs is a third-person plural possessive pronoun and a gender-neutral singular possessive pronoun.

    ‘Their’s’, written with an apostrophe, is sometimes used instead of theirs. However, this is incorrect and should be avoided. While possession is usually indicated by adding ‘s to the end of a word, possessive pronouns don’t take an apostrophe.

    Examples: Theirs and their’s in a sentence
    • I enjoyed my dessert, but Tina and Jay didn’t enjoy their’s.
    • I enjoyed my dessert, but Tina and Jay didn’t enjoy theirs.
    • That’s not our car, it’s their’s.
    • That’s not our car, it’s theirs.

    Continue reading: Theirs or *Their’s | Meaning, Spelling & Use

    Fulfill or Fulfil | Difference & Example Sentences

    Published on 15 February 2023 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on 14 March 2023.

    Fulfil and fulfill are two different spellings of the verb meaning ‘bring to completion’, ‘satisfy a requirement’, or ‘succeed in developing one’s abilities or qualities’.

    The spelling tends to vary based on whether you’re writing in UK or US English:

    • In UK English, ‘fulfil’ (one ‘l’) is standard.
    • In US English, ‘fulfill’ (double ‘l’) is more common.
    Examples: Fulfil and fulfill in a sentence
    The presidential aide must fulfil/fulfill a number of important duties.

    The protagonist of the film fought to fulfil/fulfill her promise to her mother.

    Anthony is looking for a hobby that will fulfil/fulfill him.

    Continue reading: Fulfill or Fulfil | Difference & Example Sentences

    *Everytime or Every Time | Meaning, Definition & Spelling

    Published on 15 February 2023 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on 8 October 2024.

    Every time is an adverbial phrase meaning ‘each time’ or ‘without exception’.

    ‘Everytime’, written without a space, is sometimes used instead of every time. However, this is incorrect and should be avoided.

    Examples: Everytime and every time in a sentence
    • Everytime we meet, you ask me to do you a favour.
    • Every time we meet, you ask me to do you a favour.
    • Lia gets bored everytime she goes to the theatre.
    • Lia gets bored every time she goes to the theatre.

    A Scribbr Grammar Check can help make sure you’re using phrases like ‘every time’ correctly in your writing.

    Continue reading: *Everytime or Every Time | Meaning, Definition & Spelling

    What Is a Modal Verb? | Definition & Examples

    Published on 14 February 2023 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on 6 December 2023.

    A modal verb (also called a modal auxiliary verb) is used along with a main verb to express possibility, ability, permission, or necessity. For example, in the statement ‘you must leave’, ‘must’ is a modal verb indicating that it’s necessary for the subject (‘you’) to perform the action of the verb (‘leave’).

    The modal verb ‘will’ is used to form the future tense, indicating an action that has not yet occurred (e.g., ‘I will clean the garage’).

    Examples: Modal verbs in a sentence
    We should listen to some music.

    Can you drive me to the airport?

    Amanda might practise her German.

    Continue reading: What Is a Modal Verb? | Definition & Examples