Published on
20 January 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
14 March 2023.
Favourite and favorite are different spellings of the noun used to refer to something that is well liked and the adjective meaning ‘preferred above all others’. The word is closely related to the verb and noun ‘favour/favor‘.
The spelling tends to vary depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In UK English, ‘favourite’ (with a ‘u’) is standard.
In US English, ‘favorite’ (no ‘u’) is the correct spelling.
Examples: Favourite and favorite in a sentenceAlthough it’s an old song, it’s still a national favourite/favorite.
Summer is undoubtedly my favourite/favorite season.
History is Joseline’s favourite/favorite school subject.
Andre enjoys hiking and reading, but travelling is his favourite/favorite pastime.
Published on
20 January 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
23 May 2023.
Color and colour are different spellings of the noun referring to the hue or shade of something and the verb referring to the act of changing the colour of something by painting, shading, or dyeing it. The verb is also used figuratively to mean ‘make something vivid or expressive’.
The spelling tends to vary depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In US English, ‘color’ (no ‘u’) is the correct spelling.
In UK English, ‘colour’ (with a ‘u’) is standard.
Examples: Color and colour in a sentenceOrange is Olivia’s favourite color/colour.
I think we should repaint the kitchen. Grey is such a bland color/colour.
The child tried to color/colour inside the lines of the drawing.
Anthony colored/coloured the banal story by adding fantastic details.
NoteMany words that end in ‘-our’ in UK English end in ‘-or’ in US English. Some other common examples include ‘favour/favor‘, ‘behaviour/behavior‘, ‘honour/honor‘, and ‘flavour/flavor’.
Published on
19 January 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
14 March 2023.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase) to indicate the person or thing acted upon by the verb. For example, in the sentence ‘I received a letter‘, the direct object is necessary for the statement to make sense.
In contrast, an intransitive verb is a verb that doesn’t take a direct object (e.g., ‘Hannah runs‘). Some verbs can be classed as either transitive or intransitive, depending on how they are used.
Examples: Transitive verbs in a sentenceKatarina raisedher hand.
Published on
16 January 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
14 March 2023.
Behaviour and behavior are two different spellings of the noun referring to the way a person, animal, other organism, or machine acts or functions. It’s related to the verb ‘behave’ meaning ‘conduct oneself’ or ‘act’.
The spelling varies depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In UK English, ‘behaviour’ (with a ‘u’) is standard.
In US English, ‘behavior’ (with no ‘u’) is the correct spelling.
Examples: Behaviour and behavior in a sentenceThe school does not tolerate bullying or other forms of anti-social behaviour/behavior.
Ever since he broke the vase, Gus has been on his best behaviour/behavior.
Jordan’s research focuses on the relationship between empathy and criminal behaviour/behavior.
As of yet, little is known about the behaviour/behavior of the virus.
NoteMany words that end in ‘-our’ in UK English end in ‘-or’ in US English. Some other common examples include ‘favour/favor‘, ‘colour/color‘, ‘honour/honor‘, and ‘flavour/flavor’.
Published on
16 January 2023
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
23 May 2023.
Favor and favour are different spellings of the verb meaning ‘prefer’ or ‘give support to’ and the noun used to refer to an act of kindness or to mean ‘approval’.
The spelling varies depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
In UK English, ‘favour’ (with a ‘u’) is the correct spelling.
In US English, ‘favor’ (with no ‘u’) is standard.
Examples: Favor and favour in a sentenceI don’t mean to be presumptuous, but can you please do me a favour/favor?
NoteMany words that end in ‘-our’ in UK English end in ‘-or’ in US English. Some other common examples include ‘behaviour/behavior‘, ‘colour/color‘, ‘honour/honor‘, and ‘flavour/flavor’.
Published on
25 December 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
7 November 2024.
As of yet (or as yet) is an expression used to say that something has not happened up to now. The phrase, especially the version including ‘of’, is normally considered unnecessarily long-winded and best replaced with a more concise alternative such as ‘so far’ or ‘yet’.
Examples: As of yet in a sentence
The war-torn country has not received any aidas of yet.
The war-torn country has not received any aid yet.
As of yet, the president has made no official comment on the proposed cutbacks.
So far, the president has made no official comment on the proposed cutbacks.
Scribbr’s Grammar Checker can help you use phrases like ‘as of yet’ correctly in your writing.
Published on
25 December 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
7 November 2024.
Duly noted is an expression meaning ‘acknowledged and given appropriate consideration’. It’s formed using the adverb ‘duly’ (i.e., ‘in the proper way’) and the verb ‘noted’ (i.e., ‘recorded’ or ‘observed’).
It’s typically used in formal or professional contexts. However, it can also be used ironically in informal contexts to dismiss someone’s opinion or idea.
Examples: Duly noted in a sentenceYour criticism has been duly noted.
The parents’ complaints were duly noted by the principal.
Thank you for your suggestions; they have been duly noted.
A Scribbr Grammar Check can help ensure you use phrases like ‘duly noted’ correctly in your writing.
Published on
21 December 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
5 January 2023.
Regards is a common sign-off in emails and other forms of correspondence. It’s used to end an email by wishing the recipient well. It’s followed by a comma and then your name on the next line.
While regards is an effective and respectful way to end an email, there are numerous alternatives and modified versions that can be used to vary the tone of your writing to make it more or less familiar.
Published on
17 December 2022
by
Eoghan Ryan.
Revised on
11 September 2023.
I hope this email finds you well is an expression commonly used to start a formal email by expressing interest in the recipient’s well-being.
This expression is polite and establishes a professional tone. However, it’s frequently used and might be perceived by some people as formulaic, insincere, or old-fashioned.
Below, we provide seven useful alternatives that can help you vary your language to create polite and engaging introductions that will stand out.
