The Powers Sumner Kearl formula
The Powers Sumner Kearl formula was developed in the 1950s by a group of readability experts. Find out how you can use it to improve your writing.
27 March 2019 by
Laura Kelly
The Raygor readability graph
The Raygor readability graph is a formula which calculates the reading grade level of a text. Find out how it's calculated and how it can best be used.
25 March 2019 by Laura Kelly
The history of readability
Readability has evolved with language. It is also linked to consumer habits, tech and education. Find out more about the history of readability.
4 March 2019 by Laura Kelly
Do Inuits really have 50 words for snow?
The belief that the Inuit have dozens of different words for snow has become a widely known piece of linguistic trivia. But, where did this belief come from, and how close is it to the truth?
8 February 2019 by Laura Kelly
British Forces think acronyms are FUBAR
The British Forces are going to war with acronyms. The defense minister, Stuart Andrew, has banned the use of acronyms and abbreviations in his office. Smart move, or will it all go FUBAR?
25 October 2018 by
Steve Linney
How to swear like the old days
Modern English lets us down when it comes to swearing. What words from old English can bring back the shock factor?
31 August 2018 by Steve Linney
Making sense of grammar – when nouns and verbs look alike
English has such odd little quirks tucked away in random spots. For native speakers, it comes as second nature to speak and write in certain ways. But, when you stop to really think about what you just said or wrote, it makes no sense. Why are certain things are said or written in that way?
2 August 2018 by
Dave Child
Common word crimes and how to avoid them
Understanding how English fits together is the key to good grammar and great readability.
28 June 2018 by Steve Linney
Unusual American town names
English is known for interesting oddities, including some fabulous American town names. From the obscure to the sublime, it makes traveling through the US even more interesting.
1 June 2018 by Steve Linney
4 words or phrases from French that English really needs
Mon Dieu the French. They are so precisely impeccable about the use of their language. Anyone who has visited France knows that if you attempt to stumble through even the simplest dialogue with a native speaker you had better know what you are saying.
14 March 2018 by Dave Child
4 English words with Spanish origins
Hola, buckaroos! Give your dulcinea an avocado before the cockroaches get it! What's the history of these terms?
14 March 2018 by Dave Child
Four more words from Japanese that English really needs
English borrows from a large number of languages. Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic, to name a few. However, some amazing Japanese words are missing.
1 February 2018 by Steve Linney
