Somehow vs somewhat turns on one question: is the method unknown, or is the amount measured? Somehow means in a way that is not explained, as in “The keys somehow ended up in the fridge.”… Read More »Somehow vs Somewhat: Which Adverb Fits?

Waddle vs wattle is a spelling pair that trips up many readers: waddle is the swaying, side-to-side walk of a duck or a toddler, while wattle is the fleshy flap hanging from a bird’s throat,… Read More »Waddle vs Wattle: Which Word Do You Need?

Annul means to cancel a law, marriage or agreement officially, so that it is treated as though it had never existed. To use annul in a sentence, put the authority first and the thing cancelled… Read More »Annul in a Sentence: Meaning, Forms & Examples

Filter out means to remove or block something unwanted so that only what you want remains. To use filter out in a sentence, put the unwanted thing after out or between the verb and the… Read More »Filter Out in a Sentence: Meaning and Examples

Fire away is an informal phrasal verb that tells someone to go ahead and ask their questions or speak freely. To use fire away in a sentence, say it as a short invitation: “I have… Read More »Fire Away in a Sentence: Meaning and Examples

Rope in means to persuade someone to join a task or group, especially when they need convincing. To use rope in in a sentence, put the person after the verb and name the activity: “We… Read More »Rope In in a Sentence: Meaning and Examples

Trail behind means to stay at the back of a group or to be less advanced than others. To use trail behind in a sentence, name who or what is behind: “Two hikers trailed behind… Read More »Trail Behind in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

Wander off is an intransitive phrasal verb meaning to move away from a place or group, often without noticing. To use wander off in a sentence, name who left and where they left from: “The… Read More »Wander Off in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

Pert is an adjective meaning lively and cheerful, or boldly impudent when it describes a reply. To use pert in a sentence, put it before the noun it describes: “She gave a pert answer and… Read More »Pert in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

Deport means to send a foreign national out of a country by official order. To use deport in a sentence, put the authority or the order first and the person second: “The court ordered the… Read More »Deport in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

Apotheosis means the highest point of something or the perfect example of it, and, in older use, the raising of a person to divine status. To use apotheosis in a sentence, pair it with of:… Read More »Apotheosis in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

Strap on means to fasten something in place using straps. To use strap on in a sentence, name the object and the person or body part: “Strap on your helmet before you ride.” The verb… Read More »Strap On in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

Bring to your attention is a polite fixed phrase used to point out something a reader may have missed. To use bring to your attention in a sentence, name the matter and keep a possessive… Read More »Bring to Your Attention in a Sentence: Meaning & Examples

Disfigure means to spoil the appearance of something, usually by damage or marks. To use disfigure in a sentence, make the thing that is spoiled the object: graffiti disfigures the wall. The verb is transitive,… Read More »Disfigure in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

Hole up means to hide or take shelter somewhere, often staying put for a while. To use hole up in a sentence, keep the phrasal verb intransitive and let in name the place: the scouts… Read More »Hole Up in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

Gibe means a mocking remark, and as a verb it means to taunt somebody with such remarks. To use gibe in a sentence, name the target and keep the tone light: “The crowd gibed at… Read More »Gibe in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice