Learn something new, or refresh your memory - This weekly section in our Blog is devoted to improving your writing skills and vocabulary.

Word of The Day
(ABRIDGED –A-BRIDGED)
Today’s word is ”abridged”. This is an adjective which means shortened or reduced.
For example, you can say, “The abridged version of the novel was much easier to read than the full 949 page original.”

Common Grammatical Errors
Further/farther
Further and farther are often used interchangeably, although they actually have slightly different meanings. Both words refer to distance, but the distinction is in the type of distance. Further refers to mental distance, while farther refers to physical distance. Take a look at the differences as illustrated in the sentences below:
Example 1 (further-correct usage): The student read further in the textbook. (Note that the distance traveled is only mental.)
Example 2 (farther-correct usage): I have to drive farther to work than to school. (In this sentence, we are referring to an actual distance that is measurable in miles, kilometers, etc., so the word farther is used.)

Assume or Presume?
"They're not identical. Assume is closer to support, or 'take for granted'; the much stronger presume is closer to believe, dare, or 'take too much for granted.'
[Example:] I can only