Lifestyle – Grammarly Blog https://www.grammarly.com/blog Grammarly Blog Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:50:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.25 25 Cool Words to Know in English https://www.grammarly.com/blog/cool-words/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/cool-words/#respond Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:00:41 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=57382

The English language is varied, beautiful, and sometimes confusing with its inclusion of non-phonetically spelled words and complex grammatical rules. However, it also has many unusual and cool words with cool meanings to discover. Here, we dive into some of our favorite words, with definitions and examples. What is a cool word? What makes a […]

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The English language is varied, beautiful, and sometimes confusing with its inclusion of non-phonetically spelled words and complex grammatical rules. However, it also has many unusual and cool words with cool meanings to discover.

Here, we dive into some of our favorite words, with definitions and examples.

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What is a cool word?

What makes a word cool is subjective, but they are often synonymous with interesting or unique words. Cool words in the English language can be phonetically intriguing, have an unusual meaning, or be spelled in a surprising way.

25 cool words to know in English

Whether you want to add unusual words to your lexicon or are writing your debut novel, here’s a list of 25 unique and beautiful words.

1 Abracadabra

Pronounced: a-bruh-kuh-DA-bruh Part of speech: noun Meaning: A command or incantation that is spoken by magicians to enact a magic trick

He said, “Abracadabra” and doves flew out of his top hat!

2 Amok

Pronounced: uh-MUHK Part of speech: adverb Meaning: A violent and uncontrolled frenzy

The dogs ran amok all over the house, splattering the carpet and sofa with mud.

Amok can be a tricky word to spell and has another version, amuck, which isn’t used as commonly.

3 Anemone

Pronounced: uh-NEH-muh-nee Part of speech: noun Meaning: A genus of perennials with attractive flowers in the buttercup family of plants

In the garden bed along the front yard, I think Japanese anemones would complement the color of the house.

4 Brouhaha

Pronounced: BROO-haa-haa Part of speech: noun Meaning: A commotion or uproar

The latest company announcement stirred a brouhaha among members of the team.

5 Calliope

Pronounced: kuh-LIE-uh-pee Part of speech: noun Meaning: The Greek muse of epic poetry. It can also describe an organ-like musical instrument.

It’s as if Calliope herself guided my hand as I wrote.

6 Clandestine

Pronounced: klan-DEH-stin Part of speech: adjective Meaning: Something conducted in secret

The ancient books revealed the existence of a clandestine society with mystical powers.

7 Doppelgänger

Pronounced: DAH-pul-gang-er Part of speech: noun Meaning: A double of a person; having a keen resemblance between two otherwise unrelated persons.

I saw Eloise’s doppelgänger at the grocery store yesterday.

8 Earwig

Pronounced: EER-wig Part of speech: verb Meaning: To whisper in someone’s ear as a means to persuade or irritate them

Her daughter followed her around the house, repeating the earwig: “We should adopt the cat.”

9 Euphoria

Pronounced: yoo-FORE-ee-uh Part of speech: noun Meaning: An intense feeling of elation, excitement, or pleasure

Her euphoria after being accepted into medical school was so great that she couldn’t sit still.

10 Fisticuffs

Pronounced: FI-sti-kuhfs Part of speech: plural noun Meaning: A physical fight or altercation using fists

The verbal argument escalated to fisticuffs as passersby recorded the confrontation.

11 Gizmo

Pronounced: GIZ-moe Part of speech: noun Meaning: A word to describe a small device or gadget whose name is unknown

The inventor showed off his latest gizmo, a pocket-sized contraption that translates dog vocalizations into human language.

12 Gossamer

Pronounced: GAH-suh-mr Part of speech: noun Meaning: Something delicate or insubstantial

The gossamer spiderweb was stretched between three branches.

13 Hodgepodge

Pronounced: HAAJ-paaj Part of speech: noun Meaning: A mix or jumble of various items

The potluck was a hodgepodge of flavors, from spaghetti to pan-fried pork dumplings.

14 Kismet

Pronounced: KIZ-met Part of speech: noun Meaning: Preordained by a force of fate or destiny

Encountering them felt like kismet—had I not gotten out of class early, I never would have wandered into that bookstore, bumping into them.

Some who describes love at first sight might also consider it a matter of kismet.

15 Malarkey

Pronounced: muh-LAR-kee Part of speech: noun Meaning: Speaking foolishness, nonsense, or insincerely

He dismissed the sales associate’s claims as malarkey, doubting their truthfulness.

16 Oomph

Pronounced: oomf Part of speech: noun Meaning: A colloquial word to describe vitality or impact

The singer’s performance lacked oomph, leaving a lull in the audience’s energy.

17 Portmanteau

Pronounced: port-MAN-toe Part of speech: noun Meaning: A combination of two or more words or word parts

Fun fact: Brunch isn’t only the best mealtime of the week, it’s also a portmanteau of “breakfast” and “lunch.”

18 Jabberwocky

Pronounced: JA-bur-waa-kee Part of speech: noun Meaning: Meaningless or nonsensical made-up language or words.

The toddler entertained everyone with jabberwocky that only she could understand.

19 Macabre

Pronounced: muh-KAAB Part of speech: adjective Meaning: Something gruesome, unsettling or disturbing, typically involving death

The abandoned house had a macabre atmosphere, with broken windows and deteriorating roof.

Probably originating from the Old French word macabé, it’s on our top list of spookiest words.

20 Nomenclature

Pronounced: NOE-muhn-klay-chr Part of speech: noun Meaning: The process of naming; a system or set of words and symbols in a certain field of study.

Dr. Owens meticulously studied the nomenclature of bird species, so each one is accurately classified and named according to the new standards.

21 Peewee

Pronounced: PEE-wee Part of speech: noun Meaning: Small in size, particularly a small child

Jeanie loves her peewee soccer team and looks forward to practice every day.

22 Quibble

Pronounced: KWI-bl Part of speech: verb Meaning: To complain or fixate on a trivial or small detail to avoid the main point of an argument  

Instead of addressing our deeper communication issues, he quibbled over the marinara sauce.

23 Quintessential

Pronounced: kwin-tuh-SEN-chl Part of speech: adjective Meaning: A precise and typical representation of something or someone

He was the epitome of a quintessential New Yorker—brazenly weaving through oncoming traffic.

24 Umbra

Pronounced: UHM-bruh Part of speech: noun Meaning: A cone-shaped shadow caused by an opaque object blocking the light from a single source

When the solar eclipse began, those of us in the umbra actually felt the air get cooler.

25 Wunderkind

Pronounced: VUN-der-kint Part of speech: noun Meaning: Typically, a young person or child with exceptional talent or skill in a particular field

The young point guard was considered a wunderkind, impressing college basketball recruiters with their sharp ball-handling.

Incorporating cool words into your writing

Expand your word bank by weaving these unusual words into your next writing project or by using them in everyday conversation. If you come across a word that sounds beautiful, has an unexpected meaning, or is spelled in a surprising way, add it to your own personal list of cool words to draw from while writing.

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30 Business Quotes: Motivational Advice to Inspire and Guide You https://www.grammarly.com/blog/motivational-business-quotes/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/motivational-business-quotes/#respond Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:00:18 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=57181

Developing a business idea, launching your business, and seeing it through has plenty of highs and lows. Sometimes, as you and the key players on your team take this whirlwind journey, you might get discouraged. Motivational business quotes offer thought-provoking and uplifting guidance that can inspire you to move toward your business goal. Whether you’re […]

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Developing a business idea, launching your business, and seeing it through has plenty of highs and lows. Sometimes, as you and the key players on your team take this whirlwind journey, you might get discouraged.

Motivational business quotes offer thought-provoking and uplifting guidance that can inspire you to move toward your business goal. Whether you’re drafting a professional email or a casual note for Slack, a business quote can punctuate your overall message.

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What is a business quote?

A business quote is a short sentence or longer paragraph that’s crafted to inspire, educate, guide, advise, or offer insight to a reader. Popular business quotes about business growth, customers, and other areas of business have been spoken by influential entrepreneurs and business owners throughout history.

30 motivational business quotes

Professionals who are looking for advice or ideas to guide their work can use business quotes as a touchstone. Here’s a collection of business-related quotes from influential figures across various industries.

On failure

1 “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” —Oprah Winfrey

2 “The most important thing to do if you find yourself in a hole is to stop digging.” —Warren Buffett

3 “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” —Thomas Edison

4 “I don’t like to lose—at anything—yet I’ve grown most not from victories, but setbacks.” —Serena Williams

5 “People are generally forced to change. We don’t want to change, and then something absolutely forces us to realize that what we are doing isn’t working or that our picture of the world is wrong. We fail. So we change.” —Ira Glass

On ideas

6 “Intellectual property has the shelf life of a banana.” —Bill Gates

7 “Opportunity lies in the place where the complaints are.” —Jack Ma

8 “If I asked the people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” —Henry Ford

9 “Whatever you do, be different—that was the advice my mother gave me, and I can’t think of better advice for an entrepreneur. If you’re different, you will stand out.” —Anita Roddick

On leadership

10 “Good leadership consists of choosing average people to do the work of superior people.” —John D. Rockefeller

11 “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” —Rosalynn Carter

12 “Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.” —Peter Drucker

13 “If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business.” —B. C. Forbes

On money and profit

14 “If you owe the bank $100 that’s your problem. If you owe the bank $100 million, that’s the bank’s problem.” —J. Paul Getty

15 “Good manners are cost effective. They not only increase the quality of life in the workplace, they contribute to employee morale, embellish the company image, and play a major role in generating profit.” —Letitia Baldrige

16 “Profit in business comes from repeat customers, customers that boast about your project or service, and that bring friends with them.” —W. Edwards Deming

17 “Chase the vision, not the money. The money will end up following you.” —Tony Hsieh

18 “Profit is what happens when you do everything else right.” —Yvon Chouinard

On success

19 “Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way.” —Vera Wang

20 “I do not like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things.” —Walt Disney

21 “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill

22 “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” —Sheryl Sandberg

On strategy

23 “Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility. Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn’t.” —Michelle Obama

24 “In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.” —Warren Buffett

25 “I pick up the details that drive the organization insane. But sweating the details is more important than anything else.” —Indra Nooyi

26 “Every day, my daddy told me the same thing. ‘Once a task is just begun, never leave it till it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.’” —Quincy Jones

On teamwork

27 “Great things in business are never done by one person.” —Steve Jobs

28 “It’s important to have people who are absolutely willing to say you’re wrong or who have a totally different perspective than you do on everything. Fresh ideas are hard to come by, and good ones are even harder.” —Shonda Rimes

29 “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” —Richard Branson

30 “Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, ‘Make me feel important.’ Never forget this message when working with people.” —Mary Kay Ash

Write professionally with confidence

Incorporating inspirational business quotes into your organization can go beyond your company’s mission statement or internal code of conduct. Selecting short business quotes to include in your business correspondence, reports, business cases, and other assets can act as a regular reminder of what the entire organization strives for.

Like the confidence that a strong business quote can inspire, writing well cultivates confidence, too. Grammarly gives you the assurance that you will strike the meaning and tone you intended, without grammar or spelling mistakes. Learn how Grammarly can help.

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18 Useful Life Quotes to Know in English https://www.grammarly.com/blog/life-quotes/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/life-quotes/#respond Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:00:53 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=56722

A life quote is a short and impactful statement that sums up a certain insight about life. These quotes are usually concise, memorable, and meaningful. Once you know how to spot a life quote, you’ll notice them everywhere: in greeting cards, on coffee mugs, and even in song lyrics. Below we’ll talk about what a […]

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A life quote is a short and impactful statement that sums up a certain insight about life. These quotes are usually concise, memorable, and meaningful.

Once you know how to spot a life quote, you’ll notice them everywhere: in greeting cards, on coffee mugs, and even in song lyrics. Below we’ll talk about what a life quote is, discuss when to use one, and list some examples of popular life quotes in English.

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What is a life quote?

A life quote is a well-known saying that describes the experiences or reflections of writers, philosophers, actors, and everyday individuals. They often touch upon universal themes such as love, success, happiness, resilience, and personal growth, and are used to remind us of the shared human experience. Because the topics are so broad, there is a lot of variation in life quotes.

Some life quotes are straightforward:

“Live and let live.”

This is a common idiom that encourages people to tolerate and respect other people’s choices, actions, and beliefs, even if they differ from one’s own.

Other life quotes use wordplay to get the reader to think a little bit, like:

“Life is too important to be taken seriously.” —Oscar Wilde

Life quotes can be about life itself:

“. . . Life [is] like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” —from the film Forrest Gump

Or about one specific aspect of life:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” —Mark Twain

Life quotes can come from a specific speaker or writer, as in the examples above, or they can come from an entire philosophy:

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” —Japanese proverb

Some life quotes are used so often that they become clichés, or phrases that lose their power because they are repeated so often. For example, take this life quote:

“Everything happens for a reason.”

While this quote is often intended to provide comfort or meaning in challenging situations, its frequent use has led to it being seen as oversimplified and even dismissive of the complexities of life’s events.

Life quotes can also be about a specific trade. There are lots of life quotes about writing, teaching, and sports.

All of that is to say, life quotes come from a variety of sources and can be about a variety of topics. The most important aspects to remember about life quotes are that they are inspiring, they’re memorable, and they speak to major aspects of the human experience.

When to use a life quote

Life quotes are used to inspire good feelings in whoever reads them, so oftentimes people will keep their favorite life quotes in places that they encounter frequently. For example, you can hang motivational life quotes around your bathroom mirror so that you notice them every morning.

When writing life quotes, you will want to use quotation marks to show that someone else originally wrote or spoke these exact words. If you’re feeling inspired to write some life quotes down, check out our guidance on how to use capitalization in quotations and how to layer a quotation in another quotation.

18 life quotes to know

Life quotes about authenticity

1 “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” —Oscar Wilde

2 “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

3 “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” —Brené Brown

Life quotes about attitude

4 “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” —Charles R. Swindoll

5 “A person can change their future by merely changing their attitude.” —Oprah Winfrey

6 “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” —Walt Whitman. (This is an example of using metaphors in life quotes. Whitman means that by having a positive attitude, the “darker” things in life will remain out of sight. He does not mean you should stare at the sun.)

Life quotes about success

7 “Not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do is the secret of happiness.” —J. M. Barrie

8 “Life is about making an impact, not making an income.” —Kevin Kruse

9 “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” —Walt Disney

Life quotes about perseverance

10 “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” —Dolly Parton

11 “Don’t say you can’t until you prove you can’t.” —Les Paul

12 “The world is not yours for the taking, but for the trying. Try hard.” —Scott Galloway

Life quotes about life

13 “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain

14 “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” —Robert Frost

15 “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” —Alan Saunders

Practical life quotes

16 “The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.” —Harry Ruby

17 “A party without a cake is really just a meeting.” —Julia Child

18 “Intelligence is when you spot the flaw in your boss’s reasoning. Wisdom is when you refrain from pointing it out.” —James Dent

Life quotes FAQs

What is a life quote?

A life quote is a short, memorable message that conveys some universal truth about life. Life quotes are typically meant to be inspiring or motivational, so people often keep life quotes in places where they will see them frequently, like on a bathroom mirror or favorite coffee mug.

When should you use a life quote?

You can look at life quotes on a daily basis, or just when you need a little extra motivation. If someone close to you is feeling down, you can send them a card with a relevant life quote.

What are the different kinds of life quotes?

Life quotes can be about life itself, or about a specific aspect of life like love, happiness, or success. Life quotes can also have a variety of tones. Some are serious, others are straightforward, and still others are light and playful.

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Learn to Journal: Tips and Ideas https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-journal/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-journal/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:00:36 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=56291

What do Warren Buffett, Lady Gaga, and Oprah all have in common? First, the obvious: They are all highly successful individuals who loom large in our culture. But these go-getters also share a simple daily habit that centers and motivates them: They keep a journal. Keeping a journal is one of the easiest ways to […]

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What do Warren Buffett, Lady Gaga, and Oprah all have in common? First, the obvious: They are all highly successful individuals who loom large in our culture. But these go-getters also share a simple daily habit that centers and motivates them: They keep a journal.

Keeping a journal is one of the easiest ways to be more in touch with your thoughts and feelings. Many of us internalize our experiences without ever writing them down. But writing about your daily life can have a significant effect on your well-being, self-perception, and ability to empathize, among other benefits.

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As Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” To truly know ourselves, we have to participate in self-examination, which can be achieved through activities such as journaling, meditation, and therapy. This practice requires vulnerability and openness, but once it’s a part of your life, it can lead to wondrous personal growth.

Thinking about starting a journal of your own? Let’s explore the topic of journal writing in more detail.

What is journaling?

Journaling is the act of writing down your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and memories. While some people might use their phone’s note-taking app as a place to journal, most would consider true journaling to involve using a pen and paper.

How to write in a journal: Journal writing is the practice of taking time for yourself to write down and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Start by choosing a notebook, setting a writing schedule, and trying your hand at freewriting. Be open and honest with your thoughts, and let your ideas flow onto the page.

The key thing to remember about journaling is that whatever you write is right. There’s no correct way to keep a journal, and two entries may look completely different depending on the day. With each new page, you can write freely, quickly, and without worrying about grammar or spelling.

For instance, one day your journaling could take the form of a diary entry, focusing solely on the way your partner made you feel when they surprised you with a weekend trip to Montauk. The next day, you might write down a list of book recommendations your colleague mentioned.

People journal about anything and everything: their goals, to-do lists, secrets, ideas, dreams, frustrations, reminders, mementos, loves, losses, highs, lows, and so on. This type of intentional self-examination is known to bring clarity to notions that may otherwise exist as rolling tumbleweeds in your head!

Types of journals

Perhaps the best part about journaling is that you can tailor it to your individual preferences and needs. Without any set structure, time limit, or rules, you can turn your journal into a creative cacophony of dreamy doodles or a formal digest of your five-year plan.

Whatever style you go for, here are some of the most popular types of journals people keep:

  • Gratitude journal: A gratitude journal is a log or list of things you are grateful for. This can include simple pleasures (like good coffee) or bigger life events (like being promoted). The main purpose of this type of journal is to be more thankful and shift your focus away from negative thinking.
  • Bullet journal: The core concept behind bullet journals is to use a system of bullet points or symbols to manage tasks, events, notes, and reflections. It combines elements of a planner and a diary, creating a single space for personal organization.
  • Freewriting journal: Also known as automatic or stream-of-consciousness writing, freewriting involves writing continuously without any self-censoring, structure, or rules. It is mainly used for generating ideas or encouraging self-expression. The purpose of freewriting is to bypass your inner critic and allow any emerging thoughts to flow freely onto the page.
  • Visual journal: A visual journal, or an art journal, combines various forms of media (drawings, paintings, collages, photographs) with written words. This type of journaling offers a creative and interactive approach to document your experiences in a visually captivating way.

How is journaling beneficial?

While the act of writing your thoughts down on paper may seem simplistic, the benefits of journaling are surprisingly powerful. Here are a few:

  • Practicing mindfulness: Journaling offers a dedicated space for self-reflection. By being mindful and getting in touch with your inner voice, you can experience a deeper understanding of your emotions and identify behavioral patterns as well as strengths and weaknesses.
  • Dealing with challenges: A journal can also be used as a tool for problem-solving and decision-making. Writing down the challenges you’re facing can help you explore different perspectives, gain clarity, and come up with solutions more easily.
  • Processing feelings: Writing in a journal can be a therapeutic activity that supports emotional well-being. It offers a safe outlet for processing and expressing emotions, which can lead to lower stress levels.
  • Setting goals: Another benefit of journaling is that it allows you to document your goals. By making your aspirations and action plans visible, you can create a framework for tracking progress and holding yourself accountable.

4 tips for starting a journal

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to starting a journal, but there are many tips that can inspire your daily writing habit. These four steps can help you start and keep a journal:

1 Make a habit/routine

It’s easy to write on days when you feel motivated. On other days, however, it may be a different story (and usually no story at all). You can stay on track by scheduling a specific amount of time for journaling and working it into your routine. Start small, maybe five to ten minutes before bed.

2 Write without expectations

At first, you probably won’t be writing pages upon pages of deep, insightful thoughts every night. Having unrealistic expectations can discourage the habit. Rather, keep things free and light. Praise yourself for any writing that gets completed, no matter if it’s twelve words or three pages.

3 Practice stream-of-consciousness writing

One of the easiest ways to access your rawest thoughts and feelings is to partake in automatic or free writing. This means writing down any thought that comes to mind without hesitation. Whatever you are thinking—no matter how outlandish, infuriating, or comical—is part of your stream of consciousness and should be included.

4 Time yourself

Consistency will help form a habit and make journaling a part of your everyday life. Part of this consistency is the amount of time you spend writing. Though you can start small, if you don’t devote more than a few minutes to journaling, you won’t be able to engage in the level of reflection needed to reach any breakthroughs. Set a timer on your phone and strive to add minutes to the timer as you become more comfortable.

Ideas for what to write in a journal

As you sit down to write your first journal entry, the blank page may appear quite menacing. Where to begin? What’s worth writing about?

Remember: Whatever you write is right! Whether it’s a grocery list or a quick review of a film you just finished, no topic is off-limits. After all, your journal is meant for your eyes only.

If you’re stuck, here are some ideas for what to write about in your journal:

  • Goals (personal/professional): Write down goals you’ve set for yourself this year or come up with brand-new ones. Include your aspirations as well as goals for the short and long term. Break them down into actionable steps.
  • Gratitude: Cultivate a sense of appreciation by writing down things you’re thankful for. This can help you foster a positive mindset and boost your mood.
  • Frustrations/emotions: Capture the details of things you’ve experienced by writing about any emotions, good or bad, that you’re feeling after the fact. By letting it all out, you’ll likely understand your emotions more intimately.
  • Reflections on the day: Write about your day-to-day interactions, events, or activities. What did you eat for dinner? Who made you smile? Describe everything that stood out to you today, like a highlight reel.
  • Inspirational quotes: Jot down any inspiring quotes, book passages, or other thoughts that resonate with you. Reflect on these concepts and how you can apply them to your life.

Keeping a journal is one of the most intentional ways to self-reflect and stimulate personal growth. As you begin your own journal, the key is to start where you are. Experiment with different styles and structures until you find the best formula for a daily journaling habit that brings you joy.

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12 Ways to Say “Thank You” https://www.grammarly.com/blog/thank-you-so-much/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/thank-you-so-much/#respond Tue, 23 May 2023 14:00:38 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=35935

Expressing gratitude is a great way to strengthen relationships, foster goodwill, and promote positive emotions. We’re all comfortable issuing a quick thanks, but different thank yous can have different meanings. The meaning of thank you very much is slightly formal, while thanks a lot can sound either gracious or sarcastic. The phrase thank you in […]

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Expressing gratitude is a great way to strengthen relationships, foster goodwill, and promote positive emotions. We’re all comfortable issuing a quick thanks, but different thank yous can have different meanings. The meaning of thank you very much is slightly formal, while thanks a lot can sound either gracious or sarcastic. The phrase thank you in advance is particularly loaded and should be used with caution, while my deepest thanks is a bid for an emotional connection.

Taking a few moments to decide how to say thank you can have a significant effect on how the message is received. Also, a more creative way to say thank you has a better chance of catching someone’s attention. So before you blurt out another thanks, thank you, or thank you so much, here are some alternative ways to show your appreciation.

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What is a thank you message?

People write thank you messages to express appreciation toward someone who has done something kind, helpful, or meaningful for them.

These messages can be heartfelt and emotional, cheery and simple, or straightforward and professional. You can say thank you over email, in a letter, or on a postcard.

Whichever medium or message you choose, writing a thank you message is a simple but powerful way to leave a good impression.

12 alternative ways to say thank you so much

Casual tone

A casual tone is appropriate in cases where you know the recipient well. This can be a good friend, a family member, or a close colleague.

1 “You’re the best”

This phrase is suitable for a friend or colleague who won’t read into the statement too much but will appreciate a little ego boost.

I’m so glad you were keeping an eye on the time during my presentation, I could have rambled on forever. You’re the best.

2 “I owe you”

This is a useful phrase for someone who has gone out of their way or put in an effort to help you.

That last-minute edit was really helpful—without it, my article would have been inaccurate. I owe you!

Simple and concise

Not every thank you message has to be a winding emotional journey. Sometimes a simple note of gratitude goes a long way.

3 “Many thanks”

It’s more than thanks but simple and to the point.

Jen says you watered my desk plant while I was on vacation. Many thanks!

4 “My warmest thanks”

It’s a bit more heartfelt than thanks but still brief.

The plant you gave me for my birthday lives on my desk, and it brightens my day. My warmest thanks.

Emphatic tone

There are some situations in which you may want to lean into your expression of gratitude, such as if you had a lot to gain, or the recipient had a lot to lose. For example, if their support was instrumental in securing a job promotion, then let them know! Likewise, if they went out of their way or put a lot of effort into helping you out, then give a full-throated thanks.

5 “I can’t thank you enough”

This expression works when you feel so much gratitude toward a person that words feel insufficient.

Your willingness to read through the script with me night after night gave me the confidence to perform my role. I can’t thank you enough.

6 “You’re a lifesaver”

It might be hyperbolic, but it’s also an effective way to get your point across with gusto!

I can’t believe I spelled my own name wrong on my college application. Thanks for catching that; you’re a lifesaver!

Formal tone

Thank yous are issued regularly in business and academic settings. A formal thank you should be sent after job interviews, after performance reviews, and alongside proposals. To express appreciation in a professional way, here are some other options to try.

7 “Thank you kindly”

A brief thanks that comes across as thoughtful, without being overbearing.

Thank you kindly for the opportunity to interview with your company.

8 “Much obliged”

It can sound a bit old-fashioned, but it’s still a useful and professional thank you.

Much obliged for the constructive feedback provided at my performance review.

For a specific thank you

Thanking someone for their contribution can be an effective way to strengthen your connection. This type of thank you is another way of saying, “I see you, and I appreciate you.”

9 “I sincerely appreciate your [x]”

I sincerely appreciate your comment about koalas at the close of our meeting, it brought levity to the situation and was a nice note to end on.

In a business setting, you may sincerely appreciate someone’s . . .

  • attention to detail
  • communication
  • feedback
  • input
  • involvement with a project

In a friendly setting, you may appreciate someone’s . . .

  • availability
  • hospitality
  • kindness
  • openness
  • support

As a goodbye

It’s often a good idea to put a note of appreciation near the end of your thank you message. If the message feels repetitive, you can always buffer it with an again. As in, “thanks again,” or, “Again, sending my deepest gratitude.” Most of the above phrases work well as parting lines.

You can also use the sign-off itself to show your gratitude. Try swapping out “best regards” with one of these.

10 “With appreciation”

To sum up, your help coordinating the move—including renting the truck and ordering lunch—was essential this weekend. With appreciation, Samira.

11 “With gratitude”

Before you shared those insights, the ideas for the community garden were all over the place. Now we’re on the right track! With gratitude, Keith.

12 “My sincerest thanks”

You’re a star for picking up Jolene and Brandon from school yesterday after my last-minute request. My sincerest thanks, Beth.

If you find yourself routinely thanking your colleagues through email, you may want to check out this blog post about thank you alternatives for emails. And if you find yourself on the receiving end of a thank you message, here are some clever ways to change up you’re welcome.

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How to Keep a Gratitude Journal and Why It Can Help You Feel Better https://www.grammarly.com/blog/gratitude-journal/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/gratitude-journal/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 14:00:03 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=55202

Imagine starting every day with a positive mindset and can-do attitude. Rather than pulling the covers over your head and retreading yesterday’s problems, you focus on the good things ahead. Of course, unrelenting positivity isn’t realistic or always helpful, but there is a tool that can elicit greater happiness and optimism in your daily approach […]

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Imagine starting every day with a positive mindset and can-do attitude. Rather than pulling the covers over your head and retreading yesterday’s problems, you focus on the good things ahead. Of course, unrelenting positivity isn’t realistic or always helpful, but there is a tool that can elicit greater happiness and optimism in your daily approach to life: the gratitude journal.

A gratitude journal is not the same thing as a diary. Instead it’s a tool for focusing on the things you’re grateful for. While we stand behind all of the ways diaries can improve your life, this is something different. In this post, we’ll explore why gratitude journals are such an effective tool for mental health, how to begin keeping one, and offer example entries to get you started!

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What is a gratitude journal?

A gratitude journal is a tool to keep track of all the good things in your life. It’s a personal practice where you write down things you are grateful for on a regular basis.

Keeping a gratitude journal takes only a few minutes for each entry, but the mood-boosting effects can be felt all day. This is because there are countless benefits to practicing gratitude, backed up by research, including:

  • Greater empathy for others
  • Increased personal fulfillment or joy
  • Better sleep
  • Lowered symptoms of physical and emotional pain
  • Faster progress toward personal goals

In a gratitude journal, you write down specific things, events, or experiences that you are thankful for. These can include simple pleasures like a great cup of coffee or good book or significant life events like receiving a job promotion or making a new friend. You can also write about people you appreciate, acts of kindness you received, small moments of joy, or anything else that brought positivity to your day.

Your gratitude journal is for your eyes only, so you’re free to write your thoughts without worrying about the perceptions of others. Think of your gratitude journal as a tool to help you gain clarity on what really matters and what you truly appreciate.

What is the purpose of a gratitude journal?

The main purpose of keeping a gratitude journal is to nurture an attitude of gratitude and shift focus away from negative thoughts.

In our daily routines, it’s easy to get caught up in whatever is causing you stress. By writing down all of the things you’re grateful for in a dedicated place, you can counter this negativity and focus on progress, achievements, and things that make you happy instead.

For many, keeping a gratitude journal serves several purposes:

  • Enhance mindfulness: Gratitude journals are known to promote mindfulness, which is the practice of being present in the moment with nonjudgmental awareness. Writing about what you’re thankful for encourages you to be fully present and acknowledge the positive aspects of your life.
  • Promote self-reflection: Reflecting on and writing down things that you’re grateful for can lead to greater self-awareness. Gratitude journals encourage you to take stock of your life, appreciate the good things that you have, and gain perspective on what truly matters to you.
  • Boost well-being: Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on your mental, emotional, and even physical wellness. Keeping a gratitude journal has also been linked to reduced stress levels, improved sleep, and greater satisfaction with life in general.

How to keep a gratitude journal

Everyone’s gratitude journal will look a little bit different and can take on various formats, such as a notebook, an online document, or a dedicated app. Whatever format you choose, make sure it’s one that’s easy to stick to.

Here are three steps to help you get started in keeping your very own gratitude journal:

1 Choose a format

The first (and simplest) step to starting your journaling practice is to choose the right journal for you. As we already noted, the format is entirely up to you and can be a physical journal or something stored on your phone or computer.

2 Set aside time

Choose a time that works for you to write in your gratitude journal each day or several times per week. The only way to maintain this practice is to make it a habit. Try attaching it to an existing habit, like your nightly wind-down routine or your morning coffee, so it becomes second nature—and not a chore.

3 Start with prompts

Blank pages are always daunting, so why not make it easy on yourself and rely on some prompts to get the gratitude flowing? Here are a few:

  • What are you most looking forward to this month?
  • What is something that makes you unique?
  • Write about something you have now that you didn’t have one year ago.
  • If you had to give up all of your possessions but two, which two would you keep?
  • List five things that made you smile this week.

Gratitude journal examples

The key to a successful journal entry is to fill it with detailed imagery. Use your five senses to describe what you’re grateful for—down to the very smell and texture of those delightful homemade cookies your colleague brought to work today!

If you’re still unsure how to kick off your gratitude journal, here are some examples of gratitude journal entries that can offer some inspiration:

  • I’m grateful for the delicious meal I had at my favorite restaurant last weekend with Martín. All of the flavors were mouthwatering, and the artistic yet simple presentation was photo-worthy. It was so special to share the food with such great company.
  • Today my manager gave me kind and effective feedback on my latest project at work. It motivated me to keep pushing toward my goals and made me feel like I am a crucial part of the team.
  • This week, I am grateful for the unexpected phone call from my friend Jia, whom I hadn’t heard from in years. It was so nice to reconnect, and it reminded me of how thankful I am for all of the friendships that aren’t always at the forefront of my mind.

Start where you are

Gratitude journals are a seriously powerful tool for self-care, self-reflection, and personal growth. The key is to start where you are. Don’t waste time looking to the past for examples of things or memories you appreciate. Rather, spend time getting to know yourself today, focusing on all the good things that are right in front of you. Gratitude can be self-perpetuating and can act as a beacon to bring more positivity your way.

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What Is a Meme? https://www.grammarly.com/blog/what-is-a-meme/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/what-is-a-meme/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:00:56 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=54747

Perhaps you’ve heard of a meme but don’t quite “get it.” Chances are, though, you’ve seen a meme and related to it—even if you didn’t know what it was called. Memes are a cultural phenomenon often used as a form of social commentary. What makes a meme successful isn’t its length but rather its ability […]

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Perhaps you’ve heard of a meme but don’t quite “get it.” Chances are, though, you’ve seen a meme and related to it—even if you didn’t know what it was called. Memes are a cultural phenomenon often used as a form of social commentary.

What makes a meme successful isn’t its length but rather its ability to resonate with a particular audience and capture a cultural moment or trend. Here, we’ll define and explain what a meme is and offer a few tips in case you want to try your hand at writing your own meme.

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What is a meme?

Now, you might be wondering how to pronounce the word meme. The correct pronunciation is meem (rhymes with dream). The modern-day definition of a meme is a humorous image, video, piece of text, or GIF that is spread across the internet, typically on social media, and often with slight variations. Memes can be created by anyone and can be about anything, from current events, to mundane tasks, to pop culture references.

The length of a meme varies. Because they can take the form of images, symbols, text, videos, or GIFs, they can be as short as a single image or phrase and as long as a multi-minute video with an elaborate narrative. Some memes have short-lived bursts of popularity on social media, while others endure for years.

Memes appear almost everywhere you find digital files being shared, including:

  • Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
  • Online communities like Reddit and Tumblr
  • Messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Discord, and Telegram
  • Image-sharing sites like Imgur and Flickr
  • Online forums and discussion boards

Where do memes come from?

The concept of memes traces its roots to biologist Richard Dawkins’s 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. Dawkins defined a meme as a cultural unit that spreads from person to person, much as genes spread through reproduction. The term meme itself comes from the Greek word mimema, which means “that which is imitated.”

Dawkins’s book shows that examples of memes go back centuries. But these days, when we think of memes, internet memes are usually what come to mind. The first internet meme is widely considered to be the “Dancing Baby,” a 3D animated baby doing a cha-cha dance that became popular in the late 1990s.

What’s the purpose of a meme?

Memes serve a variety of purposes, including the following.

  • Providing humor, analogy, or entertainment
  • Expressing emotions and feelings
  • Conveying cultural references and social commentary
  • Fostering a sense of community and belonging through shared experiences

How to identify a meme

Memes are identifiable because they are a widespread phenomenon. Most memes will be repeated and shared multiple times—you might even see multiple iterations of the same meme. They usually include some element of humor or sarcasm combined with a visual element that is culturally significant.

To identify a meme, you can look for the following characteristics:

  • A recognizable format or style
  • Humor or irony
  • Easily shareable on the internet
  • Pop culture or current-event references

It’s easy to confuse memes with GIFs, and sometimes GIFs are memes, but not all of them. A meme often includes an image with humorous or satirical text overlayed on top. A GIF, on the other hand, is simply a short, looping video clip.

7 tips for writing a meme

Now that you know what a meme is, you may want to try writing your own!

Here are seven tips for writing a meme.

1 Choose a relatable topic or trend.

2 Incorporate a relevant image or GIF.

3 Use humor, sarcasm, or irony to make it funny.

4 Develop a few options before settling on the one that feels the most relatable.

5 Keep it simple and concise.

6 Ensure it is not offensive or inappropriate.

7 Here are some common elements to include in a meme:

  • An image or video that’s recognizable and easily associated with the joke or concept
  • Text that is humorous, clever, or relatable
  • Social, cultural, or political references that resonate with the target audience

3 examples of memes

The fun thing about memes is that you can make them your own! Here are three examples from Grammarly’s social media.

1 Name a better trio, I’ll wait

2 Thoughts I have . . .

3 Little Miss . . .

Meme FAQs

What is a meme?

A meme is a concept or idea that spreads virally from person to person. The most popular memes are usually found on the internet and may be images, videos, phrases, or hashtags. They often convey a humorous point of view, cultural reference, or satirical message.

How does a meme work?

A meme is a cultural phenomenon that is spread through social media or other platforms. A person creates an image or video with a humorous or relatable message, which is then shared with others. Often, many iterations of the same meme will be created, extending its popularity.

How is a meme structured?

A meme is made up of an image or video with accompanying text. The text may be two lines framing the image or video, terms labeling objects, or a simple caption.

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12 Words to Express Love https://www.grammarly.com/blog/love-words/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/love-words/#respond Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:00:14 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=53027

Celebrating Valentine’s Day can be fun and joyful—a reason to let the person or people in your life know that you care about them. But there are times when it can also feel like a generic way to express your feelings. So, even if you’re not into the occasion or aren’t partnered, there are still […]

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Celebrating Valentine’s Day can be fun and joyful—a reason to let the person or people in your life know that you care about them. But there are times when it can also feel like a generic way to express your feelings. So, even if you’re not into the occasion or aren’t partnered, there are still lots of ways to express your very genuine love and feelings of affection for the special people in your life. Here we explore twelve words that embody the sentiments of deep connection, love, and affinity that we feel for others.

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12 words to express love

Here’s a list of beautiful words that convey different types of love and measures of love.

1 Blossom (verb)

Words that describe nature are also commonly used to characterize love. Blossom, blossoming, or blossomed illustrate a developing or maturing affection.

They left a handwritten poem on the table, and as I read it, my feelings blossomed at the gesture.

2 Besotted (adjective)

Besotted means infatuated, but it also means drunk or intoxicated. The two definitions can go hand in hand when it comes to falling in love.

He was besotted with Caroline: His words kept coming out wrong, and his hands were shaky and clammy.

3 Canoodle (verb)

Canoodling, or kissing and cuddling, is a physical way to show love.

They always sit in the last row of the theater so they can canoodle during the movie.

4 Charity (noun)

Charity, the voluntary giving of help, is love by another name—it’s love for one’s fellow human beings.

Jackie didn’t think of it as charity; they just loved organizing kids’ art activities at the community center.

5 Chemistry (noun)

Chemistry is generally associated with a field of science, but when it comes to love, it describes a mutual attachment or magnetism with someone—a chemical-like reaction that creates attraction.

I haven’t felt this much chemistry with someone in years.

6 Cherish (verb)

The word cherish means having affection for something or someone or holding it lovingly. It also describes appreciation.

Writing self-love affirmations before starting my day reminds me that no matter what happens that day, I cherish who I am.

7 Embrace (verb)

Embrace doesn’t just mean to hold someone lovingly in your arms; it also means accepting or supporting something enthusiastically. Both of these can be true when it comes to love.

She embraced Karina, wrapping her arms tightly around her shoulders.

Woodworking wasn’t his favorite activity, but if that’s what she wanted to do, he would embrace the project.

8 Endearing (adjective)

An endearing action or word is one that arouses affection, admiration, or tenderness.

I’ve always found his instinct to ask about my day before sharing his very endearing.

9 Spark (noun)

In romance, feeling a spark alludes to the emotions at the start of a relationship. It conveys feelings of excitement and attraction that can be the precursor to connection and affection.

“Did you feel that?” they asked. “I could swear I felt a spark when our hands touched.”

10 Symbiotic (adjective)

Often used in scientific contexts, symbiotic relationships, whether between different species or humans, are mutually beneficial.

They have a symbiotic dinner routine: George cooks dinner, and Peter washes the dishes.

11 Tender (adjective)

Tender can mean gentleness or concern. Tender interactions are ones that are made with care and empathy.

His mother’s touch was tender, as she told him it would all work out in the end.

12 Winning (adjective)

When it’s used as a verb, winning describes coming out on top of a competition. As an adjective, it has a similarly positive meaning, describing something that is attractive or endearing.

She had a winning smile that instantly put her partner at ease.

Love is love

Articulating your own idea of love through different expressions of love is helpful in sharpening your writing skills. It also allows you to demonstrate your appreciation and commitment, whether it’s to yourself through daily self-love affirmations or to a beloved family member or romantic partner.

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9 Ways to Ask “How Are You?” https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-are-you/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-are-you/#respond Thu, 25 Aug 2022 14:00:04 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=34904

No matter where you go, one question always seems to follow: How are you? It can be a simple, effective way to start a casual conversation—no lengthy descriptions of your life circumstances required. But it’s also an autopilot phrase—with autopilot responses (such as “fine,” “good,” or “OK”) within easy reach. So if you’re going for […]

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No matter where you go, one question always seems to follow: How are you?

It can be a simple, effective way to start a casual conversation—no lengthy descriptions of your life circumstances required. But it’s also an autopilot phrase—with autopilot responses (such as “fine,” “good,” or “OK”) within easy reach. So if you’re going for a deep or meaningful conversation, this question might not be the best option. The key is understanding when to use the ubiquitous phrase, and when to try a different approach.

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9 ways to ask “How are you?”

There are many ways to ask this fundamental question, but how you phrase it can imply different things. For example:

1 How are you? This is polite, but it’s not necessarily a serious inquiry about the other person’s well-being.

2 How are you doing? This is a direct inquiry about how a person is feeling in general.

3 Are you OK? The meaning of this phrase depends on the context. In England, for example, this simply means “How are you?” while Americans may use this phrase to check if someone requires assistance. 

4 How’s it going? This is casual. You’re asking how a person’s life has been lately, in a more general sense.

5 What’s up? This is essentially a casual hello.

6 Would you like to talk about X? This is an empathetic inquiry about a potentially sensitive event or aspect of a person’s life—with the built-in option for them to decline.

7 What’s new with you? You want to know what changes have occurred in a person’s life, typically focusing on the positives.

8 It’s been a while! This is a casual acknowledgment of a lengthy absence. It conveys happiness or excitement about your reunion.

9 What have you been up to since we last talked? You’re looking for an overview of what a person has done since your last conversation, and it could be about a problem they were dealing with at the time. 

Each of these conveys a different tone, and the results can vary. And using the wrong phrase could come off as awkward—or even insensitive in extreme circumstances. So it pays to know when they work, but especially when they don’t. 

When is it appropriate to use variations of “How are you?”

Beyond tone, there are a few factors you should consider when picking the appropriate way to ask “How are you?” For instance:

  • Level of familiarity with the person you’re addressing (this dictates how familiar or formal you should be with them)
  • General relationship (friend, family member, colleague, acquaintance, etc.)
  • Context of the conversation (how long it’s been since you saw them, what you last spoke about, etc.)
  • What information you want to know (for example, do you see it as a passing conversation, or do you want a more in-depth dialogue with specific details?)

Let’s say you’re texting a loved one with a chronic health condition. You might message, “How are you doing today?” This speaks directly to what you want to know, and it shows them that you understand that things may shift daily, while leaving it up to them about how detailed they want to get in their response.

Conversely, if you’re emailing or messaging your manager who just got back from parental leave, something slightly more formal and targeted might make more sense, like “How are you doing with the new baby?” That way you show interest in their major life event while keeping things professional.

Here are a few more examples of how to use “How are you?” and its alternatives in conversation:

Situation: Running into an old friend you went to high school with at your ten-year reunion. Key phrase: Hey, how have you been? Why it works: It’s polite, shows interest in their general well-being, and gets to the point (there’s a lot you don’t know, and you want the highlights).

Situation: Chatting with a friendly neighbor you talk to occasionally. Key phrase: How’s it going? Why it works: It shows that you care about them as a person, even if that doesn’t lead to an in-depth conversation about their life.

Situation: DMing a close friend who shares your offbeat sense of humor. Key phrase: What’s up, weirdo? Why it works: It matches the tone of your friendship, keeping things friendly and light.

5 alternatives to “How are you?” in an email 

When emailing someone in a professional setting, the way you ask how they are is especially important. Used correctly, it could help you make a good impression or even kick off a constructive, collaborative working relationship. Here are a few options to consider:

1 It was great seeing you at [work conference/event]. Did you see [speaker/presenter]?

Common ground is always a great place to start a conversation—especially in an expansive professional setting where you may not have much in common with everyone. This approach can allow you to make an introduction via email that reminds them where you met (or last saw each other) and provides an opportunity for them to share their experience with a speaker or presenter you found interesting.

2 Welcome to the team! Are you finding your way around the [tool/platform] OK?

Joining a company can sometimes be overwhelming—with lots of paperwork, everything you need to get up to speed with projects, and new coworkers. Then, of course, there’s your actual work. This kind of email message acknowledges that there can be a learning curve with a new job. It also implies the potential for assistance without offering it outright, so they can pursue it if needed.

3 I really appreciated your [Slack message/tweet/LinkedIn post, etc.] about [topic]. Were you able to X?

Follow-ups like this are a great way to start conversations. Unlike a typical “How are you?” they show that you’ve been paying attention to the other person’s activities. And, more than likely, the person will be happy to start a conversation about their work or opinions once you’ve expressed interest.

4 I hope you’re having a great week.

This is a subtle way to recognize that the recipient may have things going on in life or at work that could affect them. Because it’s phrased as a statement rather than a question, it allows the other person to skip the specifics if they don’t want to share personal details.

5 Hi [name],

It’s perfectly acceptable to greet a person via email with their name. After all, sometimes an email is just a quick information exchange.

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How to Use Gender-Neutral Language at Work and in Life https://www.grammarly.com/blog/gender-neutral-language/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/gender-neutral-language/#respond Mon, 20 Jun 2022 14:00:29 +0000 https://www.grammarly.com/blog/?p=48179

Every day, we make thousands of decisions, including what to wear and eat and how to handle little problems or unexpected moments that pop up. The way we speak introduces more of those choices. But, unlike many of the other decisions we make, the way we use language can significantly affect those around us. Language […]

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Every day, we make thousands of decisions, including what to wear and eat and how to handle little problems or unexpected moments that pop up. The way we speak introduces more of those choices.

But, unlike many of the other decisions we make, the way we use language can significantly affect those around us. Language can make people feel respected, or it can make them feel excluded, and it’s all in the way we choose to use it.

That’s where gender-neutral language comes into play. Here’s what you should know about it, and how to work it into your daily life.

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What is gender-neutral language?

Gender-neutral language is simply a way of talking about people without assuming their gender. For example, it’s referring to someone you don’t know as “they” rather than using the pronoun “he” or “she,” or addressing a group as “everyone” rather than saying, “Hey, guys.”

Luckily, the English language is relatively gender-neutral in many respects. For instance, many nouns (think: “writer,” “president,” or “acrobat”) are gender-neutral. However, that doesn’t mean that gendered language is uncommon. In fact, gendered language has been a part of our lexicon for a long time. (The United States’ Declaration of Independence even proclaims that “all men are created equal.”) So you may not realize when you’re using gendered language, even as it shapes how you see the world.

Using gender-neutral language is an important habit because it demonstrates respect for people of all backgrounds, genders, and beliefs, and it includes everyone in the conversation. This is an especially helpful way to show support for members of LGBTQIA+ communities. And while not everyone finds the language people use about them important, it’s best to land on the side of using inclusive and empathetic language.

How to use gender-neutral language in the workplace

One of the common areas where gendered language may appear is in an office or a workspace. For example, a professional email may start with a form of address, like “Mr.” or “Mrs./Ms.” However, if you don’t know the recipient’s preferred pronouns, the one you select may not align with their gender identity. So when in doubt, choose a gender-neutral alternative, like “Mx.,” or use the person’s full name without a title. If you’re not familiar with the person you’re addressing, you can address their profession or group without noting their gender, such as “Dear Professor,” “Dear Members of the Board,” or “Dear Hiring Committee.”

Gender-neutral alternatives to gendered words

While many English words are naturally gender-neutral, some still carry gendered connotations. So it’s also important to pay attention to your language in less formal conversations, like those with coworkers over Slack. Here are a few examples of the types of words that may be common in the workplace, as well as alternatives to use instead:

  • Businessman → Businessperson, business representative
  • Chairman/chairwoman → Chairperson, chair
  • Foreman → Foreperson
  • Salesman → Salesperson
  • Manpower → Workforce, workers 
  • Mailman → Letter carrier, postal worker
  • Manned → Crewed

How to use gender-neutral language in everyday life

There are many things you can do to work inclusive, gender-neutral language into your daily routine. For example, when being introduced to someone, you can give your pronouns and ask for theirs. 

It’s also a good idea to explore your own language biases. For instance, you might naturally think of non-gendered words, like “doctor” or “teacher,” as inherently male or female. Similarly, using the phrase “he or she” as a way to avoid gendering a person might seem OK—but it’s important to recognize that this excludes nonbinary individuals. That’s why a better alternative is the singular “they,” which includes everyone. It might take time to get into the habit of substituting “they” for a gendered pronoun, but being aware of the language is the first step.

Note: It can also be a good idea to use the gender-neutral “Latinx” instead of “Latino” or “Latina” when referring to people of Latin American descent. But, as with English pronouns and identifiers, it’s important to go with the preference of the individual when you use it as a singular noun. 

For reference, here are some common instances of gendered language that can pop up in everyday life, as well as corresponding gender-neutral alternatives:

  • Stewardess → Flight attendant
  • Maid → Housekeeper
  • Granddaughter/Grandson → Grandchild
  • Husband/wife → Spouse, partner
  • Fireman → Firefighter
  • Congressman → Legislator
  • Freshman → First-year student
  • Upperclassman → Third-year, fourth-year, etc.
  • Man-made → Synthetic

How to create muscle memory for gender-neutral language

It can feel awkward or forced when you start implementing gender-neutral language. That’s normal. The important thing is to keep at it so that it has a chance to become a part of your everyday communication. That way, you’ll not only be able to use inclusive language but also be better able to perceive the world in those terms. Here are five other things to keep in mind along the way.

1 You’ll probably make mistakes. That’s OK, as long as you acknowledge them and keep trying.

2 People may question your new use of language, so you should be ready to explain why it’s important.

3 Having an accountability partner can help you continue incorporating gender-neutral language into your vernacular.

4 Be open to feedback. Using gender-neutral language is a learning experience, and some people may be more comfortable when you use certain language to describe them or talk to them.

5 Language is always evolving. Be open to changes that reflect our ever-shifting cultural lexicon.

18 gender-neutral examples 

1 Man/woman → Person, adult

2 Boy/girl → Child

3 Sister/brother → Sibling

4 Mother/father → Parent

5 Boyfriend/girlfriend → Partner, significant other

6 Grandma/grandpa → Grandparent

7 Waiter/waitress → Server

8 Actor/Actress → Performer

9 Fireman → Firefighter

10 Policeman → Police officer

11 Maiden name → Family name

12 Dear Sir → Dear [professional title]

13 Dude → Friend, person

14 Ladies and gentlemen → Folks, everyone

15 The common man → The average person

16 Kinsmen → Relatives

17 Man up → Toughen up

18 Mankind → Humankind

Grammarly can help

There are so many opportunities for gendered language to seep into your lexicon, even if that isn’t your intent. So it can help to have a tool that’s designed to find and update those instances. Grammarly both identifies and flags some gendered wording, and even suggests alternatives.

For example:

“This discovery could have an immense impact on mankind.” → “This discovery could have an immense impact on humanity/humankind.”

Whether you’re just now adopting gender-neutral language, or you’ve been using it for years, Grammarly’s sensitivity suggestions can help your writing be both inclusive and up-to-date.

The post How to Use Gender-Neutral Language at Work and in Life appeared first on Grammarly Blog.

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