THE COMMUNICATION CHRONICLES.

 Some English words are sneaky, they look alike but mean completely different things. Mix them up, and you might just call someone’s husband-to-be a woman or turn a politician into a therapist.   Today, let’s untangle two common confusions: fiancé vs. fiancée and councillor vs. counsellor. Fiancé vs. Fiancée    💡 Quick tip: One “e” = male. Double “ee” = female. ❌ She introduced me to her fiancé, and it turned out to be a woman (wrong). ✅ She introduced me to her fiancée, and it turned out to be a woman (correct 👉 A fiancée is a woman who is engaged to be married. ❌ David is excited to meet his fiancée at the airport tomorrow (wrong). ✅ David is excited to meet his fiancé at the airport tomorrow (correct). 👉 A fiancé is a man who is engaged to be married. Councillor vs. Counsellor     💡 Quick tip: Councillor (one “s”) = government / politics. Counsellor (two “s’s”) = advice / guidance. ❌ She was elected as a coun...

  Have you ever written something and then paused, wondering: “Is it flair or flare?” 🤔 You’re not alone. These two little words look and sound almost the same, but they mean very different things. Using the wrong one can completely change your message, and even confuse your readers.  Let’s break it down in a fun, simple way. 🔹 Flair = talent or natural ability ✅ I think he has a flair for teaching (correct). ❌ I think he has a flare for teaching (wrong). 👉 If you have a flair for something, it means you’re naturally good at it. 🔹 Flare = bright light, flame, or something suddenly bursting out ✅ We set up a flare just to create awareness (correct). ❌ We set up a flair just to create awareness (wrong). 👉 A flare is a signal light or a sudden burst. ✅ Trouble flared up again (correct). ❌ Trouble flaired up again (wrong). 👉 When something flares up, it means it suddenly becomes worse or more intense. So, here’s the trick to remember: Flair...

Ever found yourself in a virtual classroom with a polite bow and a shy "Hello, Sensei"? That was me, an English-speaking educator stepping into the world of Japanese learners, where silence often speaks louder than words, and respect is wrapped in every sentence. What started as "just another ESL job" became one of the most enriching chapters in my teaching journey. Teaching Japanese students wasn't just about grammar or pronunciation; it was about  fostering connections ,  understanding culture , and  building confidence  across borders . I’ve taught learners from many parts of the world, but there’s something beautifully distinct about working with Japanese students. You quickly learn that teaching here goes beyond lesson plans; it’s about emotional intelligence, patience, and cultural awareness. ✅ Respect is non-negotiable. From bowing to saying "arigatou gozaimasu" at the end of every session, my students reminded me that gratitude is a daily l...

 You just finished teaching a class or hosting a party, and you say, “Let’s round up the day with some ice cream!”  It sounds right, doesn’t it? But in the world of English, one tiny word can sweeten or scatter your message. Let’s fix it once and for all in a way that sticks. ✅ ROUND OFF – To End Something Nicely Use this when you're finishing something in a smooth, complete, and satisfying way. Let’s round off the lesson with a fun game. She rounded off her speech with a touching story. Think: wrapping things up nicely . Like a final clap at the end of a good show.  ✅  ROUND UP  – Totally Different Meaning. This one means to  gather or collect people or things , especially when they’re scattered. The police rounded up the suspects. The teacher rounded up the students after lunch. So if you say,  “We rounded up the meal with cake”.  It sounds like the cake ran away, and you went to arrest it. ROUND OUT – To Complete Something Fully (A...

 Have you ever said,  "At this junction, we need to make a decision",   thinking it sounded deep? Well… It’s time to clear the road. These two words may sound similar, but they don’t take you to the same place. Let's break it down in a way that actually sticks. Junction:  Where Roads Meet A junction refers to a physical place  where two or more roads or railway lines meet or cross . ✅ I waited for the bus at the junction of Allen Avenue and Toyin Street. ✅ Let’s meet at the railway junction near the mall. So if you’re talking about a traffic stop or a turning point on the street, “junction” is your go-to. 🚫 I didn’t expect to find him at that juncture. ✅ I didn’t expect to find him at that junction. (Correct - if you're referring to a location .) Juncture:  A Critical Point in Time Juncture is all about timing  - a specific point in a process , especially an important or decision-making moment. ✅ At this juncture, we need to define wha...

 Ever said something like, “I’ll see you if I get home,” when you meant you were definitely coming back? Yes, we’ve all been there. It’s a word mix-up, but it can totally change what you're trying to say.  Let’s fix that today, the fun and easy way. Simple Truths You’ll Remember Here’s the thing: “IF” means maybe . “WHEN” means definitely , just later . ✔️ Correct: I’ll see you when I get home. ✖️ Wrong: I’ll see you if I get home. (Unless you’re saying there’s a chance you may not return.) Now flip it: ✖️ Wrong: I’ll give him the prize when he wins the debate. ✔️ Correct: I’ll give him the prize if he wins the debate. (You’re not sure he’ll win yet, so it’s a condition, not a certainty.)  Quick Tip to Remember: Use “when” if the action is sure to happen. Use “if” when it depends on something happening first . Next time you’re chatting, texting, or writing, take a second to choose the right word.  A little grammar polish can make a big di...