Demigender, Maverique, And Other Gender Terms You May Not Know The language of queer identity is constantly evolving and expanding, and there will always be new terminology to learn. Pride Month is the perfect opportunity to increase understanding and awareness of the kind of emerging and newly prominent terms that we’re constantly adding to our Gender and Sexuality Dictionary. Language is an important part of how queer people, and particularly nonbinary and trans people, express and define their experience and who they are, whether it’s through the use of new terms or new applications of existing terms. Finding or coining the term that precisely reflects personal experience and identity can help a person to feel seen, accepted, or understood. It can be liberating and empowering both individually and in a way that creates community. And learning these terms helps to promote inclusion and respect. The explanations of the terms provided here are meant to capture the ways that most people use them. But it’s important to note that many of these terms can be and are applied in different—and equally valid—ways, with nuances and interpretations varying from person to person. It’s also important to emphasize that this list is not meant to be exhaustive—it simply covers some of the terms that have become increasingly visible in the discussion of the diverse expanse of gender. demigender Demigender is an umbrella term for people who identify partly, but not fully, with a certain gender. The prefix demi- means “half.” People who identify as demigender may use identifying terms like demigirl or demiboy. Demigender is distinct from bigender, which indicates two genders or a combination of two. The term demigender is sometimes considered to overlap with genderflux, which is used by people who experience a range of intensity within a gender identity. This means that a genderflux individual may experience the feeling of multiple genders on any given day (or moment). The term gender-fluid is sometimes used synonymously with genderflux. femme The word femme, occasionally spelled fem, comes from the French word for “woman.” It was first adopted into English to mean simply “woman” or “wife.” However, by the 1960s, it came to refer to “a lesbian who embraces identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of femininity.” This sense of femme is often contrasted with butch, “a lesbian who embraces identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of masculinity.” Separate from this long-standing sense, the term femme has taken on a broader meaning in recent years. Femme is now also used to mean “any person who adopts a feminine appearance, manner, or persona.” This meaning of femme is inclusive of all genders with a feminine aspect—it may be used by someone who identifies as a trans woman or a demigirl, for example. xenogender When it comes to expressions of gender, there are many terms that go “beyond the binary” of masculine and feminine identities. One example is xenogender, an umbrella term for nonbinary genders that do not relate to the categories of “female” or “male.” Such gender identities are often expressed by attaching -gender to a word (often a noun) that’s representative of it, like an animal, concept, or symbol, such as staticgender or sciencegender. The combining form xeno- means “alien” or “strange,” from the Greek xénos, meaning “stranger, guest.” Xenogender is meant to indicate a person’s sense of their gender as being completely unrelated to typical gender identities. Early uses of the term xenogender are thought to have emerged around 2017, with an increase in use beginning around 2020. Still, awareness of the term is relatively low. neutrois Like xenogender, neutrois refers to a gender identity that does not relate to male or female identities. Neutrois people are non-gendered and may transition away from having physical signifiers traditionally associated with gender expression. This is distinct from an androgynous identity, in which a person has “both masucline and feminine gender characteristics.” According to Neutrois Outpost, a website dedicated to neutrois people, the word neutrois was coined by H.A. Burnham in the 1990s. The origin of neutrois is unclear, but it is likely related to the French neutre, meaning “neuter, neither masculine nor feminine,” and trois, “three,” a reference to it representing a third gender. aporagender Another nonbinary gender identity is aporagender. Aporagender is distinct from male, female, or any gender along the binary spectrum, but still involves experiencing a strong gender identity. Like xenogender identities, aporagender identities are connected to an identity beyond a binary. This makes aporagender people different from neutrois people in that they have a gender identity. The word aporagender is thought to have been coined in 2014 by a user of the website Tumblr. The apora- part of the word comes from the Greek apó, meaning “away off, apart,” or “separate.” In other words, aporagender is a “separate gender,” neither male nor female nor anything in between. maverique Like aporagender, maverique was coined in 2014 by a Tumblr user, Vesper H., who defines the term on their FAQ page as an “inner conviction regarding a sense of self that is entirely independent of male/masculinity, female/femininity or anything which derives from the two while still being neither without gender, nor of a neutral gender.” In this way, a maverique gender is said to be unique and separate from the gender binary. The term comes from a combination of the English maverick, referring to someone who is “unorthodox” or “nonconformist,” and the French suffix -ique, meaning “having some characteristics of” or “-like,” similar to the English -ic. Maverique can be pronounced either [ mav-reek ] or [ mav-uh–reek ]. gendervoid Another set of gender identities that falls under the nonbinary umbrella is gendervoid, referring to the sense that there is “an empty space,” a void, where a gender identity would be. Those who identify as gendervoid may feel unable to experience gender. When describing gender identity, void- can also be used as a prefix, as in voidboy or voidgirl, which are used for a person who identifies with some aspect of masculinity or femininity while also experiencing a gender “void.” The term is sometimes used synonymously with agender, but some make the distinction that agender represents gender neutrality while gendervoid represents a complete lack of gender. māhū Within Native Hawaiian and Tahitian cultures, the gender identity said to be between male and female is known as māhū [ ma-hoo ]. Traditionally, māhū people were highly respected in their communities for their knowledge of rituals and healing practices. While historically māhū people have faced marginalization and discrimination, there is growing recognition of them and their contributions to the life and culture of their communities. hijra While there is a variety of third genders in many cultures throughout the Indian subcontinent, one of the more common ones is hijra [ hij–ruh ], referring to “a person whose gender identity is neither male nor female, typically a person who was assigned male at birth but whose gender expression is female.” It can also more generally refer to a transgender person. Members of the hijra community often live apart from other communities. Believed by many Hindus to have particular religious power due to their gender, the hijra are often hired to perform dances and blessings at momentous occasions, such as weddings and births. fa’afafine and fa’afatama In Samoan culture, both in Samoa and in Samoan communities around the world, the terms fa’afafine [ fa-af-ah-feen-eh ] and fa’afatama [ fa-af-ah–tah-mah ] are used to refer to those who express both masculine and feminine gender characteristics. Fa’afafine refers to a person assigned male at birth with female characteristics, while fa’afatama refers to a person assigned female at birth with male characteristics. The prefix fa’a- means “in the manner of,” while fafine means “woman” and fatama means “man.” Fa’afafine and fa’afatama people are particularly noted for their role as a ceremonial host—or taupou—during rituals. It is important to note that māhū, hijra, fa’afafine, and fa’afatama are connected to specific cultural conceptions of gender and, as such, are not directly analogous to each other or other terms used by transgender people. These are only a few of the many terms you may encounter in the discussion and expression of gender identity. You can find many more in Gender and Sexuality Dictionary, which it regularly update with new terms and meanings to reflect evolving terminology. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

Dear Sir, We did expel the lizards that have never known human language. So, they don't understand where their places and of course, not our home. Then if you are human you might understand the relationship between humans different from instructions the lizards to remember where their places. https://youtu.be/5oOzGmsWHQo?si=04q52djypkaKo-bT

How To Use “Lay” vs. “Lie” Correctly Every Time The difference between the verbs lay and lie is one of English’s most confusing questions. Both words involve something or someone in a horizontal position, but where the two words differ has to do with who or what is horizontal—the subject of the verb (the one doing the action) or the direct object (the person or thing being acted upon). In this article, we’ll break down the difference between lay and lie, including the past tense forms and the phrases lay down, lie down, and laid down. Quick summary Lay means to place or put (Lay that here). The word lay is also the past tense form of the sense of lie that means to recline, as in I lay in bed yesterday. Lay down can mean to place down (Lay down your bags), but it can also be the past tense of lie down, as in I lay down for a few hours. A nonstandard but common use of lay is to mean the same thing as the present tense of lie, as in I just want to lay in bed for a few more minutes or I laid down for a few hours. It’s best to avoid this use (and the confusion it can cause) in formal contexts. Is it lay or lie? Lay commonly means to put or place someone or something down, as in Lay the bags on the table or I’m going to lay the baby in the crib. It’s a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (I lay the quilt on the couch; I lay the book on the table). The sense of lie that’s often confused with lay means to be in or get into a reclining position—to recline, as in I just want to lie in bed for a few more minutes. Lie is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object (Don’t just lie there). Lay is typically used with an object, meaning someone or something is getting laid down by someone. In contrast, lie is something you do yourself without any other recipients of the action. If you’re the one lying comfortably on your back, you want the verb lie, but if you can replace the verb with place or put (Please place the book on the table), then use the verb lay (Please lay the book on the table). Though this use is considered nonstandard, lay is commonly used to mean the same thing as this sense of lie, as in I just want to lay in bed for a few more minutes. Although lay and lie are often used interchangeably in casual communication, it’s best to use them in the standard way in more formal contexts. lay vs. lie in the past tense The confusion between the two words is largely due to the fact that lay is also the irregular past tense form of this sense of lie, as in I lay in bed yesterday morning wishing I could go back to sleep. (In contrast, when lie is used as a verb meaning to tell an untruth, its past tense is simply lied.) The past tense of lay as in “put or place down” is laid, as in I laid the bags on the table. The past participle forms of lay and lie (formed with the helping verb have) are also distinct: lay maintains its past form laid, but lie becomes lain, as in I have lain in bed for the past three hours. The continuous tense (-ing form) of this sense of lie is the same as the untruth sense: lying, as in I am lying in bed right now. Review all the different verb tenses right here! lay down or lie down The “recline” sense of lie is commonly used in the verb phrase lie down, as in I was feeling tired so I decided to lie down. Using the phrase lay down to mean the same thing is considered nonstandard, but it’s also very common. Lay down is also used as a verb phrase meaning about the same thing as lay, as in You can lay down your bags on the table (or You can lay your bags down on the table). How to use lay and lie in a sentence A good way to remember which one to use is to think about whether you could replace the word with put or recline. If you can replace it with put, you want to use lay, as in Please lay (put) the bags on the table. If you could replace the word with recline, you want to use lie, as in I just want to lie (recline) in bed for a few more minutes. Here are several examples of how to correctly use lay and lie in a sentence, including examples with the past tense of both words and both used in the same sentence. - I feel like I need to lie down. - Please lay the groceries on the table. - I laid all of the ingredients on the kitchen counter last night. - Last night, I lay awake for hours, unable to sleep. - I had just lain down to go to sleep when I heard a noise. - I’m looking for the book that you had laid on the bedside table. - He said he was just going to lay the blanket on the grass and lie on it for a few minutes, but he lied. After he laid the blanket down, he lay on it for two hours! © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

มีคนมาถามว่าลุงให้ Antivirus ยี่ห้ออะไร? ลุงใช้ Bitdefender ครับ 🎙️ เรื่องเล่าจากโลกไซเบอร์: Antivirus กับ Internet Security ยังต่างกันอยู่ไหม? ในยุคที่มัลแวร์แอบแฝงผ่านเว็บ, อีเมล, และไฟล์ต่าง ๆ ได้เนียนเหมือนภาพโฆษณา — คนจำนวนมากจึงตั้งคำถามว่า “ควรเลือกแค่ Antivirus หรือจ่ายเพิ่มเพื่อ Internet Security ดี?” 🔍 Antivirus คืออะไร Antivirus คือซอฟต์แวร์ที่ตรวจจับและกำจัดมัลแวร์จากไฟล์ในเครื่อง เช่น ไวรัส, หนอน (worm), โทรจัน ฯลฯ โดยอิงจากการเทียบ signature และการวิเคราะห์พฤติกรรม (heuristics) ล่าสุดยังรวมถึงการตรวจภัยออนไลน์ด้วย (ไม่ใช่เฉพาะไฟล์ในเครื่องเท่านั้นอีกต่อไป) 🌐 Internet Security Suite คืออะไร Internet Security Suite คือแพ็กเกจรวมหลายเครื่องมือ เช่น antivirus, firewall, VPN, password manager, และระบบควบคุมภัยคุกคามแบบเรียลไทม์ ช่วยป้องกันผู้ใช้จากภัยออนไลน์โดยเฉพาะ เช่น การฟิชชิ่ง, การถูกสอดแนม, การโดนแฮกผ่านเว็บ, และมัลแวร์จากเว็บที่แฝงมา ✅ Antivirus คือการป้องกันระดับ local ที่สแกนไฟล์ในเครื่อง ➡️ ใช้ signature-based และ heuristic-based detection เพื่อดักจับภัย ✅ Internet Security ครอบคลุมมากกว่า โดยเน้นการป้องกันภัยขณะออนไลน์ ➡️ ป้องกันฟิชชิ่ง, เว็บมัลแวร์, และการสอดแนมผ่านเครือข่าย ✅ ฟีเจอร์ที่มักมีใน Internet Security เช่น firewall, VPN, password manager ➡️ เสริมความปลอดภัยให้กับการใช้งานอินเทอร์เน็ตแบบครบวงจร ✅ ปัจจุบัน Antivirus หลายตัวใช้ cloud-based threat detection แล้ว ➡️ ความแตกต่างระหว่าง antivirus กับ internet security จึงเริ่มพร่ามัว ✅ ผู้ให้บริการเริ่มรวมทั้งสองไว้ในผลิตภัณฑ์เดียว ต่างกันแค่ “ระดับราคา” ➡️ เช่น Norton Antivirus (พื้นฐาน) กับ Norton 360 (พรีเมียม) ✅ Antivirus ฟรีบางตัวก็มีฟีเจอร์ internet security แล้ว เช่น Avast, Bitdefender ➡️ มี firewall, สแกน Wi-Fi, ป้องกัน ransomware และ phishing mail https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/antivirus-vs-internet-security-whats-the-difference

When To Use “I” Or “Me” Is it “my friends and I” or “my friends and me”? Both I and me are pronouns. But there’s a clear difference between the two: I is what is known as a subject pronoun, and me is an object pronoun. So what exactly does that mean? The difference between I and me The pronoun I can be used as the subject of a sentence, and me can only be used as the object of one. I can perform an action, while me can only have actions performed upon it. When to use I A subject pronoun can replace the noun (person, place, or thing) that’s performing the action (or verb) in any sentence. I is most often used as the subject of a verb. I can do things. You can say things like “I ran” or “I sneezed.” This rules applies when there is more than one noun as the subject. For example: Jennifer and I researched Isabel Allende for class. How do you know whether to use I or me here? First, ignore Jennifer and. Consider each pronoun individually. Is “I researched” or “me researched” correct? The answer is “I researched.” So I is the right pronoun to use in this case. Traditionally, the use of I is also appropriate when it follows a linking verb like is, was, or were. Linking verbs express a state of being rather than describing an action. They’re usually paired with subject pronouns. Technically, that means saying it is I is correct, but English speakers tend to use it is me informally as well. Examples of I in a sentence I fixed the remote control. (subject) My husband and I checked into the hotel. (subject) Could I speak to Vanessa? – It is I. (after a linking verb) When to use me An object pronoun may replace a sentence’s direct object, indirect object, or the object of the preposition. The object pronoun me is typically used as the direct or indirect object of a sentence. It receives the action of the verb or shows the result of the action. So you shouldn’t really say “Me ran.” You can say “My dog ran to me,” because in this case me is receiving the action of the dog running. As we’ve already noted, the use of me is also appropriate following a linking verb like is, was, or were. Examples of me in a sentence My grandfather bought me a book. (object) Give me the money. (object) Albert, is that you? – Yes, it’s me. (after a linking verb) © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

นักวิเคราะห์พบเบาะแสของชิป 7 ตัวนี้ในโค้ด iOS 18 รุ่นทดสอบ (internal build) ที่หลุดออกมาทาง Bilibili แล้วถูกถอดรหัสบน YouTube → เป็นครั้งแรกที่เห็นชื่อรหัส–เลข CPID และ “หน้าที่ของแต่ละชิป” พร้อมกันแบบนี้ แต่ที่น่าสนใจคือ… Apple ไม่ได้แค่เตรียม A19 สำหรับ iPhone 17 → แต่ยังซุ่มทำ A19 Pro, ชิป M5 สำหรับ MacBook Pro รุ่นใหม่, ชิป Bora สำหรับ Apple Watch, ชิป Proxima ที่รวม Wi-Fi + Bluetooth ไว้ในตัวเดียว และแม้แต่ โมเด็ม 5G C2 รุ่นใหม่ของตัวเอง เพื่อปลดพันธนาการจาก Qualcomm ด้วย ✅ A19 (Codename: Tilos)   • เตรียมใช้กับ iPhone 17 Air (หรือรุ่นพื้นฐานของซีรีส์ iPhone 17) ✅ A19 Pro (Codename: Thera / CPID T8150)   • เตรียมใช้กับ iPhone 17 Pro และ Pro Max   • อาจมาพร้อม Neural Engine และ ISP ที่รองรับ AI และการประมวลผลภาพถ่ายขั้นสูง ✅ M5 / M5 Pro (Codename: Hidra / Sotra)   • ใช้กับ MacBook Pro รุ่นใหม่ (14 และ 16 นิ้ว)   • คาดว่าจะเปิดตัวหลัง iPhone 17 ไม่นาน ✅ Bora (CPID T8320)   • อิงจาก A18 → ใช้กับ Apple Watch Series 11   • อาจเพิ่มฟีเจอร์ด้านสุขภาพ–อัลกอริธึมที่ประหยัดพลังงานมากขึ้น ✅ Proxima (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth integration)   • เป็นชิปที่รวม Wi-Fi และ Bluetooth เข้าด้วยกันเป็น SoC   • ช่วยลดต้นทุน ลดการใช้พลังงาน และเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการเชื่อมต่อในอุปกรณ์ขนาดเล็ก เช่น AirPods หรือ Vision Pro รุ่นถัดไป ✅ C2 Modem (5G)   • เป็นโมเด็ม 5G ที่ Apple พัฒนาเอง (รุ่นที่ 2 ต่อจาก C1)   • คาดว่าจะใช้ใน iPhone 17e ปีหน้า แทนที่โมเด็มจาก Qualcomm https://wccftech.com/apple-working-on-seven-different-custom-chipsets-reveals-early-ios-18-code/

“Your” vs. “You’re”: How To Choose The Right Word Did you know English is frequently cited as a very hard language to learn? Hmm, we wonder why? Well, its difficulty explains the mistakes we all make when speaking. But writing in English has its own unique set of challenges. One of the most common mistakes is telling you’re and your apart. They look similar, right? Even if they sound the same and look like fraternal twins, they serve two distinct and different purposes. When to use you’re Let’s take a look at you’re first. You’re is a contraction of the phrase you are. Easy enough to remember. Here’s how it looks in a few sentences: • You’re my best friend! • I think you’re the perfect match for the job. • Make sure you’re healthy. Any of these sentences would read the exact same way if you are replaced you’re. When to use your Your is a possessive adjective used to show ownership. It is not a contraction. Your is usually followed by a noun (including gerunds). Take these sentences, for example: • Your hair looks great today! • I wish I had your energy. • Has all your running around made you tired? If you added you are in the place of your in these sentences, they would not make sense. Why isn’t there an apostrophe for the possessive your? A big reason why people get these confused is the association of apostrophes with possession, such as: • That is George’s dog. • Susan’s cake won the baking competition. And that makes it easy to forget the differences between your and you’re when in the thick of writing. But don’t fret, there are ways to remember whether you need your or you’re. Tips Your first line of defense is to stop the mistake before it reaches the page. Identify which of the words has the apostrophe. Step 2: reread your writing and say “you are” instead of using the contraction. This editing tip will snuff out most misuse of the two words. Let’s test your new skills. Can you identify if your and you’re are used correctly in these sentences? • Your so talented at playing you’re piano. • It’s important you express your emotions. • Washing your clothes is necessary. Both your and you’re are incorrectly used in the first sentence; they should be switched. It should look like this instead: You’re so talented at playing your piano. In the second sentence, your is the correct word to use. The third sentence is correct. How did you do? Thankfully, once you understand the key differences, the correct use of these terms should be the least of your worries. You can move on to other more challenging and frequently mixed-up pairs, like affect vs. effect, complement vs. compliment, or even infamous vs. notorious! In no time, you’ll have conquered the English language. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

“Their” vs. “There” vs. “They’re”: Do You Know The Difference? The trio of their, there, and they’re can flummox writers of all levels. It’s confusing; they are homophones, meaning they have the same pronunciation (sound) but differ in meaning and derivation (origin). Even though they sound the same, they aren’t spelled the same … cue the noticeable errors! Let’s explore the correct usages of the three. How do you use their, there, and they’re? These three words serve many functions. When to use their Their is the possessive case of the pronoun they, meaning belonging to them. As in: • They left their cell phones at home. Their is generally plural, but it is increasingly accepted in place of the singular his or her after words such as someone: • Someone left their book on the table. When to use there There is an adverb that means in or at that place. In this sense, there is essentially the opposite of here. This is what’s known as an adverb of place, which answers the question where an action is taking place. Many common adverbs end in -ly, like quickly, usually, and completely, but not all adverbs do. • She is there now. There is also used as a pronoun introducing the subject of a sentence or clause: • There is still hope. When to use they’re They’re is a contraction of the words they and are. •They’re mastering the differences between three homophones! Take a hint from the spelling! If you find yourself coming up blank when trying to determine which one to use, take a hint from the spelling of each: • There has the word heir in it, which can act as a reminder that the term indicates possession. • There has the word here in it. There is the choice when talking about places, whether figurative or literal. • They’re has an apostrophe, which means it’s the product of two words: they are. If you can substitute they are into your sentence and retain the meaning, then they’re is the correct homophone to use. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าฯ พระบรมราชินี ทรงฉลองพระองค์ไทยสากล ผ้าไหมพื้นเรียบ . ผ้าไหมพื้นเรียบ เป็นการทอแบบขัด เป็นวิธีการเบื้องต้นของการทอผ้าทุกชนิด คือมีเส้นพุ่งและเส้นยืนซึ่งอาจเป็นเส้นเดียวกันหรือต่างสีกัน ซึ่งจะทำให้เกิดลวดลายในเนื้อผ้าต่างกัน เช่น การทอเส้นยืนสลับสีก็จะเกิดผ้าลายริ้วทางยาว หรือถ้าทอเส้นพุ่งสลับสีก็จะได้ผ้าลายขวาง การทอเส้นยืนและเส้นพุ่งสลับสีก็จะได้ลายตาราง เป็นต้น ผ้าไหมที่ใช้เทคนิคการทอขัด เรียงตามความหนาของเนื้อผ้า เช่น ไม่ได้มีการควบเส้นใยเพิ่มเข้าไป ผ้าไหมสองเส้น หมายถึง ผ้าไหมที่ทอขัดด้วยเส้นยืนเส้นเดียว ส่วนเส้นพุ่งจะมีการควบเส้นไหมเพิ่มเป็นสองเส้น เนื้อผ้าจะมีความหนามากกว่าผ้าไหมหนึ่งเส้น ---- HER MAJESTY QUEEN SUTHIDA WEARS ROYAL ATTIRE IN THAI SILK . Thai silk is a polished weave. It is the basic method of weaving all kinds. That is, there is a weft line and a stand line, which may be the same line or different colors. This will cause patterns in different fabrics, for example, weaving warp lines and alternating colors will produce long stripes. Or if weaving the weft lines and alternating colors, we will get a striped fabric. The weaving of warp and weft lines alternating colors will result in a grid pattern, etc. Silk that uses polished weaving techniques. Sorted according to the thickness of the fabric, for example, without adding more fibers. Two-strand silk refers to silk that is woven with a single warp thread. As for the weft line, there will be two more silk threads merged. The fabric will be one strand thicker than silk. ____________________________________ #พระราชินีสุทิดา #苏提达王后 #QueenSuthida Cr. FB : สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าฯ พระบรมราชินี : We Love Her Majesty Queen Suthida Fanpage

Common Grammar Mistakes You May Be Making It’s no secret that English is a tough and pretty weird language to learn. There are so many grammar rules and exceptions that even the best of us make mistakes every now and then. However, some grammar mistakes are more common than others. In fact, you might be making some simple grammar mistakes without even knowing it. To do our part in helping everybody become a grammar great, we’ve put together a list that will help solve some of the most common grammar mistakes out there. Keep this list handy before you turn in your next paper or hit send on that important email to be the boss! Mistake 1: who or whom? Let’s start with a biggie: who and whom are a pair of commonly confused pronouns that are often used to ask questions or refer to unknown people. In short, who is a subject pronoun while whom is an object pronoun. This means that you would use who as you would use I, he, she, and they, and you would use whom in the same places as me, him, them, and us. For example: Who (subject) ate my lunch? You went to the beach with whom (object)? But interrogative sentences often jumble word order around, and many writers hesitate to place the object whom at the beginning of the sentence. Although correct, it just seems odd. For example: Whom (object) did you (subject) ask questions to? All of that said, in informal speech and writing, speakers will often opt for who where whom has traditionally been used. To learn much more about the differences between who and whom, check out our guide When Do You Use “Who” vs. “Whom”? Mistake 2: who or that? Who is back again to confuse us. Who and that are another pair of pronouns that can be easily mixed up. Generally speaking, who is used to refer to people (and possibly named animals) and that is used to refer to non-living things (and possibly unnamed animals). For example: Who lives here? (refers to a person or people) I never want to see that again. (refers to a thing or unnamed animal) Both who and that can also be used as relative pronouns to introduce relative clauses that describe nouns. As before, who is typically used to refer to people while that is used to refer to objects. I sat by the girl (person) who was wearing a hat. Kelly bought a car (object) that has good gas mileage. That being said, that is often used to describe people in informal writing. For example: He just met the girl that moved in next door. Most style guides recommend avoiding using that in this way in formal writing. Mistake 3: commas—all the commas We move from the apostrophe to possibly the most dreaded punctuation mark of all: the comma. It is hard to know where to even begin with commas, as they are the source of many, many grammar errors. To really master commas, you are best off checking out our amazing guide to proper comma usage. For now, we’ll just look at a couple of common comma mistakes to avoid: Common comma mistake: the splice This mistake occurs when a comma appears where it shouldn’t. When joining two independent clauses, a comma needs to be followed by a conjunction. But using a comma by itself (as in the first sentence below) is considered an error. ❌ Mistake: I like strawberry ice cream, my sister doesn’t. ✅ Fixed: I like strawberry ice cream, but my sister doesn’t. Common comma mistake: tricky subordinate clauses Subordinate clauses do not require a comma, and it is considered a mistake to use one. ❌ Mistake: Luke avoids cats, because he is allergic to them. ✅ Fixed: Luke avoids cats because he is allergic to them. Subordinate clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions, such as because, after, before, since, or although. Mistake 4: its or it’s? Only a single apostrophe separates the frustrating duo if its and it’s. The word its is a possessive pronoun that is used like the words my, his, her, and our. The word it’s is a contraction for the phrase “it is” or “it has.” Despite how similar they look, its and it’s have completely different meanings and usage. For example: The door fell off its (possessive) hinges. The idea is really bad but it’s (“it is”) the only one we have. This common mistake likely has to do with the fact that an apostrophe is used to form the possessive of nouns such as Dave’s or Canada’s. As weird as it looks, its is in fact a possessive despite not using an apostrophe. If you are still a little lost, our thorough guide to its and it’s can provide more assistance in separating these two very similar words. Mistake 5: their, there, and they’re? (And what about your or you’re?) Their, there, and they’re are a trio of homophones that frequently get mistaken for one another. However, they all have different, unique meanings. Let’s look at each one. Their is the possessive form of they, and it can be used in place of either the singular or plural they to express ownership or possession. For example: The scientists put on their lab coats. They’re is a contraction of they are and fills in for it to shorten sentences. For example: Becky and Jayden were supposed to be here already, but they’re (“they are”) late. There is a word that usually means “that place” as in Tokyo looks so exciting; I wish I could go there. It has a few other meanings, but it isn’t a synonym of either their or they’re. Your and you’re are another pair of homophones that commonly get mixed up. Like their, your is the possessive form of the singular and plural you. Like they’re, you’re is a contraction that stands for “you are.” Here are examples of how we use these two similar words: I like your jacket. (possession) You’re (“you are”) smarter than you think. Mistake 6: me or I? At first glance, me and I seem simple enough: I is a subject pronoun and me is an object pronoun. We use I as the subject of sentences/clauses and me as the object. For example: I (subject) went to sleep. Erica likes me (object). However, it can be easy to forget these rules when sentences get more complicated, and it gets harder to figure out if something is a subject or object. Chris, Daniela, and I (compound subject) played soccer. Dad sent birthday presents to my sister and me (compound object). The main source of this confusion might be the word than, which can be used as either a conjunction or a preposition. Because of this, both of the following sentences are correct: Nobody sings karaoke better than I. Nobody sings karaoke better than me. Mistake 7: dangling modifiers When we use modifiers such as adverbial or participial phrases, we typically want to place them as close to the word they modify as possible. Otherwise, a sentence may end up with a type of mistake called a “dangling modifier.” A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that either appears to modify the wrong things or seems to modify nothing at all. This common grammar mistake can result in confusing or unintentionally funny sentences. To fix these misplaced modifiers, you’ll want to place them close to the word they modify and make it clear which word or part of the sentence they modify. For example: ❌ Mistake: While driving, a bear walked in front of my car. (Is a bear driving something?) ✅ Fixed: While I was driving my car, a bear walked in front of me. ❌ Mistake: Rubbing their hands together, the winter weather was harsh and cold. (Whoever is rubbing their hands is missing.) ✅ Fixed: Rubbing their hands together, the explorers tried to stay warm in the harsh and cold winter weather. ❌ Mistake: Yesterday, I found a stray dog in my underpants. (Was the dog hiding inside your underpants?) ✅ Fixed: While wearing just my underpants, I found a stray dog yesterday. Mistake 8: pronoun antecedents When we use pronouns, they must agree in number with their antecedents. The antecedent is the noun that a pronoun is filling in for. It is a mistake to use a plural pronoun with a singular antecedent and a singular pronoun with a plural antecedent. For example: ❌ Mistake: The bees hid in its hive. ✅ Fixed: The bees hid in their hive. Additionally, we wouldn’t use its to refer to a person, nor would we use personal pronouns to refer to non-living things. ❌ Mistake: The zoo that Amanda owns is having her grand opening tomorrow. ✅ Fixed: The zoo that Amanda owns is having its grand opening tomorrow. At the same time, it should be clear in a sentence what a pronoun’s antecedent actually is. Avoid making the mistake of having missing or unclear antecedents. Missing antecedent: I looked everywhere but couldn’t find her. (Who is her?) Unclear antecedent: The toaster was next to the sink when it broke. (What broke? Does “it” refer to the toaster or the sink?) To learn a lot more about pronouns and how to use them, check out our great guide to pronouns here. Mistake 9: semicolons For many, the semicolon is not a punctuation mark that sees a lot of use, which may explain why people make mistakes when trying to use it. As it turns out, semicolons are fairly simple to use. The main thing to remember when using a semicolon is that the sentence following the semicolon doesn’t begin with a capital letter unless it begins with a proper noun. For example: I love cats; they are cute and smart. Jack and Jill went up a hill; Jill made it up first. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

“ตอนนี้นักเรียนแทบทั้งหมดใช้ AI ช่วยทำงาน” หนึ่งในคุณครูที่ออกมาแชร์คือ Gary Ward จากโรงเรียน Brookes Westshore High School ในแคนาดา เขาบอกว่ามีเด็กบางคน “ที่ถ้าไม่มี AI ก็คงนั่งเหม่อลอยไม่รู้จะเริ่มทำยังไง” และตอนนี้เขาเชื่อว่า “เกือบทุกคนในห้องใช้ AI” แล้วจริง ๆ เพื่อรับมือกับปัญหานี้ ครูหลายคนเริ่ม “หัน AI มาสู้ AI” โดยใช้เครื่องมืออย่าง ChatGPT ช่วยออกแบบคำถามหรือการบ้านให้มีความ “เฉพาะตัว” และ “ต่อต้านการลอกแบบอัตโนมัติ” เช่น ทำให้โจทย์ซับซ้อนขึ้น ต้องอิงจากประสบการณ์ส่วนตัว หรือให้วิเคราะห์เชิงวิจารณ์มากขึ้น ที่อังกฤษ Richard Griffin จากมหาวิทยาลัยแมนเชสเตอร์ ก็ใช้ระบบ AI ของทางมหาวิทยาลัยตรวจสอบว่า “การบ้านแบบนี้ถูก AI ทำแทนได้ง่ายไหม” พร้อมคำแนะนำว่าควรทำให้ยากขึ้นตรงไหน เช่น เพิ่มโจทย์แบบอัตนัย หรือให้เชื่อมโยงกับเนื้อหาที่ไม่ได้อยู่ในเน็ต อีกเทคนิคคือ “หวนคืนสู่กระดาษ” — การให้ส่งการบ้านแบบเขียนมือ หรือจัดสอบแบบ discussion ตัวต่อตัวมากขึ้น แม้จะใช้เวลาให้ครูตรวจมากขึ้น แต่ช่วยมั่นใจว่าเป็นงานนักเรียนจริง ๆ ✅ ครูพบว่านักเรียนใช้ AI อย่างแพร่หลายในงานเขียน–การบ้าน   • มีนักเรียนบางกลุ่ม “พึ่งพา AI ตลอดเวลา”   • ครูเริ่มสังเกตได้จากเนื้อหาที่ดูสมบูรณ์ผิดปกติ ✅ บางโรงเรียนและมหาวิทยาลัยใช้ AI มาช่วยตรวจสอบระดับ “ความง่ายต่อการโกงด้วย AI”   • เช่น ระบบของมหาวิทยาลัยแมนเชสเตอร์   • ให้คำแนะนำว่าโจทย์ควร “ส่วนตัวขึ้น/ลึกขึ้น” ตรงไหน ✅ เทคนิคการประเมินใหม่ เช่น การเขียนด้วยมือและการสอบปากเปล่าถูกนำกลับมาใช้อีกครั้ง   • บางที่ให้น้ำหนักการสอบแบบเขียนมือมากขึ้นในระบบเกรด   • ใช้การพูดคุยแทนรายงาน เพื่อลดโอกาสใช้ AI แทน ✅ บางหลักสูตร เช่น ธุรกิจ เริ่มเน้น “การประเมินแบบมีปฏิสัมพันธ์กับลูกค้า” มากขึ้น   • เพื่อลดโอกาสใช้ AI ทำงานแทนในการประเมิน ‼️ การพึ่งพา AI ตั้งแต่อายุยังน้อยอาจทำลายความสามารถด้านการคิดวิเคราะห์ของเด็ก   • เสี่ยงทำให้จินตนาการ–ตรรกะ–การเขียนถดถอย ‼️ หากไม่มีระบบวัดผลที่ดี อาจเกิด “คนรุ่นใหม่ที่ไม่สามารถทำงานได้จริงโดยไม่ใช้ AI”   • เป็นผลสะสมจากการฝึกคิดที่ถูกแทนด้วยระบบอัตโนมัติ ‼️ การปิดกั้น AI โดยไม่สอนการใช้ “อย่างมีวิจารณญาณ” อาจสร้างผลตรงข้าม   • เด็กบางคนจะใช้ AI ซ่อน ๆ โดยไม่มีความเข้าใจเรื่องจริยธรรมหรือคุณภาพเนื้อหา ‼️ การประเมินเฉพาะด้วย “การเขียนด้วยมือ” หรือ “การพูด” อาจทำให้นักเรียนบางกลุ่มเสียเปรียบ   • โดยเฉพาะผู้ที่มีความแตกต่างด้านการเรียนรู้ (learning differences) https://www.techspot.com/news/108379-how-teachers-fighting-ai-cheating-handwritten-work-oral.html

From Trainee To Bias: The Big 16 K-Pop Slang Terms To Know K-pop is the name of a pop music sensation that originated in South Korea and is sweeping the globe. From its energetic choreography and music to the beauty of its idols, K-pop (or K for Korea combined with pop) has entranced international and Korean fans alike—and chances are you’ve heard it, hummed it, or danced to it. (Did you catch BTS’ “Friends” playing in the Marvel movie Eternals? And who knew Clifford the Dog was also a K-pop stan? At least, his trailer made it seem so.) Emerging from the 1990s, K-pop has created a unique fandom culture along the way. Fans have indulged fully in this media, creating their own celebrations, traditions, and—of course—slang. All of this can overwhelm the casual listener trying out K-pop sounds, and I have to admit, I once thought this fandom was a little over the top. But I’ve since been won over—after all, being a fan of a group like Red Velvet is no different from being a fan of Ariana Grande. To get you started, I am providing a short guide to K-pop’s complex terminology. Whether you’re interested in K-pop, saw BTS on the news, or have friends who listen to all of the above, here are a few terms to know. Please note: these words are used mainly by English-speaking international fans and are found across fan Twitters, Instagrams, TikToks and Tumblrs. bias In K-pop slang, a bias is a member in a group that you like or relate to the most. K-pop fans collect merchandise—for example, photocards (more on that later)—of their biases. Fans use this term to learn more about other fans. Example: Who is your Twice bias? (And you’d answer with your favorite.) biaswrecker Although fans have their fundamental biases, it doesn’t mean that a bias is monogamous. Most fans with biases will have their biaswreckers, too. These wreckers are members in a group that make you question who your true bias is. sasaeng One group of people widely looked down upon are sasaengs (사생팬) or sasaeng fans. This slang derives from a Korean word (sa for “private” and saeng for “life”) that refers to an obsessive fan who stalks or otherwise violates the privacy of a Korean idol. Sasaengs tend to own fan pages, and some say they operate much like the American tabloids of the 2000s. comeback When an idol group releases new music, it’s called a comeback. Comebacks usually take place every few months and include new promotions, hair colors, styles, music, etc. Era is another word used in this fandom to describe a comeback. Example: Did you hear that BTS are having a comeback in June? nugu This word literally means “Who?” in Korean, and is used by fans to describe small and relatively unknown idol groups. A group like IVE would not be described as a nugu (누구) but the girl group Weki Meki would. visual In K-pop, there are roles for each idol in a group, including a role as visual. The visual role is assigned by the company to the member or members in a group who best fit a strict Korean beauty standard. Fans also debate who they believe the visual to be in each group. For example, Jin is the official visual of the group BTS, but many consider Taehyung to fit the role. This harsh beauty standard prizes small facial features, cuteness, and specific measurements of the face, body, eyes, and much more. aegyo Aegyo (애교) can be used to describe K-pop idols (both male and female) who are acting cute and childlike. Aegyo moves require specific word choices, vocal tones, and both facial and body gestures. Aegyo (often translated as “cuteness”) is usually meant to show a flirtatious side of idols and is also used by the general Korean population. Example: The judges made Felix do aegyo as a punishment for losing the game. maknae Another Korean word that has been adopted into international fan spaces is maknae (막내) or “youngest person.” This slang is used to describe the youngest member of a group. The term maknae, much like visual, is a role a member takes on. trainee When an idol is training before they debut, they are considered a trainee. These trainees usually take part in promotions, trying to gain popularity before their debut. Trainees typically are under contract and fulfill years of rigorous training to be able to match the abilities of many idols you see today. subunit In some idol groups subunits are formed. These units comprise a few members in a group who create their own music or albums. Some groups, such as LOONA and NCT, use subunits as their concept. This term can also describe two or three members in a group who have a similar skill or talent (like a vocal or dance unit). antis Anti or anti-fan is used to describe people who hate an artist or group so much that they seem to follow their activities and content as much or more than a fan would. Some of these antis display sasaeng behavior, dedicating themselves completely to taking down or hate speech idols. These hate campaigns contain criticizing and insulting language. Shockingly, some antis have gone so far as hurting idols in real life. delulu This term is short for delusional, and it’s used to mock fans who believe they’ll date, marry, or befriend their favorite idol. The word can describe a fan who devotes an unhealthy amount of time and energy to an idol. You could say becoming a delulu is a first step on the pipeline towards sasaeng and usually includes behavior similar to said sasaeng. Example: Did you see that guy talking about how he and Nayeon are dating? He’s such a delulu. solo stan When a fan of an idol group only stans a single member, they are a self-proclaimed solo stan or are labeled as such by others in the community. A solo stan might hate other members in a group, which is why the term has a negative connotation in the community. The word solo stan also can describe someone who’s a fan of a singular idol (like Sunmi or IU) who does not participate in idol groups. photocard Photocards (or pocas or PCs) are typically 3” by 2” pieces of glossy paper photos included in a K-pop albums and prized by fans. They may not sound like much to the average joe, but to the average Jimin fan, these pictures are worth hundreds to thousands of dollars. the Big 3 In Korea, idols are contracted under companies. The Big 3 describes the main three corporations that famous idols usually sign under. These three companies are HYBE Entertainment (previously known as BigHit Entertainment), with groups like BTS and TXT; SM Entertainment, with groups like Girls Generation and Aespa; and YG Entertainment, producing groups like BLACKPINK and iKON. The Big 3 not only produce idols but also sign and manage actors. JYP Entertainment can also be considered as part of the Big 3 (HYBE is a relative newcomer to the list), leading some to use the term “Big 4.” netizen The term netizen does generally mean an internet user, but it’s used in K-pop to refer to Korean fans who are online intensively. These fans or anti-fans are internet sleuths and usually the ones to create scandals and/or help in proving rumors wrong or right about specific idols. Netizens (or also K-netizens) hold power in the idol industry; companies want these internet personas to view their idols in a positive light and do their best to prevent scandals that might mobilize netizens. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

“Worse” vs. “Worst”: Get A Better Understanding Of The Difference The words worse and worst are extremely useful. They are the main and often best way we can indicate that something is, well, more bad or most bad. But because they look and sound so similar, it can be easy to mix them up, especially in certain expressions. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between worse and worst, explain how they relate to comparative and superlative adjectives (and what those are), and clear up confusion around which word is the correct one to use in some common expressions. Quick summary Worse and worst are both forms of the word bad. Worse is what’s called the comparative form, basically meaning “more bad.” Worst is the superlative form, basically meaning “most bad.” Worse is used when making a comparison to only one other thing: Your breath is bad, but mine is worse or The situation was bad and it just got worse. Worst is used in comparisons of more than two things: Yours is bad, mine is worse, but his is the worst or That was the worst meal I’ve ever eaten. worse vs. worst Worse and worst are different words, but both are forms of the adjective bad. Worse is the comparative form and worst is the superlative form. A comparative adjective is typically used to compare two things. For example, My brother is bad at basketball, but honestly I’m worse. A superlative adjective is used to compare more than two things (as in Out of the five exam I have today, this one is going to be the worst) or state that something is the most extreme out of every possible option (as in That was the worst idea I have ever heard). Worse and worst are just like the words better and best, which are the comparative and superlative forms of the word good. In most cases, the comparative form of an adjective is made by either adding -er to the end (faster, smarter, bigger, etc.) or adding the word more or less before it (more impressive, less powerful, etc.). To form superlatives, it’s most common to add -est to the end of the word (fastest, smartest, biggest, etc.) or add most or least before it (most impressive, least powerful, etc.). Worse and worst don’t follow these rules, but you can see a remnant of the superlative ending -est at the end of worst and best, which can help you remember that they are superlatives. Worse is used in the expression from bad to worse, which means that something started bad and has only deteriorated in quality or condition, as in My handwriting has gone from bad to worse since I graduated high school. Let’s look at some other common questions people have about expressions that use worse or worst. Is it worse case or worst case? The phrase worst case is used in the two idiomatic expressions: in the worst case and worst-case scenario. Both of these phrases refer to a situation that is as bad as possible compared to any other possible situation, which is why it uses the superlative form worst. For example: - In the worst case, the beams will collapse instantly. - This isn’t what we expect to happen—it’s just the worst-case scenario. While it’s possible for the words worse and case to be paired together in a sentence (as in Jacob had a worse case of bronchitis than Melanie did), it’s not a set expression like worst case is. Is it if worse comes to worst or if worst comes to worst? There are actually two very similar versions of the expression that means “if the worst possible outcome happens”: if worse comes to worst or if worst comes to worst. However, if worst comes to worst is much more commonly used (even though it arguably makes less sense). Whatever form is used, the expression is usually accompanied by a proposed solution to the problem. For example: - If worse comes to worst and every door is locked, we’ll get in by opening a window. - I’m going to try to make it to the store before the storm starts, but if worst comes to worst, I’ll at least have my umbrella with me. Examples of worse and worst used in a sentence Let’s wrap things up by looking at some of the many different ways we can use worse and worst in a sentence. - I think the pink paint looks worse on the wall than the red paint did. - Out of all of us, Tom had the worst case of poison ivy. - Debra Deer had a worse finishing time than Charlie Cheetah, but Sam Sloth had the worst time by far. - My grades went from bad to worse after I missed a few classes. - If worst comes to worst and we miss the bus, we’ll just hail a cab. - It’s possible that the losses could lead to bankruptcy, but the company is doing everything it can to avoid this worst-case scenario. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

How To Write A Professional Email: Tips & Examples During your professional career, you’ll need to write plenty of emails. While writing an email to a friend is pretty simple, writing an email to your boss or a person you have never met before requires a bit more thought if you want to be professional. Ideally, you want your emails to be clear, concise, and persuasive. If that is your goal, then you’ll get there in no time at all if you follow our tips on crafting professional emails. What to include in a professional email When writing an effective email, there are several things that should never be left out. Let’s walk through each major part of an email so you’ll know exactly how to write one. Subject line In most email programs, the subject line is entered into the box under the recipient’s email address. Besides your name and email address, the subject line is the first thing someone will see when they receive your email. The subject line should be a short summary of the purpose of your email. Some examples of subject lines include “Plans for Fall Product Lineup,” “Thank You for the Referral,” or “Question About Next Week’s Meeting.” If you are responding to or forwarding someone else’s email, an email program will typically fill in a subject line for you such as “Re: New Employee Training.” Generally, it is fine to keep these subject lines as doing so will make it easier for the original sender to keep track of potentially long email chains. Greeting The greeting is the first line of the email and is a salutation that establishes the tone of your email. Every professional email you send must have a greeting tailored toward the receiver. If you know the receiver’s name and title, you should use it. Avoid referring to anyone as “Mr.” “Mrs.” or “Ms.” unless you already know that person prefers one of those titles. For professional emails, formal greetings such as “Greetings,” “Dear,” or “Good morning/afternoon/evening” are preferred. If you do not know the identity of the person receiving your email, you can exclude a name or use the general greeting of “To Whom It May Concern.” Informal greetings such as “Hi” or “Yo” should be avoided. Body The body is the largest part of the email and where your actual message will be. You should begin the body by immediately saying what the purpose of the email is and expressing what you are trying to achieve by sending it. The body of the email should be concise, informative, and straight to the point. You should always be polite and use proper grammar in professional emails. Whether the body is a single sentence or several paragraphs, it should provide all the information a person needs to respond to your needs or take whatever actions you want them to. Closing The closing is the last line of the email before your name or signature. A closing is necessary to ensure proper etiquette and not having one is often seen as rude or inconsiderate. The closing can be very short and use formal words like “Best” or “Thank you.” The closing can also include a restatement of the main topic or a repeat of a request, such as “I look forward to hearing back from you regarding my proposal. Thank you!” What not to include in a professional email Now that we’ve looked at what should be in your emails, let’s take a look at what you should leave out if you want to come across as a professional. Decorative or distracting fonts Professional emails should use traditional fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or whatever font the email program uses as a standard. Decorative fonts such as Comic Sans are distracting and inappropriate, so they should not be used in your professional emails. Excessive punctuation Punctuation should follow the rules of proper grammar. It is fine to use question marks, commas, quotation marks, colons, and semicolons as long as you know how to properly use them. Exclamation points should be used sparingly, usually only in the closing or to emphasize a need for immediate action. Excessive, unnecessary use of punctuation is distracting and will make your email look unprofessional. Emoticons Unless you are emailing someone you have a friendly, informal relationship with, your email should not include emoji, emoticons, gifs, or memes. All of these things are distracting and typically seen as unprofessional, so you should not use them in an email that is supposed to be professional. Tips for writing a professional email We’ve covered everything that needs to go in an email and what should stay on the cutting room floor. Next, let’s review some general tips that will improve all of the emails you’ll need to write. Be concise A professional email should be short and to the point. At the same time, you should still use complete sentences and proper grammar. Avoid going on tangents or telling long stories in emails. Each sentence should have a purpose and should provide information that the receiver needs to respond or perform whatever action you need them to take. Avoid asking many questions or making several requests if possible. You can use followup emails to make further requests or ask additional questions if you need to. Convey a clear purpose A professional email should get straight to the point. Avoid wasting a person’s time by burying your main point deep in the body of an email. The very first line of the body should clearly state what the purpose of the email is and what action you want the receiver to take. The subject line should also establish the purpose of the email. The rest of the email should support the main point by including necessary information or important details that the receiver needs to be aware of. Proofread using Grammar Coach™ A professional email should have proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. To that end, you should thoroughly proofread your emails for any errors. To ensure that all of your emails are perfect, you can use our fantastic Grammar Coach™ that will review all of your emails for common errors and grammar mistakes. With Grammar Coach™ at your side, your emails will be error-free and have an air of professionalism that cannot be matched! Examples of professional emails Let’s finish things off by bringing it all together and taking a look at some different types of emails that effectively use all of our tips and advice. Example #1: Relationship building The following example shows how you could write an email with the intent of trying to establish a relationship with someone in order to add them to your growing network of professional contacts: Subject: Fantastic Lecture Dear Dr. Smith, I attended your Wednesday lecture on ancient Roman military tactics, and I wanted to express my gratitude for you coming to speak to our university. The lecture was extremely informative and your theories on Julius Caesar’s troop movements were something I had never considered. I am writing a dissertation on Caesar’s campaigns during the Gallic Wars, and your ideas have inspired me to view Caesar’s decisions from a new perspective. I plan on attending your upcoming lecture on the Punic Wars, and I know it will be just as illuminating. I look forward to hearing your views on the Roman war strategy! Thank you once again, Jane Doe Example #2: Referral requests When seeking a new career opportunity, having a referral or two will often give you a major advantage when it comes to submitting a job application. When asking another person for a referral via email, it is important to be polite and accommodating. The following example shows how you might ask for a referral through email: Subject: Referral Request – Zachary Adams Dear Professor Delgado, I hope you are well and wanted to thank you again for the instruction and guidance during my time at East Virginia University. I am applying for a position at the Research Institute Laboratories and was wondering if you would be willing to provide me with a referral. The position requires many of the same skills and lab work I performed during my time under your tutelage. Thanks to your instruction, I was able to excel in my studies and gain crucial experience using a nuclear fusion reactor. Due to your expertise and renown in the field, I know your referral would greatly improve my application. Thank you for considering my inquiry. I have attached a copy of my cover letter, resume, and the job posting for your review. Please let me know if you need anything else from me as you consider my request. Sincerely, Zachary Adams zadams@fakemail.abc (123) 456-7890 Example #3: Resignation When leaving a job, you’ll need to submit a resignation letter. Your resignation email should be courteous and professional–even if you are looking forward to leaving your job. You never know if you might need to contact your former company for referrals or references, so it is important to remain professional and cordial even in your letter of resignation. The following example shows one possible approach you could take in your resignation email: Subject: Resignation – Laura Nores Dear Mrs. Smith, This email is my formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Head Marketing Consultant at Boxmart. My final day of employment will be April 1. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to lead the marketing department at Boxmart for the past seven years. I’ve learned a lot about developing marketing campaigns and conducting demographic research during my time with the company. I’ve enjoyed being a member of the Boxmart team and appreciated the opportunities I’ve had to make the Boxmart brand a household name in the minds of customers worldwide. I will take everything I learned with me as I continue in my marketing career. During my final weeks with the company, I will ensure my team is prepared for the transition and will complete any outstanding responsibilities I have as Head Marketing Consultant. Please let me know if there is anything I need to do to assist in the transition. I hope Boxmart continues to be a market leader and that we remain in contact in the future. Best, Laura Nores © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

“Learnt” vs. “Learned”: Learn The Difference We use past tense verb forms like burnt and slept all the time. But what about learnt? Is it a word? Does it mean the same thing as learned? And why do some verbs form their past tense by adding a -t at the end? In this article, you’ll get the answers to these questions and learn all you need to know about learnt and learned. Quick summary Both learned and learnt are correct forms of the past tense and past participle of the verb learn. Of the two, learned is far more commonly used in American English. Learnt is used in British English and some other varieties. Is it learned or learnt? Both learned and learnt can be used as the past tense and past participle forms of the verb learn. In both cases, they can be used interchangeably (though frequency of use varies widely depending on the variety of English). Here’s an example of learned and learnt being used in the past tense: I learned/learnt how to ride a bike when I was seven years old. A past participle form of a verb can be used to form the present perfect verb tense (have learned/learnt) or the past perfect verb tense (had learned/learnt) or, sometimes, as an adjective. Here’s an example of learned and learnt being used in present perfect form: I have learned/learnt many things from you. And here’s an example in past participle form: I knew which berries were toxic because I had learned/learnt to identify them at camp. learned and learnt as adjectives When the past participle form learned is used as an adjective, it can be pronounced [ lur-nid ], as in a learned scholar, or [ lurnd ], as in learned behavior. It’s much less common for learnt to be used as an adjective, but when it is, it’s typically used in the same way as the second example above (in phrases like learnt behavior, for example). Is learnt regular or irregular? The past tense and past participle of most verbs are formed by adding -ed or -d to the end of the root form of the verb—as is done when forming learned from learn. Verbs whose past and past participles follow this general rule are called regular verbs, whereas verbs that don’t act this way are called irregular verbs. Though some consider learnt to be an irregular form, adding -t to form the past tense or past participle follows the same pattern as adding -ed—without the more drastic spelling changes seen in irregular verbs, such as when catch changes to caught. But learnt isn’t the only verb that ends this way. Examples of -t in past tense and past participle forms The use of -t when forming past tense or past participle is thought to be influenced in part by speech patterns (meaning that, in some cases, the dominant form likely emerges simply because it’s easier to say). Some verbs that add a -t instead of -ed or -d add it directly to the end of the word without any other spelling change. Examples: dream becomes dreamt; burn becomes burnt. Sometimes, though, the spelling and vowel sound in the middle of the word can change along with the ending. Examples: feel becomes felt; sleep becomes slept Some verbs only use the -t form in their past and past participle forms. Examples: creep becomes crept; sleep becomes slept; weep becomes wept; keep becomes kept Note that some -ed forms, such as sleeped and keeped, are never used and are considered incorrect. In other cases, both the -ed and -t forms of a verb are used. Examples: learned and learnt; dreamed and dreamt; burned and burnt; kneeled and knelt; smelled and smelt Sometimes, both forms are used with relatively similar frequency, as in the case of burned and burnt. In other cases, one of the two forms may be much less commonly used than the other. For example, kneeled is much less commonly used than knelt, and learnt is much less commonly used than learned (particularly in American English). © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

AMD แยกไลน์ผลิต GPU AI และ HPC พร้อมเพิ่มเทคโนโลยี UALink AMD กำลังปรับกลยุทธ์ใหม่สำหรับ Instinct MI400-series โดยแยก GPU ออกเป็นสองไลน์เฉพาะทาง ได้แก่ Instinct MI450X สำหรับ AI และ Instinct MI430X สำหรับ HPC เพื่อเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพสูงสุดสำหรับแต่ละประเภทของงานประมวลผล ✅ Instinct MI450X จะเน้นการประมวลผล AI ที่ใช้ FP4, FP8 และ BF16 - ช่วยให้ สามารถเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพสำหรับงาน AI ได้สูงสุด ✅ Instinct MI430X จะเน้นการประมวลผล HPC ที่ใช้ FP32 และ FP64 - ลดการใช้ทรัพยากรที่ไม่จำเป็น เพื่อเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพสำหรับงานคำนวณที่ต้องการความแม่นยำสูง ✅ AMD เพิ่มเทคโนโลยี UALink เพื่อแข่งขันกับ NVLink ของ Nvidia - ช่วยให้ GPU สามารถเชื่อมต่อกันได้ดีขึ้นในระบบขนาดใหญ่ ✅ AMD วางแผนเปิดตัว Instinct MI450X และ MI430X ในช่วงครึ่งหลังของปี 2026 - คาดว่า จะเป็นคู่แข่งสำคัญของ Nvidia ในตลาด AI และ HPC ✅ AMD เตรียมเปิดตัวระบบ Instinct MI450X IF64 และ MI450X IF128 - ใช้ Infinity Fabric ผ่าน Ethernet เพื่อแข่งขันกับแพลตฟอร์ม VR200 NVL144 ของ Nvidia ‼️ UALink อาจมีข้อจำกัดด้านการขยายตัวในปี 2026 - เนื่องจาก ไม่มีผู้ผลิตภายนอกที่พร้อมให้บริการ switching silicon https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/amd-to-split-flagship-ai-gpus-into-specialized-lineups-for-for-ai-and-hpc-add-ualink-instinct-mi400-series-models-takes-a-different-path

“Brake” vs. “Break”: Halt Everything And Learn The Difference Let’s hit the brakes and take a quick break to break down the difference between brake and break. We’ll answer all your questions, including: - Did we just use all of those words correctly? - What’s the difference between break and brake? - Is it break down or brake down? - Is it a break pedal or a brake pedal? In this article, we’ll cover multiple meanings of these two words, including their most common uses as both verbs and nouns as well as their use in several common phrases. Quick summary The verb break is the one used in the context of something being broken or divided into pieces or fragments. It’s also commonly used to refer to a rest period, which is the sense used in the phrase take a break. The noun brake is the one that refers to the device used to slow down vehicles like cars (in which it’s called the brake pedal) and bikes. As a verb, it means to use a brake to slow down or stop. break vs. brake The word break has many, many different meanings as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, break commonly means “to become or cause to be broken” (as in Please don’t break that lamp) or “to become or cause to be divided into pieces or fragments” (as in I’ll break it into two pieces so you can each have one). Break is an irregular verb: the past tense is broke and the past participle is broken. The continuous form is breaking. As a noun, break can refer to an instance of something being broken (as in Luckily it was a clean break) or the spot at which it has been broken (as in You can see the break in the glass right there). It also commonly refers to a pause from working or exertion (as in It’s almost time for a break). It has many other meanings, including the ones used in expressions like Make a break for it! and This is your big break! The word brake can also be used as a noun or a verb, but both usually relate to the same thing: slowing down or stopping a vehicle or a machine. The noun brake refers to the device that’s used to do this. In cars, this is sometimes called the brake pedal. In this sense, brake is often used in the plural, as in Hit the brakes! As a verb, brake most often means to slow or stop something using brakes, as in You should brake when you’re going down the hill. The past tense and past participle of brake is braked and the continuous form is braking. Looking for more? Review all the verb tenses here. The word break is used in many different common phrases such as break down, break off, break up, break in, and break out (and related noun phrases like breakdown and outbreak). The word brake is often used in figurative expressions related to slowing down or stopping something, as in Let’s hit the brakes for a moment and think about this. While break and brake aren’t commonly used in the same contexts, things could possibly get confusing when dealing with mechanical failures, such as when a vehicle’s brakes happen to … break. Take a brake? Or break? The commonly used phrase meaning “to take a pause from doing something” is take a break. This idiomatic expression uses the sense of break meaning “a brief rest.” This same sense is used in common phrases such as lunch break, coffee break, and snack break. breaking vs. braking Breaking is the continuous form of all of the many different senses of the verb break, including both literal ones (as in I keep breaking dishes) and more figurative ones (as in They’re breaking the rules). Braking is the continuous form of brake, as in You should be braking when you round the curves or Engineers are trained to start braking the train well before it reaches the station. Examples of brake and break used in a sentence Let’s break things down by looking at different examples of how we use break and brake in a sentence. - I used the hammer carefully so that I wouldn’t break the window. - The water was rushing in through the break in the wall. - He managed to brake the truck just in time. - The mechanic fixed a small flaw in the roller coaster’s brakes. - She didn’t intend to break the rules—she just needed to take a break. So let’s hit the brakes on any punishment. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

🌌 Awakening Song Pt. 1 – Echoes from the Unwanted Image 🎧 A Sweet Notice to Those Who Still Breathe Quietly 📅 Official Album Launch: May 28, 2025 🔗 Pre-listen the unofficial debut single: ▶️ No More Masks (Unofficial Preview) https://youtu.be/H-Og0cbfrJA 🎶 Follow the full release here: Spotify Artist Profile https://open.spotify.com/artist/4lUbgHzsclX3utQs8ZQe9c YouTube Music Channel https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCU5BwquaVTJ2ZeKJRjShtew Emotional & Functional Trackmap A guided journey through six honest songs confronting the truths we usually hide. A Sweet Notice from the universe — softly reminding you that you’re still here. 🌌 Concept Expansion: What is a “Sweet Notice”? In a world of noise, shame, and false strength, a Sweet Notice is not a command. It is not a scream. It is the soft whisper from your own soul — saying: “I see you, even when you’re hiding.” Each track in this album is a Sweet Notice sent from different corners of the inner landscape — from wounds, from regrets, from voices long silenced. And together, they form a path that begins in darkness, but does not end in despair. 1. The True First Step Function: Awakening Emotion: Vulnerability, gentle courage This is not a song that performs — it breathes. It teaches that honesty doesn’t begin with clarity, but with movement. A soft notice that the first trembling step is sacred. “The first step is not clean. It is messy. It is breathing while scared.” Sweet Notice: You’re allowed to start before you're ready. 2. No More Masks Function: Confrontation Emotion: Rage turned into truth This is the roar that breaks silence. It confronts the false peace we build with smiles and the roles we wear to be loved. Not bitter — just done. “This rap’s my truth. And my goodbye.” Sweet Notice: You don’t have to perform your pain anymore. 3. Echoes of the Heart Function: Remembrance Emotion: Longing, warmth in absence A fusion of country and trap, this song returns you to a love that never left. It doesn’t mourn — it reminds. The heart’s echo is still playing. “In every beat, I hear — echoes of the heart.” Sweet Notice: Love does not vanish. It transforms. 4. One More Lie Function: Realization Emotion: Quiet despair, recognition This is the silent war inside — between the truths we know and the lies we repeat. It is not an anthem. It is a mirror. “One more lie is one too many.” Sweet Notice: Stop lying to survive. Begin living to tell the truth. 5. Still Worth It Function: Redemption Emotion: Silent strength, quiet dignity This is for those who don’t win — but still show up. It carries no pride, but dignity. No boast, but breath. “Still worth it. Even cracked. Still worth it. Even blacked.” Sweet Notice: You’re tired. Not finished. 6. Bleed for Real Function: Cleansing Emotion: Raw honesty, uncompromised healing This is where grief becomes sacred. Where pain is no longer paraded, but purified. A space for healing that doesn’t demand applause. “That’s the only cut that’ll let you heal.” Sweet Notice: Bleed — not for likes, but for light. 🌀 Album Summary: The Function of Echoes This is not an album that tells you what to believe. It is an album that notices you — where you are, how long you've been hiding, and how deeply you want to return to yourself. In every song, there’s a message: “Your mess is seen. Your silence is heard. You are still worth the song.” This album isn’t made to entertain. It’s made to tell the truth — the one we usually hide. 💬 You’re not alone. You’re not broken beyond repair. You’re just waiting for your echo to come home.

9 Skillful Ways To Answer: “What Are You Doing With Your Future?” “What do you plan to do with your life?” It’s one of those big, intimidating questions that people tend to ask all the time when they find out you’re graduating high school or college. One minute you’re eating a piece of graduation cake and enjoying the relief of having no homework, and then suddenly all of your relatives are staring at you, waiting for you to walk them point-by-point through a map of the next five years. When you’re in this situation, it might be tempting to scream and run away as soon as they ask the question. Unfortunately, that kind of behavior is generally frowned upon. But there are ways to answer the question that take some of the pressure off of you, make the situation less awkward, and help you navigate the conversation with ease. Here are nine different approaches you can take when someone asks what you’re doing with your future. 1. Shorten the time frame. You may not have your long-term future mapped out (you aren’t alone!), but you might have plans coming up this summer or even just for the next semester. Talk about those more immediate plans instead. When people ask what you’re up to after graduation, they generally just want to know what the next step is. It’s totally okay to limit your answer to the next few months. Try an answer like: - I’m going camping with some friends this summer before I start my job search. - I’m finishing up my prerequisites at the community college while I decide on a university. 2. Talk about your passions. You don’t have to focus solely on accomplishments, job offers, or acceptance letters when someone asks about the future. Instead, talk about what you’re passionate about and the kinds of work or study you’d like to do in the following years. Try a phrase like: - I’m really interested in [subject], so I’m considering options related to that. - I know someone who works in [career field], and I really want to learn more about it. 3. Share the one thing you’re most excited about. If you got an exciting new job or acceptance into a dream school, that’s a great thing to share. If you’re still working towards your big goals, talk about something coming up on the horizon of your life that makes you really excited. Maybe it’s a trip you’re taking, a summer internship, tours of different schools, or even some interviews with various companies that you’re really interested in. Allow others to share in the excitement! 4. Ask for advice. Graduation is the start of a new chapter in life, and everyone who’s gone through that transition had to make important decisions about the future. When someone asks about your future, try asking them how they handled some of those big decisions. People love to talk about their own lives and offer advice. They might even have good suggestions on different steps to take that you hadn’t thought about yet. Say: - I’m still deciding on my next step. What did you do when you were my age? - I have two options I’m really excited about. Which one would you pick? 5. Use humor. Let’s be honest: this is a tricky question to answer, and it can make you feel like you’re being put on the spot. If it makes you more comfortable, lighten the mood by injecting some humor into the conversation. Humor can be a great way to deflect when you feel like someone is judging your responses, and it’s also an easy way to change the subject if you’d rather avoid the topic entirely. Try something like: - Well, my first commitment is catching up on all the TV shows I missed this semester. What about you? - You mean to tell me there’s more work after graduation? 6. Focus on mental health. It’s normal to need some breathing room between big life changes, especially when a part of your academic life took place during a pandemic! If you’re taking some time off, using the next few months to relax and regroup, or just taking your time while you consider different options, it’s OK to say that. It can be as simple as: - Finishing school took a lot of work, so I’m taking some time to consider my next steps. - I’m taking some time off to reset, so I’m fresh for my next opportunities. 7. Turn the question around. If being asked about your future feels like an interrogation, invite the other person to share their future plans as well. Making the question more conversational can help ease any tension you might feel or even change the subject if that’s what you’re aiming for. When there’s more of a back-and-forth happening, it won’t feel so much like you’re sitting in the hot seat. You could say: - I have a few trips lined up and then I’m thinking about doing [x]. What do you have coming up this year? - I’m thinking about [X], but haven’t decided. What have you been up to? 8. Talk about the big picture. You may not know exactly what you want to do next, but you likely have some ideas about what you want your life to look like in the future. Go big! Talk about your overarching goals and what really makes you tick. You’re working towards something, even if you don’t know every single step along the path yet. You might say something like: - I’d like to work towards a career in publishing. - I want to open my own business one day, so I’m hoping to major in business management or economics. - I’m really focused on trying new things and honing in on the right career for myself. 9. Challenge expectations. When people ask you about the future, they’re often expecting you to brag about a new job or school you’ll be attending, but jobs and school aren’t the only things you’re allowed to be proud of. Maybe you’re prioritizing volunteer opportunities, personal enrichment, time with family and friends, or even just the freedom of having finally graduated. You get to decide what to focus on when you answer this question, even if it doesn’t follow the typical script. Take advantage of that and steer the conversation towards what makes you tick. - School kept me so busy that I’m really looking forward to spending time with my friends and family over the next few months. - I’m planning on grad school later on, but in the meantime I’m spending a lot of time volunteering with [organization]. - I haven’t made a final decision about work yet, but I’m really excited to figure out what’s next. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

Afghanization, Finlandization, And The Politic-ization Of Place Names Recent news has been filled with analysis that attempts to make sense of current events by comparing them to past moments in history—and applying some of the terminology that originated in the midst or aftermath of those earlier events. Prominent examples include terms based on the combination of a place name and the ending -ization, such as Afghanization (in the context of the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan) and Finlandization (in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine). Not only are such terms used in fraught political discussions, use of the words themselves is often controversial due to debates about what they mean exactly as well as how—or whether—they should be used. Add context to your reading of current events with this list of some of the -ization terms you’re most likely to encounter in historical analysis, along with explanations about the different meanings they can have. Afghanization The term Afghanization is most prominently used in the context of US forces in Afghanistan, particularly in the lead-up to and during the withdrawal of those forces in 2021. Specifically, it refers to the US strategy of attempting to return political and military control to Afghan forces. The term is also used separately to refer to ethnic and language assimilation within the country. Africanization The term Africanization can be used in a variety of ways. It can mean “to bring under African, especially Black African, influence or to adapt to African needs” or more specifically, “to make African, especially to give control of (policy, government, etc.) to Africans.” It is commonly used to discuss postcolonial Africa and post-apartheid South Africa. In this context, Africanization refers to restoring political, economic, and civil power to Black Africans. Americanization The word Americanization is used to refer to two separate ideas. In the early 1900s, many advocated for “Americanizing” the large number of new immigrants who were entering the United States at the time as a way to instill cultural values considered quintessentially “American.” During and after, this approach has faced criticism for forcing the loss of immigrants’ original cultures. More currently, the word Americanization is often used to refer to the spread of American culture across the world, especially through American media and popular culture. This term can refer to the wide availability of American pop culture, which has been noted for its influence on many other nations’ cultures. Arabization The word Arabization is used to refer to a process of promoting Arabic language and Arabic culture in education, government, and media. In particular, Arabization is often used to describe government policies that enforce this process in countries that were formerly under the control of non-Arab colonizers. balkanization The term balkanization is sometimes applied when a large place or country divides up into smaller, more homogenous communities. It can also refer to conflict between various ethnic groups in one state. The term balkanization makes reference to the Balkans, also known as the Balkan Peninsula, which split into many small countries first after the fall of the Ottoman Empire and again after the fall of the Soviet Union and the breakup of Yugoslavia. Dubaization Dubaization refers to a rapid period of development of a city or area with futuristic architecture. Dubaization takes its name from the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which is known for its architectural development dating back to the 1990s. Finlandization Finlandization refers to the process by which a smaller country maintains a neutral or favorable policy toward a larger country due to influence from that larger country. Coined by political scientist Richard Lowenthal in the 1960s, the term references Finland’s neutrality toward the Soviet Union during the Cold War. A 1948 treaty stipulated Finland would remain neutral during the Cold War if in turn the Soviet Union refrained from invading the country. The term can have negative connotations, as it can imply one country is under the thumb of a more powerful one and has opted for neutrality under undue pressure. Japanization In economics, the term Japanization is used to refer to a period of deflation and economic stagnation in a country. The term references the nation of Japan, whose economic stagnation in the 1990s led to a severe financial crisis in what is now often referred to as the Lost Decade. Latinization The term Latinization has several distinct senses: - Latinization can refer to the act of rendering a language into a script that uses the Latin alphabet. For example, a translator might Latinize a text by taking Chinese or Hindi characters and converting them to Latin letters. - In religious context, Latinization can refer to the process by which non-Latin Christian churches were made to conform to the practices of the Latin and Roman Catholic Church, primarily during the Middle Ages. - Latinization can also refer to a place becoming similar to places in Latin America. For example, US cities with large Hispanic populations, such as Miami, have been described as being Latinized. Mongolization The term Mongolization is often used to refer to the assimilation of language and culture that occurred by peoples who were conquered by the Mongol Empire. For many peoples, this process occurred over a long period of time and often involved their traditional culture slowly blending with Mongol culture. Ottomanization Ottomanization refers to the adoption of the culture of the Ottoman Empire by the peoples and places under its rule. Historically, this term has referred to the transition from the Christian, Greek traditions of the Byzantines to the Islamic, Turkish traditions and culture of the Ottomans. Romanization The term Romanization is often used to refer to the cultural influence practiced by the Roman Empire. At its peak, the Roman Empire encompassed an incredibly diverse range of countries and cultures, which allowed for a large-scale Romanization, the influence of which can still be seen today in the many languages, architecture, and cultures retaining Roman influences. Sinicization Sinicization refers to the spreading of Chinese culture, religion, and politics. The term Sinicization has also been used, including by the Chinese government, to refer to China’s policy of enforcing the assimilation of ethnic and religious minorities to Chinese practices. The beginning of the term is a version of Sino-, which comes from a Latin word referring to China and is used in many other terms referring to China or Chinese culture (such as Sinology). Vietnamization Vietnamization is the name given to a strategy employed by the Nixon administration as an attempt to end US involvement in the highly unpopular Vietnam War. The strategy intended for the US to transfer all military responsibility to South Vietnamese forces and prepare South Vietnam to fight North Vietnam. The process called Afghanization is sometimes likened to Vietnamization due to similarities in the failures and other aspects of the respective conflicts. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

“Denotation” vs. “Connotation”: What’s The Difference? If you’re in the business of defining and explaining words (which we are), it’s important to know the difference between denotation and connotation. These two terms are easy to confuse because they refer to related concepts. And every word can have both denotation and connotation. So what do they mean? In this article, we’ll explain the difference, give you tips for how to remember it, and provide examples of what both words refer to. ⚡ Quick summary The denotation of a word or expression is its direct meaning. Its connotation consists of the ideas or meanings associated with it or suggested by it. For example, the word homework refers to schoolwork done outside of school—that’s its denotation. For many people, the word has a negative connotation—meaning that the word itself gives them a bad feeling associated with the experience of having to do homework when they’d rather be doing something else. What is the difference between denotation and connotation? The denotation of a word or expression is its explicit or direct meaning, as distinguished from the ideas or meanings associated with it or suggested by it. Simply put, a word’s denotation is what that word means or directly represents. The meaning of denotation becomes more clear when it’s contrasted with connotation. When someone refers to a word’s connotation, they’re referring to what it implies or suggests—or to the secondary meanings or implications that are associated with it. The word connotation is commonly used in the phrases positive connotation and negative connotation. That’s because people associate good or bad things with a lot of words. Let’s illustrate the difference with a simple example. For example, the word home refers to the place where you live—it could be a house, an apartment, etc. This is the word’s denotation. For many people, the word home has a positive connotation—it’s associated with safety, comfort, and a sense of belonging. These associations and implications make up the word’s connotation. The connotation of a word depends on cultural context and personal associations, but the denotation of a word is its standardized meaning within the language. Another way to think about it is that a word’s denotation is the same or about the same for most people. When you say “bicycle,” other English speakers generally know what you’re talking about. Some may picture a mountain bike while others picture a road bike, but they’re thinking about the same general thing. While a word’s connotation may be widely shared, different words often have different connotations for different people. Both denotation and connotation stem from the Latin word notāre, meaning “to note.” One way to remember the difference between the terms is to take a hint from how they begin. The con- in connotation comes from a Latin term meaning “together” or “with,” reminding us that the connotation of a word works with or alongside its primary, explicit meaning—its denotation. denotative vs. connotative The words denotative and connotative are the adjective forms of denotation and connotation. They’re used in the same context—to describe words or meanings. For example, describing a word as connotative means that it suggests more than its straightforward meaning. All words are denotative, and any word can be connotative if it has particular associations for a person. denote vs. connote The verb denote means “to indicate” (as in A fever often denotes an infection) or “to mean” (as in What is this supposed to denote?). Connote means “to signify or suggest (certain meanings, ideas, etc.) in addition to the explicit or primary meaning.” © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

Apple กำลังปรับกลยุทธ์ในการพัฒนา AI โดยเปลี่ยนจากการใช้ข้อมูลสังเคราะห์เพียงอย่างเดียว มาเป็นการตรวจสอบข้อมูลจริงจากอีเมลที่อยู่บนอุปกรณ์ของผู้ใช้โดยตรง โดยไม่ส่งข้อมูลกลับไปยังเซิร์ฟเวอร์ของ Apple วิธีนี้ช่วยให้ AI สามารถปรับปรุงความแม่นยำในการสรุปข้อความและแนะนำการเขียนได้ดีขึ้น Apple อธิบายว่า ข้อมูลสังเคราะห์ ที่ใช้ในการฝึก AI นั้นมีข้อจำกัด เพราะแม้จะช่วยรักษาความเป็นส่วนตัว แต่ก็อาจไม่สะท้อนรูปแบบการสื่อสารของผู้ใช้จริง ส่งผลให้ AI ทำงานได้ไม่สมบูรณ์ เช่น Siri ที่ยังมีข้อผิดพลาดในการตอบคำถาม และระบบแจ้งเตือนที่ไม่แม่นยำ เพื่อแก้ไขปัญหานี้ Apple จะเริ่มใช้ระบบใหม่ใน iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5 และ macOS 15.5 ที่ช่วยให้ AI สามารถตรวจสอบอีเมลของผู้ใช้โดยไม่ต้องเก็บข้อมูลไว้ที่เซิร์ฟเวอร์ ซึ่งจะช่วยปรับปรุงฟีเจอร์ต่างๆ เช่น การสรุปข้อความ, การแนะนำการเขียน, Image Playground, และ Memories Creation นอกจากนี้ Apple ยังใช้ Differential Privacy เพื่อวิเคราะห์แนวโน้มของผู้ใช้โดยไม่เปิดเผยข้อมูลส่วนบุคคล เช่น การปรับปรุงการสร้าง Genmoji โดยดูจากคำขอที่คล้ายกันของผู้ใช้หลายคน ✅ แนวทางใหม่ของ Apple ในการฝึก AI - ใช้ข้อมูลจากอีเมลของผู้ใช้โดยตรง โดยไม่ส่งข้อมูลกลับไปยังเซิร์ฟเวอร์ - ช่วยปรับปรุงความแม่นยำในการสรุปข้อความและแนะนำการเขียน ✅ ข้อจำกัดของข้อมูลสังเคราะห์ - แม้จะช่วยรักษาความเป็นส่วนตัว แต่ไม่สะท้อนรูปแบบการสื่อสารของผู้ใช้จริง - ส่งผลให้ Siri และระบบแจ้งเตือนทำงานได้ไม่สมบูรณ์ ✅ การอัปเดตใน iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5 และ macOS 15.5 - ระบบใหม่ช่วยให้ AI ตรวจสอบอีเมลของผู้ใช้โดยไม่ต้องเก็บข้อมูลไว้ที่เซิร์ฟเวอร์ - ปรับปรุงฟีเจอร์ต่างๆ เช่น การสรุปข้อความ, Image Playground, และ Memories Creation ✅ การใช้ Differential Privacy - วิเคราะห์แนวโน้มของผู้ใช้โดยไม่เปิดเผยข้อมูลส่วนบุคคล - ปรับปรุงการสร้าง Genmoji โดยดูจากคำขอที่คล้ายกันของผู้ใช้หลายคน ℹ️ ความเสี่ยงด้านความเป็นส่วนตัว - แม้ Apple จะเน้นความเป็นส่วนตัว แต่การใช้ข้อมูลจากอีเมลอาจทำให้เกิดข้อกังวล - ผู้ใช้ต้องเลือกเปิดใช้งานฟีเจอร์นี้ผ่าน Device Analytics และ Product Improvement Settings ℹ️ ผลกระทบต่อการแข่งขันในตลาด AI - Apple พยายามไล่ตาม OpenAI, Microsoft และ Google ในการพัฒนา AI - การเปลี่ยนแปลงนี้อาจช่วยให้ Apple Intelligence แข่งขันได้ดีขึ้น https://www.neowin.net/news/apple-wants-to-train-ai-on-your-emails-in-a-way-that-protects-your-privacy/

Ways To Stop Saying “Sorry” All The Time How many times have you said the word sorry today? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably: a lot. Sorry means “feeling regret, compunction, sympathy, pity, etc.” The only problem is, we don’t always use it that way. Sorry has become a sort of anchor that people attach to all kinds of phrases, whether they’re asking a question, asking for help, or even just moving about in a crowded space. In those instances, we aren’t feeling regret or pity, so why are we apologizing? Research shows that women tend to over-apologize more often than men, but no matter your identity, psychologists caution that saying sorry all the time can undermine your authority and even impact your self-esteem. If you’re a chronic over-apologizer, it’s time to switch it up. Here are 10 ways to stop saying sorry and start saying what you really mean. 1. Catch yourself in the act. Before you change your habit of over-apologizing, you have to become aware of when you apologize and why. Is it anytime you feel you’re in someone’s way? Or maybe whenever you want to ask a question during a meeting? Start to notice when sorry comes out of your mouth during times when you haven’t actually done anything wrong. Try asking a trusted friend or colleague to point it out to you or even having a day where you write down a tick mark every time you say it. 2. Think about why you apologize. Has sorry become a filler word? Maybe it gives you something to say when you aren’t sure what else to say, or maybe it’s a way of dealing with anxiety or a lack of confidence in certain situations. Understanding why you apologize all the time will help you identify situations for which you could brainstorm some other words and phrases to have in your arsenal instead. 3. Say “thank you,” not “sorry.” When you’re ready to start replacing the word sorry in your vocabulary, here’s an easy trick: say “thank you” instead. This is especially helpful at work or in other places where saying sorry might come off as less authoritative. Thank you turns an apologetic statement into one that exudes confidence. Here are some examples: - Instead of Sorry for being late, try Thanks for waiting. - Instead of Sorry for the late notice, try I’m so glad you could make it. - Instead of Sorry for complaining, try Thanks for listening. - Instead of Sorry for the mistake, try Thank you for catching that. 4. Use a different word. Are you using sorry in place of a word or phrase that might work better? For example, when you need something at a restaurant or want to reach in front of someone at the grocery store to grab an item, do you automatically apologize? If so, you may be using sorry as a default, so try to choose some replacement words. Here are some ideas: - pardon - excuse me - after you - oops 5. Focus on solutions. We all make mistakes, and apologizing when we really mess up is a good idea. But you don’t need to jump straight to sorry every time there is a minor mishap. In situations at work or even in conversations with friends and loved ones, it can be helpful and more proactive to lead with what you’re going to do to fix the problem. In these situations, try one of these alternatives: - I hear you, and I’m going to [list actions you plan to take]. - Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’m going to work on it. - This didn’t go as planned, but I’m going to make it right. - Can you give me feedback on how I can do this differently? 6. Ask a question. Sometimes we use sorry as a way of getting someone’s attention, as in, “Sorry, but I have a question.” The only problem is that beginning your sentence with an apology has the potential to make you sound more passive or make others see you as less authoritative. Instead of defaulting to apologizing whenever you have something to say, try these alternatives: - Instead of Sorry to bother you, try Is now a good time to talk? - Instead of Sorry for interrupting, try Can I expand on that? - Instead of Sorry for getting in the way, try Can I squeeze past you? - Instead of Sorry, but I have a question, try Is now a good time for questions? 7. Ban sorry from your emails. In person, the word sorry can slip out without notice. But over email you have the opportunity of more time to think about what you really want to say. Take advantage of that by banning the word sorry from all communications. After you write an email, read through it quickly and delete every instance of sorry or other passive language, and replace it with some of the words or phrases above. It’s a small step that can go a long way towards making you sound more self-assured. 8. Practice empathy, not sympathy. Sorry is a go-to word when something bad happens to someone else, but it isn’t always the best word. Sorry conveys sympathy, and it focuses on how the speaker feels rather than the recipient. Plus, because the word is so overused, it can sometimes sound insincere. Instead of jumping right to sorry in these situations, practice empathy by acknowledging the other person’s feelings over yours. Some examples include: - That must have been really difficult. - I know you’re really hurting right now. - Thank you for trusting me with this. - What can I do to make this easier for you? 9. Prep before important conversations. If you know ahead of time that you’re going into a tough conversation where you might be tempted to over-apologize, rehearse some other lines to use instead. For example, if you need to talk to a boss about a problem at work, think about how the conversation might go and choose a few sorry alternatives from earlier on this list. Practice what you’ll say ahead of time. When alternative words and phrases are fresh in your mind, they’ll be easier to remember and work into the conversation naturally. 10. Get an accountability partner. It might be easier to change your habits if you have a little help. If you have a friend, partner, or colleague that you trust, let them know you’re trying to delete sorry from your vocabulary, and see if they’re willing to help by privately pointing out when they hear you over-apologizing. They may notice times when you apologize that you’ve overlooked, and knowing they’re on the lookout might motivate you to change your ways even more. After a while, your sorry habit will be a thing of the past. Sorry, not sorry. © 2025, Aakkhra, All rights reserved.

บทความนี้กล่าวถึงความแตกต่างระหว่าง microSD Express และ microSD card ซึ่งเป็นเทคโนโลยีการจัดเก็บข้อมูลที่มีการพัฒนาอย่างต่อเนื่อง โดยเน้นที่ความเร็ว ราคา และความเข้ากันได้ของอุปกรณ์ ✅ ความเร็วและประสิทธิภาพ: - microSD Express ใช้ PCIe และ NVMe interfaces ทำให้มีความเร็วในการถ่ายโอนข้อมูลสูงถึง 985MB/s - เทคโนโลยีนี้ช่วยลดเวลาในการบันทึกไฟล์ขนาดใหญ่ เช่น วิดีโอ 8K และเพิ่มความเร็วในการเปิดไฟล์หรือแอปพลิเคชัน ✅ ความเข้ากันได้: - microSD Express ไม่สามารถใช้งานร่วมกับอุปกรณ์ที่รองรับ microSD card แบบเดิมได้อย่างเต็มที่ - หากใช้งานในอุปกรณ์เก่า ความเร็วจะลดลงเหลือระดับ UHS-I ✅ การใช้งานและการนำไปใช้: - microSD Express เหมาะสำหรับการใช้งานที่ต้องการความเร็วสูง เช่น การเล่นเกมและการสร้างสื่อ - Nintendo Switch 2 เป็นตัวอย่างของอุปกรณ์ที่รองรับ microSD Express ✅ ราคาและความพร้อมใช้งาน: - microSD Express มีราคาสูงกว่า microSD card แบบเดิม เช่น การ์ด 1TB microSD Express มีราคาประมาณ $200 ในขณะที่ microSD card แบบเดิมมีราคาต่ำกว่า $70 https://www.techradar.com/pro/microsd-express-vs-microsd-card-what-is-the-difference

Ways To Say You’re Sorry You may have been friends with someone for years, but it only takes a second to damage that friendship with the wrong word or two. Now that you’ve made the mess, it’s time to clean it up with a well chosen apology. There are different ways to say you’re sorry, of course. Let’s examine the words and a few of the situations they’re most suited for. Hopefully you won’t find yourself in too many of these jams, but let’s face it. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes—whether it’s breaking a window or forgetting you were supposed to meet someone for that Valentine’s Day lunch. Whoops. Pro Tip: don’t forget to be sincere when saying you’re sorry. I’m Sorry You’re expressing regret for your actions. Sorry means “feeling regret, compunction, sympathy, pity.” Emotion comes into play with this one when it’s used as a verbal cue. If you just backed into someone’s car, you hop out and say it with a lot of emphasis. Or, if you merely bump someone on the subway as you head for the door, proper etiquette dictates you simply nod and give a quick sorry as you exit. No need to belabor that one. Depending on the situation, adding words extremely or sincerely may help (and if you’re using those additional words, then yes—get flowers or candy on the speed dial, it’s better late than never). Elton John thinks this word is a tough one. I Apologize Pretty much in line with number one on our list, when you apologize, you “offer an apology or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury.” This word is used in formal situations, but is equally at home in an informal context. It’s All My Fault You’re drawing deep from the well of sincerity here. You’re taking all the blame; you’re all in. You’re confessing one’s faults. I Regret If you use the word regret in an apology statement, it sounds a bit too formal and seems rather, oh what’s the word—insincere? Then again, inflection and circumstance come into play. In the World Wars, the military would send telegrams to families who lost loved ones, using this phrase. There’s no doubt they were sincere, and it brought them straight to the point. Beg Pardon We cite beg pardon as “an expression of apology (used especially in the phrase with no beg-pardons).” However, this one seems a bit off the mark, does it not? The phrase I beg your pardon seems more useful when used as a statement of indignation when someone cuts in front of you in the movie line. So…maybe you’re not actually sorry (ending the phrase with an upward inflection is key). 1960s singer Lynn Anderson never promised anyone a rose garden, so she went on begging people’s pardon’s all the way to the top of the pops. I’m Sorry (Textspeak Version) This being 2017 and all, we’re adding some versions you can use in phone messenger form. If you’d like to tap something appropriate (you’re still too scared or too busy to meet them face to face) SMSTXTs suggests: apologies r in order and then add whatever transgression has been committed: 4 ruining ur day, 4 making u feel bad, 4 always being late, 4 not showing up, etc. My Bad Quite popular as an informal way of getting yourself off the hook, my bad works wonders. You admit it, it’s done, let’s move on, not a big deal. Forgive Me You’ve really gone and done it. You’re not even in the doghouse anymore—Fido kicked you out of there, too. Our top reference to forgive is “to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.” Thank You Throwing you a curve with this one, of course. Try it sometime, maybe in something like the following situation. According to The Muse, “If someone points out a small typo in the rough draft of a presentation you put together or helps you wipe up some coffee you spilled on the conference table, a ‘thanks’ is more in order than a ‘sorry.’ Neither situation is dire, and showing someone you appreciate the help is better than having his or her confidence in you diminished.” I’m Sorry (Emoji Version) If you just can’t find the right words (even after reading the rest of this list) maybe firing off a few choice emoji would work better for you. Be our guest. emojis ©2025 AAKKHRA All Rights Reserved.