The Wiles Way

I feel that the English language is a fairly robust language, being a blend of multiple other languages and because of its versatility in being able to incorporate terms from other languages. I feel that this is largely because of its Latin and Greek roots (especially their roots and prefixes). The roots and prefixes provided by the Latin and Greek languages allows most words to be modified to alter the use of the words, such as using past tense and future tense.  Example: abjure – give up, throw away, or reject:  especially related to belief(s). This example uses ab, which is a Latin prefix that means away from.

I am one of those people who LOVE the English language. Yes, this statement makes many people look at me as if I am a bit crazy, but I really don’t care. I enjoy the grammar jokes, just as much as I enjoy techie jokes.

I would like to help other people come to realize why I like the English language so much and come to be as good using it as I am, preferably better. No, I am not perfect at using the English language. I still consider myself to be a student… considering how many words are in it and how many are still being added, I expect I will be a student forever. I do not consider this as a bad thing. I view it as I would any work of art in nature: a thing of beauty, which is ever-changing. I am, however, fairly proficient and always seeking improvement.

Word List

I will keep a compiled list of terms that I feel are essential in conveying meaning within the English language (but, which I feel might be a bit under-used) and which I happen to use in my articles, along with a short, possibly more clarifying definition than you will find in a dictionary. Example shown below:

• Ab: away from
• Abjure: give up, throw away, or reject:  especially related to belief(s).
• Constructive Criticism: A recommendation for improving a situation or process and possibly for preventing future problems of the same or similar nature.
• Jure: right, fair, or reasonable. Used in relation to judgements, law, jurors, and jury: abjure and de jure.
• Proficient: competent or skilled.
  • Side Note: People who are proficient at something can still make gross errors and mistakes. Correction by people who care about that person should be appreciated and welcome (as long as it is polite and delivered with concern for the individual and the subject matter {though laughter and ribbing are sometimes acceptable for some mistakes, especially from dear friends}). Even better than a correction is a constructive criticism.

If you see an under-used term that I have used in my articles, but haven’t added to the list, please let me know and I will fix it.