There are nearly 350 million native English speakers in the world. The American version of English is spoken by around 70 percent of those native speakers, while the other 30 percent speak UK English. Even more people, 1.5 billion, speak either US or UK English non-natively. To an untrained eye UK English and US English may seem very similar. While there are plenty of similarities, there are also significant differences to be aware of. Whether you’re taking a trip across the pond or trying to make sure you’re staying in line with style guidelines, here are a few of the key differences between the two.

Vocabulary

A big difference between British and American English is the vocabulary used. These differences in vocabulary can be found in simple, commonplace words like pants (called trousers in UK English) and can cause some confusion in everyday conversations. There are hundreds of words that mean something different depending on who you’re talking to or what country you’re in. Below are a few of the most common vocabulary differences between UK and US English.

While these words can get confusing, most Americans and Brits can understand each other with the help of context clues. Here is a more comprehensive list of vocabulary differences.

Spelling

If you’re an academic submitting to journals, you’re no doubt aware that while some words used in both UK and US English have similar meanings, the spelling can differ. Understanding the proper spelling for each country can help make sure you don’t get pulled up on this point. The main spelling differences in the two types of English include the following:

–er/re

The suffix –er in American English is often reversed in UK English. For example, center in US English becomes centre in UK English.

–nse/nce

Words that end with –nse in US English often take an –nce ending when spelled in UK English. For example, defense in the US would be defence in the UK, and license in the former becomes licence in the latter.

–ize/ise

Many people mistakenly think that –ize is the US spelling and –ise UK (e.g., organize vs. organise; legalize vs. legalise); however, the Oxford English Dictionary (widely considered to be the leading resource for British English) actually prefers –ize. In other words, in UK English either –ise or –ize is acceptable (though it’s vital to be consistent throughout your document), but in the US it’s always –ize.

–or/our

While American English ends many words with –or, British English adds an extra u into the mix. This makes words like color and humor in the US colour and humour in the UK.

Auxiliary Verbs

Another major difference between UK and US English pertains to auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs. These are used to add information, such as time and voice, to the main verb. One of the major auxiliary verbs that you will see in UK English, but rarely in US English, is the verb shall. In the UK, people use shall to express something they are going to do in the future, such as “I shall go home in 5 minutes.” While in the US shall is seen as a very formal way of speaking and is almost never used in conversation. Americans would be more likely to say something like, “I will go home in 5 minutes.”

Similarly, to express a lack of obligation in British English you might say “You needn’t write that essay,” where need and not are contracted to form the auxiliary verb needn’t. In American English, you would be more likely to contract do and not together to form don’t—“You don’t need to write that essay.”

Understanding the subtle differences between UK and US English can help to ensure you don’t fall foul of style preferences of your school, journal, or publisher. Our founder, Jinny, was born and raised in the UK but has lived in the US for many years, so we can definitely help to make sure you get it right!

Writing a dissertation or thesis is a mammoth challenge. Many students encounter writer’s block at some point during the writing process, which can induce frustration or even straight-out panic.

Writer’s block at this level has less to do with a lack of ability and more to do with perfectionism and procrastination. Overcoming writer’s block is definitely possible, especially once you understand what might be holding you back.

A great resource for those struggling with writer’s block is (surprise!) Understanding Writing Blocks by Keith Hjortshoj. In particular, Hjortshoj addresses the feeling of inadequacy that can cause an otherwise capable academic to freeze in his or her tracks:

“Writing blocks are most common among advanced undergraduates, graduate students, scholars, and other professional writers who are not supposed to need help with writing and do not need the kinds of writing instruction offered in the typical composition class.”

In other words, many students might feel ashamed that they’re having problems with writing and productivity. Sound familiar?

How about these situations?

• You don’t feel “ready” or “prepared enough” to write. You might not feel like you’ve read enough. For those in the sciences, you may not have ever had to write long papers, unlike your colleagues in the humanities.
• You might also feel a discrepancy between the standards you hold yourself to and your actual performance. Confronting this difference can be daunting, since it’s difficult to own up to one’s shortcomings.
• You’re finding it difficult to adapt to the style of writing or conventions within your field.
• You’ve had negative past writing experiences. Perhaps you’ve had teachers or peer editors who have been overly critical or have given you hurtful feedback.

Once you’ve figured out what feelings might be causing the block, what should you do to? Try one or two of these remedies.

1. Set goals and track yourself

Cutting overwhelming tasks down to size is an effective way to gain momentum. It sounds simple, but simple solutions aren’t necessarily easy to execute.

Consider dividing your writing into different types of tasks. Completing a chapter involves filling it with content, making your argument clear, fitting it into the outline of your entire paper, creating transitions, checking your citations and data, and editing. That’s too much for many people to do all at once. Instead, tell yourself, “For this chapter, I’ll get the basic content outline down; no editing, no argumentation” and move on from there.

2. Schedule time purely for writing

We’ve talked about creating a writing ritual before. It’s important to shield yourself from distractions, even from checking every single citation and figure as you go. Make time to just write, since ideas are useless if they reside only in your brain. If you’ve never done this before, don’t try to sit for two hours straight off the bat. Try for 30 minutes and build up from there.

3. When you see a gap in your research or become stuck, seek help

Many students with perfectionistic tendencies panic when they get stuck or find that their research is lacking. They might be reluctant to ask for help, but honestly, that’s what a good thesis or doctoral advisor is for. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you’ll resolve the problem. Additionally, don’t forget to ask your peers for help or advice. You might find that others are in the same boat and be able to identify ways to help each other.

4. Look at similar dissertations or papers

Speaking of looking to others for help, you might want to look at existing dissertations in your field. You’ll see where you’re doing well and what you could improve. In many cases, seeing finished products can boost your confidence by showing you that you aren’t as behind as you think. This tip is especially handy if you haven’t yet started and are looking to write your proposal, since you’ll see what’s manageable and what’s unwieldy in terms of scope.

5. Fight perfectionism by letting go

Perfectionism can paralyze you. You’re worried you won’t meet some standard and won’t begin out of fear. Or you might delay yourself with constant rewrites and re-reading, which can create a sense of hopelessness. However, realize that your thesis committee will question your arguments no matter how “perfect” your work is. You could improve your paper for a lifetime and still get a ton of questions and critiques. When you feel that a paper is 95% good enough, and your content, data, and arguments are solid, it’s time to let it go.

Are you writing your dissertation or thesis? Don’t let a fear of mistakes hold you back from getting it done. We LOVE editing undergrad and graduate work—the lengthier the better!

When you hear an expression and then learn what it means, it’s tempting to use it later on in your writing, especially if you’re trying to create a more natural tone. However, writing what you hear can lead to all sorts of newly minted expressions—such as “doggy-dog world,” instead of the correct “dog-eat-dog world” (a term that Cambridge Dictionary defines as being “used to describe a situation in which people will do anything to be successful, even if what they do harms other people”).

For people who speak and write English as a second language, learning how to use idioms and phrases correctly can be infuriating. It’s easier when you are a word-origin nerd like many of the team members at Stickler, but even people who grew up as native English speakers have a hard time using these expressions in their writing. Take a look at these seven mistakes and keep an eye out for them in your own work!

1. Incorrect: To give someone free reign
Correct: To give someone free rein

People use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone has the freedom to act and speak as they see fit. Naturally, the word reign comes to mind, since royal figures and rulers are able to do as they please. But the correct word, rein, should remind you of when people rode horses for transportation. When a rider would have to navigate steep and rocky paths, he would often loosen his grip on the reins in order for the horse to choose the path, since the horse would want to keep itself out of harm’s way anyway. If you’re referring to giving someone control over a situation, rather than total power over everything, giving them free rein makes much more sense.

2. Incorrect: Tongue and cheek
Correct: Tongue in cheek

This is one expression that’s easy to mislearn, since when it’s spoken aloud, and and in can sound quite similar. To say something in a tongue-in-cheek manner is to speak or write ironically or jokingly. An easy way to remember this expression is to actually try putting your tongue in your cheek. I don’t know about you, but it sort of makes me wink, and of course winking is a way of telling people that you are joking when you say something.

3. Incorrect: Pour over
Correct: Pore over

Many phrases are misused because they utilize little-known and rarely used definitions of common words. The archaic definition of pore as a verb is to “think intently; ponder”—in other words, meditate. When people are poring over documents or books, they are studying them carefully. Of course, “pour over” is a legitimate phrase in itself, but hopefully people aren’t pouring liquids all over their papers.

4. Incorrect: An escape goat
Correct: A scapegoat

In biblical Jewish tradition, the high priest would “place” the sins of the people on a goat on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). By sending this goat into the desert, the people were symbolically sending their sins away from them. This has made its way into modern usage, where the definition of a scapegoat today is someone who is blamed for other people’s mistakes or for things that go wrong, especially when it makes a difficult situation easier for a group to handle.

5. Incorrect: Mute point
Correct: Moot point

The word moot means “debatable, open to debate, doubtable.” It can also describe something that’s of little practical value or relevance. When someone makes a moot point, he is talking about a topic or thought simply to debate it, but ultimately whatever comes out of the conversation won’t have any practical use in the real world. Mute as an adjective means “silent, not speaking,” and is used to describe people rather than points.

6. Incorrect: For all intensive purposes
Correct: For all intents and purposes

When someone says “for all intents and purposes,” they mean “virtually” or “in effect.” This phrase is best understood with an example: “Even though Stacy is technically Adam’s assistant, for all intents and purposes, she makes the major decisions.” Put simply, Stacy is, in effect, the boss, even though her job title suggests otherwise.

The expression comes from old contract law and was meant to ensure that a stipulation would apply to all situations. In this sense, intensive doesn’t make sense because intensity or concentrating on a single topic has nothing to do with the validity of a situation.

7. Incorrect: I could care less
Correct: I couldn’t care less

This is a “favorite” of editors everywhere. If you could care less about a topic, it means that you do care about it somewhat and could take your concern down a few notches. If you couldn’t care less, that means you don’t care about the topic at all—and this is usually what people mean when they use this expression.

If you struggle with idioms and expressions, that’s totally understandable—but we can help!

It’s every student or researcher’s dream to write and produce more each day. Upping your productivity would mean that you finish your projects much faster and have time for the (other) important things in life, like family, friends, and hobbies.

Of course, it’s easier said than done.

We’ve come up with seven ideas for increasing your writing output. You could even just choose two or three of these—remember, your aim is to write more, not to spend all your time implementing changes.

1. Lower your expectations for your initial efforts

Logically, you know that you won’t put down a perfect rough draft on the first try. However, the idea of a terrible first try is enough to keep many people from getting started. Whether it’s a matter of perfectionism or fear of failure, it helps to accept that your first efforts won’t be great so that you can at least put something down on paper.

This is a key tip for those who easily fall prey to writer’s block. It’s impossible to edit or otherwise work with blank pages. You can only make your writing better if there is any writing to begin with.

2. Reduce distractions

You only have so much time in a day, and you must make the most of the hours you’ve set aside to work. By reducing distractions, you’ll be able to devote more mental energy to the task, and you’ll be more likely to fall into a flow state where the words and ideas come easily. Many people can only feel this flow when they work without interruption for a certain amount of time.

Getting rid of distractions often means disconnecting from the Internet and social media. Put away that smartphone, mute your notifications, or use a plug-in like Stay Focused to temporarily block sites such as Facebook. Some writers even use an old-fashioned word processor, such as a Neo2, to make sure that they aren’t distracted as they write. This might seem extreme, but just think of the time you spend responding to each “ping,” and how that time could be better utilized.

3. Get organized

Creating an outline and gathering your materials before you begin can help you get going. You’ll be able to divide your task into smaller parts, and you’ll see where you might need to do more research or which parts you’ll sail through. (Perfectionists might want to skip this tip to avoid getting too caught up in making the perfect plan.)

4. Develop a routine

Many find comfort in creating a writing ritual or routine. Whether you create a specific area in your home for writing, have your tea a certain way before you start, or write at the same time every day, creating a ritual can help you get your mind ready to work. There’s also the benefit of self-care when it comes to routines that make you feel good.

(For inspiration, Mason Currey’s Daily Rituals: How Artists Work gives you a window into the wild and strange world of writer’s rituals.)

Creating a routine also enables you to schedule your work when you’re confident your energy levels will be high. If you know you are always sleepy after lunch, it’s probably not a good idea to book in your writing time then. Choose a time when you generally feel good and don’t have to rush.

5. Make more time to consume good content

Ideas don’t just come from nowhere. Our brain makes connections using the information we consume, and if you limit your inputs, you won’t be able to generate new ideas. Restricting yourself to reading only about your subject may seem like a good idea, but it’s important to give those ideas some real-world context.

But that doesn’t mean binge-watching Netflix or reading trashy magazines (although there’s nothing wrong with those things in their time and place!). Reading quality novels or longform articles, listening to radio shows, watching great movies—the quality of the input affects the quality of ideas that’ll come out later.

6. Set a word or page quota per day

Some people get overwhelmed with a task; they dwell on the idea that they’ll “never” finish. One way to overcome this is to set a minimum of words or pages you must reach per work session. Perhaps start small with 500 words and increase this number as time goes on.

If word counts don’t appeal to you, setting a minimum amount of time to write might work better. Whether you produce anything or not, when writing time is over, you can leave it mentally and waste less energy ruminating about an unfinished task.

7. Get an accountability buddy

Teaming up with someone who’s in the same boat can be an effective way to increase your productivity. Challenge and encourage each other, or maybe even engage in a little friendly competition to see who can finish first or who can reach their quotas most often.

We’re often kinder to others than we are to ourselves—most people would not dream of trashing their accountability buddy for not meeting a goal, and we know that positive comments are more motivating compared to negative ones. Having an accountability buddy is therefore also a good way to learn how to change paralyzing negative internal dialogue.

Here’s to a productive, enjoyable 2017!

The holidays are here, and for many of you, days off from work and school are just around the corner. It’s good to put down your pens and close your laptops for a few days to refresh and renew. We’ve picked a few books about writing and the writing life that are sure to inform and inspire you.

Whether you want to get specific tips on constructing great sentences and paragraphs, or delve deeper into the life of a writer, these books are the perfect blend of work and play.

1. The Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White

William Strunk’s name may not be a household one, but if you’ve read Charlotte’s Web or Stuart Little, you’ll definitely be acquainted with E.B. White. Strunk wrote this small volume and his student, White, enlarged it, and subsequently The Elements of Style has influenced many writers and is required reading for many writing classes today.

Short and pithy, this book inspires those who read it to write in a similar manner. We recommend it if you’re looking for a quick fix to improve your writing, and even though style, grammar, and usage are the main focus, it’s not at all boring.

2. On Writing, Stephen King

Need another household name to improve your writing? Turn to no other than Stephen King. Even if you’re not a fan of the horror genre, it’s a worthwhile choice. King’s memoir outlines the mistakes that novelists should avoid, and his stories about being an author will help any burgeoning writer overcome the insecurities that seem to be ubiquitous.

Even if you’re not planning on writing for a living, On Writing is an inspiring look at the craft, and includes some practical tools that are necessary for writing well—what to read, assignments to get you going, the details of paragraph building. As a bonus, Stephen King’s real-life stories make for entertaining, enjoyable holiday reading.

3. Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of our Century Shares his Craft Techniques and Strategies, Sol Stein

Sol Stein is one of the most important American figures in writing, editing, and publishing. In this book he divulges insider stories about famous writers and their struggles to put their thoughts onto the written page. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll benefit from Stein’s solutions for writers.

He talks about what’s really “interesting” and how to improve the work you already have. Stein even includes examples from students’ drafts, and goes through the process of cutting away excess wordiness. Examining every expression and detail is the key, but under Stein’s command, it doesn’t have to be a nightmarish, boring task. And in the case of nonfiction, Stein’s insight into using fiction tactics to inject life into the driest subject matter will be hugely helpful to those of you out there in academia.

4. On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction, William Zinsser

This volume is a must for anyone writing their dissertation or thesis. In fact, we’d argue that anyone who writes daily emails would benefit from this book because the fundamentals are Zinsser’s priority.

Since its publication in 1976, it’s sold nearly 1.5 million copies, On Writing Well has influenced writers in many fields, particularly those writing about technology, science, and medicine. Zinsser draws on his experience as a writer on a huge range of subjects, as well as his experiences as a writing teacher. Less a manual than a treasure trove of great examples, it’s particularly useful for those writers who want to get to the heart of their subject and write in a clear, crisp style.

5. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott

This book is an emotional look at the writing life, making it a great choice for cozy holiday reading. Lamott’s recollections over her long career will make you laugh and cry with recognition at your own struggles in putting something down on paper.

Not only is it a great reflection on the writer’s struggle, but it’s also a glimpse into the life of a unique woman, who touches on being a single parent as well as overcoming addiction. If you’re struggling with writer’s block or any of the demons that commonly affect writers, aspiring or otherwise, Lamott can help. Her advice to form a writing support group can seriously help those of you who are struggling to finish longer assignments or theses.

We here at Stickler wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. Best wishes for a productive and pleasurable 2017, and we look forward to working with you!

First things first: What’s the difference between a resume (or résumé) and a CV (curriculum vitae)?

Both documents provide a summary of your work experience and skills. The CV is generally several pages of information on your work experience and academic background, including grants, presentations, and publications. The resume is a more concise one- or two-page summary, and might include sections titled “Objective” or “Career Summary.”

In the US, most employers request a resume, while the CV tends to be used in Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, for academia, medicine, and research-based jobs, Americans tend to use a CV.

The following tips will make you stand out from the crowd, whether you’re writing a CV or a resume.

1. Include keywords from the job description. Although it’s more time-consuming, customizing your CV or resume for each job you’re applying for is vital. Many companies will scan your application for certain keywords, and if yours doesn’t have these, it won’t make it past the first cut.

2. Research the company you’re applying to. When you see phrases and concepts repeated over and over on their website and materials, take note. Don’t copy and paste them into your resume, but do try to “mirror” them in your own writing. This demonstrates to prospective employers your attention to detail, your interest in the job, and your ability to fit in with their corporate culture.

3. Don’t forget to include your name and contact information! Here at Stickler, we receive job inquiries just about daily, and you wouldn’t believe how many people get wrapped up in the content of the resume and forget the most basic information of all! This should be displayed clearly, at the top of the first page as a minimum—although we recommend adding your full name, phone number, and email address as a header on subsequent pages as well. After all, making it easy for the employer to contact you can only be a good thing!

4. Keep it concise. There’s no hard and fast rule about length when it comes to resumes and CVs. However, we generally recommend sticking to two pages maximum wherever possible (although this guideline is certainly bendable, particularly for very technical jobs, which may require greater detail). HR representatives simply don’t have time to read every single page of every resume they receive, so it’s important to be succinct. One way to make your document very focused is to include only relevant work experience—where space is at a premium, you can probably omit the babysitting job you had when you were 13!

5. But give detail where needed. Although it’s important to be concise, if certain aspects of your previous experience need explanation, it’s advisable to go into a bit more detail. For example, say you’ve won an award. People at your present job may know what that award was for, but if you’re applying to a position in a different field, it’s beneficial to explain why the award was important.

6. Highlight quantifiable results and duties. While including your work responsibilities is a given, you should also try to include measurable information; for example, how many people you managed, how much you made in sales, or how much money you saved your previous company.

7. Get the layout right. Most HR representatives and companies prefer a chronological order for resumes (with the most recent job first), rather than a functional format that emphasizes skills. This makes it easier to put a person into context and see the development of their career path. Also, recruiters know that functional resumes enable applicants to hide gaps in their work history or experience.

8. Remember that looks matter. Pay attention to the at-a-glance format and appearance of your CV or resume. The recruiter will make their first impression of you in a matter of seconds, and if your document has walls of text, distracting fonts, or disorganized formatting, they might be put off straight away.

9. Proofread your documents before sending them in. Everyone makes mistakes, but your resume or CV is not the place for this. Even if you’re not applying for a language-related job, prospective employers are looking for people who put care into their work. And in the flood of resumes received for any one position, you can bet that HR representatives and managers are looking for any excuse to whittle down the field to make selection easier.

The bottom line is that your CV or resume is usually a recruiter’s first point of contact with you. It’s your chance to make an incredible first impression, and to show them how capable you are. Getting your CV or resume professionally proofread and edited can be quick and inexpensive, and this small step can be all it takes to get you into the “interview” pile.