Communication or Communications? We need better communications between parents and teachers. [incorrect] We need better communication between parents and teachers. [correct] Communication is an uncountable noun and refers to the act of talking to people: The job requires excellent communication skills . Email is now our main means of communication . [not mean of communication ] Communications [plural] refers to all the methods of sending information, for example by telephone, email, post, instant messenger: The company produces cellular phones and other communications equipment . More Grammar Tips

English grammar mistakes | using nouns: appearance, outlook, looks Public art can have a considerable effect on the outlook of public spaces. [incorrect] Public art can have a considerable effect on the appearance of public spaces. [correct] The appearance of something is the way it looks and a person's appearance is the way the person looks [their face, body, hair etc.] and the way they dress: Artificial ingredients are sometimes added to enhance the taste or appearance of food . Many young women spend a lot of time on their appearance . [not their appearances ] A person's looks refers to how attractive they are - their face, etc. but not their clothes: She had gone grey and lost her looks . [= she was not as attractive as before]. A person's outlook is the way they think about their life and the future: The accident completely changed her outlook on life. She enjoys each day more now . How to use English modal verbs English Grammar

English grammar common mistakes | using time words The effects will only be seen over a long duration . [incorrect] The effects will only be seen over a long period of time. [correct] Managers are expected to work for a long time . [incorrect] Manageres are expected to work long hours . [correct] We use hours to talk about the time during the day or week when something usually happens, especially the time when someone works or when something is open: working hours , office hours , opening hours Most nannies work long hours for low pay . [=they work many hours a day] We use period or period of time to talk about a particular length of time: Sales rose by 20% over a six month period / over a period of six months . Sportsmen can earn a lot of money, but only for a relatively short period of time . We use duration in formal writing to talk about how long something lasts: Make sure that your visa is valid for the duration of your stay . The timing of some