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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
for your browser
Ugly Duckling (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "Ugly Duckling"?
If somebody is described as an ugly duckling, it means they will grow up to be beautiful. The phrase comes from a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. The tale is about a cygnet that was nested accidentally by a duck. The cygnet hides away due to its appearance (i.e., different to the ducklings) but later transforms into a beautiful swan.Table of Contents
- English Proverbs and Idioms Test
- More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
Examples of Use:
- June was a chubby, ugly duckling as a child. Just look at her now.
- Christian was the ugly duckling in his family until he grew up.
- She was unnoticed in school, but she's a model now. A true ugly duckling!
- Wow, great news! Well, that investment turned out to be an ugly duckling, didn't it? (Note that it can be used for anything that starts bad and gets better.)
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English Proverbs and Idioms Test
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Self Help
Buy the Grammar Monster book.
Suitable for: Teachers, advanced students, and business writers.
Description: Published by London's Octopus Publishing, "Smashing Grammar" is the third, and most comprehensive, grammar reference book written by Craig Shrives (the founder of the Grammar-Monster.com). It is divided into three sections:
Description: Published by London's Octopus Publishing, "Smashing Grammar" is the third, and most comprehensive, grammar reference book written by Craig Shrives (the founder of the Grammar-Monster.com). It is divided into three sections:
- A-Z Grammar Glossary (This section explains grammar terminology, from the basics to advanced terms. It is especially useful because every entry concludes with a valuable and succinct explanation of why the grammar term matters for a writer.)
- A-Z of Punctuation (Packed with entertaining examples, this section provides definitive, well-explained rules for using all the principal punctuation marks. Punctuation should not be guesswork. There are rules.)
- A-Z of Easily Confused Words (This section covers all the homonyms and near homonyms that plague writers and offers tips on how to remember which to use.)
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