Editor: Kee Thuan Chye
Let's face it. Our English could do with a leg up. Especially in this fast-paced world of the Internet, when access to knowledge requires proficiency in the language. That is why The Star has, since April 2001, embarked on a campaign to promote the correct use of English. As we are inviting every Malaysian to come in with us on this, we're calling our campaign Mind Our English. The campaign is being promoted in our print version but you can also check us out on this site where we will include useful links and also multi-media clips when appropriate. To get in touch with the campaign people, email english@thestar.com.my

Jan 6: Cinderella issue
FADZILAH AMIN answers your queries on the English language.

Jan 6: Unfortunate example
Dr Lim Chin Lam of Penang and Mahid bin Masseluang of Labuan write in.

Jan 6: Common expressions

Jan 5: Thinking about the future
Many people seem to think that English has a single future tense (will), but in fact there are a variety of ways to talk about the future. The choice of structure is not really about time, but instead reflects the attitude of the speaker.

Jan 5: Say ‘three’ and ‘tree’ differently
Do the words “three” and “tree” sound the same to you? Are the words “den” and “then” homonyms? They shouldn’t be.

Jan 5: Short on grammar
I came across this question boldly printed on a flyer recently, “Are you sort of foreign worker? “Indeed, “sort” should have been “short”.

Jan 4: Spanking brand new year
The word “new” is thought to be derived from several possible languages – Old English niwe, Old High German niuwi, Latin novus, or Greek neos.

Jan 4: How to treat syntax
Readers discuss issues concerning the usage - or in some cases, abuse - of English in Malaysia.

Jan 4: Small mistake but ...
Readers spot instances of poor English usage.

Dec 30: ‘Historic’ versus ‘historical’
WHEN does one use “historic” and “historical”?

Dec 29: Global English
What does “Global English” mean? RALPH BERRY has the answer.

Dec 29: Join for a reason
Joining short phrases effectively is a measure of how fluent you are as a writer. This is particularly important in business where facts need to be supported with evidence.

Dec 29: University with such English?
Readers spot instances of poor English usage in the media.

Dec 28: Another 9 Challenge
OH TEIK THEAM is putting up another “9” challenge to let us have more fun with.

Dec 28: Thanks to our efforts
Readers discuss issues concerning the usage of English in Malaysia.

Dec 28: Idioms explained
Some common idioms explained.

Dec 23: Gump expression
FADZILAH AMIN answers your questions on English usage.

Dec 23: No need for ‘penjodoh bilangan’
Readers share their knowledge of the English language with others.

Dec 22: Is handphone Manglish?
FADZILAH AMIN answers your questions on English usage.

Dec 22: Creepy crawlies
Some of these creepy crawlies have crept into our vocabulary. They enrich our language, and these expressions are not altogether creepy.

Dec 21: Watch the prepositions
RALPH BERRY takes on the preposition, and finds that it may very well be the most difficult part of modern English.

Dec 21: Misused words
Readers share their knowledge of the English language with others.

Dec 21: Fun with English grammar and style
Learning English can be lots of fun. Really. OH TEIK THEAM shows you how.

Dec 16: Syntax and good sense
Readers share their knowledge of the English language with others.

Dec 16: The past is now!
In business English, past actions and activities often have a direct impact on the present.

Dec 16: Where is this place?
Readers spot instances of poor English usage.

Dec 15: Eh Poh Nim’s quiz
Eh Poh Nim is back, this time helping a friend with palindromes.

Dec 15: Terminal, terminus, terminate
Readers discuss issues concerning the usage - or in some cases, abuse - of English in Malaysia.

Dec 14: The long and short of 'foot'
Wong Sai Peng and Fadzilah Amin write in.

Dec 14: What is ‘profiling’
FADZILAH AMIN answers your questions on the English language.

Dec 9: Two Italian and one Japanese
FADZILAH AMIN answers your questions on English usage.

Dec 9: Proverbs told through jokes
Books can help you improve your English. Today’s recommendation: Learning English Proverbs by Oh Teik Theam.

Dec 9: She is six feet (not foot) tall
Readers discuss issues concerning the usage - or in some cases, abuse - of English in Malaysia.

Dec 8: What are the odds?
FADZILAH AMIN answers your queries on the English language.

Dec 8: Spare the neophytes
C.T. Sinn writes in.

Dec 7: You can’t count on it
One of the basic difficulties in English is identifying if a noun is countable or uncountable and this is important in how you use it.

Dec 7: Rojak banner
Readers spot instances of poor English usage in the media.

Dec 7: Don’t just ‘cover’ the syllabus
Readers discuss issues concerning the usage - or in some cases, abuse - of English in Malaysia.

Dec 2: ‘Quarantined’ not apt
ZAHRA points out a poor use of the word 'quarantined'.

Dec 1: Basic English is the key
Basic English is the heart and soul of the language, RALPH BERRY writes.

Dec 1: British can be wrong
Readers discuss issues concerning the usage - or in some cases, abuse - of English in Malaysia.