> English is hard, even for native speakers. But it's also wonderful! English loves to steal words from other languages, and good writers love to choose the rig

> English is hard, even for native speakers. But it's also wonderful! English loves to steal words from other languages, and good writers love to choose the right word. It's like having an expansive wardrobe and picking just the right outfit for every event. Very true. Take this passage: ‘I am called Strider,’ he said in a low voice. ‘I am very pleased to meet you, Master – Underhill, if old Butterbur got your name right.’ In an early draft Tolkien used a different word as the character was originally a hobbit, rather than a long-legged Ranger: ‘I’m Trotter,’ he said in a low voice. ‘I am very pleased to meet you, Mr — Hill, if old Barnabas had your name right?’