ESEN
Which one to use?Advancednounnoun
MannervsManor
'Manner' is the way something is done or social behaviour; 'manor' is a large country house or estate.
Side-by-side comparison
Manner
noun"Manner" is the way in which something is done. In plural, manners: polite social behaviour. "In a polite manner" = politely. "Good manners" = courteous behaviour.
She handled the difficult situation in a very professional manner.
In what manner should the report be formatted?
Good table manners are still considered important in business settings.
Manor
noun"Manor" is a large country estate with a grand house. In medieval times it was the basic unit of the feudal system. "Manor house" = the principal house on a large estate.
The company retreat was held at a historic manor in the countryside.
The manor house dates back to the fourteenth century.
They converted the old manor into a luxury hotel.
Common mistake
- •"He acted in the manor of an expert" is wrong: the way of doing something is "manner".
- •"Manor" is the large country house or estate.
Trick to remember it
- •"Manner" ends in ER like "behavior" and "character": things about how people act.
- •"Manor" ends in OR like "floor" and "outdoor": buildings and spaces.
Quick rule
- •Is it the way of doing something or social behaviour? "Manner".
- •Is it the large country house? "Manor".
Did you know?
The expression "to the manor born" (accustomed to wealth and privilege from birth) is actually a misquotation of Shakespeare. In Hamlet, the prince says "to the manner born" (accustomed from birth to the Danish drinking custom). The MANOR spelling became so widespread that it is now accepted as a separate idiom meaning born into aristocracy or accustomed to wealth. The BBC produced a classic comedy called "To the Manor Born" (1979-1981) about an aristocrat who loses her estate, deliberately playing on both meanings.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
He has a very calm, gentle _____ when he talks to children.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The wedding was held at a beautiful old _____ house in the countryside.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
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'Advice' is the guidance you receive (noun); 'advise' is the act of giving that guidance (verb).
AffectvsEffect
'Affect' is the verb meaning to influence something; 'effect' is the noun meaning result or consequence.
AislevsIsle
'Aisle' is the walkway between rows of seats or shelves; 'isle' is a small island.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy