What's the main difference between a "journal" and a "diary?"

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

They are similar in their use and meaning! A journal can have a "diary" like quality, but a journal can be used for more general documentation, writing, and thoughts than a diary is used for. In this context, I consider a "diary" as more personal and private than a journal. There is also another version of a "diary." This version is used in a similar way to a calendar and planner, whereas a journal isn't used for such things. And sometimes, the name of the book can really just be a personal preference! Ex: I'll mark the appointment in my diary. => diary as a planner. Ex: I'm going to do some journaling now. => General writing, or whatever you want to write. Ex: Mom! Tim read my diary! => personal and private thoughts in a book.

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Popular Q&As

10/06

1
What is different between "Is that her heart?" and "That thing's her heart?"?
While these two sentences have the same meaning, the feeling given by each is different. "Is that her heart?" is very direct and straightforward. "That thing" from "that thing's her heart?" gives off a feeling of surprise and incredulity, combined with the speaker's facial expression and tone of voice. "That" in "that thing" is used to create a feeling of distance from the object, while "thing" also suggests a feeling of estrangement. Thus, "that thing's her heart" does a better job of expressing the speaker's feelings. Ex: A: Say hello to your new little brother! B: That thing's a baby? Ex: I can't believe that thing's worth a million dollars.

2
How difference "take a deep breath in" and "take a deep breath"?
There is not much of a difference between "take a deep breath in" and "take a deep breath". The preposition "in" here is just used to specify the direction of the breath which is "in". Most deep breaths are taken inwards, however, when someone exhales, it is often referred to as taking a deep breath "out". Therefore "in" just emphasizes the action of breathing inward. Ex: Take a deep breath in and hold it. Now take a deep breath out.

3
what does 'afford to' mean? and can you give me more example sentences?
"Afford to" means that you can do or bear something without harm or consequence. Ex: I can't afford to go to the party on Friday night because I have a test the next day. Ex: She can afford to take a day off every once in a while. Ex: The restaurant can't afford to lose any more employees.

4
What's "walk away" mean when's it used?
Here, "walk away" means to leave or to end connections with someone. In general, "walk away" means to withdraw from a situation, casually, carelessly, or before it gets too official. Or, it could mean to physically walk away from someone or something, usually to avoid interaction. Ex: We walked away from the contract when we heard about the company's scandal. => before the contract was signed Ex: You can't just walk away from this argument! Ex: She had to walk away when she found out about his past. => end the relationship Ex: I'll never walk away from you. => I'll stay committed.

5
What does "as" do here?
"As" acts as a comparison in this sentence. Ellen is telling her audience that she is really excited for the "Finding Dory" movie. When she said "as," she is telling her audience that her excitement would be exactly the same back in 2003 as it is now; that the amount of her excitement would not change. Here are a few example sentences with "as" being used as a comparison. Ex: She was as excited as her sister. Ex: They were as excited as children at a candy store. Ex: The kid was as mean as a crocodile.

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