Copyediting/Grammar & Style

Is it okay to begin a sentence with a conjunction, like "and" or "but"? Style books suggest it's an acceptable practice but should be used carefully.

Dec 5, 2011 - Susie Yakowicz

Is a stray cat a "he, "she," or "it"? Learn the rules for using singular pronouns for animals and how choosing a gender pronoun may depend on other factors.

Oct 14, 2011 - Susie Yakowicz

Improve your communication skills by learning the different kinds of prepositional phrases in the English language and how they function within sentences.

Sep 27, 2011 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

You can greatly improve your communication skills by learning to use verbs in the appropriate voice, tense, and mood.

Jul 17, 2011 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

Clauses can function as adjectives within sentences, and understanding adjective clauses can help you improve your written communication skills.

Jul 2, 2011 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

There are three categories of verbal phrases in the English language and each type of phrase fulfills a specific purpose in the structure of a sentence.

Jun 28, 2011 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

An overview of the grammar rules presented in Woe is I by Patricia T. O'Conner and an evaluation of her writing style.

Jun 21, 2011 - Stetson Thacker

By knowing when and how to use abbreviations and acronyms, you can improve the quality of business and other formal written communications.

Jun 19, 2011 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

To verbify or not to verbify, that is a grammatical question. Whether 'tis nobler not to, is another.

Mar 9, 2011 - Mark Wollacott

Legal writers often confuse or misuse certain words. Learn to avoid these embarrassing mistakes in your legal writing.

Feb 25, 2011 - Jessie Vanwinkle

Learn how to form the plural version of most nouns and those nouns ending in the letters S, Z, CH, SH, X, O and Y.

Jan 12, 2011 - Megan B. Wyatt

National Grammar Day is held each year on March 4 to promote the use of good grammar, writing, and speaking skills in everyday life.

Dec 25, 2010 - Ashley Anderson

By learning when not to use a comma, you can avoid producing written communications that are often awkward and confusing for readers.

Dec 19, 2010 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

Use like when comparing items and use such as to list specific items. Knowing the subtle difference between the two makes for more precise writing.

Nov 12, 2010 - Megan B. Wyatt

National Punctuation Day trumpets proper usage every September 24. Other language pundits also use the day to promote pet language projects.

Sep 22, 2010 - Terence P Ward

Anyone interested in improving their writing can benefit from learning the correct way to use exclamation points and when to rethink this punctuation mark.

Sep 21, 2010 - Susie Yakowicz

In the 1960s a new punctuation mark was invented to express the feeling between excitement and confusion. The "interrobang" almost became standard.

Sep 1, 2010 - Terence P Ward

Editing one's own work can be hard, but for those who hire outside help, the road to publication can be easier and faster.

Aug 9, 2010 - Christopher Pascale

Writers and students can improve their grammar skills by learning the rules for using quotation marks when writing either fiction or nonfiction.

Jul 14, 2010 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

Gerunds may be used to begin sentences in academic writing, such as in essays, in order to provide factual and objective information.

Jun 10, 2010 - Kate Le Page

Some figures of speech go from being fashionable to being meaningless clichés. Rephrasing or cutting them will make writing clearer and more concise.

Jun 4, 2010 - Luke Arnott

In order to improve communication skills, writers and speakers should learn the rules that govern the correct usage of coordinating conjunctions.

May 17, 2010 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

It is surprising how often the two words are confused, even though loose and lose don't mean the same thing nor are they pronounced the same way.

May 13, 2010 - Judith Lee

By putting to memory the basic grammar rules of commas and pronoun usage, employees and students will enhance their communication skills and careers.

Apr 27, 2010 - Lori Bosworth

Certain words in the English language are often misused by writers and speakers, which can result in their messages being misconstrued entirely.

Apr 14, 2010 - Carol Rzadkiewicz

Aspiring professional editors interested in furthering their career education may be wondering where to start. Discover helpful career and education resources.

Apr 1, 2010 - Christine Scivicque

Individuals exploring the field of professional editing may be questioning the value of copyediting certification. The career benefits are numerous.

Apr 1, 2010 - Christine Scivicque

Some people are unsure when to use "which" compared to "that;" however, they can make the correct choice if they understand restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses.

Mar 9, 2010 - Carol Rzadkiewicz