Writers Blog

There are many different rules for comma usage, and unlike some other sorts of punctuation (e.g., the question mark, the period), the rules can be rather fluid. Here is a short-ish breakdown of how to use commas, and when to use commas: Use commas to separate items written in a series. Example: The...

The difference between the articles “a” or “an” in a sentence is one of style and sound. When the next word begins with a consonant, use an “a” (a jackhammer, a tiger, a pack of wolves). When the following word starts with a vowel, use an “an” (an egg, an olive grove, an open wound). Should I use “a”...

Most of us wish we had a better vocabulary and more sophisticated word choice. We usually wish we could find better words for emotions, along with better action words. How many times have we written something like: “He was mad, so he ran seven miles to burn it off.” Only to realize, that “mad” is inadequate...

The world of texting is like the Wild West in some aspects. It’s wide open and almost without rules. The only rule may be there are no rules. After all, lots of texting involves shorthand abbreviations and other shortcuts. So, r u ready for this? Just as you shouldn’t drink and drive, you shouldn’t text...

Primary ampersand usage varies from language to language. In Germany, the rule is to use the ampersand within formal or corporate titles made up of two separate names. According to present rules, you may not use the ampersand in running text. Generally, in English and French writing, the ampersand...