Good Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation
Let’s get technical for a minute. What, exactly, is grammar? Here’s what Wikipedia says: In linguistics, grammar is the set of structural rules that govern the composition of sentences, phrases, and words in any given natural language. The term refers also to the study of such rules….Linguists do not normally use the term to refer to orthographical rules, although usage books and style…Read More
Breaking the Rules: When Good Grammar Goes Bad
Today’s post is an excerpt from 10 Core Practices for Better Writing. Enjoy! “And all dared to brave unknown terrors, to do mighty deeds, to boldly split infinitives that no man had split before—and thus was the Empire forged.” — Douglas Adams Everyone knows the old saying: rules were made to be broken. But some…Read More
Five Grammar Habits Every Writer Should Adopt
Can you imagine a nutritionist who eats exclusively at fast food restaurants? A personal trainer who never exercises? A writer who can’t be bothered with grammar, spelling, and punctuation? In most professions, best practices and tools of the trade are mandatory. If you want to be a lawyer, you must pass the Bar exam. If…Read More
Don’t Let the Decline of Spoken English Ruin Your Writing
Please welcome author Debra Brenegan with an insightful guest post about grammar and writing. We are all a little sloppy when we speak. We skip some of the basic grammar rules in order to create intimacy and shortcuts — like secrets between best friends. Such conversation helps us connect to others. But when casual phrases…Read More