How to Avoid Bracketed Changes in Quotations
Writers sometimes use bracketed changes in quotations. But these changes are often unnecessary. Read More
Posts Authored by Joseph Wallace
Joseph Wallace copyedits articles for PMLA and writes posts for the Style Center. He received a PhD in English literature from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Before coming to the Modern Language Association, he edited articles for Studies in Philology and taught courses on writing and early modern literature.
Me, Myself, or I? Using Pronouns Ending in -Self
Pronouns ending with -self are often used incorrectly. This post explains how to use them. Read More
Track Changes in Microsoft Word
Learn how to use Track Changes in Microsoft Word Read More
Dashes in MLA Style and Microsoft Word
Learn how the MLA uses dashes and how to access them in Microsoft Word Read More
AutoCorrect, Spell-Check, and Style Settings in Microsoft Word
Learn how to use AutoCorrect, spell-check, and style settings in Microsoft Word Read More
The Fused Participle; or, What’s Wrong with Me Writing This Title?
This post explains what a fused participle is and how to fix it Read More
What Is a Usage Guide?
This post discusses usage guides, a type of reference work consulted in the publishing industry Read More
On Words: Michael Chabon’s “Ulysses on Trial”
Words should suit the context and purpose of a piece of writing Read More
How to Format Your Essay with Advanced Pattern Matching
Mistakes in formatting can be complicated to resolve, but you can customize solutions . . . Read More
How to Write an Abstract
An abstract of a work, usually of an essay, is a concise summary of its main points . . . Read More