Advice from the Editors

introductions spotlight on good writing writing tips

Once upon an Introduction: “Daniel Dennett’s Science of the Soul,” by Joshua Rothman

by Michael Simon

Introductions may be informative, but they can also entertain Read More

grammar writing tips

To Dangle or Not to Dangle: On Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

by Susan Doose

Somewhere along the line, I was taught not to dangle my prepositions Read More

spotlight on good writing writing tips

On Crafting Topic Sentences: “The Age of ‘The Age of Innocence,’” by Elif Batuman

by Michael Simon

When composing an essay, make sure that your topic sentences point your work in the right direction Read More

grammar punctuation usage

Inanimate Nouns and Possession

by Barney Latimer

Opinions vary on which inanimate nouns can be made possessive by adding ’s Read More

reference works usage writing tips

What Is a Usage Guide?

by Joseph Wallace

This post discusses usage guides, a type of reference work consulted in the publishing industry Read More

formatting a paper reference works writing tips

Three Guides on the Path to Publication: Style Manuals, In-House Guides, and Style Sheets

by Zahra Brown

Learn about the differences between a style manual, an in-house guide, and a style sheet Read More

punctuation writing tips

“Scary” Punctuation: The Origins, Use, and Abuse of Scare Quotes

by Susan Doose

An MLA editor explains the origins of scare quotes Read More

spotlight on good writing using sources writing tips

On Integrating Critical Works: Adam Wilson’s “Good Bad Bad Good: What Was the Golden Age of TV?”

by Jennifer Rappaport

Integrating critical works into a paper is challenging. Read More

grammar usage word choice writing tips

Versus or Against?

by Barney Latimer

Writers often misuse the term versus Read More

spotlight on good writing word choice writing tips

On Words: Michael Chabon’s “Ulysses on Trial”