Advice from the Editors

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grammar punctuation usage writing tips

To Splice or Not to Splice?

by Angela Gibson

Writers should generally not use a comma to connect two independent clauses . . . Read More

grammar punctuation writing tips

Comma Sense

by Jennifer Rappaport

Some commas are needed to prevent misreading, some are harmful, and others are optional Read More

usage word choice writing tips

Effective Signposting

by Erika Suffern

Get tips on building signposts to help articulate the structure of your argument . . . Read More

usage writing tips

Don’t Bury the Lede

by Erika Suffern

Burying the lede may test the patience of your readers Read More

grammar usage word choice writing tips

Adverbs to Avoid

by Erika Suffern

Adverbs you can easily avoid Read More

usage word choice writing tips

Contemporary as a Kind of Janus Word

by Michael Kandel

Reasons to be mindful of the ambiguity of the word contemporary . . . Read More

usage word choice writing tips

The Danger of Deploy

by Michael Kandel

Deploy is not a good synonym for use, utilize, or employ Read More

grammar usage word choice writing tips

It is . . . that; or, How Not to Edit Jane Austen

by Barney Latimer

The formula it is . . . that is common in academic writing Read More

punctuation spelling usage word choice writing tips

President’s Day: A Singular Holiday?

by Jennifer Rappaport

Authorities disagree about the name Presidents' Day . . . Read More

abbreviations capitalization punctuation spelling usage writing tips

MLK Day the MLA Way

by Jennifer Rappaport

Martin Luther King Day? Martin Luther King, Jr., Day? MLK Day? . . . Read More