“Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow”: When a Comma Separates Subject and Verb
Learn when to separate a subject and verb with a comma Read More
Posts related to grammar
When should I use a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction?
Semicolons should be used before coordinating conjunctions—that is, terms such as and, or, and but joining independent clauses—when the clauses are long and have internal punctuation, as… Read More
Helping Students Use Grammar to Support Their Writing Goals
Teachers can help their students by addressing grammar in the context of student writing 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
How Audio Feedback Can Help Students Understand Grammatical and Mechanical Errors
Learn how audio feedback can help students improve their grammar Read More
The Case of the Thick Black Eyebrows; or, When to Omit Commas between Multiple Adjectives Preceding a Noun
An MLA editor shows you how to decide whether commas are needed between adjectives preceding a noun Read More
How do I use singular they?
Singular they has two uses: specific and generic (“Pronouns”). Specific Use The MLA advises writers to always follow the personal pronouns of individuals they write… Read More
Should media in reference to mass media be treated as a singular or plural noun?
The MLA follows Merriam-Webster, which states that media can be treated as singular or plural when the reference is to mass media (“Media”). So you may choose… Read More
To Dangle or Not to Dangle: On Ending a Sentence with a Preposition
Somewhere along the line, I was taught not to dangle my prepositions Read More
How do you form the plural and the plural possessive of family names ending in s?
Form the plural of family names ending in s by adding es. For example, below are the plural forms of the names Myers, Daniels, Forlines, and Collins: Myerses Danielses… Read More