In MLA style, should any part of a two-word preposition, such as according to, be capitalized in a title?
A preposition that is not at the start or end of a title should be lowercased, no matter how many words compose it and no… Read More
Posts related to grammar
When I use too in the sense of “also,” should I use a comma before it?
In most cases, you need not use a comma before too at the end of a sentence or commas around it midsentence: She likes chocolate chip… Read More
How to Get out of a Tangle When Your Modifiers Dangle
Dangling modifiers take several forms. Here are a few types—and some ways to fix them . . . Read More
Should I use hyphens in compounds with adverbs ending in ly?
No. Since a compound formed by an adverb ending in ly cannot be misread, no hyphen is used: She had a politically transformative experience. Read More
Should shortened generic forms of proper nouns be capitalized?
In general, lowercase generic forms of proper nouns: the United States Army, the army President Kennedy, the president the Brooklyn Bridge, the bridge Housatonic River,… Read More
A Parallel Universe: Writing with Parallel Structure
Writers sometimes cause confusion by failing to make the elements in their writing parallel . . . Read More
However: Where to Place It?
Where to place however when it means “but” or “in spite of that” Read More
Clearing Up the Confusion between You and I
Many writers substitute the phrase between you and I for between you and me . . . Read More
Verbs with Alternative Subjects
Should you use a singular or plural verb after alternative subjects—that is, two nouns joined by or—when one is singular and the other plural? A common practice is to have the verb agree in number with the second subject of the pair—in other words, with the noun that is closer to the verb . . . Read More