Distinguishing Tropes, Figures, Themes, and Motifs
Learn how to use the terms trope, figure, theme, and motif. Read More
Posts related to word choice
Understanding Back-Formations: Established Expressions or Curious Coinages?
A post describing what back-formations are Read More
Parts of the Whole: Using Comprise and Compose
Learn how to use the verbs comprise and compose. Read More
To Affect or Effect—to What Effect?
Learn how to use effect as a verb and affect as a noun Read More
Pay It Forward by Using Curriculum Correctly
Learn how to use the word curriculum correctly. Read More
One and Then the Other: Using Alternate and Alternative
When choosing between alternate and alternative, it's easy to get confused. Read More
It’s Alive—or Is It? Using the Relative Pronouns Who and That
Learn when to use the relative pronouns who and that Read More
Five Common Grammar Questions
An MLA editor addresses five common grammar questions Read More
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
Versus or Against?
Writers often misuse the term versus Read More