This Can Be Confusing
Chances are, you've begun many sentences with This Read More
Posts related to word choice
How does the MLA use emeritus and emerita?
In its publications the MLA follows Merriam-Webster, allowing the inflected forms emeritus to refer to a man or woman, emerita to refer to a woman, and emeriti… Read More
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 do I style percentages?
The general guideline is to use the percentage symbol with numerals and to use the word percent with spelled-out numbers. In statistical copy that calls… Read More
President’s Day: A Singular Holiday?
Authorities disagree about the name Presidents' Day . . . Read More
How do you make a plural out of the word so?
Someone might write, for example, “There are too many sos in this sentence,” in response to: So many people were present, so he said so,… Read More
Celebrate the New Year in (MLA) Style
Should you write, “Happy New Year,” “Happy new year,” or “Happy New Year’s”? . . . 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