A Parallel Universe: Writing with Parallel Structure
Writers sometimes cause confusion by failing to make the elements in their writing parallel . . . Read More
Posts related to writing tips
When you cite from the same source in more than one paragraph and no other source intervenes, do you need to repeat the author’s name each time you start a new paragraph?
As the MLA Handbook notes, “[W]hen an entire paragraph is based on material from a single source,” you might “define a source in the text at the… Read More
Not Entitled
In our editing, we often note that writers misuse titles in three key ways . . . Read More
Can you use between or from and to with a number range expressed using numerals and an en dash?
You can express a number range using words (“from . . . to”): The party will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Or you can… Read More
Should I translate names of foreign institutions?
In your works-cited-list entry, provide the name of a foreign institution in the original language if that is how it is presented in your source. Read More
How do I punctuate a quotation within a quotation within a quotation?
A simple principle applies for what seems like a thorny issue: Nest punctuation that appears within punctuation by alternating punctuation marks to disambiguate–in this case,… Read More
If I refer to two people with the same last name in my writing, should I repeat their full names each time I mention them?
If you refer to two people with the same last name, repeat their full names for subsequent mentions whenever your reader might not be certain… Read More
Is it acceptable to begin an essay with a block quotation?
Yes, an essay may start with a block quotation. The quotation should be important to your discussion and referred to in your prose. This distinguishes it… 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