Tag: writing
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The Wonderful World of Semicolons and Colons
Semicolons and colons. Where do I begin? I often see people run amok with semicolons (;) and colons (:), constantly using them like commas. At other times, it seems as if many folks believe colons and semicolons are interchangeable. Let me set something straight right now: semicolons and colons are not interchangeable! You wouldn’t consider…
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Common Comma Problems, Pt. 2
Commas are annoying but a fact of life in the English language. Last week, I discussed a few straightforward comma usage rules. Today, let’s look at a few more rules of comma usage: 1. Commas used to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. Ex. Jimmy made sure to wear a suit, tie, blazer…
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The Art of the Sentence: Complex Sentences
Another important type of sentence, a complex sentence, requires close attention on this week’s Grammar Monday. A complex sentence contains an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. As you learned in last week’s discussion of compound sentences, an independent clause is essentially a simple sentence; at the very minimum, an independent clause contains…
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Writerly Friday: Writing Dialogue
“Damn buses are always late,” Eddie groaned, struggling to get comfortable in his seat as Jean sat down beside him. “Well, if you had gotten up when the alarm went off…” she said. “Don’t start, Jean,” he shot back. With a sigh, she turned to stare out the window.…
