Learn more about grammar and punctuation, sentence structure and clarity, vocabulary and word choice, and developing a writing style.
Content writing isn’t just for big businesses and professional content writers. It’s for anyone who writes articles or blog posts. You might be a book author, an industry expert, a niche blogger, or someone who just wants more of an online presence for work or fun. High-quality content is helpful. It grabs attention and boosts … Read more
Keeping up with the news keeps you informed. But you can also use it to improve your self-editing skills by intentionally looking for mistakes or confusing writing. I know, I know. You’re tired of the news. You don’t have time or it’s too distracting or upsetting. Or you watch it on TV. But reading the … Read more
Punctuation is a challenge for a lot of writers. Commas can be particularly confusing because they have so many different purposes. Semicolons are tough, too, and many writers just avoid them. The same goes for em dashes and ellipses. Three dots? Four dots? When, why, where? Sure, you can use a grammar and punctuation checker … Read more
Do you use em dashes? Do you know what an em dash is? If you answered yes to both, you’re in good company. Lots of writers use em dashes—a lot. I definitely do—sometimes more than I should. And since too many em dashes detract from effectiveness—plus look sloppy and unprofessional—if I have more than one … Read more
You’ve probably heard of misplaced modifiers. But do you know what they are? A lot of writers have trouble understanding them because they’re confusing and difficult to spot. But if you take time to understand them—and avoid them in your writing—you’ll be less likely to confuse your readers. What is a modifier? A modifier is … Read more
Most writers, at some point or another, wonder whether to use that or which. You might try it one way and then another to see what sounds better, then you change it back, but something’s still wrong. So you add a comma or two, but that doesn’t sound right either. It’s enough to drive you … Read more
If you want to write better blog posts—as a hobby, for your own business, as an author, or as a freelance writer—you know keeping up with the ever-changing rules, apps, expectations, and algorithms in the blogosphere can feel almost impossible. But becoming the best blog post writer you can be is entirely within your control. … Read more
A sentence. Easy peasy, or so you might think. But when was the last time you thought about sentences? When have you wondered what, exactly, a sentence is? “It’s a complete thought,” you might say, confidence oozing from your pores. Some of you cross your arms over your chest, roll your eyes, or even quit … Read more
Do you follow a style guide? Do you know which one you should use? Lots of writers have questions about grammar and punctuation or, if you’re like me, sometimes you forget the rule for unusual situations you rarely see or use. Or you know the rule changed, but you need to make sure. Just a … Read more
Do you use semicolons? Do you know how? Good writers often avoid them rather than make a mistake. Some even think semicolons are “old school” or too formal to use in their writing, while others fling ‘em around like wet noodles—some of ‘em stick, some don’t. But it’s not that hard to get the hang … Read more