Is it “I couldn’t care less” or “I could care less,” and does the difference matter? The question isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Take a Minute to Write Right
It can be a challenge to refine your writing. Two books I’ve come across, This Won’t Take But a Minute, Honey and Write Right, can make the process easier.
Grammar Bite: Misplaced Modifiers
A modifier is a word or phrase that qualifies a noun or verb. Modifiers should be placed next to the words or phrases they modify. Simple, right? Not quite.
That Which Has a Tail
“That” and “which” may seem interchangeable, but there’s a difference between the two words, and it’s more important than you might think.
Who vs. Whom and Other Writing Bugaboos
Every writer has them: little points of grammar they can never remember. Is it who or whom? When is effect the right word? Is it i.e. or e.g., and what do they stand for anyway?
Grammar Bite: Correlative Conjunctions
Want a subtle way to improve your writing? Make sure you’re matching the right correlative conjunctions in your sentences!
The “Due To” Argument: Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism
How do you feel about the phrase “due to”? Does it just mean “attributable to” to you, or can it also mean “because of”? The answer largely depends on your perspective.
Your Style Sheet: What It Is and Why You Need One
Your editor sent you back your edited manuscript and it looks great. But what’s this other file they sent? Meet your style sheet.
Word Story: Adverse Reactions
“Adverse” usually pairs with “effects,” “reactions,” or “impact.” But do you know what Chaucer first paired it with?
Writing Hot Buttons: The Serial Comma
The serial comma may go by many names, but those who are familiar with it have only one opinion about it.
Too bad we don’t all have the same opinion.
