Identifying the author’s tone while editing is crucial. Luckily there are two important editor-friendly elements to help with this.
Articles Categorized Grammar & Usage
Dealing With Religious Terms: Many Faiths
How do you balance the needs of a diverse audience on religious topics? By respecting everyone.
Dealing With Religious Terms: One Faith
Editing copy meant for a religious audience requires becoming familiar with the religion’s writing style.
How to Spot Mrs. Malaprop
In some instances, misusing words can lead to unintentional, humorous results. Here’s how to easily identify these common mistakes.
“Social” vs. “Sociable”: Another Zombie Rule Bites the Dust
Before deciding whether to replace “social” with “sociable,” learn about this centuries-old zombie rule that stumps copyeditors to this day.
Do We Appreciate the Breadth of Appreciate?
A rule exists claiming that the word “appreciate” should not be used to mean “value.” Interestingly, multiple dictionaries beg to differ.
Getting Rid of Get?
Sometimes, copyediting rules can be subjective. The common yet controversial use of the word “get” is no exception.
“Of Which” as the Starch in Your Collar
Of which, or whose? Here’s what history has to say about the grammatical correctness of these commonly used phrases.
Grammar Bite: Who’s That?
If you’re writing for a client and are told to allow “that” to represent a person, breathe a sigh of relief: doing so doesn’t break any rules.
Grammar Bite: Adjective Basics
Adjectives can be a writer’s greatest friend, creating rich images and clear meaning. They can also be a writer’s worst enemy.