“That” and “which” may seem interchangeable, but there’s a difference between the two words, and it’s more important than you might think.
Articles Categorized The Art of Language
Grammar, spelling, usage, style—this section is all about the mechanics of language. Improve your writing and editing by reading on!
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.
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.
Testament vs. Testimony: It’s All Relative
“Testimony” and “testament” are similar words that, for many writers, can be easy to confuse. Learn the difference between them.
Word Story: Fulsome
“Fulsome” has a long, complicated history. Do its three competing definitions mean you shouldn’t use it? Read this word story to find out.
A Most Important(ly) Lesson
I have a confession to make: I made a reflexive edit in a manuscript based on personal preference. Worse, I then boasted about it online.
Adverb Placement, Generally and Specifically
Adverbs are usually placed next to the thing they modify. But what do you do when the result is awkward?
