FANBOYS can help us remember the coordinating conjunctions. Except that it’s wrong. Learn the truth about FANBOYS.
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!
Rewriting the Zombies: “However”
We’ve been taught not to start sentences with “however.” Why you can dismiss that rule.
Rewriting the Zombie Rules: Singular “They”
The singular “they” zombie has been shuffling along for centuries. It’s time it bit the dust for good.
Rewriting the Zombies: “Between”
Have you been told that you can’t use “between” when talking about more than two items? That’s a zombie rule. Let’s rewrite it.
Rewriting the Zombies: “Since”
Why it’s OK to use “since” to mean “because” and when you should avoid it.
Rewriting the Zombies: What’s a Zombie Rule?
We learn a lot of grammar and writing rules in school, but not all rules are equal. Some are members of the undead.
7 Tips to Mastering a Style Manual Update
The 2017 print edition of AP Stylebook will publish next week.* The 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) will publish in the fall. Considering how much we editors depend on style manuals, major updates can leave us feeling a little anxious. How can we transition to the new styles? 1. Review the
Punctuation Point: Defending the Em Dash
A dash is a beautiful, handy piece of punctuation–as long as it’s used properly. Read on of tips for using the em dash.
Grammar Bite: Making Media Agree
Is “media” singular or plural? In classic English grammar fashion, the answer is a confident “it depends.”
