Should the word “the” should be included in the phrase “back to school”? Here are the rules regarding one of the most popular words in the English language.
Articles Tagged copyediting
Sneak Peek: The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors, Part I
Are you interested in freelance editing but unsure of where to begin? Enjoy this preview of my new book featuring step by step guidance and experienced advice.
Choosing the Editing Conference that’s Right for You
Whether you prefer something virtual or in-person, attending an annual editing conference is a great way to develop your skills and network with other editors.
Finding the Right Fit: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Freelance Editor
Hiring a freelance editor is a great way to elevate your company’s writing, but it’s important to ask questions that will ensure that you find the perfect fit.
Forget Everything Strunk & White Told You
An investigation, sparked by a tweet, into what’s wrong with Strunk & White and some ideas for what you should read instead.
Vagueness and Clarity in And/Or
Some language experts hate the use of and/or, even though the term appears in millions of texts. When used correctly, and/or illustrates choices to readers.
Red Pencil Roundup: Taking a Leap and Improving Your Skills
This collection of live tweets from the 2023 Red Pencil Conference will inspire you to launch the freelance editing business you’ve been dreaming about.
The Reason Why is Because…
Many editors believe that the phrase “reason why” is redundant. That’s true, but it’s also true that why means “for which,” resulting in “reason for which.” Let’s determine whether this phrase fits into your sentence.
Mostly Useful Redundancies
Critical language experts often encourage editors to remove redundancies from written works. However, redundancies are not all bad, and there are times when repetition can help the author drive their message home.
What’s It Worth? A Confusing Use of the Apostrophe
Writers and editors commonly misunderstand what we use the apostrophe for and what possession is. And this misunderstanding dates back to the 18th century!

