English
How to Apply Parallel Construction in English
Parallel construction is an important concept for students of the English language to understand. It refers to the use of balanced structures within sentences and paragraphs, either in terms of similar grammatical forms or repeated words. This article seeks to provide a guide on how to apply parallel construction when writing in English. The first…
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How to Correct Misplaced Modifiers
Misplaced modifiers are one of the most common mistakes writers make in their writing. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies another part of the sentence but isn’t in the right place to do so effectively. This article will provide an overview of how to identify and fix misplaced modifiers when…
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How to Use a Period Correctly
There are two main categories of writing that determine how to use a period correctly within sentences; fiction writing and non-fiction writing. This article is primarily about general English non-fiction writing, so please keep in mind that the rules for writing styles outside of this style may vary widely. There are specific rules for writing…
Read MoreHow to Use the "Oxford Comma" in Technical & Business Writing
Oxford Comma in Technical and Business Writing is also known as Serial comma Series Comma Harvard Comma It’s the comma before the “coordinating conjunction” (and “and” or “or”) in a list of three items. For example: “I love soup, steamed vegetables, and a good cigar in the evening.” Why use the serial comma? Not including…
Read MoreEnglish Grammar – Should I Use "I" or "Me"?
Sometimes people are confused whether to use “me” or “I” in a sentence. For example, which is correct: “Me and Jimmy watched a movie”… or “I and Jimmy watched a movie”? First off, it always sounds better if you cite the other person FIRST, as in “Jimmy and me…” or “Jimmy and I…” A Method…
Read MoreEnglish Grammar – How to Use LIE and LAY Correctly
© Ugur Akinci Do you have any trouble using the verbs LIE and LAY correctly? Do you use “lie” when you are supposed to use “lay,” or the other way around? Then let me try to help you. Here is the main difference between them: LIE means to “recline.” It is an INTRANSITIVE verb. It…
Read MoreIf You Ask a Rhetorical Question, Answer It, Right Away
If you pull your readers into a topic by asking a rhetorical question that’s perfectly acceptable as a writing style. But if you do that, you’d better answer your own question right away. Otherwise some of your readers can be really frustrated. Rhetorical questions increase the stakes. They introduce a tension that needs to be relieved by…
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How to Write Cause and Effect Sentences and Paragraphs for Better Documents
Introduction When writing, it’s important to use clear and concise sentences. This includes using proper grammar, punctuation, and organization. Another important aspect of writing is using cause-and-effect sentences and paragraphs. What are Cause and Effect Sentences? Cause and effect sentences are a very helpful tool for the writer to use to tell the story of…
Read MoreAvoid “Double Possibility” in Your Statements
When copywriting, avoid double possibility in your statements. That’s the fundamental rock on which all copywriting stands. George Bernard Shaw once wrote a very long letter to a friend and ended it with the following post script: “Sorry, I didn’t have the time today to write you a short letter.” Clean technical writing is easy…
Read MoreConstruct Sentences that Do Not Require Mental Inversion
© Ugur Akinci When we construct a procedural sentence in technical writing we are usually telling the reader either to do something or not to do it. Our intention is either pointing out to something positive or negative. For easier comprehension and longer retention, try to construct your sentences in a way such that the…
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