Articles about grammar
Is This the Right Way to Use a Semicolon? And Other Punctuational Concerns
by Kyle A. Massa Sep 11, 2018
You can't use a screwdriver to hammer a nail. Likewise, you can't use a semicolon to introduce a list. Here's how to use your grammatical tools the right way.
Read More »Is it “Mambo No. 5” or “Mambo No. Five”?
by Justin Cox Sep 05, 2018
On the surface, writing with numbers is a simple rule: write out numbers between zero and nine. However — as it is with all grammar — as you dig, the layers get complicated.
Read More »Apostrophes: Everything You Need to Know
by Kathy Edens Sep 05, 2018
Apostrophes are like weeds. Sometimes they crop up in the most unexpected places. How do you know when and where to use an apostrophe? In this article, we set the record straight.
Read More »Why be Perpendicular When You Can be Parallel?
by Justin Cox Aug 28, 2018
Parallel structure is a vital tool for all writers. When structure is parallel, the reader’s flow is uninterrupted. When structure is perpendicular, the reader is thrown off and the content weakened. Learn how to keep your structure straight.
Read More »Improving Your Proofreading Skills
by Kyle A. Massa Aug 28, 2018
Proofreading getting you down? These tips will help ensure you never miss a thing.
Read More »Exclamation Point: Use It or Not?
by Kathy Edens Aug 28, 2018
Exclamation points punctuate the end of a sentence meant to display admiration or express excitement, astonishment, or some other strong emotion. Some people go mad with their exclamation marks!!! (See what we did there?)
In this article, we discuss when, and when not, to use this pesky punctuation.
Read More »Does It Sound Right?
by Justin Cox Aug 20, 2018
We could spend every waking moment learning grammar rules and still not have them all mastered. And that would leave zero time to actually write anything. Luckily for each of us, there’s a surefire way to avoid learning the majority of grammar rules while still adhering to them.
Read More »In Defense of Passive Voice
by Kyle A. Massa Aug 20, 2018
Is passive voice always bad? Maybe not. Here are a few instances where you might want to use it.
Read More »3 Commonly Misused Words (And How to Use Them Correctly)
by Kyle A. Massa Aug 09, 2018
Hey, we all make mistakes. Here's how to correctly use some of the most commonly misused words.
Read More »Free Online Grammar Checker
by Lisa Lepki Jul 12, 2018
Nothing makes a reader lose faith in a writer faster than a grammar error!
The ProWritingAid Editing Tool is one of the world’s best grammar-checkers, but it also looks at elements of style and structure that help you make your writing as strong and clear as possible. Here's a quick guide to how it works.
Read More »Prepositions. What’s the Deal?
by Kathy Edens Jul 05, 2018
Stuck wondering what a prepositional phrase is? In this article, we teach you everything you need to know about prepositions.
Read More »Know The Difference Between That and Which
by Zara Altair Jun 28, 2018
Have you been getting tripped up on how to use that and which? We'll clear it up for you.
Read More »Find inconsistencies in your writing
by ProWritingAid Jun 18, 2018
If inconsistencies plague your writing, your work can seem unpolished and unprofessional. ProWritingAid helps find and identify such errors automatically.
Read More »Amazing Alliteration in Tongue Twisters
by ProWritingAid Jun 18, 2018
Tongue twisters are a great way to illustrate the idea of alliteration. In fact, the term "tongue twister" is a great example of alliteration in itself!
We've created a practice sheet of some of our favorite alliterative tongue twisters.
Read More »7 Grammar Rules the Best Writers Break
by ProWritingAid Jun 18, 2018
In life, writers must obey a single rule: write for your audience. If you’re writing fiction, your dialogue must be natural. So you write in conversational English, which is less than grammatical at times. And if you’re writing for academia or other stuffy audiences, your prose must be formal.
If you’ve learned the many rules of English usage and are adept at wielding them properly, feel free to break these seven rules now and then.
Read More »10 Websites to Help Improve Your Grammar
by Hayley Milliman Jun 06, 2018
Learning grammar doesn't have to be difficult! With these free tools, you'll be mastering your comma usage in no time.
Read More »Me or I: Setting the Record Straight
by Justin Cox Jun 01, 2018
When to use “me” instead of “I” is an important rule to learn. Selecting the wrong pronoun will ruin your writing and turn readers against you. Unlike “who” vs. “whom”, learning when to use “me” or “I” is very easy to learn.
Read More »3 Awful Oxford Comma Bloopers
by Gregory Heilers Jun 01, 2018
Are you a staunch defender or opposer of the Oxford comma? Regardless of where you stand, these three tales of Oxford comma woe will make you think twice the next time you debate the little mark's usage.
Read More »Let’s Get Possessive
by Justin Cox May 19, 2018
Defining possessive nouns is tricky. There are several unique rules that can confuse even the most seasoned writer.
Read More »The Apostrophe: When to Use It and When to Avoid It
by Liz McMahon May 19, 2018
The apostrophe, when used correctly, can add clarity to a piece of writing. But when misused, the results can be confusing. We take a look at getting it right.
Read More »