Archive for the ‘Writing Tips’ Category
Beware the Comma
It’s hard not to overuse OR under-use them. The Chicago Manual of Style says this:
The comma, perhaps the most versatile of the punctuation marks, indicates the smallest interruption in the continuity of thought or sentence structure. There are a few rules governing its use that have become almost obligatory. Aside from these, the use of the comma is mainly a matter of good judgment, with ease of reading the end in view.
A few rules:
1. If you have a compound sentence composed of a series of short independent clauses, the last two of which are joined by a conjunction, place a comma between the clauses and before the conjunction.
Example: I want a soda, some popcorn, and a few napkins.
2. It’s OK to use semicolons if the clauses themselves contain commas.
Speaking of semicolons: Use them to mark a more important break in sentence flow than if you used a comma. Always use a semicolon between two parts of a compound sentence when they are not connected by a conjunction.
Example: Connie says she intends to go to Europe this summer; however, she has made no definite plans.
3. Colons: Use to indicate a sequence in thought between two clauses that form a single sentence, or to separate one clause from a second clause that contains an illustration or amplification of the first.
Example: She drove all night: that’s why she was particularly nasty the following morning.
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Its It’s
Apostrophes are everywhere. People seem to love using them – but many times, they aren’t used appropriately. The only time you need an apostrophe is when you’re showing possession – i.e., this is Kerri’s blog; and with contractions – don’t, won’t, it’s. But remember:
- Its is the possessive of the pronoun it, like hers, theirs, ours, yours. (Something belongs to “it.”)
- It’s is the contraction for it is.
Contractions get a little hairy with proper names. If you are writing that the Smith family owns a red Porsche 911, it would be the Smiths’ red Porsche 911. If John Smith owns a red Porsche 911, it would be John Smith’s red Porsche 911. However, if you are creating a return address label for the Smith Family, it might read:
The Smiths
222 Fairfield Lane
You don’t use an apostrophe in this case because you aren’t implying possession.
While we’re on contractions – they’re OK to use, but I recommend that you don’t use these:
it’ll could’ve
should’ve that’s
you’d would’ve
This isn’t a hard and fast rule; it can vary depending on the formality of the material.
Look out in the world: you’ll find many examples of misused apostrophes. Here’s one from a recent e-mail:
Menu idea’s – this isn’t a possessive or a contraction. A common example of a common problem – using apostrophes with a plural.
The Internet is full of examples of apostrophe misuse – or abuse. Check it out! You’ll be amused – or maybe aghast.
Three ways to be a better writer
| 1. | Be specific about WHO is doing WHAT. Insert names instead of “him” or “she.” Tell me what “it” is, even if you feel like you’re repeating yourself.
Example: When they go out, it can be hours before they return. Her mother died when she was eighteen. Correction? Who was eighteen? |
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| 2. | That vs. which: The easiest way I know when to use one over another is whether or not the previous phrase has a comma. If I have a clause ending with a comma and I need a “that” or a “which,” I choose “which.” If I don’t have a comma, I choose “that.”
Examples: CORRECT: She had a style about her that defied all propriety. INCORRECT: She had a style about her, which defied all CORRECT: The color, which she used on her nails and eyelids, On that vs. who: Use who when you’re referring to a person. CORRECT: Marty Smith, who operated the golf course for the past eight years, lost out. Don’t omit that when it will confuse the reader, but use common sense as well. Don’t overuse it.
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| 3. | Other common mistakes:
Affect vs. effect Affect is to have an influence on. Your grades have a direct affect on the number of acceptance letters you receive from prospective colleges. Effect is a result. The effect of bad grades is limited college choices. Because vs. since Because is a reason. Since relates to time.
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