Homonyms are by far the most agreeable of the commonly known grammatical -nyms. Antonyms can never see eye-to-eye; synonyms are unoriginal; homonyms are a different breed. Despite their audible similarity, however, homonyms can give you the slip. They are the … Continue reading
Posted in: Best Practices, Blogging, Creativity, Writing Tips
Tags: Best Practices, English, grammar, sentence structure, writing, Writing Tips
In homage to The Oatmeal’s charming illustration of the perils of 10 commonly misspelled and misused words, I present five of my very (least) favorite grammar missteps. Enjoy some more words and phrases you or someone you know is using … Continue reading
Any reputable grammar and style guide tells you to use exclamation points sparingly. Never! Ever! Abuse! Them! But there’s a caveat. Grammar and style guides are writers’ bibles. They tell us whether health care is one word or two and … Continue reading
Posted in: Blogging, E-mail, Journalism, Print, Puncutation, Style Guru, Twitter, Websites, Writing Tips
What was the last great tweet, email or Facebook post that stuck in your mind? Can’t remember? I’ll bet you do recall at least one or two jingles from radio or TV commercials, even from back in the Stone Age … Continue reading
Posted in: Advertising Strategy, Commercials, Radio ads, Uncategorized, Writing Tips
Tags: advertising, writing, Writing Tips
Humor has its place in the B2B marketing world – yes, you read that right. You and your team probably use it without even realizing it. Cracking a joke with a client and lightening the mood with a prospect are … Continue reading
The next time you’re tempted to write that a court case was “dismissed with prejudice” or that your company is “conducting a needs assessment to evaluate just-in-time work flows,” back away from the word processing station. Translation: Computer. These special … Continue reading
Posted in: Best Practices, Journalism, Writing Tips
Tags: comunication, Jargon, Writing Tips
I’ve been swimming in alphabet soup lately. Not the kind with noodles and chicken, though. I’m talking about editing copy that is redolent with initialisms, causing me anxiety. These darned things always give me pause and it seems I’m not … Continue reading
When you curl up with a good book, chances are that it’s conversation-heavy. Who doesn’t love coffee and good conversation, after all? Trying to wade through a story that’s all narrative is so boring, it’s like watching your computer defrag. … Continue reading
Posted in: Best Practices, Style Guru, Writing Tips
Tags: Punctuation, quotations, quote marks, quotes, Style Guru
Confusion about similar words abounds, especially when they sound alike. Writers sometimes use one word when they really mean another. Have any of these tripped you up? Accept, except – These are often misused and confused. Accept means to receive … Continue reading
Posted in: Best Practices, Style Guru, Writing Tips
Tags: grammar, spelling, Style Guru, Word combinations
Explaining the difference between “that” and “which” has been in my idea file for a while. Don’t feel bad if you don’t know the answer – it’s a common conundrum. Now that I’ve had requests to cover this topic, your … Continue reading
Posted in: Best Practices, Style Guru, Writing Tips
Tags: essential clauses, grammar, nonessential clauses, style, That, which
