Misplaced, Dangling and Squinting Modifiers
A modifier is a word or phrase that describes or adds details to a sentence. In the below examples, the modifiers are italicized. I went through all the stores yesterday,…
The Revising Process
The process of revising involves a series of steps, basically following the ARRR (adding, rearranging, removing, and replacing) method. In each step, the writer considers a set of questions from…
Writing Actions: Freewriting
Freewriting offers one method of clearing and opening your mind. You can freewrite by writing non-stop, on any topic, for a specific length of time. Do not stop to edit…
Tips to proofread your own work
Don’t proofread until you’re completely finished with the actual writing and editing. If you make major changes while proofreading, even if it’s just within sentences, you’re still in an artistic,…
Refining and proofreading your draft
When you’re done with the rough draft, take a break so that you can come back to your writing with fresh eyes. When you pick up your draft again, ask…
Principles of good writing
Experiences in school leave some people with the impression that good writing simply means writing that contains no bad mistakes – that is, no errors of grammar, punctuation, or spelling.…
Why Does Grammar Matter?
One of the most lucid and sensible answers to this question appeared a few years ago in–of all places–a position statement on the teaching of grammar in American schools. Published…
Grammar
Grammar is a subject too complex to be summarized here. Poor grammar may do nothing worse than irritating your readers. Sometimes, however, poor grammar can make your writing confusing or…