For the next few columns, I’m keeping things short and sweet by looking at very specific grammar issues. By keeping the focus on one issue at a time, it should be easier to remember. Think of them as bite-sized grammar treats! The cake pop of the grammar world! This time it’s all ready vs already. … [Read more…]
Affect vs effect. Many people use these words interchangeably, rather than correctly. So what do they mean? By definition, you “affect,” or act on something, and something that you do causes an “effect.” In other words, “affect” is a verb, and “effect” is a noun. Or think of it this way: “affect” is something you … [Read more…]
When writing, it’s often helpful to think through the words you want to use or even say them out loud before putting them on the page. This can be especially helpful with dialogue. Is this really the way someone would talk? Does this sound natural? But while this might help your dialogue seem more realistic, … [Read more…]