Grammar Blog

In writing and in speech, we will often include information that further specifies or identifies what we are communicating: Caleb's son, Richard Jane Doe, the mayor Linus, Lucy's brother When we include this extra information, we are using what is known in grammar as apposition. We also refer to these additional details as appositives. Apposition …

Let's say you want to describe something that involves two or more nations, but you don't have a lot of character space. How would you abbreviate the word International? Let's get to the bottom of that. Different Ways to Abbreviate International International is an unusual word in that it appears often in writing but doesn't …

Subjects and verbs are the principal components of language. Before we can provide descriptive or informative details in a sentence, we must know the actor and the action. Subjects and verbs are so fundamental to communication in English that they can form complete thoughts alone. Examples Jon runs. You walk. Jennifer jogs. English subjects and …

You have a big test coming up, so you spend long evening hours guzzling power drinks and preparing. You later find yourself continuing well into the morning hours. Would you then say that you are studying overnight or over night? Overnight vs. Over Night Let's start by clearing up any confusion: overnight is the correct …

We write in order to inform, explain, express, persuade, and entertain. Through our proficiency with grammar and vocabulary, we enhance our ability to further develop interpersonal meaning and intelligence as well as the exchange of knowledge that shapes our perception of truth. Writing also lets us look further into the heart of human expression: to …

Should you write setup or set up? Which one is correct? We will look at the difference between the expressions so that you will be set up for success with them in your writing. The Difference Between Setup and Set Up Setup and set up are obviously alike, and both can be correct in certain …

The Mediterranean Chicken on the menu is really recommended. You seem seldom energetic this week. This hotel room is quite nice. When we express ourselves, we might include words meant to further limit or amplify what we aim to communicate. For example, we aren't just happy—we are very happy. After working a full day in …

As we're wont to note on our website, the English language—and American English in particular—is a living, breathing entity. It changes and grows with the times and occasionally across regions as well. It's no surprise, then, that we sometimes get questions about newer words and regional spellings. Today we'll discuss whether the dialectical ya'll or …

When we refer to case in English grammar, we indicate the form that a noun or pronoun takes according to its function in a sentence. The three cases in English are subjective, objective, and possessive. This review will center on the objective case. What Is the Objective Case? The objective case is the case we …

You may have heard about writing in AP style or even been directed to do so by a teacher or editor. In fact, a commonly searched grammar question on the web concerns how to use Associated Press–style datelines in writing. In today's post we'll delve into how to do that as well as why you …