Grammar GrammarBook.com |
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

Search results for “od”

Slipshod Extension

Henry W. Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage, published in 1926, is still the greatest of all English grammar guides. The first edition or the lightly revised second edition (1965) is highly recommended. Sprinkled among Fowler’s entries are topics that typify the author’s innovative approach to the study of grammar. His titles for these entries …

Read More

Word Nerds: Verbal Custodians Trapped in a Time Warp

A big drawback to a column like this is being perceived as having insufferable attitude: “So, Mr. Expert, I guess you think you’re so superior.” It’s not like that. Word nerds do custodial work. A lot of brilliant people can’t write. Ernest Hemingway was a terrible speller. Word nerds don’t think they’re “better”—do janitors think …

Read More

Periods with Quotation Marks

Bart F. recently wrote, “I read your Bluebook rules, but the examples omitted the common usage found when a sentence ends with a quote that completes the thought.” Bart continued: Texas, with a history of rugged individualism, was part of the “Sagebrush rebellion”. I was taught that this was the one exception to the quotation …

Read More

Commas with Introductory Words

Rule 1 - Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, why, hello, no, yes, etc. Examples: Yes, I do need that report. Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day… Rule 2 - Use a comma before and after introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for …

Read More

Commas with Question Marks and Periods

Rule 1 - Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Example: I can go, can't I? Rule 2 - Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Example: That is my money, not yours. Pop Quiz Select the correct sentence. 1A. You’re Marvin from my old Denver neighborhood, aren’t you? …

Read More

Good vs. Well

Good is an adjective while well is an adverb answering the question how. Sometimes well also functions as an adjective pertaining to health. Examples: You did a good job. Good describes job, which is a noun, so good is an adjective. You did the job well. Well is an adverb describing how the job was …

Read More

What Are Verb Complements?

A complement in English grammar is a word, phrase, or clause that completes or adds essential meaning to another element in a sentence. Consider the following: Bart mowed the lawn on Sunday. Kesha wrote a long letter to her best friend. Camille loves ice skating. These are examples of statements with a verb complement. What …

Read More

Writing with AI: How to Stay Clear, Credible, and Authentic

Artificial intelligence (AI): It's here, it will expand in our lives, and its influence will only keep growing. As with any world-changing technology, AI's possibilities are both exciting and concerning. It is revolutionizing task performance as well as our access to solutions and knowledge. At the same time, we're unsure of what the guardrails will …

Read More

Top 10 Most Commonly Misspelled Words: 2026

Many of us may recall the gravity given to spelling when we were in grade school. We may also have participated in spelling bees testing our skill to arrange words' proper letters correctly. In past years, correct spelling might often suggest one's education. Today, while spelling still matters, digital communication has relaxed some of the …

Read More

1 2 3 4 5 … 66