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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 …

This column is mostly concerned about the written word, but even so, pronunciation will inevitably enter the picture from time to time. The expressions chomping at the bit and stomping ground are both corruptions of the original champing and stamping. People find this incredible. But, for instance, consult the 1961 cult-favorite western film One-Eyed Jacks, …

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 …

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? …

Rule: Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction--and, or, but, for, nor. Example: He thought quickly, but he still did not answer correctly. Now, let’s look at a slightly different situation. Rule 1 - If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb, do not use …

That’s right, I admit it. I’m a word nerd. I pick, pick, pick at the way you express yourself. Despite protests of apathy, people of all ages care about how well they express themselves. Deep down, everyone likes to be right about language, and you can even hear little kids teasing each other about talking …

NOTE: An independent (or strong) clause is a simple sentence with a subject, verb, and a complete thought. A dependent (or weak) clause has a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. Rule - Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction—and, or, but, for, nor. You …

Rule - When starting a sentence with a weak clause, use a comma after it. Conversely, do not use a comma when the sentence starts with a strong clause followed by a weak clause. Examples: If you are not sure about this, let me know now. Let me know now if you are not sure …

Rule – Use a comma to separate the city from the state, and always put one after the state, also. Example: I lived in Denver, Colorado, for 20 years. NOTE: The U.S. Postal Service's two-letter capitalized abbreviations (e.g., CO for Colorado, IL for Illinois) are not recommended in formal writing. However, when writing an address …

This election year’s political dialogue has divided the country into the obscenely ultra-rich one percent and the ninety-nine percent who comprise the poor, the shrinking middle class and the, I guess you could say, tastefully affluent. Compare that with the literary one-percenters, a mulish minority of nitpickers who believe “proper” speaking and writing preserve English’s …