Grammar & Usage

'Recessions' vs. 'Depressions' in the Economy

Taking stock of the differences

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Be dashing—and do it well

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

For example, the different ways to use them

Popular

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

Some words resemble other words enough to make you think you know them. You might not.

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

How to pick the right one

Words You Always Have to Look Up

The dictionary is here to help

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

A case can be made for either

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

When each letter can be seen but not heard

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

We're here to help

How to Use Accents and Diacritical Marks

You know, the markings above and below letters.

7 Uncommonly Doubled Letters

For word games and other shenanigans

Commonly Confused

Commonly Confused

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Here's your explanation, and you're welcome

Usage Notes

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First, Second and Third Person Explained

First, second, and third person explained

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

Beyond 'simile' and 'metaphor'

Fun! Funner!! Funnest!!!

We got a whole mess of fun here, folks

Can You Use 'Comprised of'?

It's been in use for centuries.

Is it 'graduated' or 'was graduated from'?

No, this will not be on the test
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Spelling & Pronunciation

Spelling & Pronunciation

The Many Plurals of 'Octopus'

But which is correct?

Punctuation

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How to Use Word Division Dots and Syllable Hyphens

Dictionary secrets, revealed!

A Guide to Using Colons

We'll get to semicolons later.

To Use or Not Use the "?" in Requests

"Would you read this, please."

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

The shifting role of the apostrophe

Comma Splices: What They Are and How to Correct Them (or not)

Adventurous writers pull them off regularly
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