Grammar Slammer

Punctuation, usage, spelling … the Grammar Slammer is keeping an eye on the way we use (and misuse!) the written word.

‘Which’ or ‘that’?

May 23, 2018
That’s the question that can stump people. Or is it the question which can stump people? Let’s see.

Just a victim of hypercorrection

April 25, 2018
Yes, we know the rules, but somehow apply them incorrectly in the attempt to get it right. Huh? That’s called hypercorrection.

Use the right word: Who or whom simplified

March 29, 2018
If you’re not sure, just answer or reword the sentence using he for who, and him for whom.

Rules to lighten up on

December 22, 2017

There are several common grammar rules people love to cite when offering corrections for things that aren’t really wrong, writes Lauren Davis at io9. If you’ve been scolded for one of these, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Writing for international readers

December 1, 2017
Writing for an international audience requires a different approach than you would use when writing for an audience whose primary language is English. When writing for international readers, keep these guidelines in mind.

The royal order of adjectives

November 14, 2017

Here’s an English language rule you follow without putting much thought into why or how you do it: the ordering of multiple adjectives.

Watch for these common errors

September 27, 2017
A few tips to get you speaking and writing correctly.

Using semicolons and commas

August 23, 2017
A quiz to test your knowledge of semicolons and commas.

[sic] ’em! Or maybe not

August 13, 2017
What do you do when you come across a piece of text you need to reprint—such as a written statement or a direct quote—that contains an error?

Avoid these common grammar errors

July 5, 2017
Tips on four different kinds of grammar errors.