Grammar Slammer

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

Avoid these common word mistakes

June 16, 2015
Using a word incorrectly can harm your image, writes Jeff Haden for LinkedIn. These common words can trip up even strong writers.

Which words do you misuse?

June 1, 2015
You may think you know what these words mean, but is it possible you’re mistaken?

10 grammar rules that really aren’t rules

May 14, 2015
Grammar is full of rules, and those who know them sometimes like to call out those who don’t. But some oft-stated rules are really just myths, as grammar blogger Mignon Fogarty writes at Mental Floss.

A preposition proposition

May 7, 2015
Many writers develop their own quirks and styles over time, and it’s possible to identify their writing just by the words and phrases they use. One common style quirk is using prepositions too much, especially the word “of,” says Grammar Girl blogger Mignon Fogarty. “Overusing it can make your writing sound passive and fussy.”

5 exceptions to the grammar rules

April 13, 2015
Once you’ve learned all the basic rules of English grammar, you’ll find there are almost as many exceptions. Grammarly Director of Communications Allison VanNest explains some words that act in ways you might not expect.

We’ll give you 60 seconds to spot these 9 writing errors

March 29, 2015
At one point during his webinar on proofreading and editing, Fred asked attendees to quickly read nine sentences to see if they could pin down what was wrong with them. Surely you can spot all the errors, right? Let’s find out.

Do you use poor word choices?

March 25, 2015
Using incorrect terms or made-up words can make your speech and writing sound ridiculous and unprofessional. Grammarly’s Allison VanNest reviews several common errors to avoid in your communications.

Weird Al’s ‘Word Crimes’–how many are you committing?

February 27, 2015
Weird Al Yankovic made grammar funny with his “Word Crimes” parody of Robin Thicke’s hit song “Blurred Lines” and its accompanying video. Weird Al brought up some good grammar points that are important for everyone to remember.

What’s wrong with these sentences?

January 28, 2015
Correct any punctuation errors in the following sentences. Caution: Some sentences may already be correct, so don’t be fooled.

When is it OK to break grammar rules?

December 8, 2014
Getting your words right makes a good impression, but part of knowing the rules means knowing when it’s OK to break them. Lin­­guist Steven Pinker, writing in The Guardian, offers eight grammar rules that you can bend once in a while.