Grammar Slammer

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

Avoiding the slash

March 16, 2011

The slash or “/” is usually deployed when you need a quick and dirty way of saying “and” or “or.” Examples: “writer/director” and “and/or.” But, one reader asks, how do you make such phrases possessive?

Making it plural

February 9, 2011

Writers sometimes stumble over how to make words plural. Here are two tricky situations: 1. Family and brand names. 2. Decades and other numbers.

Is it first? Or is it 1st?

January 18, 2011

Which of these is correct? 1. Please book my reservation for Saturday, June 1st. 2. Please book my reservation for Saturday, June first. 3. Please book my reservation for Saturday, June 1.

Grammar Repair Shop Quiz: Test your grammar skills

June 5, 2009
Take this quiz to double-check your business writing skills. Can you spot the grammar and writing errors in the following five sentences?

Grammar Repair Shop: Tips for avoiding 4 common word goofs

June 1, 2006
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Putting together an office style guide

May 1, 2006
Which is correct: “E-Mail” or “e-mail”? “Red, white and blue” or “red, white, and blue”? “A.M.” or “a.m.”? Would everyone in your office answer the same way? If not, you could probably use an internal style guide.

Grammar Repair Shop: Avoid gender bias with clever writing

January 1, 2005
Avoid gender bias with clever writing