Misusing similar sounding or similarly spelled words is one of the most common writing mistakes made, and not understanding the differences can significantly impact your grades or credibility in written communication. The following is a list of the most common word choice errors that are often confused in writing and tips for how to use… […]

Metaphors and similes are two different types of figurative language, meaning that they are phrases writers use to emphasize points without speaking directly about the facts. Figurative language is not literal and is used to demonstrate or emphasize a writer’s point. Similes are very different from metaphors, but the two are often grouped together because… […]

In written English, the way we generally express possession is by adding an apostrophe and an “s” to a noun. Thus, the bicycle that belongs to Rico would be “Rico’s bicycle.” If Tammy has a new boyfriend named Mitch, then Mitch would be “Tammy’s boyfriend.” Possession is to be understood broadly, not limited to physical… […]

Editing your writing can be difficult even for professional writers. For those whom English is a second language, it can be twice as hard. Deciding what needs to be done to make your writing more readable can seem overwhelming. Whether you are writing fiction or an essay, editing is the most important step in the […]

Speaking is a skill that comes fairly naturally to most people. However, writing often seems to be more difficult. It’s not always easy to put your thoughts into writing, but if you can make you tone conversational, it will be easier for you to formulate your thoughts and for others to understand what you are […]

Paragraphs, and the sentences that shape them, are perhaps the most important way to give writing direction. Every paragraph needs to have a main point, idea, or focus. This applies to both fiction and non-fiction alike. While fiction will traditionally use paragraphs to direct the reader, develop characters and themes, and move the story along,… […]

For many, writing a short story is difficult because it’s short and needs to have a theme. The space doesn’t leave a lot of room for rabbit trails. If you’re trying to write better short stories and want to improve your writing, you can. Continue reading for some suggestions about ways to improve your writing […]

One of the main staples of academic writing is the research paper. The focus of this type of paper is on the student’s ability to formulate an idea, back up his or her points with research, and succinctly and correctly argue in favor of the point. Here are common elements of research papers: Introduction and… […]

A memo, short for memorandum, is a type of business document used in communicating specific information to groups. The title implies that whatever is contained in the memo should be remembered in the course of business, though the purpose is somewhat broader in practical application. In the business world, a memo can be used to… […]

Commas are one of the most frequently used and misused punctuation marks in the English language. The English language has 8 key rules that you need to know about using commas: 1. One of the most common uses of commas is to separate two independent clauses that are connected by one of a special set… […]

To understand when to use “that” or “which,” you will first need to understand what a clause is. A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. There are two kinds of clauses: independent and dependent. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. For example: I would love… […]

The key ingredient to a formal essay is the thesis. A thesis is a statement that expresses the main idea of your paper. It explains the goal or purpose of your formal essay so that your readers know what to expect. A strong thesis should state the main idea of your essay and some points… […]

The most basic spelling rule you need to know is the distinction between consonants and vowels. Vowels include a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y and w. Consonants are all the remaining letters that are not vowels. If you hear a one-syllable word with a soft vowel, the vowel is usually in the middle…. […]

The press release is often the most direct and cost-effective way to present your service, product, event, or business in general to any relevant audience. Though many variations exist, the basic pattern is both elegant and easy to compose. And for our purposes, the simplest way to organize your statement will involve answering a set […]