GRAMMARIST

You’ve probably asked yourself while writing an essay: Should I italicize a play title or enclose it in quotation marks? What about a song title? Don’t feel guilty for not knowing the rules for quotation marks or italics in titles. Even the most experienced writers have the same problem. I’ll show you the basic rules for choosing between quotation marks and italics in titles. This guide features the guidelines of Chicago, MLA, and APA. Using Italics or Quotation Marks in …

Read More

A semicolon indicates two closely related statements, but which words can you use after a semicolon? Can you use the conjunctions “and” or “but”? This breakdown will show you everything you should know about correct semicolon placement with examples. Learn the conjunctions, adverbs, and transitional phrases you can and cannot use after a semicolon. What is a Semicolon A semicolon or semi-colon (;) is a punctuation mark that relates two ideas together. It signals a pause longer than a comma …

Read More

We need quotation marks to quote other people, imply double meanings, and show titles. But is the beginning of a quote capitalized In this guide, I’ll help you enhance your understanding of capitalization in quotes. Keep reading to learn how to use quotation marks in mid-sentences and how to change a case in quotes. Is It Correct to Capitalize the First Word in a Quote? Every complete sentence starts with a capital letter. But it can be more confusing when …

Read More

Three punctuation marks with similar functions include the colon, semicolon, and em dash. We use these symbols to separate a part of a sentence to communicate a clearer message. This article shows the difference between a colon vs. semicolon vs. dash in terms of usage. We’ll also study some examples of how to use them in sentences. Importance of Proper Punctuation Proper punctuation is essential in the English language to make your message clearer and more understandable. It helps you …

Read More

As a kid, your parents and teachers have taught you to say “thank you” to show politeness. Now that you’re an adult, you might wonder how to write it correctly. Do you have to use a comma after “thank you”? Read on to learn when to put a comma when saying “thank you.” Then, apply these rules when writing a speech, letter, or email. Comma After “Thank You” The most common way to say “thank you” to people is through …

Read More

Introductory phrases add color to the rest of your sentence for additional context. Some types of introductory phrases include prepositional and participial phrases. But what are introductory phrases? How do they differ from introductory clauses? Should we put a comma after an introductory phrase? Learn these tips for using commas with introductory phrases and some sentence examples. What are Introductory Phrases in Writing? An introductory phrase is one at the start of a sentence that comes before the complete clause. …

Read More

Apostrophe rules are not as confusing as you think. Once you know the fundamental guidelines on their placement, you’ll be able to answer, where should the apostrophe go? Keep reading to learn when to put an apostrophe before s. I also provided examples of how to use the apostrophe and s in a sentence. Why Put an Apostrophe Before S? The two main reasons we put apostrophes before S are to show contractions and possession. These are the most common …

Read More