GrammarPhile Blog

Phrases and Commas and Words, Oh My!

Posted by Phil Jamieson   Mar 20, 2012 5:30:00 AM

Our editors often find the need to edit between two meanings. They try to make the right assumption after examining the context. What is left when they are done is clearer and more precise. It is often amazing how punctuation can make all the difference.

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Topics: punctuation

Footnotes, Asterisks and Ends of Sentences

Posted by Phil Jamieson   Jan 24, 2012 5:30:00 AM

Most readers know that superscript figures (usually numbers or asterisks) in text tell the reader to refer to a footnote or an endnote for a comment or a source reference. So informative writers of white papers and such will want to use superscript characters here and there to build up their credibility.

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Topics: superscript, footnotes, punctuation

The Semicolon and Independent Clauses

Posted by Phil Jamieson   Sep 13, 2011 5:30:00 AM

It is not uncommon to see commas, semicolons, and periods confused when it comes to joining two independent clauses for forceful and effective writing. Make your writing more powerful by understanding the proper use of the semicolon.

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Topics: punctuation, periods, independent clauses, effective writing

Get Points for Proper Use of Points

Posted by Phil Jamieson   Aug 3, 2011 5:30:00 AM

In punctuation-speak, a point is a period. Here's a tip on using points.

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Topics: punctuation, abbreviations, points, periods

Evie eat it my muffin!

Posted by Conni Eversull   Jun 21, 2011 5:30:00 AM

You’re probably thinking “What does that title mean and what does it have to do with grammar and punctuation and writing?” Well, today, I thought I’d take a little break from our standard posts. I don’t know about you, but with summer almost here I know I’m starting to look forward to long hot summer days and some vacation time. So, here’s a post from a lighter side.

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Topics: sentences, documents, punctuation, grammar, pronouns, verbs

Official Changes in the English Language?

Posted by Conni Eversull   Jan 18, 2011 5:30:00 AM

Today, I thought I'd share a question from a visitor to our site and the response given by Phil Jamieson, president of ProofreadNOW.com.

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Topics: English language, punctuation, pronouns, Chicago Manual of Style

Commas and Christmas Carols!

Posted by Gregory Stepanich   Dec 21, 2010 5:00:00 AM

The world of proofreading is not immune to the sugar-cookie siren song of the holidays, and at this time of year (yes, I really do this) I like to take a moment to re-read a favorite essay about punctuation.

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Topics: punctuation

The Ubiquitous Comma Splice

Posted by Diane Hawkins   Dec 14, 2010 3:30:00 AM

It’s no secret that proofreaders have their pet peeves. For this proofreader, the error that leaps off the page of nearly every written communication—from emails, to letters, to newspaper articles, to business documents, to her children’s compositions (a painful admission)—is the often undiagnosed comma splice. So prevalent has this mistake become that it fails to catch the attention of even the most prolific writers and copyeditors, and is considered normal and acceptable punctuation.

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Topics: errors, punctuation

3 Quick Tips to Improve Business Communications

Posted by Conni Eversull   Sep 19, 2010 5:00:00 AM

Whether writing web copy, an annual report, a proposal, email, or a marketing brochure, all of us want our written business communications to be clear and concise. Most important, we want them to be read! Ambiguity that causes confusion or missed errors can detract from our company's credibility and distract readers from getting the message we're delivering. If we make mistakes, many readers will simply put our message aside and go on to their next task. Today, we'd like to offer three simple tips to improve your written business communications:
 
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Topics: business writing, punctuation, spell check

Question: Straight or Curved Quotes?

Posted by Conni Eversull   Sep 14, 2010 5:30:00 AM

We receive lots of grammar and punctuation questions from customers and visitors to our site. This week, I thought I'd post a question we received about quotations along with Phil Jamieson's answer. In coming weeks, I'll post some of the other questions we've received along with their answers.

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Topics: quotations, business writing, punctuation, grammar

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