As the English language evolves (and we start to learn grammar from text messaging), more words that aren’t actually words worm their way into our lexicon. Sometimes we embrace the change (“okay,” believe it or not, was not always an acceptable word), and sometimes we send it back to the pits of hell (ask any grammar enthusiast about “irregardless”).
I’m spotlighting two examples of not-actually-words today: alright and alot.
We’ve covered when not to use commas (and when to use commas if you feel like it), but it’s just as important to know when to use commas. We can’t have run-on sentences taking over literature. So when do you use a comma?
We’ve already covered the Oxford comma and the need for commas in a series or list. There are three other primary times when you need to use a comma. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list; just the times when comma use is most common.
I’m a big fan of grammar. Surprise, right? But in order to use grammar properly, we need to understand the parts of a sentence. A lot of grammar deals with objects of sentences. You know, subject, verb, object. Suzy slapped Bobby.
But not everything that comes after a verb is an object. Prepositional phrases can throw a wrench into the mix.
Back when I first moved to Denver, I saw a sign that was an inspiration for a post on proper quotation use. And now it’s time for the second installment of proper quotation usage.
We know that quotations are used in dialogue. But what happens when you have a pair of really long-winded characters engaged in extensive conversation?
