One of the most intriguing aspects of idiomatic phrases is their fixed nature, an aspect acknowledged in two terms for the class of idioms distinguished by the use of the conjunction and or the conjunction or between the constituent words: irreversible binomials and freezes. (They are also referred to as binomials or binomial pairs, or … Read more
One of the easiest principles of grammar to remember is to avoid the passive voice, or passive construction, but it’s just as essential to recall that this rule is not absolute. Passive construction has its place. Appropriate uses are described below. Passive constructions are those in which the acted-on noun, rather than the word(s) denoting … Read more
Writing a speech and producing an essay have much in common, of course, because the one is merely a spoken form of the other, but keep in mind the unique features that distinguish a presentation delivered with your voice and one that others read. 1. Plan your speech according to the occasion, considering the event, … Read more
The following sample sentences and the discussion that follows each point out three frequently found punctuation errors in which a comma is extraneously inserted or erroneously omitted. 1. “The giant, blue eyeball that washed up on a Florida beach likely came from a swordfish.” The adjectives giant and blue are noncoordinate, which means they’re not … Read more
Some time ago, I wrote a highly skeptical post about self-publishing. I stand by my concerns, but I realize my initial assessment could have been more open-minded. Here’s a more neutral evaluation of the pros and cons. Rewards 1. Autonomy In self-publishing, writers control the publishing process. In traditional publishing, the final edit, the cover … Read more
Many terms exist that distinguish one form of documentation from another. Here are some words for specific documents, with explanations of their functions as well as additional definitions of the terms. 1. Bond: an agreement made binding by a payment of money if the agreement is not honored; also, an adhesive, restraining, or uniting element, … Read more
Today is your last chance to join the DWT Freelance Writing Course. Enrollment will remain open until midnight (GMT). The next edition of the course will take place only in mid-2013. Below, you’ll find what some of the past students had to say about the course: “What you supplied has far exceeded my expectations, both … Read more
A recent report about the pluses and perils of online searching by students has lessons for all writers, regardless of age, who use the Internet for research. A survey found that though most schoolteachers believe that digital search technology is beneficial, it also encourages more superficial searching, and that conundrum applies to the populace in … Read more
Does anyone write business letters anymore? Whether or not you still employ this declining form of communication, you should be aware of the customary procedure, because the necessity may come up. This model is only one of several variations, but whichever version you employ, veer from the template only if you have a good reason … Read more
In this post, I’ve reproduced some questions posed in e-mail or comments to Daily Writing Tips about commas, followed by my responses. 1. Which comma-style-in-a-series do you prefer, Oxford/Chicago Manual or AP? Why? I prefer employing the serial comma because doing so rarely introduces ambiguity, which is more likely when the serial comma is omitted. … Read more
Today we are re-opening the doors of the DWT Freelance Writing Course. It runs for six weeks (this being the first one), covering a wide range of topics related to freelance writing and making money on the Internet. Over 1000 students took the course in previous editions, and the feedback we receive is always very … Read more
Words describing the qualities of color can confuse because they sometimes but not always overlap or are even interchangeable. Here’s a roster of color terms with definitions. 1. Cast: a change in appearance or color by adding one color over another; also, multiple senses of assigning, depositing, directing, shaping, spreading, turning, or twisting 2. Chroma: … Read more