From Grammar Girl: A common problem in writing today is the false series. It happens when a writer combines three or more seemingly related elements in a series, but the syntax is wrong. When you get the sentence right, you’re said to be using parallel construction. How to Use Parallel Construction Correctly
Month: July 2009
Can you start a sentence with “which”?
From Grammar Girl: You could perhaps say, “I ate all the cookies. Big mistake.” Here, “big mistake” is a sentence fragment, but it’s OK because it allows you to emphasize your point. “Which” clauses that appear at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph are likewise incomplete sentences, and you are allowed to use them… Continue reading Can you start a sentence with “which”?
Canadian Style Tip #36: School subjects, courses & degrees
This post is part of the Canadian Style series. 4.12 School subjects, courses and degrees Capitalize the names of languages. Do not cpitalize the names of other disciplines when used in a general sense. Capitalize them when referring to school sbject or the names of particular courses. I started taking French in grade 6. I… Continue reading Canadian Style Tip #36: School subjects, courses & degrees
Canadian Style Tip #35: Fractions
This post is part of the Canadian Style series. 5.08 Fractions In non-technical writing, spell out simple fractions, especially when used in isolation: The recipe calls for one-quarter cup of flour. I ate two thirds of my sandwich.
Canadian Style Tip #34: Use of commas in dates
This post is part of the Canadian Style series. 7.20 Use of commas in dates You do not need commas when writing dates in the order day-month-year. If you use month-day-year order, a comma separates the day and year. The year should be followed by a comma within a sentence. I was married 5 May… Continue reading Canadian Style Tip #34: Use of commas in dates