Which of These Is a “Comma”?

You might be surprised to learn that the answer is c. In addition to being one of our more familiar punctuation marks, “comma” is the common name for a species of butterfly (Polygonia c-album) found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The comma is a staple in the world of punctuation. It can be overused

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Chatgpt Chat with AI or Artificial Intelligence technology, business use AI smart technology by inputting, deep learning Neural networks to understand, respond to user inputs. future technology

Even ChatGPT Agrees—AI Doesn’t Replace Human Editors

ChatGPT launched just last November, and already it seems like everyone has started worrying about how artificial intelligence programs like this one are going to affect our world—and maybe even take our jobs. I decided to take this question right to the source. Could ChatGPT replace human editors? Here is ChatGPT’s reply: While CHATGPT is an

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path for running or walking and cycling relax in the park on green grass field on the side of the golf course. Sunlight and flare background concept.

How I Beat Writer’s Block

The deadline looms, the clock is ticking … and the screen is still blank. That feeling of desperation can feel impossible to overcome. Writers will share all kinds of methods for “beating the block.” Here’s what works for me: Go for a walk. It’s quick, easy and free, and it can jumpstart creativity in surprising

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writing tips: show don't tell

Writing Tips: Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of telling the reader what happened . . . “Julianna felt hot and tired after her walk.” Use actions, thoughts, sensory descriptions, and emotions to describe a scene or to show how a character is feeling . . . “Julianna burst into the kitchen, her face flushed and sweaty. She threw her jacket on

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Which word is correct? Stationery or stationary.

Which Word Is Correct, Stationery Or Stationary?

Which Word Is Correct? Steven rides his ________ bicycle for an hour each morning. a. stationery b. stationary a. Stationery is a noun that refers to materials used for writing, such as paper, pens, and envelopes. b. Stationary is an adjective that means something “does not move” or “does not change.” These words are often

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Strategy and goals with business people in conference or seminar, writing notes and tips. Black entrepreneur feeling inspired, planning, thinking in training or tradeshow with colleagues.

Quick Tip for Better Writing: Drop “There Is”

There is one simple change that can make your writing more dynamic. Wait, let’s try that again: One simple change can make your writing more dynamic. See the difference? Starting a sentence with “there is” or “there are” slows the pace of your writing. What’s more, this sentence structure buries the most important part of

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Do you know the Jenga technique?

Do you know the Jenga technique?

Which of the following sentences is easiest to read? 1. Start by writing all the information. The Jenga technique is an ingenious writing method that helps you make your longer sentences a little shorter so that they are casier for people to read. 2. Then take out anything that’s not needed to get the point

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homophone on scrabble tiles

Fazed by “Phased”

Do you know what it’s called when two words sound alike, but have different spellings and meanings? One example is a particular pet peeve of mine. I often see this on social media: “She wasn’t phased at all by seeing the dog up in the tree.” Oops. (Also, argh!) That word should have been fazed.

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this is an image of letter blocks spelling affect/effect

Effect v. Affect

“The new law will affect schools throughout the county.” Wait. Should that have been “effect”? As a professional editor, I’ve learned to pause and scrutinize “affect” and “effect” every time I see them. The two words are easy to confuse: Not only do they look and sound similar, but each can be both nouns and

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Don't use big words, They mean so little.

Intoxicated by Verbosity

“Don’t use a big word when a minuscule alternative will suffice.” It’s an old joke, but one that makes an important point: Big words are like fine jewels—you may take them out for special occasions, but they’re not for everyday use. No matter what you’re writing, you want your words to be read and understood.

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