Use a Colon: Make a List, Note What Follows

What is a Colon? Although rarely used compared to commas and semicolons, a colon (:) is convenient for listing items, words, or phrases. A colon is written like a stack of two periods and can be read as “note what follows.” How to Use a Colon: Here’s a quick guide on how to use a colon:  1. Use a colon …

Semicolon: The Combination Punctuation

What is a Semicolon? A semicolon (;) is a combination of a period and a comma. It signals a pause or a short break with more impact than a comma, but it does not end a sentence like a period. Semicolons signify an essential correlation between phrases and clauses where a comma or a period alone will not suffice. How …

Comma Use: Pause, Take a Break

What is a Comma? A comma (,) is a punctuation mark that signifies a short break or pause in a sentence. Unlike a period, a comma does not end a sentence. It merely allows the reader to breathe. How to Use a Comma  Here’s a simple guide to proper comma usage. 1. Use a comma to separate a series of …

Personification: Humanizing Nonliving Things

What is Personification? Another type of figurative language that breathes life into one’s writing is personification: attributing human characteristics, emotion, and behavior to animals and inanimate objects or ideas. It helps writers turn abstract concepts into a more relatable and engaging read. Uses of Personification: 1. Everyday Speech Use personification to creatively get your point across in everyday conversation. Darkness …

Alliteration: Creating Rhythm with Words

What is Alliteration? Also called head rhyme or initial rhyme, alliteration is a poetry device that refers to the repetition of the same initial letter sounds in a line of words. In alliteration, you’ll hear the initial sounds run smoothly from one word to another. Try reading these phrases aloud: “femme fatale,” “pretty in pink,” “white wine,” and “love locks.”  …

Hyperbole: Exaggeration & Overstatement

What is Hyperbole? Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggerated comparisons or overstatements for emphasis and literary effect. Like all figures of speech, hyperbole is not meant to be taken literally. “Loving with the fire of a thousand suns” refers to the “burning” passion of loving someone. It wouldn’t make sense to take its literal meaning and pair …

Quotation Marks: Separating Words & Phrases

Quotation marks ( “ ” ) are written on the opposite sides of words, phrases, and quotations to separate them from the rest of the sentence. Here’s a quick guide to using quotation marks. But before we proceed, note that these punctuation rules follow the Standard American English which occasionally differs from British English. Use Quotation Marks Properly 1. Use …

Hyphens: Joining Words Together

What are Hyphens? Usually shorter than a dash, a hyphen ( – ) is a punctuation mark that joins two or more words. It should not be mistaken with a dash that separates words, phrases, and statements. Hyphens are helpful tools to use to improve your writing. Hyphens help clear the meaning of a sentence. “She’s God loving” sounds like an …

Prepositions: Answering When and Where

Is the ball in, on, or at the table? If it’s confusing for you, this article will help clear things out. Let’s learn about prepositions! What is a Preposition? A preposition is a part of speech that tells us the position of a noun or pronoun in relation to another word in the sentence. It’s a word that usually answers the …

Pronouns: Substitution Over Repetition

What is a Pronoun? Repetitive words in a sentence or paragraph can be tiring to read. Good thing pronouns exist. “Celina borrowed a book weeks ago, but Celina has not read the book yet” sounds too long. A pronoun is a word that substitutes a noun. As you already know, a noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. A …