As an editor, I see errors in writing every day; therefore, revising errors is an everyday occurrence for me. One common error I see is the misuse of the words everyday and every day. These words are used often. They may sound the same, but they have different meanings. Everyday is a compound word (when […]

In your writing, it’s important to connect the ideas you’re presenting. Disconnected ideas are confusing. One way to connect ideas is by using transitional words and phrases. They help organize information, so your readers can easily move from one thought to the next. If they struggle to navigate your text, they’ll probably stop reading. But […]

With the Fourth of July approaching, I’m reminded of one of the ways America wanted to show its independence from Britain: by making revisions to British English spellings. In addition to adopting the Declaration of Independence, the initiation of language reform also showed that America was a distinct nation. Nineteenth century American lexicographer Noah Webster […]

Have you ever opened a box filled with foam packing peanuts? They often take up most of the box, and the unpacking process can end in a fluffy mess. Although this filler material can be annoying, it’s necessary to ensure the contents of the box arrive intact. In writing, fluffy filler material is unnecessary. Fluff […]

Years ago, I had a favorite ice cream treat. It was called an IT’S-IT. It was originally created in my hometown in the 1920s, and I’m pretty sure this dark chocolate-dipped oatmeal cookie ice cream sandwich is a legend here on the West Coast. What’s especially important to this editor is that the creator of […]