Abbreviations can be pluralized simply by adding an –s. Publications commonly use an apostrophe to form the plural, but the apostrophe is not necessary. Sometimes the -s at the end of the abbreviation does not match the placement of the -s in the written-out word or phrase. For example, “RBIs” stands for “runs batted in” […]
How can you determine whether to use “each other” or “one another”? Consider the number of things to which you are referring. “Each other” is a reciprocal pronoun, meaning that it shows two-directional action. For example, “Nancy and Tom are nice to each other” means that Nancy is nice to Tom and Tom is nice […]
Why is it we have project managers but systems analysts? Gumball machines but singles bars? How do we determine which noun in a compound noun to make singular and which to make plural? Below are a few tips in helping you to decide, but first some terminology: The first noun in a compound noun is […]
Generally when there’s an “and” between nouns, we tend to think that this creates a plural subject. For example, “My boyfriend and I are skating” means that two people are doing something, so the subject is plural. If the two subjects being joined by “and” are separate and distinct, then use a plural verb. Example: […]
The main clause of a sentence is the independent part of the sentence that can stand on its own as a complete sentence. Below are two main clauses in the form of simple sentences. Example I forgot to get the mail. I asked Dave to pick it up. The same two main clauses can sometimes […]
Semicolons are useful signals that help readers negotiate the highway of English. If the period is a red light (stop for a while), and the comma is a flashing yellow light (slow down briefly), the semicolon is a flashing red light. More specifically, the semicolon is useful in four situations: Uniting: When you want to […]
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