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Rules for using fractions and percentages in a sentence The basic rule is – don’t mix them up in the same sentence. Example: 25% of my work colleagues have children, but only one out of every three of them have more than one child. Better: 25% of my work colleagues have children, but only 33% … Continue reading
Do you hesitate when you go to start a sentence with the word ‘and’? Does it bring back memories from school where your teacher told you to think of a better word? You will be pleased to know that it is acceptable to start sentences with the conjunction ‘and’. Although this style of writing is used by authors and … Continue reading
In order to reinforce a point about ‘double negatives’, my junior school teacher (many years ago!) repeated the following sentence over and over, which stayed in my mind “if you haven’t got nothing, then you must have something”. Double negatives cancel each other out to make a positive. The situation occurs when two negative words … Continue reading
‘Kick the bucket’, ‘spend a penny’ and ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ are all examples of euphemisms as they are words or phrases that people use to mask what they are trying to say. Graham King in his unique book Collins Improve your Writing says that euphemisms “paint a thick veneer over clarity and understanding” and that … Continue reading
The noun circumlocution (or periphrasis) is “roundabout speech or writing, or using a lot of words when a few will do”, writes Graham King in his book Collins Improve your Writing Skills. Circumlocutionists tend to write something in a long winded, roundabout way to sound knowledgeable or when they don’t want to hurt someones feelings. … Continue reading
For the background to my writing challenge, please read my first blog by clicking the following link – http://wp.me/p1x6Ui-4. If you would prefer to dive straight into note 79, then please read on… Be sensitive when referring to genders It’s not always fair to only use the pronouns he or him when referring to both … Continue reading
For the background to my writing challenge, please read my first blog by clicking the following link – http://wp.me/p1x6Ui-4. If you would prefer to dive straight into note 70, then please read on… How Google can help you find synonyms The reason why I blogged about synonyms yesterday was to prepare you for the advanced google tip … Continue reading
My writing challenge For the background to my writing challenge, please read my first blog by clicking the following link – http://wp.me/p1x6Ui-4. If you would prefer to dive straight into note 7, then read on… Writing is not just about letters and words How are you today? I’ve had a great day with the family, … Continue reading
My Writing Notebook 