By Judy Vorfeld What are the Differences Between Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms? Have you ever been confused about the differences between abbreviations, acronyms, and Initialisms? You’re not alone! An ABBREVIATION is a shortened form of a written word or phrase used in place of the whole word. Some authorities consider […]
Read more →By Judy Vorfeld Are you a grammar expert? The word “expert” makes me nervous. Pedestals can be very unstable. I know where to find most answers to grammar and style problems and I love — and have a natural affinity for — language. I’m skilled at editing everyday American English from a number of perspectives because […]
Read more →By Judy Vorfeld Adjectives are modifiers. They describe nouns and specify size, color, number, etc., e.g., The small “x” in the upper corner of the window is used to exit your file. Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives & other adverbs, e.g., The exhausted secretary screamed loudly as her monitor […]
Read more →By Judy Vorfeld Do you feel okay punctuating possessives until you have to decide on “men’s room,” “mens’ room,” or “mens room?” I have people regularly asking for the answer. Let’s investigate. In this case, we’re talking about attributive nouns, not compounded nouns. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary says an […]
Read more →By Judy Vorfeld Wonder how to abbreviate days of the week and months? Let’s take three excellent style guides and see what they offer. THE GREGG REFERENCE MANUAL, TENTH EDITION (502) says, “Days of the week, names of the months … should be abbreviated only on business forms, […]
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