Compound Words. Tip #1: Open Compound Words When two words are used together to yield a new meaning, a compound is formed. Compound words can be written in three ways: as open compounds (spelled as two words, e.g., ice cream), closed compounds (joined to form a single word, e.g., doorknob), or hyphenated compounds (two words…
Rules for Comma Usage. Tip #8: Comma Within a Comparison Don’t use a comma before “than” when you’re making a comparison.Incorrect: This box is lighter, than that box.Correct: This box is lighter than that box.- Эта коробка легче, чем та коробка. Incorrect: Hardcover books are more expensive, than paperback books.Correct: Hardcover books are more expensive…
Rules for Comma Usage. Tip #7: Comma with a Question Tag A question tag is a short phrase or even a single word that is added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. Writers often use question tags to encourage readers to agree with them. A question tag should be…
Rules for Comma Usage. Tip #6: Comma with Such As The phrase “such as” requires commas if it introduces a nonrestrictive clause.Example: Coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce, do not drop their needles in the winter.- Хвойные деревья, такие как сосна и ель, не сбрасывают хвою зимой. If “such as” introduces a restrictive clause,…
Rules for Comma Usage. Tip #5: Commas in Dates When writing a date in month-day-year format, set off the year with commas.Example: I was born on Sunday, May 12, 1968.- Я родился в воскресенье, 12 мая 1968 года. If you are using the day-month-year format, however, commas are unnecessary.Example: Applications are due by 31 December…
Rules for Comma Usage. Tip #4: Comma Before But Use a comma before the word but if it is joining two independent clauses:Incorrect: Cleo is a good singer but she’s an even better dancer.Correct: Cleo is a good singer, but she’s an even better dancer.- Клео-хорошая певица, но танцовщица она еще лучше. If but is…
Rules for Comma Usage. Tip #3: Comma Before And When you have a list that contains only two items, don’t use a comma before the and. Incorrect: My dog Charlie is cute, and smart.Correct: My dog Charlie is cute and smart.- Мой пес Чарли милый и умный. Incorrect: Cleo’s favorite activities are singing on stage,…
Rules for Comma Usage. Tip #2: Comma After Introductory Phrase A comma normally follows participial phrases that introduce a sentence: Correct: Grabbing her umbrella, Kate raced out of the house. Confused by her sister’s sudden change in mood, Jill stayed quiet.- Схватив зонтик, Кейт выбежала из дома. Смущенная внезапным изменением настроения сестры, Джилл молчала. When…
Rules for Comma Usage. Tip #1: Comma with Subjects and Verbs With few exceptions, a comma should not separate a subject from its verb.Incorrect: My friend Cleo, is a wonderful singer. Writers are often tempted to insert a comma between a subject and verb this way because speakers sometimes pause at that point in a…
Articles. Indefinite Articles with Uncountable Nouns Uncountable nouns are nouns that are either difficult or impossible to count. Uncountable nouns include intangible things (e.g., information, air), liquids (e.g., milk, wine), and things that are too large or numerous to count (e.g., equipment, sand, wood). Because these things can’t be counted, you should never use a…