Writing Tips

The Question? “Should I use the Oxford comma?”

Controversy swirls around this question. First, the definition: The “Oxford comma,” sometimes called the “serial comma,” is the comma that appears just before the last “and” in a series.

If a company fails to address legal, accounting[,] and process issues properly, then the IPO might violate SEC regulations.

Using the word “clear” in a brief guarantees the judge will suspect whatever follows.

Know the difference.

We often confuse “lay” and “lie” because “lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the past tense of “to lie.” And the two are not interchangeable. The difference:

“Between” usually applies to two entities; and “among” applies to three or more:

Where you place the word “only” can dramatically change the meaning of a sentence.

Put people in your sentences; it enlivens your writing. And it’s so easy.

“i.e.” and “e.g.”

These Latin abbreviations are not interchangeable: “i.e.” means only “that is” or “in other words”; “e.g.” means only “for example” (or, for the literati or anyone living two thousand years ago, “id est” and “exempli gratia.”)

“impact” “hopefully” “irregardless” – at least the way we often use them

The varied and rich vocabulary of English (so many good words from which to choose) evolves democratically. Words once unacceptable elbow their way in, and after decades of misuse become acceptable. However, three words we commonly write, aren’t there yet:

“hone,” “less,” and “can,” when they mean “home,” “fewer,” and “may.”

Absolutes

Let's get intellectual for a moment. Think of absolutes as atoms, unadulterated. Absolutes derive the essence of their meaning from being incapable of modification: blank, endless, favorite, pure, square, true, unanimous, unique. Absolutes are complete within themselves, self-sufficient, immutable. One thing cannot be more obvious than another. Or flatter. Or smoother. Or more essential. Obvious is obvious. Flat is flat. Smooth is smooth. Essential is essential. Absolutes have no degrees. They are; or they aren’t.