Grammar
Rules of the language
15 articles tagged grammar, drawn from across the archive.
Active vs Passive Voice
Active / passive Like you, a number of students remain confused about active voice and passive voice. Here's a re-statement about...
Adjectives: A Trap for New Writers
Adjectives a trap Do not depend on adjectives, use strong verbs. This is still one of the best pieces of advice I was given early...
Can-could-should-would-will-shall
You need to know about correct usage of words. Here are four sets of words about which even experienced freelance journalists can...
Commonly Confused Words
Some word pairs in English are so close in look and sound that a lot of journalists, even good ones, mix them up. This is the...
Contracts for Freelancers
You ask about the freelancer's contract. I know nothing about this so-called contract. I don't know why it's mentioned in the...
Excuses
Writers make excuses. All the time. Nobody is interested. I find them boring and I hate reading them. Just as you are not...
Interviews, question & answer
I'm against Q&As I recommend against writing an interview as a Q & A. Most publications are not interested in such a style. Do...
Maps and charts
You ask if it's acceptable for you to provide graphics such as maps and charts. Sure. But first you must carry out two checks...
Press Freedom and the Conscription Story
In 1968 my father was sentenced to twenty-eight days in a military detention barracks for refusing to answer questions at an army...
Quotes direct-indirect
Here's some advice on direct quotes and indirect quotes. When you use quotes, you are using fresh words said to YOU the...
Relatives-friends advice
Do NOT show their writings to loved ones. Your friends and relatives love and respect you and want for you what you want for...
The Do's and Don'ts of Journalism
Do Not Return This Separately: Send Only With Your Next Assignment DOs and DON'Ts This does not count towards your qualification...
They, Their, His, Her
Regarding the use of 'they' meaning 'him/her' or 'their' meaning 'his/her'. Most publications guard against sexist language. This...
Who or that
You need to know the subtle difference between who and that. The best explanation I've read is in The New York Public Library...
Writing for Children
Kids: successfully writing for them By JACKIE FRENCH Okay, step one: why on earth do you want to do it? If the answer is that...