The Verb to Be in Spanish: Stop Confusing Ser, Estar, and Haber

verb to be spanish

Distinguishing between ser, estar, and haber is notoriously difficult for learners of Spanish, as most languages have only one word for the verb to be. This article will explain the main differences between the three verbs. 1. Ser or estar? “Ser” is used to describe characteristics that are deemed essential or permanent, whereas “estar” to[…]

Check for Grammar Mistakes by Self-Editing

self-editing

Whether you’re a student, a grant writer, a technical writer or producing web copy, editing is an essential skill you must have to be taken seriously. Grammatical errors, poorly worded sentences and inappropriate paragraph breaks will undo the integrity of a document, no matter how well written it is otherwise. A lot rides on grammar,[…]

Write a Better Post: Separate Your Inner Writer and Editor

writer punctuation mistake editor

Many bloggers see the writing of a blog post as a single (albeit very important) job. But you can write more efficiently if the job is divided into two tasks. This article explains how to write a better quality post by separating your ‘inner writer’ and ‘inner editor.’
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Punctuation Marks: The Stop Sign and the Park Bench

commas save lives

Two of the most basic punctuation marks the period and the comma, provide structure to sentences while also controlling the flow of your words. When it comes to pacing, these two punctuation marks act as navigational devices that tell your readers when to come to a complete stop or when to take a short rest before[…]

Understanding the Semicolon

semicolon

Do you find the semicolon perplexing, or even scary? If so, this article will demystify this often misunderstood punctuation mark. Used correctly, semicolons can transform your writing from so-so to sophisticated. Examples of correct and incorrect usage are included. If you thought semicolons were just for winking, this article’s for you! […]

English Grammar Guidelines: Understanding the Differences Between “It’s” and “Its” in Written English

its vs its

In spoken English, there is no difference at all between the pronunciation of “it’s” vs “its”. In written English, however, you are always faced with a decision between these two forms. Although the grammatical differences between the two forms are quite straightforward, learners of English and native speakers alike can sometimes make mistakes when using them.[…]