Writer's Toolbox

Using the Active Voice For Stronger Writing

One of the most frequently-heard pieces of advice for writers is to use the active voice instead of the passive voice. What does this mean? In this article we show you how to identify the passive voice, how to change it to the active voice, and when you should leave things in the passive voice.

Breaking Bad News Gently in a Business Letter

Sooner or later every businessperson has to give someone bad news. Whether it's rejecting a request, dealing with a complaint, or announcing a change, there is a structured approach to delivering bad news gently and effectively.

The Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous verb tense describes actions that are happening now. It is more specific than the simple present tense. Consider an example like "I eat." Although it is in the present tense, it could indicate actions that are not happening right now.

Using That and Which Correctly

"That" at the beginning of a phrase provides restrictive information, usually used to differentiate a subject from other options. "Which" at the beginning of a phrase means that you are providing extra information. The phrase is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, so it is set off with commas. Read on for more.

The Essentials of Writing in English

Good writing in English has several key components. Good writing is clear and unambiguous, with descriptive words that are easy to understand, proper grammar and punctuation, and careful use of pronouns and modifiers. Good writing is concise. Unnecessary words and repetitious phrases are removed.

Guide to Proofreading and Editing

Editing is not the same thing as proofreading. Editing works on a larger scale. When you edit, you look at the overall document and what it is trying to say. Proofreading works on a much smaller scale. When you are satisfied with the basic structure of the document, confident that it says what you wanted to say, then you proofread to check the small details.

Proper Parallel Structure

Parallel structure, when used properly, adds variety and elegance to your writing and reduces repetition. Improper parallel structure, though, can make your writing clumsy or confusing. Take a look at this article, where we explain what parallel structure is, how to use it properly, and how to spot errors.

Combining Past and Future with the Future Perfect

The Future Perfect tense lets you talk about a time in the future when something will already be done. The Future Perfect consists of some form of the phrase "will have" or "shall have", or some form of the phrase "be going to," followed by the past participle form of a verb.

Continuous and Non-Continuous Verbs

English verbs can be divided into three major categories. Normal verbs describe actions and can be expressed in any tense. Non-continuous verbs describe a condition or a state of being.

British and American Spelling

There are many differences between British and American spelling. Commonwealth countries tend to follow the British rules of spelling, although Canada follows many American rules.

Tricky Rules with Commas

Comma use can be tricky. In this week's Writer's Toolbox, we take a close look at comma rules, and best practices for using commas in your sentences.

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions. An idiom is a phrase with a meaning very different from the literal definition of its words. For example, to have "a chip on your shoulder" means you are upset or resentful for something that happened in the past. Knowing the definition of "chip" or "shoulder" will not help you to understand the idiom.

English Guide for ESL Learners

English can be a challenging second language. It's a big language with a daunting amount of vocabulary. Much of that vocabulary is confusing or contradictory, with homonyms that sound the same but are spelled differently, and inconsistent spelling rules. Grab our specialized guide for ESL learners and get a head start today!

Avoiding Unnecessary Repetition

One of the most important things you can do to improve your writing is trim the fat. One of the best ways to do that is to scan your writing for unnecessary repetition.

Improve Your Writing By Limiting Adverbs

Adverbs are an essential part of every writer's toolbox, but sometimes they are overused. Do you know when to use adverbs, and when to hold back? Check out our special article for help.

Guide to English Grammar

English grammar is a huge subject, and one that often stumps both native and non-native speakers alike. In this in-depth guide we look at the vast field of English grammar and pick out some points to help you avoid common pitfalls in your writing.

Past Participles

A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective or noun. A participle describes a condition or an ongoing activity. Examples include "baked goods", "sleeping dogs", and the "rising of the sun".

Using Commas with Clauses

There are different rules for using commas with different types of clauses.In this week's Writer's Toolbox, we cover comma use with all clause variations.

Writing Numbers Correctly

One of the most complex features of English grammar is the rules for writing numbers. The rules are numerous, complicated, and contradictory. These rules are also far from absolute. Different companies or publishers use different style guides and handle numbers differently.

Putting Variety Into Your Sentences

You have probably seen interesting topics covered by dull writers. Something that should be exciting seems dry and boring on the page. In this article, we look at a key technique for making a plodding paragraph get up and dance. Putting some variety in your sentences can make dull writing dynamic. Check out the article to learn how.

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