SmithWriting Blog

Do you put one or two spaces after a period?

I always put just one, and I was surprised to learn that many people still put two.

Granted, back in high school typing class, we were all taught that two spaces belong after every period. But that was a long time ago, and in grammar (as in life), rules change with the times.

Old-fashioned typewriters used “monospaced” or “fixed-width” fonts, whose letters each occupy the same amount of space. Therefore, the second space was needed after a period for the reader’s eye to pick up on the beginning of a new sentence. Makes sense.

But nowadays, I’d venture a guess that most of us do our typing on computers.

Computers use “variable-width” fonts (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial), whose letters differ in size to one another. And since most modern word processors automatically place the period close to the preceding letter, there is no need for the writer to add that second space. In fact, if they do, they can create unsightly “rivers” in a document. These unattractive blank spots can appear to run down a paragraph of text—especially when the two spaces line up approximately above one another in several consecutive lines.

Granted, some habits are hard to break. And those of us who have been typing for a long time may find this one especially difficult.

Bottom line is this: One space after a period is today’s typographic standard. However, if it is your organization’s style to put two spaces after a period—or if you’re a graphic designer who knows enough to break the rule for style—go for it.

Filed by rebecca at 12:51 pm under Grammar guide
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By request of Urban Panther, this post is a tutorial on when to use “that” versus when to use “which.”

Now, Panther is by no means alone when it comes to the use of these puzzling pronouns. So, let’s go over it together:

“That” and “which” are both pronouns used when referring to inanimate objects and animals without a name (you wouldn’t use them in reference to Steph’s Lucy or Friar’s Basil, in other words).

That

“That” is used with essential (otherwise known as “restrictive”) clauses. These clauses provide additional information about a word or phrase in a sentence, and they cannot be left off without changing the meaning of a sentence.

For example: Panthers that are bred with leopards are known as pumapards.

The essential clause here is “that are bred with leopards.”

If we drop it from the sentence, we come up with a much different (and not necessarily true) sentence: “Panthers are known as pumapards.”

Note that there are no commas around the clause.

Which

“Which” is used with nonessential (or “nonrestrictive”) clauses. These clauses also provide additional information about a word or phrase in a sentence, but they can be left off without altering the basic meaning of a sentence.

For example: Panthers, which are also known as cougars, pumas, and mountain lions, are native to Asia, America, and Africa.

The nonessential clause here is “which are also known as cougars, pumas, and mountain lions.”

If we drop it from the sentence, we come up with a new sentence that has the same basic meaning as the original: “Panthers are native to Asia, America, and Africa.”

Note that there are commas around the “which” clause. Always set nonessential clauses off from the rest of a sentence by commas.

Any other grammar questions? I’m taking requests!

Filed by rebecca at 5:39 pm under Grammar guide
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We all know the ampersand (&) as a sign that stands for “and.” Invented in the 17th century as a space-saver, the symbol is a ligature, or character combining two or more letters, of the Latin conjunction “et,” meaning—you guessed it—“and.” It comes from an old Roman system of shorthand signs authenticated in Pompeiian graffiti.

According to The Online Etymology Dictionary, the word “ampersand” is a contraction of “and per se and,” meaning “‘&’ by itself is ‘and.’” The term came into common English use around 1837.

How do I use the ampersand?

Sparingly. At least according to the AP Stylebook, which says that the ampersand should only be confined to names that formally contain it (e.g. AT&T, Johnson & Johnson).

Interestingly, with the advent of text messaging, the ampersand is making a bit of a comeback (because it’s SO much easier to text one character than three …).

I say, welcome back, &! I’ve always loved this sassy symbol, although I’ve never been able to draw it properly (mine usually ends up looking like a rounded “E” with a line through it). Thankfully, there are many beautiful typographic versions to choose from & enjoy.

Can’t get enough of &? Check out the ampersand blog.

Filed by rebecca at 6:54 pm under Grammar guide
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Confusing it’s and its is a very common mistake in written English—but it’s also one of my biggest grammar pet peeves.

I understand people’s confusion. Usually, an apostrophe is used to indicate possession. But in this case, the version without an apostrophe is used to indicate possession. Very misleading indeed.

Here’s an explanation to help cut through the confusion:

It’s is a contraction for it is or it has.

(The apostrophe serves as a substitute for the missing letters.)

examples:

It’s a lovely day. (It is a lovely day.)

It’s been a fun weekend. (It has been a fun weekend.)

Its is a possessive pronoun.

examples:

New England is known for its picturesque seasons.

The dog wagged its tail.

Helpful hint:

When writing, ask yourself if the it’s/its you’re about to use can be replaced by it is or it has. If so, use it’s. If not, use its.

example:

The giraffe stretched it’s/its long neck.

Does it make sense to say, “The giraffe stretched it is long neck”? Of course not. So we go with its:

The giraffe stretched its long neck.

See, it’s not so bad after all!

Filed by rebecca at 7:07 pm under Grammar guide
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how do I use it?

So glad you asked.

Comprised of three dots called ellipsis points, an ellipsis is a punctuation mark used to indicate an omission. It’s also used to express a pause or trailing off of thought.

Some examples:

“When I’m elected mayor of this town, I’ll clean up the streets like I promised and lower taxes for every hardworking family.”

If that’s too many words for you, you might change the quote to read as follows:

“When I’m elected … I’ll clean up the streets … and lower taxes.”

He’s pretty sure he knows what he’s going to be for Halloween … but he still won’t commit.

I really thought that the Red Sox would win the World Series, but …

Formatting notes:

• There should be a space on each side of the ellipsis.
• If an ellipsis follows a period, put the period at the end of the sentence, then add a space, then add the ellipsis. (example: She replied, “I know that there are a lot of fish in the sea. …”)

No wonder the ellipsis is freelance copywriter Beth Z.’s favorite punctuation mark!

For more grammar lessons, please read the following posts:

• Where’s the semicolon love?
• Put it in parentheses (please)
• The colon: an unappreciated mark with an unfortunate name
• Read this post about exclamation points!
• Save the apostrophes!
• Delete the caps lock key
• Quoth the writer, “Nevermore”

Filed by rebecca at 2:38 pm under Grammar guide
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That’s right, readers. Nevermore shall you struggle with the proper use of quotation marks. Thanks to these easy tips, you’ll get them right every time.

 Use quotation marks around any form of direct speech.
“Another thing I’d like to see explained is how you punctuate quotations,” wrote Friar.
“We, too, could use a lesson in quotation marks,” added Tess and Decker.

Use quotation marks around excerpts from text.
According Steph’s new venture, EditQuest.com, “In every great fantasy story, there is a hero. And there is a guide.”

Put quotation marks around titles of books, poems, TV shows, computer games, movies, plays, songs, and works of art.
One of Amy’s favorite books is “Memory and Dream” by Charles de Lint.
Brett, however, prefers to read from the “Hávamál.”

Use quotes to break up a sentence—just make sure the sentence flows well with the attribution in the middle.
“I’ve given up shampoo,” explains Urban Panther. “And I look fabulous.”

For quotes within quotes, use single quotation marks.
According to Lori, “You should read ‘Grammar Snobs are Great Big Meanies.’”

As to placement of punctuation marks in relation to quotation marks, the rule is pretty straightforward: Periods and commas always go inside quotation marks. Question marks and exclamation points usually go outside the marks, but go inside when they are part of the quoted material.
Karen’s personal mantra is “I’m still standing! I’m still strong!”
Did Melissa just say, “I really love quotation marks”?
Beth simply asked, “Who doesn’t?”

Filed by rebecca at 8:30 pm under Grammar guide
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Hooray! Today is one of my favorite days of the year: National Punctuation Day®.

Founded in 2004 by former newspaperman Jeff Rubin, this annual event exists to draw attention to the importance of proper punctuation—from the ampersand to the slash.

I’ll be observing this “holiday” by copyediting. With my red pen in hand and my trusty stylebook by my side, I’ll be closing open quotation marks, removing colons after verbs, and adding commas around nonessential phrases with great enthusiasm. What a way to celebrate!

For a refresher on the proper use of punctuation, please check out my previous posts:

• Where’s the semicolon love?
• Put it in parentheses (please)
• The colon: an unappreciated mark with an unfortunate name
• Read this post about exclamation points!
• Save the apostrophes!
• Delete the caps lock key

Filed by rebecca at 6:24 am under Grammar guide
14 Comments

As a professional copywriter and copyeditor, I know firsthand the confusion that comes with choosing between the words “lie” and “lay.” It’s not easy. So my dog, Riley, and I decided to help clarify the usage of these two words. (We’re not ones to let sleeping dogs lie.)

lie

definition: to place oneself or be in a horizontal position

• does not take a direct object
• past tense: lay
• past participle: lain
• present participle: lying

examples:

Riley lies in the grass.
Yesterday, Riley also lay in the grass.
She has lain outside for hours.
She is lying by my shade garden.

lay

definition: to put in a low or horizontal position

• takes a direct object
• past tense: laid
• past participle: laid
• present participle: laying

examples:

I lay Riley’s bone on the floor.
I laid Riley on my lap when she was a puppy.
I have laid her toys by her bed.
My husband is laying her water bowl on the lawn.

Any questions? Lay your cards on the table.

Filed by rebecca at 5:10 pm under Grammar guide
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This past weekend, there was an article in The Boston Globe about the suffering semicolon. Apparently, semicolon usage has dropped dramatically over the past few hundred years. To make matters worse, there are people out there saying some mean and hurtful things about these defenseless punctuation marks, calling them “girly,” “hermaphroditic,” and (gasp!) “utterly useless.”

Before this gets entirely out of hand, let’s take a moment to learn about the proper usage of the semicolon:

Use semicolons to link independent clauses sharing the same general ideas.

A semicolon indicates a longer pause than a comma and a shorter pause than a period:

It was dark and quiet out yesterday; I was very productive.
Our hike was long and arduous; moreover, it was 90 degrees out.

Use semicolons between elements when items in a series contain material that is set off by commas.

In this case, the semicolon acts as a “supercomma”:

This summer, I visited many cities: Hudson, Wis.; Shelton, Conn.; Newport, R.I.; Boston, Mass.; and York, Maine.

What’s so girly and useless about that?

Filed by rebecca at 12:14 pm under Grammar guide
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Next in our series on the proper use of punctuation marks is that curved couplet, parentheses (who doesn’t love this digression-inducing duo?).

Following are some of the most common things that should be put in parentheses:

Information that is not essential to a sentence

Anyone who loves dark chocolate (myself included) was thrilled to learn of its health benefits.

A word or phrase that clarifies an ambiguous pronoun

John and Andy enjoyed their summer vacations.

“He (Andy) traveled to visit his family,” she explained.

A word or phrase that translates technical and obscure terms

The man was diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain tumor).

Nicknames

Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson

Location

She writes for the Auburn (Mass.) News.

A note on punctuation

If the copy in parentheses appears within a sentence: Do not use a capital letter or period to punctuate that copy, even if the copy is a complete sentence. However, feel free to use a question mark or exclamation point when appropriate.

See the first sentence of this post for an example.

If the copy in parentheses is written as a separate sentence: Punctuate it as if it were a separate sentence.

The couple traveled to Hawaii to celebrate their 25th anniversary. (You may recall that they went there on their honeymoon.)

See also:

• Read this post about exclamation points!
• The colon: an unappreciated mark with an unfortunate name
• Save the apostrophes!

Filed by rebecca at 12:19 pm under Grammar guide
17 Comments