Comma Before But: When You Need It and When You Don’t
Most writers know the rule for two clauses. Far fewer know why “she tried but failed” takes no comma at all. One test covers both cases.
Punctuation Rules
Easy American English punctuation guides covering commas, apostrophes, quotation marks, periods, semicolons, colons, dashes, and common punctuation mistakes.
Comma Before And: Rules, Examples, and Common Mistakes
Learn when to use a comma before and in sentences and lists with simple rules, clear examples, common mistakes, and an easy test.
Apostrophe Rules: Uses, Examples, and Common Mistakes
Learn the essential apostrophe rules for possessives, contractions, plurals, names, dates, and common mistakes through clear examples and a quick quiz.
How to Fix a Comma Splice
A comma splice happens when two complete sentences are joined with only a comma. This guide explains the problem, shows fast fixes, and gives clear examples you can use right away.
How to Use a Colon in a Sentence: Simple Rules + Examples
One rule decides almost every colon: the words before it must stand alone as a sentence. Here is that rule, the exceptions, and where the style guides disagree.
When to Use a Semicolon? Clear Rules, Examples, and Easy Fixes
Wondering when to use a semicolon? This guide explains the three main uses, shows common mistakes, and gives easy examples you can apply right away.
Semicolon Before And: When It’s Correct and When It Isn’t
A semicolon before and is usually unnecessary, but it can be correct in special cases such as complex lists. Learn the simple rule, see examples, and avoid common punctuation mistakes.