Should you write “who” or “whom?” “That” or “which?” Is it “is” or “are?”
Also, where do you stand on terminal prepositions, split infinitives, “hopefully” as a floating adverb and “they” as a third-person singular pronoun?
For goodness sakes, what are the correct grammar rules that will make you a better writer?
Richard Lederer, language columnist, The San Diego Union-Tribune, usage editor of the Random House Dictionary and author of The Write Way, will offer a common-sense approach to grammar and usage, plus welcome questions about grammar, usage and punctuation.
Lederer is the author of more than 50 books about language, history and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series, plus his current titles, A Treasury of Halloween Humor and A Treasury of Christmas Humor. He is a founding co-host of “A Way With Words,” heard on KPBS-FM.
His syndicated column, “Lederer on Language,” appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States, including The San Diego Union-Tribune. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel winner.
His 400th syndicated column, which ran earlier this year, was titled “Here’s a useful list of 50 Rules for Writing Good.” Among his rules:
— Never use no double negatives.
— Don’t use commas, that aren’t necessary.
— Don’t write run-on sentences they are hard to read.
— Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
— By observing the distinctions between adjectives and adverbs, you will treat your readers real good.
— Who needs rhetorical questions?
— Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
The “Write Better Right Now” webinars, part of the Press Club’s longstanding “Nuts & Bolts” educational series, are designed as an opportunity to learn how to be a better writer.
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