How to Cultivate a Love of Poetry
Aileen S. asks, “Do you have any advice for cultivating a love of poetry?” Here are some helpful suggestions from Thomas. Take a peek!
Category: Punctuation
If a sentence has 2 parts, can it have more than 2 commas?
During a virtual classroom visit, Thomas answered a question about whether a main subject can have more than one word.
Do we need two spaces after a period?
Amelia M. asks, “Do we use one or two spaces after periods?” As Thomas explains, the answer has changed over time. Here’s why!
How To Punctuate An Interjection
Krista G. asks, “Can an interjection ever end in a period? For example, a person responding yes or no. As in, ‘No.'”
Can you end a sentence with a preposition?
Sometimes people teach that you can’t end a sentence with a preposition in English, but as Thomas explains, this simply isn’t true. Here’s why!
Should commas be used to separate days from dates?
Imran K. from Pakistan asks, “Should commas be used to separate days from dates?” Here’s a quick and easy answer from Thomas.
How to Use a Dash in a Sentence
Here’s how to use a dash in a sentence—and why! Dashes can be one of the most confusing punctuation marks in the English language. Not even the experts agree on how to use them. This, however, is a good thing. It shows how the English language is constantly evolving. And there are some simple ways to use them.
They’re Great! How To Use Apostrophes In Contractions
Let’s explore how to use apostrophes in contractions. Apostrophes are different from other kinds of punctuation marks. Unlike periods, commas, or question marks, for instance, an apostrophe becomes part of a word and can change its meaning dramatically.
How to Use an Ellipsis in a Sentence
Something students often find confusing is how to use an ellipsis in a sentence. We may see it employed all around us . . . and yet be uncertain how to use it ourselves. In the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, Marie explores how to use the ellipsis as one of the four ways a period is used within a sentence.
How to Use a Semicolon in a Compound Sentence
In the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, one of the topics both Marie and I explore is how to use a semicolon in a compound sentence. Semicolons have a way of confusing young learners (and not-so-young learners) because their appearance can seem a bit confusing, but there’s a simple way to remember what they do.
What are Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices?
Natasha W. asks,” What are run-on sentences and comma splices?” Here are three tips from Thomas on how to identify these issues and fix them easily.
Whose or Who’s? 3 Ways to Remember Grammar Easily
Even the brightest students of English grammar can become confused about whose or who’s. In fact, a student from Kahului, Maui, recently asked me to clarify the difference in an Ask Cozy Grammar video. After you take a peek, I’ll share three keys I’ve discovered to remembering grammar easily, keys you can easily use with your students.
Quotation Marks and their Intriguing and “Strange” History
A topic that can sometimes intimidate students (or their teacher or parents!) is how to use quotation marks in a sentence. Everything seems fine till you need to combine quotation marks with other kinds of punctuation marks, like periods and commas. Does the final period go inside or outside the quotation marks? Here’s our answer.
Grammar, Creativity, Excellence, and Peace
Marie and I have both long believed that grammar can enhance creativity. We’re therefore particularly delighted to share a poem written by one of Cozy Grammar’s students, Miguel Gonzalez Del Castillo. Miguel wrote the following poem in response to a creative writing assignment in the Basic Cozy Grammar Course.
Exclamation Marks and the Power of Language
Do you remember the first time you discovered exclamation marks? How powerful! And how fun! These marks can serve powerfully, especially when used adeptly. But using exclamation marks adeptly can take some practice. That’s why we wanted to share two free excerpts from our Basic Cozy Punctuation Course.
Commas and a Space to Pause
In our most recent Ask Cozy Grammar Q & A session, a participant asked, “Why are commas so confusing? There’s so many different rules. How do I begin understanding them?” Here’s an answer from Thomas about getting started with commas as well as a free excerpt from Marie’s lesson on commas from the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course.