Choices in Writing
Resources about sentence structure, word choice, grammar, punctuation, and more.
From Amy Reynolds at UNC: Introduces the descriptive approach to language and writing that UMB Writing Center consultants employ in consultations.
From Northern Michigan University: table with different parts of speech, their functions, example words, and example sentences
From Walden University: defines different parts of speech with examples and common endings for nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Includes a video.
From Real Grammar: describes different verb tenses and examples.
From Walden University: defines different articles (a, an, the) and when to use them. Includes a video.
From Khan Academy: videos explaining different types of punctuation and their functions, including colons, semicolons, italics, underlining, quotation marks, parentheses, hyphens, dashes, ellipses. Includes practice questions.
From English CLUB: table of punctuation symbols, their names, and examples. Discusses unique punctuation styles.
From Duke: presents arguments for using active voice and passive voice in scientific writing; emphasizes that ultimately the choice is up to the writer.
From George Mason University. Consultant notes: Um, tense? voice? Who is doing what now? Active versus passive voice can communicate who is doing what clearly or more implied. Choosing one can help the writer emphasize if the actor is important or if the reader should focus on the action. Here is a link that not only describes voice it gives it in different tenses as well. -Victoria P.
From the organization SumofUs: A style guide for "understanding and applying the authentic language of the individuals and communities with whom we work," with sections on writing about the environment, health, race, age, gender, and more. Consultant notes: At first when I read this guide, I thought to myself: this is an interesting read, but it seems impractical to recommend a 40+ page resource to someone. Who (other than the most dedicated writing nerds) is going to take the time to comb through this lengthy document? However, I found myself returning to this style guide more frequently than any other writing resource. This guide does not tell you whether a term is “right” or “wrong”; rather, it gives you lists of terms that are used/avoided by activists in particular areas. For example – when writing I wasn’t sure if I should use the term “food insecurity” or if there was a better accepted term. I opened this style guide and used ctrl+F to search for “food insecurity.” I discovered that “food insecurity” is a term used by activists; however, I should avoid using the term “food desert.” There are many terms used in health professions writing that are politically charged and may carry connotations that are unintentionally offensive. None of us can pretend – or should be expected to – know the social and political history of every word that we use. However, this document is a helpful guide for becoming better informed in language choices, and it provides useful alternatives that can be co-opted as the writer sees fit. - Joanna
A style guide that provides historical context of various social/cultural terms. Includes interactive editing exercises to practice using terms. “Language is ever-evolving, and the words we choose to use can have lasting, consequential outcomes. At a time of changing standards, our aim is to provide the greater context of these debates, dig into some history you might not have known about a term, connect related terms, and inform thoughtful decision-making.”
A go-to resource for finding new words.
See maps of connections between words. Try for free; then, requires a subscription.