Foster Executive Writing & Editing, LLC
 
Weekly Writing & Editing Tips 
 
WELCOME to Foster Writing's weekly tips -- a treasure trove of grammar, punctuation, language, habits and philosophy -- to help you become a better writer and/or editor.
 
 
 
To Separate or Not to Separate:
Commas between Clauses
 
When should you use a comma to separate 2 or more ideas in a sentence?
 
Answer: only when each of the ideas is an independent clause. This means each idea has a separate subject, verb and object.
 
USE THE COMMA
When each clause is a stand-alone idea with a separate subject, the comma is needed to signal each new idea. The comma gives your brain time to reset and be ready for the new subject coming next. Note: With this use of the comma, each clause could work as a stand-alone sentence.
 
Examples:
  • I went skiing, and he decided to stay at the lodge.
  • I don't like peanut butter, and I also can't stand black licorice.
 
DON'T USE THE COMMA
If the second clause is dependent (linked to the subject of the first clause without a second subject), then the comma needs to be gone. This allows your brain to read the two ideas smoothly as both belonging to the one subject.
 
Examples
  • She opened the book but felt too tired to read.
  • I don't like peanut butter or grapes.
 
 
 
More writing ideas at Fosterwriting.com
 
 
 
Shortcuts to Writing in Another Person's Voice
 
It can be tough to write for a boss, client or salesperson who will claim a blog byline. How do you get into your subject's head and write like that person -- not in your own colorful voice?
 
Follow these steps and you'll find this iis easier than you thought.
 
Read More
 
Will Your Annual Report Make You Look Good or Bad?
 
You know how it is -- YOU believe you've done a stellar job writing and editing, and then you are crushed when you find out your boss -- or worse, your boss's boss -- absolutely hates the work you've done. It's embarrassing and could even be dangerous to your career. 
 
How can you ensure your annual report goes right and makes you -- and your boss -- look good? Read this guide to what can go wrong!
 
Read More
 
 
Everyone uses language somewhere.
We're here to help you get the writing right -- right now!
 
For more ideas, visit the Foster Writing blog and be sure to sign up for news, articles & offers halfway down the homepage of Fosterwriting.com to get the every-so-often newsletter. Here's to POWERFUL WORDS! 
 
 
Foster Executive Writing & Editing
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