For eighth-grade social studies my teacher made us write all of our homework assignments in complete sentences, even if they were questions that only needed a one-word answer. She told us that if we ...

A dependent clause cannot stand alone, though they often contain both a subject and a verb. Where independent clauses express complete thoughts, dependent clauses do not, and left on their own, ...

Two recent experiments highlight aspects of writing instruction that are rarely studied—or taught. Recent research suggests that secondary students can benefit significantly from learning how to ...

Semicolons must combine similar elements and are either used to combine complete sentences or items in a long, complicated list. Use semicolons in the following situations: Combine two complete ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Natalie Wexler is an education writer focusing on literacy. When students can’t understand what they’re reading, it may be because ...

Linking words together in the right way makes your writing easy to understand and interesting to read. When you are writing, words are grouped together into sentences. There are a few simple rules you ...

How can you create a balance between short and long sentences, and how does that change the flow of ideas in your writing? This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences ...

Sentences that snatch our readers’ attention get positive results. Whether you’re back working in the office or still in your jim-jams, no one has the time or inclination to slog through a convoluted ...