How To Use An Apostrophe – A Grammar Cartoon

The Oatmeal - How to Use an Apostrophe

Grammar and punctuation is SOOOO much easier when the instructions are illustrated! Are you stymied when deciding whether to include the apostrophe? Do you find yourself staring at the word “its” and wondering – “wait, does it need an apostrophe between the t and s or not?”

The Oatmeal has you covered. Now, you can be entertained by The Oatmeal’s witty grammar and punctuation comics AND relearn (or just plan learn) the rules. You’re welcome. (Note the correct use of the apostrophe to form a contraction. Many thanks to The Oatmeal.)

Core Grammar For Lawyers: Not Just For Law Students!

Just as well-made cars need belts checked and bolts tightened, every practicing lawyer’s use of grammar, punctuation, and usage needs a periodic tune-up – even if it’s only preventative maintenance!  Core Grammar For Lawyers is just the ticket.  Core Grammar For Lawyers was recently launched and is an “online, self-directed learning tool designed to help law students, pre-law students, paralegal professionals, and practicing attorneys acquire the grammar and punctuation skills that are prerequisites to successful legal writing.”

The subscription fee is low and well worth the $38 for one-year, especially if you have been on the receiving end of harsh criticism from judges, supervising attorneys, or your own colleagues about your poor grammar and punctuation.

Since we’re discussing grammar & punctuation…

The last post highlighted the perils of apostrophe misuse and poor punctuation in general. To add to our collective understanding of sound writing mechanics, here is a recent post from the Legal Writing Pro, “Five Grammar Myths.”   Ross Guberman, author of Point Made: How to Write Like the Nation’s Top Advocates, is like the MythBuster of Legal Writing.  First Myth Busted: You can’t start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction like and, yet, or but. You can access the full posting and the other four grammar myths that Mr. Guberman takes down here.