The MWC tutors have identified these sites as ones that are personally useful to them. In the annotation that follows each site, a tutor explains that benefits of the site. While the MWC tutors hope you find these sites useful, we encourage you to come and visit us for a face-to-face session in the Writing Center.
Grammar
Active vs. Passive Voice – (Purdue OWL)
Usually, effective writing uses the active voice and dodges the passive. However, particular situations are awkward or incorrect when expressed in the active voice. This article will explain the difference between active and passive voice and detail when to use each. It will also review how to convert passive sentences into active ones. E.S.
Passive Voice (University of North Carolina)
You may have learned that passive voice is bad, but did you know that there are certain instances when passive voice can be appropriate, or even the best choice for your paper? The University of North Carolina busts several myths about the passive voice, defines it in clear terms, and then provides situations when passive voice is or is not acceptable. The article then suggests a trick to determine when to use passive or active voice. M.N.
Passive Voice: When to Use It and When to Avoid It (University of Toronto)
Passive voice is a sentence construction in which the object being acted on comes before the subject or actor, who is added at the end. (“The pizza is being eaten by zombies.”) You may have learned that it is an error in academic writing, but, in fact, there are instances when it is preferred. This resource discusses the problems with passive voice and how to identify it, but also demonstrates when it is acceptable. J.D.
Dangling Modifiers and How to Correct Them (Purdue University)
When a word or a phrase describes a nonexistent subject, it forms a dangerously “dangling” modifier. Note the first part of the sentence: “Having finished his homework, the TV was turned on by Jack.” Now this sentence literally means that the TV, not Jack, has finished the homework. Such a mistake is dangerous because writers are often insensitive to it. This site extensively discusses the problem of dangling modifiers and provides abundant examples to help you revise them. X.Z.
Subject Verb Agreement (Purdue University)
Subject-verb agreement may seem easy, but conflicts can sometimes emerge, as, for instance, when a phrase squeezes between the subject and verb. Consult this page before trying to wrangle your subjects and verbs into agreement. Subject verb agreement may seem straightforward, but this site highlights confusing circumstances and clarifies when a subject is singular versus plural. J.K.
When to Use I.E. in a Sentence (The Oatmeal)
The average person see the terms “i.e. and e.g.” everyday in writing and often treats them as one and the same. The Oatmeal clears away this misconception in this cartoon that distinguishes between i.e. and e.g. The Oatmeal will inform you while making you enjoy the grammar lesson, i.e., rolling on the floor laughing. C.C.
Punctuation
Semicolons (University of Wisconsin)
It’s a comma! It’s a colon! No, it’s their superhero of a brother, the semicolon. From fixing run-on sentences to connecting items in a list, semicolons can be incredibly effective…if you know how to use them. This site explains the rules of using a semicolon super easily and gives you examples if you still aren’t sure. Be a grammar superhero! G.M.
Semicolon and Colon (Xavier University)
Semicolons and colons cause such confusion. Have you ever inaccurately used a comma just to avoid the semi-colon? Xavier University gives a concise analysis of the difference between the uses of colons and semicolons. M.N.
How to Use a Semicolon (The Oatmeal)
With examples ranging from the discussion of hairy knuckles to advice about plague rats, the Oatmeal will help you learn to master this pesky punctuation mark. You will learn about the different uses of semicolons; the internal semicolon is illustrated in this very sentence! In its poster format, you could easily forget that you’re learning grammar. As said by the author, “Both bears and semicolons have pause.” M.C.K.
Hyphens and Dashes (Purdue University)
What is the correct use of the hyphen and the dash? What is the difference between them? The hyphen is short, single-character line that connects words together, whereas a dash is double the length of a hyphen and indicates a break or interruption of a thought. This website discusses the different uses of the hyphen and the dash with accompanying examples. C.B.
Quotations (Hamilton College)
In any discipline, quotations can increase the strength of an argument through the incorporation of textual support or give credit to other writers when you incorporate their ideas. This handout will show you how to properly format quotations. Knowing how to format quotes can not only contribute to the lucidity of your writing but help you to avoid accidental plagiarism and an uncomfortable visit to your Dean. L.H.
Working with Sentences
Improving Sentence Clarity (Purdue University)
A clear sentence enables a reader to comprehend meaning easily. To write a compact paper with a graceful flow of ideas, writers use specific techniques to improve sentence clarity. This site provides detailed instructions and examples to help you spot and fix unclear sentences. Areas discussed include noun strings (e.g.”This report explains our investment growth stimulation projects”), multiple negatives, and the overuse of “be” words, all of which are common stylistic gaffes that obscure meaning. X.Z.
Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons (University of North Carolina)
This website identifies both sentence fragments and run-on sentences as well as examples of each. The site also includes a link to the UNC Writing Center for further clarification. C.B.
Working with Words
Style, Diction, Tone and Voice (Wheaton College)
Word usage is vital when trying to convey a specific meaning to your audience. You can create a formal or informal voice through your words. If you are questioning how to establish your ‘voice’ as a writer, this article will help you to distinguish yourself. The site outlines how word choice affects your tone and, ultimately, your style. A.F.