English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
In writing, we use italics (slanted writing like this) to designate titles of larger pieces of writing. Use italics for book titles, movie titles, television shows, magazine names, newspaper names. I saw the movie Jaws.My mother has a subscription to… Read more174. Quotation Marks and Italics in Titles
A dash ( – ) looks like a hyphen. A hyphen is used inside of words. A dash is used between parts of a sentence. Use a dash when you want to show an interruption in thought. I really need… Read more171. Using the Dash
These two words sound exactly alike, but their meanings are very different. The word past can be a noun, a preposition, or an adverb. When using the word as a noun, we talk about the past. The past becomes a… Read more434. Passed and Past
The word breath is a noun. Breath rhymes with death. We take a breath when we pull air into our lungs. We puff out a breath when we blow on birthday candles. Use the word breath when talking about a… Read more431. The Difference Between Breath and Breathe
Use the verb rise when the subject itself is doing the action.The sun rises each morning.The bread dough will rise before baking.We rise from bed and start the new day. Use the verb raise when an object is being acted… Read more428. Using the Verbs Rise and Raise
Use the present tense verb lie to talk about someone doing something themselves. I lie on the couch to watch television.I will lie on the bed and rest.My dog lies on the rug by the window. The verb lie takes… Read more426. Using the Verbs Lie and Lay
Section A: Write the words in each sentence that should be in italics.1. We went to the Opera House to see a performance of West Side Story.2. The Chicago Ballet Company is performing The Nutcracker in December.3. Last summer, I… Read more425. Practice With Italics
We can use italics to emphasize certain words in our writing. Look at this example:At the party last night, I saw Mary with her boyfriend. By italicizing the word boyfriend, the writer calls attention to the word. The boyfriend must… Read more424. Use Italics to Show Emphasis in Your Writing
We always italicize the names of ocean-going ships. TitanicUSS Arizona We italicize the names of works of visual art. Starry Night by Van GoghThe Thinker by Rodin We also italicize major musical compositions.The William Tell Overture by RossiniEroica by Beethoven… Read more423. Italicize Names of Ships, Works of Art, and Musical Compositions
We always write the names of plays, movies, and television shows in italics if we are typing. Look at these examples: Plays:King Lear by William ShakespeareDeath of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Movies:Forest GumpField of Dreams Television Shows:The Brady BunchWheel… Read more422. Italicize the Titles of Plays, Movies, and Television Shows