When it comes to essay writing, some words are especially powerful. I call them Power Words. I’m Tutor Phil, and in this tutorial, you’ll harness the power of four such words. What can power words do for you? Great question! Power words can help you: Get your ideas flowing Make a better impression on your… [Read More]
Three Simple Rules of Using Contractions You Must Know
The way you use contractions (e.g. “Do not” vs “Don’t“) tells your reader a lot about you. If you are not clear on how to use them, You may convey that you haven’t done a lot of writing in your life Your language may sound unnatural Your sentences may lose some of their power You… [Read More]
Subject-Verb Agreement: Rules, Common Mistakes, Examples
Subject-Verb Agreement is a rule that states that the verb must take the number of the subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be in plural form. In essay writing, subject-verb agreement can: Either make or break your grade or essay score Show… [Read More]
There vs They’re vs Their – Which to Choose? When to Use?
These words sound the same, but have totally different meanings. And if you keep confusing them with one another in your essays, then: Your grade will suffer Your professor will think that you didn’t go to a good school 🙂 It will be hard for you to make a good impression with your writing So,… [Read More]
Run-on Sentence – A Grade Destroyer to Run From
Are you a good runner? If so – good for you. Just make sure your sentences aren’t. Here’s why: One run-on sentence can drive your grade down a full letter This one mistake shows your professor that your grammar needs a lot of work It makes you come across as a total beginner, even if… [Read More]
A Grade Destroyer Every Student Must Know About
You spilled a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to finally get your essay down. You proofread it, and it seemed smooth. You get it back and, oh horror, your grade is at least a letter grade lower than you thought you deserved. Could it be one culprit that did you in? Well, if your… [Read More]
The Easiest Way to Learn How to Use a Comma
A comma (,) is one of the two most commonly used punctuation marks (along with a period). It is also a source of a lot of frustration for the graders of essays and term papers. Why? A skipped comma may mean that the writer is in a rush A comma used in a wrong way… [Read More]