You studied grammar and punctuation throughout your school years, but somewhere amid thousands of passwords and speed texting, some of the rules were lost. Maybe you were never taught the more obscure ones in the first place.
It happens to nearly everyone. English is not an easy language. But, as education communicators and storytellers, it is our job to know and properly use all of the myriad rules for grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and usage.
Luckily, many great resources are available online to help. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Dictionary.com: A basic, quick, first go-to resource for spelling, definitions, and synonyms
You can get grammar tips and sign up for a word-of-the-day email, too.
- Associated Press Stylebook: The definitive guide to style for most mass communicators
The printed version is updated yearly, but the online version (available through subscription) is continually updated, so you can find the most current, agreed-upon usage of new words, tech terms, foreign names, and more. Includes an ask-the-editor feature and your own stylebook notes to customize. For additional fees, you can get style quizzes and the approved Webster’s New World College Dictionary online, too.
- Grammar Girl: “A friendly guide”
Grammar Girl shares short tips that you can access through social media, mobile app, RSS feed, podcasts, and more.
- Your own institution’s text style guide: The trump card
Every education institution should have its own style guide for consistency in usage of names of buildings, departments, campus features, any differences from established style, and more. This might be combined with visual branding standards or a separate document.
If your institution does not have a style guide or it’s outdated, let us help! Our team is expert at developing a content strategy grounded in your reality. Shoot us a message if you want to find out more.
Remember, rules cover nearly any question you might have about written English. If you can’t find a suitable answer or if answers differ, choose your own correct answer, and then stick with it. Above all else, aim for consistency in usage throughout your professional communications.