Than vs. Then: One Question Fixes Every Sentence
Than is for comparisons; then covers time, sequence, and cause-and-effect. Learn the one-question test that tells you which word belongs in any sentence.
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Grammar
Explore practical questions and explanations about grammar.
Answers & explanations
Semicolons: Two Rules and a Quick Self-Check
A semicolon joins two complete, related sentences without a conjunction, or separates list items containing commas. Both sides must stand alone.
Read the answerDangling Modifiers: What They Are and How to Fix Them
A dangling modifier is a describing phrase whose logical doer is missing or mismatched with the sentence's actual grammatical subject.
Read the answerComma Before ‘And’: Three Rules That Decide It
A comma before 'and' is required between two complete sentences and often before the last list item. Learn the three rules and a quick self-check test.
Read the answerWho vs. Whom: A Two-Second Test That Works Every Time
Who acts as a subject; whom acts as an object. Swap in he or him to decide instantly, then see when formal writing still requires whom.
Read the answerStarting a Sentence with Because: Rules and Fixes
Yes, you can start a sentence with "because," but the because-clause must attach to an independent clause, or it creates a fragment requiring a comma.
Read the answerAffect vs. Effect: One Rule That Always Works
Affect is a verb; effect is a noun. Learn the one-question test that tells you which word to use every time you write or edit.
Read the answerFewer vs. Less: Which Word to Use and When
Use 'fewer' with countable nouns and 'less' with uncountable ones. Learn the key exception: time, money, and distance always take 'less.'
Read the answerLay vs. Lie: One Test That Fixes Every Sentence
Lay needs a direct object; lie does not. One quick object test tells you which to use, and a conjugation table clears up the confusing past-tense forms.
Read the answerIts vs. It’s: One Test That Settles It Every Time
Its shows possession; it's is short for 'it is' or 'it has.' One substitution test tells you which to use. Learn the rule and avoid the most common error.
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