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Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

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How to Write Centuries as Words and Numerals

By Erin Wright

Are centuries spelled out or written as numerals? Are centuries hyphenated when used as adjectives? Writers and editors have been asking these questions for at least a hundred years. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!) So, this post is going to explore present-day recommendations for how to write centuries as words and numerals. Are Centuries Spelled Out or Written as … [Read more...] about How to Write Centuries as Words and Numerals

Ten Helpful Writing Websites and Blogs

By Erin Wright

I previously published a post called "Five Helpful Writing and Editing Websites and Blogs." A five-item list is a measly attempt for such a large topic, so today’s post expands that original list to ten writing websites and blogs. These resources cover a wide variety of subjects, so I’m confident that you’ll find something here that you can apply to your business or nonfiction … [Read more...] about Ten Helpful Writing Websites and Blogs

Polish Your Headings with Parallel Structure

By Erin Wright

Headings are usually just a few words each, but they can play a vital role in your document’s success. Their most important function is helping readers navigate your content. (No one benefits when readers are cast adrift!) And when headings are constructed with parallel structure, they also enforce consistency throughout your content and demonstrate attention to good writing … [Read more...] about Polish Your Headings with Parallel Structure

What Is Parallel Structure?

By Erin Wright

Parallel structure, also called parallel construction and parallelism, is a method of formatting written elements so that they correspond to each other structurally. Parallel structure can be applied to any closely related elements; however, it is most often applied to headings, bulleted lists, numbered lists, lists in sentences, and tightly coupled phrases or … [Read more...] about What Is Parallel Structure?

How to Use Ellipses, Part 5: Ellipses in Dialogue

By Erin Wright

At long last, this five-part ellipses series is coming to a close with a discussion on how to use ellipsis points to create pauses and disruptions in dialogue. Use Ellipses to Indicate a Pause in the Middle of a Line of Dialogue General Rule: Ellipses in the middle of a line of dialogue indicate that the speaker stopped talking momentarily.1 “Do you know of any good places … [Read more...] about How to Use Ellipses, Part 5: Ellipses in Dialogue

How to Use Ellipses, Part 4: Ellipses in Brackets

By Erin Wright

Today’s post shares guidelines for putting ellipsis points in brackets when they are added to quotations that already include ellipses for dialogue disruptions or text omissions. Bracketed ellipses are a rare occurrence; so, review the other four parts of this series if you need broader information about ellipses: How to Use Ellipses, Part 1: Ellipses within and between Quoted … [Read more...] about How to Use Ellipses, Part 4: Ellipses in Brackets

How to Use Ellipses, Part 3: Ellipses at the Beginning and End of Quoted Sentences

By Erin Wright

How to Use Ellipses, Part 3: Ellipses at the Beginning and End of Quoted Sentences

The ellipsis point series just keeps rollin' along! Today’s post demonstrates how to use ellipses at the beginning and end of quoted sentences. Don't miss the rest of the series: How to Use Ellipses, Part 1: Ellipses within and between Quoted Sentences How to Use Ellipses, Part 2: Ellipses between Quoted Paragraphs How to Use Ellipses, Part 4: Ellipses in Brackets How to … [Read more...] about How to Use Ellipses, Part 3: Ellipses at the Beginning and End of Quoted Sentences

How to Use Ellipses, Part 2: Ellipses between Quoted Paragraphs

By Erin Wright

Today’s post explains how to use ellipses between quoted paragraphs. “How to Use Ellipses, Part 1” reviews the purpose of ellipsis points and demonstrated how to use them within and between quoted sentences.  Part 3 covers ellipses at the beginning and at the end of a quoted sentence. Part 4 outlines ellipsis usage in brackets. And, Part 5 closes the series by discussing … [Read more...] about How to Use Ellipses, Part 2: Ellipses between Quoted Paragraphs

How to Use Ellipses, Part 1: Ellipses within and between Quoted Sentences

By Erin Wright

Ellipses, which are also called ellipsis points and ellipsis dots, represent omissions in quotations and interruptions in dialogue. That seems simple enough, doesn’t it? But, that’s where the simplicity ends because several of our primary style guides disagree on how ellipses should be formatted. Let’s unravel these conflicting recommendations point by point. Today’s post … [Read more...] about How to Use Ellipses, Part 1: Ellipses within and between Quoted Sentences

Five Tips for Using Contractions in Business Writing

By Erin Wright

Here are five tips for using contractions in business writing and other semi-formal material. If you’re unsure if contractions are appropriate for your content, please review “Are Contractions Okay in Business Writing?” before utilizing these tips. 1. Aim for natural-sounding contraction usage rather than consistency. Unlike most writing usage issues, contractions don’t have … [Read more...] about Five Tips for Using Contractions in Business Writing

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Meet the Author

Technical Writer and Editor Erin Wright

Hello! My name is Erin. I am a technical writer and editor who shares writing-related software tutorials on this website and on YouTube.

Recent Tutorials

How to Change the Font Color of Modern Comments in Microsoft Word

How to Add an Updating Date and Time in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

How to Crop Pages in Adobe Acrobat (PC & Mac)

How to Insert and Modify Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

How to Find and Replace Text in Word for Mac

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