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Do you ever find yourself reaching for a word that you’re not really sure how to use, but it sounds more intellectual so you go for it? Many of us have made such hypercorrections before, when we incorrectly used a term or phrase that we thought sounded right, but actually was an overreach. In this post, we’ll look at some common examples of hypercorrections and what you should really write or say instead. What Is a Hypercorrection? A hypercorrection is the incorrect use or pronunciation of a word based on the perception that the hypercorrection is more prestigious, formal, or appropriate. Basically, it’s when you try to sound like a smarty pants but don’t really know what you’re saying or why, other than you think it sounds smarter. You overcompensate in your effort to avoid an error, and actually make an error. In many cases, you might make a hypercorrection because you know the rules of your language, but you apply them in more cases than you actually should.  Hypercorrection

Abbreviations are shortened forms of words and phrases. We often use them to streamline our writing, and they’re particularly useful when replacing long or cumbersome words and phrases that make sentences harder to read. Always keep in mind that there’s a chance your reader won’t understand the abbreviations you use. For the more obscure or technical ones, it’s good practice to define abbreviations the first time you use them. There are also some guidelines to consider when it comes to using abbreviations or not. When to Use Abbreviations You should only use abbreviations if they’re going to make your sentences easier to read and your meaning more clear. Ask yourself these four questions before using an abbreviation: 1. Is the abbreviation common? Your reader should immediately grasp what your abbreviations mean. Don’t give them more things to think about when they’re reading your work; this might put them off. Use existing and familiar abbreviations as much as you can. If you

The Divergent trilogy, written by novelist Victoria Roth, has become one of the most popular Young Adult series of today. The series depicts a dystopian future where society divides itself into five factions. Each faction is defined by their particular aptitudes and natural values. Each year, every 16-year-old is given the chance to choose the faction they want to devote their lives to. The series is full of life lessons and has earned praises from establishments like The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly. It has sold more than 30 million copies since it was first printed and been turned into a film series that has earned its own accolades. Books Like Divergent Due to the massive attention that Divergent has attracted, many young adult fans are now looking for similar novels to read after they’ve finished the trilogy. One of my friends has insisted for a long time that I read this particular series, but I’ve only just started reading it this year. I blame my ever-exp

Proper punctuation helps your readers understand what you mean in your writing. It’s remarkable how these tiny marks, such as a comma or period, can completely change a sentence’s tone, meaning, and cadence. The question mark (?) is one of the most common and important punctuation marks in the English language (and many others). It’s also called an interrogation point or eroteme. We use it to distinguish sentences that present questions from ones that make statements, deliver exclamations, or convey commands. When to Use (and Not Use) Question Marks Though it’s one of the simplest symbols of punctuation, the rules for using it depend a lot on context. Below are the most common circumstances where you might use (or omit) question marks. 1. Direct Questions Direct questions are simple, clear, and always asked in direct speech. They’re the “normal” questions you use in day-to-day living. These kinds of questions always end in a question mark. Examples: Who are you talking to?

We learn and understand history best when the events are told in an engaging story, with real people having real feelings and real struggles. Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner David McCullough is one of the best history writers who brings us back to important time periods with detail and flair.  The American author is also a lecturer and historian, as well as a narrator for documentaries and film. For example, he narrated the 2003 film Seabiscuit , and served as host of American Experience over a span of 12 years.  11 Best David McCullough Books to Travel Back in Time With  If you want a full-blown experience of history, check out some of these books:  1. The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West  Take a look at how the early pioneers settled in the Northwest Territory, braving insurmountable odds and overcoming challenges in order to build the community inspired by common ideals—values that continue to shape America today.  2. The Pat

We encourage kids to read and develop a love for books starting at a young age. Many schools even sponsor fun contests that reward students who read the most pages or books in a given period. However, less emphasis is placed on writing, especially when it comes to younger kids. While grammar and the basic mechanics of writing are of course an integral part of their school curriculum, the material rarely delves deeper than the basics. And there’s so much more to writing than proper sentence structure! If your child is passionate about writing and wants extra practice, or if you simply aren’t satisfied with their regular writing curriculum, some of the online writing classes in this post might just be what you and your little storyteller are looking for. Online Writing Classes for Kids Below are 12 online writing classes for kids that will help young learners appreciate the joy of writing. 1. Ultimate Mystery Writing Course for Kids Steve Reifman is an award-winning author and ele

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney has been a hit with young readers ever since its release. Today, it’s one of the most recognized illustrated books in the whole world. The series follows pre-teen Greg Heffley, the titular wimp who illustrates scenes from his life in a secret diary. From the problems of a growing kid to all the fun triumphs, the books capture all the highs and lows of middle school. With more than 250 million copies sold worldwide, this is the sixth best-selling book series in history, just behind the likes of Harry Potter and Goosebumps . Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid Because the series is so popular, fans are always eager to read the next installment. But the author can only write so much while still maintaining quality. So while you or any kid you know are still waiting for the next release, here is a list of books similar in humor, tone, and themes to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Read on below! 1. The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier; illustra

The mere thought of setting fire to books is enough to ignite rage in most book lovers’ hearts. If you’ve seen images of book burnings in Nazi Germany, for example, you know the disgusted feeling such photos elicit, even though those acts represent the least of their perpetrators’ atrocities. But why are books even burned to begin with? How is it that burning words on paper has become a symbol for intolerance and hatred? In this post, we’ll explore the history of book burning and the various reasons why books have been destroyed on a wide scale. Why Did Book Burning Start? When you think of book burning, images of Nazi Germany and destruction of the Fahrenheit 451 variety probably come to mind first. And indeed, that era marks one of the worst and most memorable campaigns of book burning that was orchestrated as a means of Nazi propaganda. But that was far from the first—or last—time that books, artifacts, and other stores of knowledge were intentionally destroyed. Throughout

Believe it or not, Instagram isn’t just for beauty influencers, travel hackers, and pop stars. Famous authors (and aspiring ones) have taken to the ‘gram to connect with their readers and share tidbits of their work. Whether you’re curious about where your favorite author drinks coffee, how they start their writing process, or when their next book event will be, Instagram is the place to look. We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting and entertaining author accounts that show the real, inspiring, and often humorous side of writing. 15 Must-Follow Authors on Instagram Whether you’re a wordsmith or simply someone who adores books, you’ll definitely want to give these accounts a follow for your daily dose of laughs, book news, and inspiration. 1. Mari Andrew (@bymariandrew) Mari Andrew is a writer and illustrator who took up illustrating in 2015 as a form of self-expression following a difficult period in her life. Having committed to drawing one illustration a day, she took t