Author Archives: The dutty is "the ground," the foundation, the earth--just like words are part of the foundation on which I build my life.

“I hate commas; it seems so random the way they are used.” “It is so hard to know when to use the comma.” These are common complaints that I’ve heard about this most ubiquitous of punctuation marks. The comma simply … Continue reading →

Use shortcuts and spend less time composing in Microsoft Word and Excel. Some of them you already know. Start using the ones you do not know. Substitute command for ctrl on the Mac. Shortcuts without using your mouse: Move right … Continue reading →

The possessive: Joe’s heart belongs to me. One of the main functions of the apostrophe is to indicate the possessive. Mastering the possessive is often a slippery proposition for many writers. Rules for using the apostrophe tend to get murky … Continue reading →

Automatic hyphenation is a feature of all word processing programs used today. When this feature is on, the program consults its own dictionary to select word breaks. However, follow these tips to present a well-written, credible document. Proofreading After completing … Continue reading →

A new museum (yes, another one) is coming to Washington, D.C. and will open December 2019. It promises to immerse visitors in the wonders and rewards of words and language arts. It’s called Planet Word. And, its mission is to … Continue reading →