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Editorial Help Desk

YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR
GRAMMAR AND MCPS STYLE

Word of the Month

Churlish
(adjective) Marked by a lack of civility or graciousness. Vulgar.

  • Marcel kicked the cat as he walked by; he was as churlish as his sister was kind.
  • The training is free; so, it would be churlish to complain about bringing your own lunch.

Tip of the Month

Keep the following distinctions in mind when deciding whether to use parentheses, em dashes, or commas:

  • Parentheses tell readers that the enclosed words are not vital to the meaning of the sentence.
  • Em dashes emphasize the information and tell readers that these words are important.
  • Commas indicate that the information is simply part of the sentence.

 

As always, when in doubt, check it out! Contact the Editorial Help Desk for help (Donna_M_MarksPleasant@mcpsmd.org).

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