Free Online Writing Tips

By Sowparnika Gopal

Usage of 'A' and 'An', Punctuations, Quotations, Capital letters, 'But' and more

English is a thought provoking language. A lot of its usage is made better with logical sequencing of the words and sentences. Hence, it is very important to know the usage of different words in this language so as to make communication effective and efficient.
Here are some writing tips, which will come in handy

1. Usage of 'A and 'An'

If someone taught you that the use of ‘A’ and ‘An’ depends on if the first alphabet of your usage begins with a consonant or a vowel, then it’s not true. Instead, it is the pronunciation of the words, and not the spelling that decides the choice between a and an. Words having a consonant sound can use a and those having vowel sound will use an. This must be specially noted in case of written English.

For e.g.: An Umbrella. A Young Boy. A Hotel. An Hour.

2. US English and UK English: Punctuations

If there is any confusion in the use of commas and full stops inside or outside the quotes, then here is the solution. In case of US English, the punctuations are put inside the quotation marks, while in case of UK English, they are used outside the quotation marks.
For e.g.: US English: He said “Thanks.”
UK English: He said “Thanks”.
The same is applicable in case of commas, question marks and exclamatory marks.

3. Use of quotations: Single and double

US Rule: When using quotations inside quotations, use double quotation followed by inverted commas (single quotation).
Double quotations are considered as standard in the US rule. UK Rule: Use inverted commas in the beginning and enclose the next quotation in double quotes.
Mainly use single quotations if the sentence enclosed is small and double quotation if the sentence is long.

4. Usage of 'Between You and I'

Rule 1: Do not reverse the position of ‘You’ and ‘I’.
Rule 2: When you want to convey something that’s happening among the two of you, it is right to use ‘You and Me’. So it is right to say ‘Between You and Me’. However, often we hear the usage, ‘Between You and I’.

5. Sentences beginning with ‘But’

Very often you would have heard your teacher say, “Never begin your sentence with ‘but’”. There is no good reason, grammatically or logically why you should not begin a sentence with ‘But’. ‘But’ links two ideas that are in opposition. Never use ‘But’ when the two sentences are in harmony with each other.

6. Use of Upper case letters (capital letters)

Capital letters are used to give importance, distinction and emphasis.

• Capitalize the first word of an independent question within a sentence.


• Capitalize the first word of a sentence and any phrase that is used as a sentence.


• Capitalize any new word that is displayed as points, bullets, lists or outlines.

7. Question mark and Exclamation mark

A question mark may follow an exclamation mark to reinforce the element of surprise in it. But, make sure to use it sparingly.

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