Ryan Fisher, Author at BusinessWritingBlog

Grammar and Usage

Did The Fisherman Catch 2 Fish or Fishes?

Is it 2 fishes or 2 fish? Plurality rules are one of the most confusing aspects of English. Some words can stay the same when plural, whereas others must adapt into a different form. This confusing conflict is true for the word “fish,” which can sometimes… continue reading

A background of wooden blocks with letters. The blocks in the front spell the word ADVERBS with + ly right below

Grammar and Usage

When Should You Add “-ly” To Words?

Most people think adverbs are formed by simply adding “-ly” to any adjective. Although this is true for many English adverbs, it is not the case! With this being said, let’s look into some rules we must follow when forming and using adverbs. What Are Adjectives… continue reading

A two-tone color (blue and light blue) background with the words Can or May

Vocabulary

“Can” vs “May?” Is There A Difference?

Have you ever considered whether you should use “can” or “may?” When asking for permission, you may have said, “can I?” On the flip side, you may have heard people say, “may I?” With these two phrases in mind, is one more correct? And do “can I?” and… continue reading

Address punctuation: A picture of two envelopes on a wooden table. The text "does punctuation go inside parentheses" is written in the space where the address should be written in order to signify

Punctuation

Address Punctuation: Commas and More

Let’s talk address punctuation. Even though it may be considered a dying skill, correctly addressing an envelope can be very useful. Addresses can be tricky, as each is different and poses new formatting issues. One main example is commas, which often throw people off when… continue reading

A thought bubble above a woman's head with the caption: "does punctuation go inside parenthesis?"

Punctuation

Does Punctuation Go Inside Parentheses?

Does punctuation go inside parentheses? Using parentheses and periods is very common and integral to forming basic English sentences. Generally, periods act to fully end a sentence with a punctual stop, whereas parentheses allows you to add tangents and notes into existing sentences. If you… continue reading

A graphic of three pictures side by side: a saint, and old cannon and a piece of classical music parchment, with the caption "Cannon or canon?

Uncategorized

What Do “Cannon” And “Canon” Mean?

Being homophones, “cannon” and “canon” differ slightly in spelling (although not too much) but sound the same when pronounced. Due to this, many people confuse their meanings and accidentally use them interchangeably. Let’s get into what these words mean and how you can use them in your… continue reading

A multicoloured background with the words biannually vs biennially

Vocabulary

Biannually vs Biennially. Are These Words Different?

Biannually vs Biennially. These words aren’t technically homophones, yet they are similar. Due to their similar spellings, meanings, and pronunciations, many writers often mix them up. So, what do these words mean? And is it correct to use them interchangeably? What Is The Meaning Of “Biannual?” … continue reading

A picture of a Pinguin on a pink background with the words "Adapt, Adopt or Adept"

Vocabulary

Is It Adapt, Adopt Or Adept?

Is it adapt or adopt? And then there is also adept! Many English words sound similar or are spelled similarly. Usually, these come as word pairs, but today we will discuss a trio of words with similar spelling. Luckily, each word has unique and distinct… continue reading

A yellow background with the words Compel vs. Impel

Vocabulary

Impel vs. Compel

Even though they aren’t true homophones, “compel” vs. “impel” can confuse many readers. Due to their similar sounding pronunciation, many writers can easily mix them up! Additionally, they are especially challenging as they both have a meaning that revolves around the idea of persuasion/action. What Does “Compel” Mean? … continue reading

A green and yellow background with the words all of or all

Grammar and Usage

Should You Use “All Of” Or “All?”

Diction can be one of the most powerful writing tools that you can use! It can create vivid images, portray stories, and even sway readers to agree with your beliefs. One interesting thing about diction is that even small choices such as using “all of”… continue reading

Author Archives: Ryan Fisher