Avoid the Passive Voice

The active voice is more forceful and it is brief. The active voice provides the subject and verb in direct and concise relation to each other. The passive voice makes the sentence linger and takes the momentum away from the ideas.

Active
Tomandra stole a bag of corn.
Theodorus gave an impassioned speech about eggs.
The rabbit cuddled with the moose.

For whatever reason, the only corn Tomandra stole had the nutritional value of the bag that held it.

Passive
A bag of corn was stolen by Tomandra.
An impassioned speech about eggs was given by Theodorus
A moose was cuddled by rabbit.

The active sentences are direct, pointed, and tell you everything you need to know in as few words as necessary. The second is indirect, unnecessarily long, and makes the final details seem like an addendum. A few words difference may seem trivial but every word should work for you in making your point direct and clear to your reader.

Colon Rule: Use a Colon to Introduce a List

The sentence preceding the colon should be a complete independent clause.

Correct
I dislike birds as they posses unsavory qualities: ugliness, loudness, and a tendency to stand by windows coughing at tired people.
A proper eggplant has three characteristics: it is purple, oblong, and not the progeny of birds.

These examples are correct because the sentence before the colon is not dependent upon the list; the list emphasizes or expands upon the ideas introduced by the sentence before it. 

Just look at it; it’s probably looking for some exhausted youth to spit at.

Incorrect
Birds: ugly, loud, and cough too much.
The proper eggplant is: purple, oblong, and of no relation to birds.

The clause preceding the comma is not a complete sentence so it relies upon the colon to be a complete idea, and that is incorrect. 

Comma Rule: Use a Comma When Introducing an Independent Clause with a Conjunction

Independent clauses work in the same way as full sentences, so you normally join two independent clauses with a semicolon. If there is a conjunction linking the independent clause, then you use a comma.

Correct
I am jealous of Danthony’s shoes, but I will not steal them.
I have very little impulse control, and now I have a new pair of shoes.

The independent clause is linked by a conjunction and a comma. You may also replace the comma and conjunction with either a semicolon or a period to make it two complete sentences. 

Oh, Danthony, I couldn’t resist; your sense of style is just too cool and I was driven to crime.

Incorrect
I am jealous of Danthony’s shoes, I will not steal them.
I have very little impulse control, now I have a new pair of shoes.

These examples are incorrect because two complete sentences cannot be linked with only a comma. 

Comma Rule: Do Not Join Independent Clauses with a Comma

Independent clauses are grammatically complete sentences. To join two of them, use a semicolon.

Correct
Grandma and I went to the park to watch squirrels harass small dogs; grandma hates those small dogs.
I, Acornicus Floofy-Ear Squirrel, will defend the kingdom of The Tree from the threat of the dog-menace; I will give my life for The Tree.

Independent clauses function as a sentence on their own; you join independent clauses when they are closely related, for emphasis, or when one clause summarizes the other. 

The unwavering grimace of the legendary fluffy-eared war-squirrel; it prepares for the unmitigated carnage of battle and probably some crackers tossed by children.

Incorrect
I am Dave, I like sports.
I am Sports, I dislike Dave

These examples don’t work because the two independent clauses are joined by a comma which makes it a comma splice. Avoid comma splices. 

 

Colon Strategy 1: Use a Colon to Connect Related Sentences

You can use a colon to connect two related complete sentences if the second sentence emphasizes, summarizes, or explains the first sentence.

Correct use: Mr. Lawrence was attacked by a wolverine: his birthday was not going well.
This example works because the second sentence adds to the ideas of the first. Grammatically, it makes sense either to use the colon or to have two separate sentences but by using the colon you can show a direct relationship between the two sentences. 

Not once did I say Mr. Lawrence was human: he was, in fact, a very successful bird-lawyer.

Incorrect use: Mr. Lawrence was attacked by a wolverine: it was snowing on Mt. Fuji.
This example doesn’t work because both statements–while they are true and complete sentences–do not have any relationship to each other. 

The Oxford Comma

The Oxford Comma

• Also known as the “Serial Comma”
• A comma before the word “and” at the end of a list of three or more items
• The Oxford Comma is often considered optional by people who are wrong

With the Oxford Comma

We babysat the two raccoons, Louis, and Clark.

Without the Oxford Comma

We babysat the two raccoons, Louis and Clark.