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PUGS* Pointers (*Punctuation, Usage, Grammar, and Spelling) By Kathy Ide
In this column, freelance author, editor, and speaker Kathy Ide shares tips on punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling ("PUGS"). For more PUGS Pointers, see Kathy Ide's website: www.KathyIde.com. Or get her book Polishing the PUGS, available at www.kathyide.com.
PUGS Pointers are based on the current industry-standard references in the United States.
For books (and most mainstream magazines): The Chicago Manual of Style (15th edition, © 2003) Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th edition, © 2003) Christian publishers also use The Christian Writer's Manual of Style (© 2004)
For newspaper articles (and journalistic magazines): The Associated Press Stylebook (© 2004) Webster's New World College Dictionary (© 2002)
Many publishing houses have their own in-house style guides that may differ in some aspects from the standard references. However, unless you're writing exclusively for one particular publisher, it's best to follow the standard references and let the in-house proofreaders adjust to house style.
PUNCTUATION TIP Words as Words Italicize words used as words, or phrases used as phrases. Examples: "The word love has many meanings, Amber," Rob said. "Is that why the phrase I love you is so hard for you to say?" she retorted.
See The Chicago Manual of Style (15th edition) #7.62 and The Christian Writer's Manual of Style p. 244 and The Associated Press Stylebook p. 277.
USAGE TIP
complement/compliment complement (noun): something that completes "This book contains a full complement of screenwriting techniques." complement (verb): to complete "That jewelry complements Kristin's dress." "The two coauthors complement each other with their different abilities."
compliment (noun): flattery or praise "Arlene enjoyed the compliment Elaine paid her."
GRAMMAR TIP
myriad myriad (adjective): innumerable "Louise looked at the myriad stars in the sky." myriad (noun): a great number, or ten thousand "They encountered a myriad of problems in their relationship." "She experienced myriads of difficulties getting her book published."
NOTE: The noun usage of this word has been criticized in recent years, but Webster's 11th claims that it is acceptable.
SPELLING TIP
good night (two words, no hyphen)
Kathy Ide has been writing for publication since 1988. She has written books, articles, play and movie scripts, short stories, devotionals, and curriculum. She is a full-time freelance editor, offering a full range of editorial services for aspiring writers, established authors, commercial book publishers, subsidy publishers, magazines, and CLASServices. Her services include proofreading, copyediting, substantive/content editing, coauthoring, ghostwriting, and mentoring/coaching. She also speaks at writers' conferences across the country. She is the founder and coordinator of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network (www.TheChristianPEN.com) and the Christian Editor Network (www.ChristianEditor.com). To find out more, visit www.KathyIde.com.
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