Summer Undergraduate Research Program - Fred Hutchinson ...

9.
The number
of the subject
determines the
number of
the verb.
A Few Matters of Form
Words that intervene between subject and verb do not affect the number of
the verb .
Incorrect: The bittersweet flavor of youth–its trials, its joys, its adventures, its
challenges–are not soon forgotten .
Correct: The bittersweet flavor of youth–its trials, its joys, its adventures, its
challenges–is not soon forgotten .
Hyphen
When two or more words are combined to form a compound adjective, a hyphen is usually required .
Correct: Please review the following science-related materials .
Correct: The items received to-date include:
Quotations
A quotation grammatically in apposition or the direct object of a verb is preceded by a comma and enclosed
in quotation marks .
Correct: I am reminded of the advice of my neighbor, “Never worry about your heart till it stops beating .”
Jargon
Avoid jargon or figures of speech. Jargon is defined as words that have special meanings for a particular
group of people .
Example Meaning
period of economic adjustment recession
strategic downsizing layoffs
stacks library shelves
friendly fire accidently bombing your own troops
A figure of speech is defined as a form of speech in which words are used out of their usual meaning to form
a picture in the mind .
Example Meaning
I’m serious as a heart attack I’m very serious
I got your back I’ll defend you
I’ll give you a piece of my mind I’ll tell you what I think
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