Writing quick reference
The rules that get second-guessed most often, plus a bare-bones citation cheat sheet.
Comma rules
- Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so, yet) joining two full sentences: She studied all night, but the test was postponed.
- Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause: After the lecture, we reviewed the notes.
- Use commas around non-essential information: My lab partner, who sits in the front row, finished early.
- Don't use a comma to join two full sentences without a conjunction — that's a comma splice. Use a period or semicolon instead.
Commonly confused words
| Word | Use it for |
|---|---|
| its vs. it's | its = possessive; it's = "it is" / "it has" |
| their / there / they're | possessive / place / "they are" |
| affect vs. effect | affect is usually a verb; effect is usually a noun |
| then vs. than | then = time/sequence; than = comparison |
Citation basics
MLA (9th ed.), works cited
Last, First. "Title of Source." Title of Container, Publisher, Date, Location.
APA (7th ed.), reference list
Last, F. (Year). Title of work. Publisher. URL
Both styles also need a matching in-text citation — check your syllabus for which one your class requires.