How to Write Great Essays

Incorrect:
We hardly never see movies.
Correct:
We hardly ever see movies.
Incorrect:
There aren’t no tickets left.
Correct:
There aren’t any tickets left.
Incorrect:
Mary doesn’t like neither of those books.
Correct:
Mary doesn’t like either of those books.
Incorrect:
Vegans don’t eat dairy products nor meat.
Correct:
Vegans don’t eat dairy products or meat.
TAKE NOTE
There are more negatives than just the obvious no, not, never, neither, and nor. Remem-
ber that hardly and barely are negatives, too. If you are using those words, you have
a negative, so you do not need to double up.

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HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS

CHAPTER 4 Mechanics
48

P
U N C T U AT I O N
There are dozens of different punctuation marks in the English language; those covered in
this section are the ones that present the most challenges to their users. While the infor-
mation may seem simple, and has been taught to you numerous times during your educa-
tion, it pays to review it. With proper punctuation your writing will be more polished and
technically correct, and will convey your voice more directly.