Umpire

- a friendly online resource, always ready to answer those difficult questions about the correct use of English. Settle all arguments here about grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, syntax and so on.

This is the place on the Internet for questions about good English. But please remember we deal with written English, not spoken, and official or business writing, not fiction or creative writing.

Examples: What is a split infinitive? Is it wrong? What is a Hanging Participle? Is it a Hanging Offence? What is a phrasal verb? A conjunction? A preposition? Should writers end sentences with prepositions? How do you spell . . .? Why on your website do you spell "e-mail" without a hyphen?

The Umpire is an English specialist behind your keyboard. Answers will apply to formal written English; not necessarily to spoken English.

All questions are individually answered.

What does it cost?
Nothing! We do it for love, in the interest of better writing. If it becomes too popular, we may have to introduce a charge. As it is, do not count on a rapid reply, but you should receive an answer within 24 hours.

Send all questions to the: umpire@redraft.co.uk