This just in: Writers and editors should no longer use em dashes for any reason. AI has taken them over. We will have to rely on other ways to link ideas within a sentence—I’m sure we’ll figure something out! #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack #AprilFoolsDay #EmDashForever

Chicago 18 (8.91) calls for capitalizing the official names of time zones. So, this Sunday, Pacific Daylight Time will begin. Unofficial names are not capitalized. So we could also say: This Sunday, standard time will yield to daylight saving time. Get ready! #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

Chicago 18 (7.82) notes that a computer keyboard might have a Backspace key, a Return key, an Option key . . . and a space bar. Apparently the initial-capping rule no longer applies to the space bar, maybe because it’s a bar instead of a key? 🤔 #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

To hyphenate or not to hyphenate an adverbial phrase? Chicago 18 (7.96) has simple advice: Check Merriam-Webster. Basically, to tackle adverbial phrases head-on, take them one by one. #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

How to treat code words used in aviation and other fields that rely on radio communications, like the NATO phonetic alphabet? According to Chicago 18 (7.74), it’s not complicated: Initial caps, no italics. So that’s fairly Echo Alfa Sierra Yankee. #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

Were you taught that a comma splice should always be corrected? Chicago 18 (6.23) still considers it verboten in formal writing, but now not always so in informal or creative writing. So a comma splice is not strictly a no-no anymore, the sentence might work as is. #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

You probably know that a compound word containing an adverb ending in -ly is not hyphenated. But be careful; this no-hyphen rule doesn’t apply to adjectives (Chicago 18, 7.93). So, for example, you might see a smartly dressed person while taking an early-morning walk. #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

In the old days, a title used in apposition before a personal name was considered a descriptive phrase rather than a title: “former president Obama.” As of Chicago 18 (8.22), we are now told to capitalize these formal titles: “former President Obama.” #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

Emojis, 2/2: If an emoji applies to a whole sentence, place it after the punctuation: “What should I read next? 🤔” If it applies to part of the sentence, place it in that part of the sentence: “Are you excited 🥳 about this book 📖?” (Chicago 18, 6.137) #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

Emojis, 1/2: Chicago 18 (6.137) is keeping up with modern writing, with new guidance on emojis. Basically, treat an emoji like a word, with a space before and after, except when followed by punctuation. However, there should be no spaces between consecutive emojis. 👍🙌 #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

When it comes to the question of capitalization following a colon, Chicago 18 (6.67) has shifted gears. Put this in your memory bank: Initial cap even a single full sentence following that colon henceforth. #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

How to credit an AI image? According to Chicago 18 (3.38), you must both name the AI model and give the user’s prompt, for example: “Image generated by DALL-E 2, April 7, 2023, from the prompt ‘An ornate bookshelf with a portal into another dimension.’” #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

Even more on hyphenation. In another departure, Chicago 18 (7.96) now hyphenates terms modified by “then” when used in the sense of “former”; for example, “then-president.” If “then” appears before an open compound, use an en dash; for example, “then–vice president.” #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

More on hyphenation. Another reversal in Chicago 18 (7.96): “mid” is now treated as an adjective combining form instead of a prefix, needing hyphenation unless listed as closed in Merriam-Webster. So we have mid-thirties and mid-central (but midair and midafternoon). #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

Compound modifiers, 2/2: But wait! The rule for adjective compounds containing “half” has changed in the reverse (Chicago 18, 7.96). These compounds should now be hyphenated before the noun but open after the noun: a “half-finished meal” but a “meal half finished.” #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

Compound modifiers, 1/2: Chicago 18 (7.92) has changed some of its hyphenation rules. Certain compound modifiers are now hyphenated both before and after the noun: a task that is all-consuming, a plan that is cost-effective, or a snack that is fat-free. #FreelanceEditing #GrammarSnack

Hungry for a #grammarsnack?