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1.) An Alley Cat
This idiom describes a feral cat that hangs around in alleys and relies on food provided by soft-hearted individuals. However, it’s also applied to people who prey on the kindness of others. A person might say, “After school, Susan’s friends drop by her house waiting to be fed like alley cats.”

2.) A Paper Tiger
This timeless idiom applies to people, government organizations and groups that act powerful or put on a bold face to hide their weaknesses. For example, “Nick is a paper tiger. He pretends to be tough, but he’s really a gentle giant.”

3.) As Poor as a Church Mouse
The proverbial church mouse has little food, few possessions and no monetary wealth. This common idiom is applied to people or families who are poor and live humbly. Here’s an example: “Mrs. Brown is as poor as a church mouse since her husband’s passing.”

4.) To Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill
Moles are strong diggers that create mountain-shaped piles of dirt when building their underground burrows. When used as an idiom, it implies that a situation is viewed from a distorted perspective. For example, “In problem situations, people tend to make mountains out of molehills.”

5.) To Serve as a Guinea Pig
For years, guinea pigs have been used in laboratories to test unproven methods or products. Here’s one example: “Jenny had never cooked before, but Martin agreed to serve as her guinea pig.”

6.) To Back the Wrong Horse
Horse racing has a profound impact on culture and language. This popular idiom means one made the wrong decision. Here’s an example: “When the stock market crashed, Gerald realized he had backed the wrong horse.”

7.) The Black Sheep of the Family
Like a redheaded stepchild, the black sheep of the family never quite fits in with their siblings, parents or relatives. In literary works, the black sheep is often portrayed as someone who does not have the same values as the rest of their family. For example, “John was the black sheep of the family. He painted, traveled and did not embrace his father’s business.”

8.) To Cast Pearls Before Swine
Pigs and pearls don’t go together. This idiom suggests that a gesture or gift is unappreciated or entirely misunderstood. Here’s an example: “Rosemary did not appreciate the Faberge egg Peter brought back from Russia. It was as if he were casting pearls before a swine.”

9.) A Cat Gets One’s Tongue
When a cat has one’s tongue, it’s impossible to speak or express one’s feelings. For example, “George was a shy child. When in front of a group, his mouth seized up like a cat had his tongue.”

10.) To Have a Tiger by the Tail
This popular idiom implies that one has taken control of a powerful or unwieldy situation that is too large to manage. However, giving up is even more dangerous. Here’s an example: “Larry was a novice, but he chose to climb Yellowstone’s famous El Capitan. It wasn’t long before he realized he had caught a tiger by the tail.”

These are just a few of the animal-related idioms and expressions that are used in literary works and everyday conversations. Do you have a favorite animal idiom or a zoological saying that you don’t understand? If so, share it below with other reader comments.

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1.) Buzz
There is something undeniably thrilling and phonetically exciting about the tongue-tingling Z sound. This simple word perfectly embodies the vibrations of tiny bugs and insects. Here’s an example: “The big bumblebee buzzed and buzzed as it hovered over the picnic basket.”

2.) Flutter
This lovely onomatopoeic word captures a striking, intangible airiness and delicate swooshing with its light syllables and buoyant rhythm. For example, “The butterfly’s colorful flapping wings made the most ethereal flittering, fluttering sound.”

3.) Honk
This short word is crude, obnoxious and loud. These are traits that allow it to perfectly resemble a car horn or the call of a gaggle of geese. A person might say, “The driver wouldn’t stop honking until the car moved out of the way.”

4.) Clang
With its abrupt sound and single-syllable construction, this bold word is a highly effective onomatopoeia. For example, “The factory where Jasmine worked was filled with a cacophony of loud clangs and piercing clanks produced by the clattering machinery.”

5.) Hiccup
Like a stammer or stutter, this word perfectly mimics the uncontrollable spasm it describes. Here’s one example: “Each time Rose hiccuped, her words were interrupted by an abrupt hitch.”

6.) Giggle
Classically onomatopoeic, this delightfully silly word captures the distinctive bubbling sound of this uncontrollable form of laughter. For example, “The classroom erupted with harmonious giggles.”

7.) Gurgle
Something about the expressive combination of vowels and the hard G allows this lively word to mimic the sputtering sound of liquids. Here’s one example: “After drinking a gallon of water, Gabriella heard a terrible gurgle rise up from her stomach.”

8.) Rumble
This exciting onomatopoeic word creates a bold bass sound that mimics a strong, deep grumbling. It also evokes a tumultuous rolling sound like one might experience during an earthquake. For example, “Matthew and Anthony enjoyed every moment of the low-frequency rumble as they rode in the back seat of their grandfather’s antique car.”

9.) Whir
This popular cousin of “whiz” and “whirl” creates a strong sense of motion and power with its unique phonetic ring. Reminiscent of a bird, a plane or an industrial engine, this fantastic onomatopoeic word captures a mechanical drone and an almost indescribable sound of speed. Here’s an example: “The spinning propellers created a percussive whir as the helicopter passed over the town.”

10.) Vroom Vroom
Seemingly simple, this important onomatopoeic word is one of the most effective ways of describing the immense power of a mechanical engine accelerating. Young children are exceptionally talented at mimicking the sounds they hear, and this childlike imitation of a high-powered engine is no less masterful. Here’s an example: “Ready for a race, the drivers filled the streets with the vroom vroom of their engines when they revved their cars.”

Onomatopoeic words are versatile and evocative. These simple words are ideal for adding a dash of spice and phonetic sizzle to poetry and prose. Have you used onomatopoeic words recently? Do you have a favorite? Share your comments, and let us know.

Animal groups in particular are associated with a variety of unusual terms included in this collective nouns list. Even items of clothing, such as a pair of pants or a pair of shoes, use collective nouns that require singular verb agreement. Here are 10 outlandish examples of collective nouns.

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1.) A Stand
This versatile collective noun is used in botany, forestry and agriculture. It denotes a group, grove or small forest of trees that belong to the same species. A forester might say, “The stand of saplings is growing quickly due to the abundant rain.”

2.) A Clump
Often applied to plants, this botanical term denotes a cluster of tightly grouped stalks, plants or trees. It can be applied to reeds, moss, seaweed and a variety of plants. Here’s an example: “A clump of fragrant lavender plants is a joy to behold.”

3.) A Brood
Used in zoology and farming, this collective noun describes a group of hatchlings or young animals born around the same time. For example, “Helena, the hen, raised a large brood of chicks this spring. Farmer John is expecting a second brood this summer.”

4.) A Bevy
This is another bird-related term, but it’s also applied to a group of females or an overabundance of something. An observer might say, “With his charm and good looks, a bevy of beautiful girls is always chasing Gregory.”

5.) A Host
Famously used in William Wordsworth’s poem about daffodils, this versatile collective noun can be applied to a group of visitors, a flock of birds or any other large gathering. Here’s an example: “A host of colorful posies is swaying in the breeze.”

6.) A Swarm
The word swarm implies a pesky bout of flying insects or other pests. It’s also a verb that denotes a cloud of flying bugs. When referring to insects, one might say, “A swarm of gnats is enveloping the volleyball team.”

7.) A Pride
Similar to a flock, a pride is a collective noun used to describe a group of lions or impressive birds, such as ostriches or peacocks. Here’s an example: “A pride of lions is relaxing in the shade of an acacia tree.”

8.) A Bed
This marine term is used to describe the habitat where a colony of mollusks thrives. It is often applied to clams, mussels, oysters and similar bivalves. For example, a marine fisherman might say, “According to the map, a bed of mussels is located in the shallows offshore.”

9.) A School
A school isn’t only a place of learning. It’s also a term applied to a large group of social fish. Here’s an example: “A school of yellow tang fish is crossing the bay, and hordes of snorkeling tourists are rushing into the water.”

10.) A Band
This collective noun is exceptionally versatile. It is used to describe a tribe, a set of people with common interests, a group of musicians or a flock of animals. For example, “Robin Hood traveled through Sherwood Forest with his band of merry men.”

These collective nouns are just a few of the odd English words that are used to describe groups of people, animals or plants. If there is a particular collective noun you like or one you find confusing, share it in the comments area.

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Many – Much
Although these two quantifiers sound similar, function in a similar manner and mean similar things, they cannot be used interchangeably. Use much with collective nouns and singular nouns. Use many with plural nouns. Here’s an example.
Gerald doesn’t have much money.
Chelsea doesn’t have many friends.

Few – A Few
A few represents a positive quantity, but it can only be used with countable nouns. The word few represents a negative quantity or shortage. Here’s an example.
Julian has a few friends.
Julian has few friends.

Little – A little
Like few and a few, the quantifiers little and a little represent negative and positive quantities. Always use a little with non-countable nouns. The word little expresses a diminutive size or a negative quantity. Here are a few examples.
The kitten is little.
Celeste had little interest in history.
There is a little sauce left.
Would you like a little more?

Each – Every
Use each with individual or separate items. Use the word every when referring to things in a group or describing the frequency of actions.
The pineapples are $2 each.
Each student received a handout.
Emily goes to the beach every weekend.

Wounded – Injured – Hurt
The words wounded, injured and hurt have subtle differences and unique connotations. Victims are injured financially, emotionally or physically. Wounded implies a physical injury or laceration. Hurt describes an experience of physical or emotional pain.
The child screamed louder than a wounded animal.
The injured player was carried off the field.
Buster’s owner was relieved that the small dog wasn’t hurt.

Farther – Further
Farther (root word far) is always used for distance, and further (think furthermore) implies a metaphorical advancement. Here are a few examples.
How much farther is the amusement park?
Further topics will be covered next week.

Less – Fewer
Less is compatible with non-countable nouns, collective nouns, volumes and bulk amounts. Fewer is used with countable nouns and individual items. Here are several examples.
Less pollution is better for the environment.
If people threw out fewer bottles, the world would be cleaner.

Last – Latter- Latest
Last is the opposite of first, the latter is the antithesis of the former and the latest means the most recent. Here are several examples.
Read the first and last paragraphs today.
Of the two choices, I prefer the latter.
The latest innovations were astounding.

High – Tall
Tall is an adjective that measures the size or height of vertical items, such as people and buildings. High is used to define an object’s position from the ground, including bridges, planes, shelves and horizontal objects. Here are two examples.
The Statue of Liberty is very tall.
The Golden Gate Bridge is exceptionally high.

Sick – Ill
Sick is related to a sickness or physical condition affecting an individual or group. Ill can mean bad, poor, unwell or sick.
After the roller coaster ride, Charles felt sick.
The expedition was ill advised.

These examples and rules cover most situations where adjectival requirements are tricky. If you have any questions or ideas for remembering which adjectives are required, kindly share your comments.

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Capitalize Proper Nouns
The names of people, places, corporations, countries, languages, organizations, events and items of importance are proper nouns. This means they need to be capitalized every time they are used. Here are a few examples.
Booker T. Washington Elementary School
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The George Washington Bridge
The World Wildlife Fund
The Rocky Mountains
New York, New York
The United States
The Rotary Club
Aunt Suzy
Cape Cod
Saturn

When organizations are referred to indirectly, they do not need to be capitalized. For example, “John is an officer with the New York Police Department, the largest municipal police department in the United States.”

Formal Titles and Family Names
Titles should only be capitalized when they precede the individual’s name. For example, “Michael is visiting Grandma Mercer this weekend,” or “We are pleased to introduce President Obama.” Capitalization is not necessary when the title is stated after the name. For example, “The conference will be led by Bill Gates, the chairman of Microsoft.”

Capitalizing Directions
Directions are especially tricky because sometimes they need to be capitalized, and sometimes they don’t. Use initial caps when using the directions to designate a geographic area but not when referring to the cardinal directions. Here are two examples: “The storm is moving north at 17 miles per hour,” and “Growing up in a military family, Hunter spent many years in the Far East.”

Capitalize Days, Months and Holidays but Not Seasons
Days of the week and months should always be capitalized. Holidays and events, such as Independence Day, should be capitalized as well. However, the seasons do not need to be capitalized. For example, “Carol is going to Vail, Colorado, this winter.”

Quotes and Titles
When forming direct quotes placed inside formal quotation marks, the first letter of the quote should always be capitalized. If citing the title of a book, movie or song, capitalize the initial character, but write all articles and short prepositions in lowercase letters. “Jenny said ‘Dances with Wolves’ is her favorite Kevin Costner movie,” or “John Steinbeck’s famous novella ‘Of Mice and Men’ illustrates how difficult life was during the Great Depression.”

Abbreviations and Specific Names
Abbreviations and acronyms based on proper nouns should be written in all capital letters. In most cases, derivative words do not need to be capitalized. This applies to terms based on a professional’s surname that are used in a general sense today. Here are a few examples.

NBC is also known as the National Broadcasting Company.
Characters written in italics are a form of roman typography.
Louis Pasteur invented the process of pasteurization.
The Penicillium fungus is used to make penicillin.
Virginia Rometty is IBM’s first female CEO.
Carl Jung created Jungian psychology.

These tips should cover most situations. If there is any doubt about capitalization rules, try consulting a dictionary to determine the proper usage. If you have encountered any tricky capitalization questions, let us know by posting a comment below.

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What is Parallel Structure?
Single words, multi-word phrases and clauses can be made parallel by ensuring each item is equal. Examples of parallel structure include multiple gerunds or –ing verbals that function as nouns, past participles, infinitive phrases (to be) and complete clauses that include a subject and predicate. Never mix and match when using parallel structure to create a list or series. Here is an example of parallel structure paired with a non-parallel construction.

Not parallel
On his day off, he did this, this and did that.
Parallel
On his day off, he did this, this and that.

Not Parallel
Joel packed sneakers, sweatpants and put in three pairs of socks.
Parallel
Joel packed sneakers, sweatpants and three pairs of socks.

Not Parallel
Mary likes hiking, biking and to go running.
Parallel
Mary likes hiking, biking and running.
Mary likes to go hiking, to go biking and to go running.
Mary likes to go hiking, biking and running.

Not Parallel
The salesman said the car was fast, sporty and didn’t use a lot of gas.
Parallel
The salesman said the car was fast, sporty and economical.

Verifying Parallelism
Try using each item individually, or create a column with each word or phrase. If they don’t match up, there is a problem with the syntax, or the list is something called a false series. When each item is equal, the series is parallel. Ensure each item is in the same voice. If the list is in the past tense, ensure each item has the appropriate ending. In most cases, making a list parallel only takes a few small changes that make a big difference in the overall rhythm of the series while creating a sentence that’s easier for readers to understand.

Clauses
When creating a list with parallel clauses, make sure all items are in the same voice. If one clause is used, each item must be complete and contain a subject and predicate. Here’s an example of parallel structure paired with a non-parallel sentence.

Not Parallel
The tour guide said they would view sea lions, they would hunt seashells and could photograph the wildlife.
Parallel
The tour guide said they would view sea lions, they would hunt seashells and they would photograph the wildlife.

Identifying parallelisms and items that aren’t parallel are equally important. Parallel words, phrases and clauses are typically placed around the coordinating conjunctions “and” and “or.” Listen to the sounds, analyze the structure and check for parallel endings. If there is a non-parallel element that is breaking the rhythm of the sentence, it can be fixed quickly and easily. If you have questions on parallel structure or tips for creating parallelism, share them in the comments below.

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1. Blind Date
Although dating a person who is visually impaired might be considered a blind date, the term is commonly used for a pre-arranged social appointment where a third-party sets a date for two mutual friends who have never met. Therefore, the date is designated as “blind.”

2. To Fall For
In the case of “to fall for someone” or “to fall in love,” the word fall functions as an intransitive verb representing a particular state of being.
Example: When Francois gave Jeanette a handwritten poem, she knew he was falling for her.

3. To Find Mr. Right or Miss Right
This common phrase denoting the ideal romantic partner has been in use since 1922 when the Irish author James Joyce coined the expression.
Example: After she paid the excessive restaurant bill, Marie knew she had found Mr. Wrong not Mr. Right.

4. To Get Back Together
Getting back together is a common intransitive phrasal verb used when a couple, band or group decide to resume their relationship.
Example: Isabella wistfully looked through the love letters from her ex-lover and realized they should get back together.

5. To Get Engaged
To get engaged is a phrase related to marriage that implies the betrothed parties are reserved for one another.
Example: Since meeting her prince charming, Delilah couldn’t wait to get engaged.

6. To Get Hitched
To tie the knot or get hitched are both common informal terms for marriage.
Example: The bride and groom got hitched and were united in a bond even stronger than a trailer hitched to an overloaded station wagon.

7. To Have a Crush
A crush is a common informal idiom for a romantic infatuation. This term has been used since the 19th century and is still popular today.
Example: Paul had a crush on Sophie since first grade. He finally summoned up enough courage to invite her to the movies.

8. Head Over Heels
Falling head over heels in love with someone is an idiomatic way of expressing the overwhelming excitement of irrevocable affection.
Example: Juliet knew she was falling head over heels for Romeo.

9. To Be Hung Up On Someone
This popular phrase has been in use since the late 1800s. It implies a lingering interest or something you can’t get out of your head.
Example: Antoinette had been hung up on that mysterious cowboy since they met one fateful night.

10. To Patch Up a Relationship
Patching is a term often used for repairing tires or mending jeans. However, it can also be used to denote emotional reconciliation.
Example: Jack and Jill decided it was time to patch up their relationship.

11. To Pop The Question
This informal idiom for proposing marriage has been in use since 1826.
Example: Marcus stopped by the jewelry store that evening and was waiting for the right moment to pop the question.

12. Those Three Little Words
There are plenty of three-word phrases, but this romantic idiom only refers to “I love you,” the most meaningful phrase of all.
Example: Martina waited with anticipation hoping her sweetheart would say those three little words.

Understanding colloquial phrases is essential for anyone who wants to use idioms with love. Are there any love-related phrases or idioms on love that you find difficult to decipher? If so, share them here.

What are Idioms?
In English, an idiom is a broadly-used phrase with a meaning that may differ quite radically from the actual literal wording. The phrase “time flies” expresses the quickness of time rather than suggesting that it buzzes around your head like a bee.

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Cheapskate
A person who behaves in a miserly fashion and is stingy with money.

“Our boss never gives us a Christmas bonus; he is a bigger cheapskate than Ebenezer Scrooge.”
“Phyllis left the waitress a twenty dollar tip and would never be accused of being a cheapskate.”

Cold Hard Cash
Physical currency as opposed to checks, credit cards, and so forth.

“I don’t have a card, so I paid for everything in cold hard cash.”

Cut-rate
Cheap pricing, though not necessarily positive.

“The engine lasted only two more weeks after that cut-rate mechanic worked on it.”

Dime a Dozen
Very common.

“Cut-rate auto dealerships are a dime a dozen since the economy started going bad.”

Dutch Treat
Both persons pay their own way, also known as “going Dutch”.

“Bob took Mary to a movie, but she insisted that they go Dutch.”
“The group of friends met for a Dutch treat at a nearby restaurant.”

To Feel Like a Million Bucks (or Dollars)
To feel terrific. To “look like a million bucks” means that someone looks great.

“Mary had been sick, but she now felt like a million bucks.”
“If you’re going out to put in job applications, make sure you look like a million dollars.”

To Go Broke
To lose all of one’s money.

“Do a lot of research before starting a business or you will go broke in the first year.”

To Grease Your Palm
To bribe or give a tip.

“When I greased the waitress’ palm, she gave us a nice seat by a window.”

Hit the Jackpot
To suddenly make a lot of money, but it can also be used to indicate other successes.

“Ted played the lottery and hit the jackpot.”
“I was looking for a few pencils and hit the jackpot when I found a box of thirty.”

In the Red
This indicates a situation that is not making a profit.

“The company closed after running in the red for over a year.”

To Make a Bundle
To make a large amount of money.

“Gertrude retired after making a bundle from her invention.”

Penny for your Thoughts
To ask someone what they are thinking about, often used when a person appears to be lost in thought.

“She noticed her friend’s silence and said, ‘Penny for your thoughts?’”

There are plenty of other idioms that are related to money, and some of them are quite common. Can you think of any?

What are Adjectives?
An adjective is a word that describes a person, place, or thing (nouns and pronouns), and they generally appear before the word they modify. The articles “a,” “an” and “the” are also adjectives. Nationality, religious affiliation and culture are “proper adjectives” and always have their first letter capitalized. They can be stacked as deeply as needed, but two or more adjectives require commas to separate them.

blue donkey
small car
scary, long, black, Scandinavian snake

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Adjective Degrees
When used for comparison, adjectives have separate forms based on the number of objects being compared. The base word is called the “positive,” and the degrees of modification are “comparative” and “superlative.”

“Positive” adjectives: non-comparative, base adjective.
Frank is sweet.
That bay horse is fast.

“Comparative degree” of adjectives: the form used to compare two nouns, usually assisted by the word “than.”

Gwen is sweeter than Frank.
The white horse is faster than that bay horse.

“Superlative degree” of adjectives: the form used to compare more than two nouns, usually preceded by the word “the.”
“Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”
Of the dwarves, “Grumpy” seemed to be the crankiest.

Irregular Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Some adjective are irregular in their comparative and superlative forms, such as “good better best,” “little less least,” and “bad worse worst.”

His haircut looks better than his suit.
Hugh was the least likely of my cousins to get into trouble.
I’ve complained about the weather in several cities I’ve lived in; because of the snow, Chicago is the worst of them all.

Another oddball is the positive “well,” as in “healthy.”

You look well today.
You look better than you did yesterday.
As a matter of fact, this is the best you’ve looked all week.

-Er, -Est, and Less/More/Most
Words of one syllable can be modified with “-er” and “-est.”

bigger planes
fattest sheep

Words with more than two syllables are modified with helpers “less,” “more” and “most.”

less energetic
more expensive
most fortunate

Darn Those Two-Syllable Adjectives!
Adjectives made of two syllables can be modified either way, depending on the word.

Those adjectives that end in “-er,” “-le,” “-y,” “-ow,” and those with emphasis on the second syllable use “-er” and “-est.” Those that end in a consonant and “-y” combination–such as “pretty” or “early”–also use “-er” and “-est,” but they add an “i,” so that “pretty” becomes “prettier” and “prettiest,” and “early” becomes “earlier” and “earliest.”

Adjectives ending in “-ous,” “-ed,” “-re,” “-ing,” “-ful,” and those with emphasis on the first syllable use “more” and “most.”

If all of this this sounds intimidating, at the very least remember to never use both at the same time. Let’s examine the positive “slow” as an example.

Wrong: most slowest racehorse
Right: most slow racehorse
Right: slowest racehorse

There are undoubtedly more adjectives that buck the rules, and most of those probably have two syllables, since they seem to be the feistiest. Can you think of any that don’t follow this list of rules?

The Use of Quotation Marks
Quotation marks set apart statements or words, adding a loud emphasis to whatever they surround. The most basic rule is that a quotation must be ended once it is started. If the end of a paragraph is reached, no end quotation mark is used if the quotation continues, but another at the beginning of the following paragraph indicates the continuation.

“When the men reached the shore, they tied their boats to the bushes. After a short rest, they began unloading their fishing gear.

“Back at the camp, their sons were lighting a campfire to cook the fish they knew the men would bring.”

Speech and Source Quotations
When indicating dialogue or quoting written words, use quotation marks. When the source/speaker of the quote is named within the same sentence, commas are required.

The manual listed the steps. “Unplug the machine, then remove the screws.” Bill grabbed his screwdriver.
Norm said, “I’ll go.” “You sure will,” said Amy.

Words and Phrases
Quotation marks call attention to words and can even add irony or sarcasm.

In ancient writing, “leprosy” was used to indicate any sort of skin condition.
When Meredith threw the guests out, her reputation of being a “friendly” hostess took a hit.

Titles
Quotation marks enclose the title of short written/artistic/musical works, and they indicate nicknames.

Alphonse “Scarface” Capone; “Babyface” Nelson; Sammy “the Bull” Gravano
After reading “Nick the Narwhal,” he was inspired to paint “Ode to a Whale” while singing “We All Live in a Yellow Submarine.”

The Period in Quotation Marks
American English finishes a sentence with the end punctuation inside the quotation marks unless single letters or numbers are involved.

Misty named her new horse “Marvin.”
He bit her, and she said, “Stop that!”
I asked how old Marvin is, and she said “4″.
To warn others, she marked his stall with a big red “X”.

Punctuation Outside Quotation Marks
If it is part of the quotation, keep the punctuation inside. In the first example, the question mark is part of the title, while the second example is a question.

I just read a story called, “They Eat Chickens, Don’t They?”
Would you like to see my new oil painting, “Three Pickles and a Twinkie”?

Quotation Marks Inside Quotation Marks
When a quotation is within another quotation, the second quotation uses single quotation marks: ‘. It is more simple to keep track of alternating quotation marks, and it is allowed up to five times: ” ‘ ” ‘ ” ” ‘ ” ‘ “. When they follow each other, a space is required for better readability.

“I am busy,” she said, “reading ‘This Week’s Movies.’ ”

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The words “quote” and “quotation” are often used interchangeably, but they have unique uses. Can you think of examples of how to properly use each?