Take my quick grammar quiz

Take My Quick Grammar Quiz!

There is only one question!

You are the only one who will ever know how you scored.

You don't even have to push any buttons! Just answer the question in your head.

Ready?

Here goes...

Which is correct?

1) Egg yolk are white.

2) Egg yolk is white.

Simple, right?

Well, not exactly.

Egg yolks are YELLOW, not WHITE.

See what I mean? Even if your grammar and style are impeccable, your message might need "therapy."

Message Therapy transcends merely pointing out errors or adhering to "immutable laws" of grammar. The ultimate bastion of formal style, punctuation and usage, The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), 15th Edition, states in its preface: "As always, most Chicago rules are guidelines, not imperatives...Users should break or bend rules that don't fit their needs, as we often do ourselves."

The first edition of the CMS, published in 1906, expressed these two especially reasonable precepts in its "Hints to Proofreaders" section:

"Read everything as if you yourself were the author, and your reputation and fortune depended upon its accuracy."
And, "About many matters in this world, grammar and logic included, there is abundant room for differences of opinion. Grant writers the privilege of preferring theirs to yours."

The goal of Message Therapy is to bring greater clarity and passion to your writing. I offer you my assistance, and the freedom -- as compared to anarchy -- to express yourself as an individual.

I want to encourage you and coach you. Writing shouldn't make you tense. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) With only a few gentle adjustments, we can work the kinks out of stiff sentences and alleviate any stress between you and your readers.

We'll work as a team. You'll need me and I'll knead you. Together, we will make your words, thoughts and pages flow more smoothly and painlessly than ever before.

Relax. The Message Therapist will see you now.