English Resources

Web Based Resources

Online MLA Format Guide from Purdue Owl

  • The definitive answer for every MLA-related headache. Every aspect of MLA format is explained and exemplified to help you get a better grasp on on the standard format for writing. And definitely check out their sample paper. This resource specifically helped me process the manual of information in a more visual way.

Cite This For Me

  • For the lazy: this citation generator does most of the work for you in putting together a works cited page. This website is my favorite citation tool due to its detailed approach and specified category. However, this machine doesn't always get MLA format right, and you'll need to double check the citations it provides based on the Purdue Owl guide linked above.

Punctuation Guide

  • This is a must reference. Bookmark this one. Anytime you aren't sure if you should use a comma. Anytime you forget the difference between colons and semi-colons. Anytime you want to learn the difference between hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes. This is the site. Use it. Please.

Literary Devices

  • This website provides an excellent reference for literary terms that too often go over our heads. Don't get lost trying to remember the difference between symbolism and imagery. The site defines every Lit term you need to know (along with plenty you don't) and provides an excellent example to illustrate the device. So, you confused about motifs? Hit that URL ASAP.

I Write Like...

  • Not too serious of a resource, but an interesting web based program that analyzes your writing style and compares you to a famous author. Copy and paste your last essay or poem or Stranger Things fanfic from your "BarbRulez" tumblr and find out what author you most resemble. (I keep getting Agatha Christie, and while flattering, confuses me. Either the program isn't perfect, or I have a serious future in locomotive centered murder mystery novels.)

OneLook Dictionary

  • Physical dictionaries still rule, but the powerful search functions OneLook brings to the table are impressive. Play around with the different search capabilities if you get the chance. You may find this site a worthy writing companion.
Vocabulary Builder
  • Learning new words doesn't happen by poring over dictionaries or flipping through hundreds of flashcards. How we acquire new language is a much more organic process, and this site works on creating the genuine interest and cross discipline connections necessary to forge the new association of meaning. Real people words: the website breaks down new big words into digestible chunks you might even end up liking. Give it a shot. It'll impress your friends when you throw "phantasm" into your next Instagram comment.

Find the Right Word

  • Every time I try to write something longer than four sentences I end of losing or forgetting or somehow past the exact word I need. I feel it right on the tip of my tongue—although really the whole "tip of the tongue" thing is more of a mental grasping at any combination of sounds that means what you're now writhing around attempting to express—but so we've all experienced that feeling. This site approaches that problem by giving you a ton of adjectives you might use to describe different categories of nouns. If nothing else, these lists might inspire you out of a writer's block.