Grammar and Writing
Grammar Tips:
Here are a few common writing and grammar errors that I've noticed in writing assignments.
* There's a difference between the words "that" and" who." Use who when referring to people. Use that when referring to animals or things.
* Whenever you use a quotation always cite the speaker in the sentence. It adds authority and power to the writing. Example: Doctor Grammar said that we "should always include the speaker's name in the sentence whenever we use quotations."
* A pet peeve of mine is when people write "should of" instead of writing "should have." The problem, of course, is in the way the speaker pronounces the words. The contraction sounds very similar to the misspelled form. Dr. Grammar suggests that in order to avoid any confusion, do not use the contraction.
I am really peeved by the overuse of the prefix "pre." Home improvement shows "predrill" holes. What does that mean? Either the hole is drilled or it isn't. English teachers talk about "prewriting." Isn't that planning? Then call it that. One commercial claims that they "preselect" every item. Either they select items or they don't. "Preselect" would include everything in the person's life prior to making a selection. So drop this from your writing and speaking.
* Write in the active voice. It's simple and direct. For some peculiar reason, many writers think that the passive voice sounds more sophisticated. That's not true. Write clearly and directly. Check any grammar book for more details about active and passive voice.
Try these helpful links:
Your One Step Reference Desk
Search Tools Link
Writing/Editing/Research
Grammar Now!
A Guide for Writing Research Papers
Writer's Resource Page
Writing Across the Curriculum
Rhyming Dictionary
Fiction Writing Articles
Writer's Toolbox - Resources for Writers
Write Net
University of Chicago Writing Center
Grammar: The Basics
Writer's Web
