I most desperately desire to make my fiction and nonfiction writing the very best it can possibly be, and I would always work very hard to eliminate unnecessary words and make very sure I didn’t overuse any words, or at least not very many. I also will follow all the rules of grammar and won’t have any run on sentences, and especially I will try to never use too many of those pesky old adverbs and adjectives that many people frequently talked about.
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That paragraph is true, but it’s also an example of poor writing. It’s filled with grammar errors, run on sentences, tense changes, repetitive words, and adjectives and adverbs that don’t add to the meaning of the words they modify.
No matter how great an idea may be, if the writing is full of errors and unnecessary words, readers will struggle with it—or quit reading. (Of course, our writing can also be grammatically correct but not be well written.) Good grammar provides a strong foundation for any type of writing.
Personally, I never enjoyed learning the rules of grammar. I dislike writing about them, too. They are important, however, so here are two sites to help you:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab is one of the best sources for writing help. It covers grammar, style, mechanics, and much more.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
The Guide to Grammar and Writing covers a wide range of topics, such as the writing process, structure, grammar, transitions, and punctuation.
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Where do you look when you need help with the technical aspects of writing? Are there other sites or books that you recommend? What are some of the grammar issues that give you the most trouble?
Very true, Carol.
I’ve always said that only when we know the rules are we allowed the break them. Understanding grammar and style is an essential skill for any writer.
Jai
I know it’s a lot of work to learn the rules of grammar, but I think it can make a big difference in the quality of our writing.
Carol
Carol, I was worrying about how I was going to tell you that
your sentences in the first paragraph were off. Isn’t that funny?
As you know, I struggle something awful with this subject. Thanks for the links :)
Elizabeth, I intended to have it posted on April 1, sort of an April Fool’s post, but didn’t get it finished until a few minutes past midnight. I’m glad you kept reading and know I don’t (usually) write that badly!
Have a wonderful Easter weekend.
Carol
Carol, I know you don’t write that badly. That’s why it felt like I was in the Twilight Zone for a minute :)
I love that Guide to Grammar and Writing site! Thanks.
I love the Twilight Zone! Wish I could write as well as Rod Serling did.
:)
I have to keep the lay/lie chart close at hand. If you google that, I’m sure you’ll get the exact same one I have.
I get those confused, too, along with affect/effect.
I majored in English and I’m dismayed at how many mistakes I’m discovering in my ms. I think I must have written it with my eyes closed and my brain turned off.
At least when you open your eyes you are able to identify the problems! :)
[…] in order to maximize our chance of success. When writing, knowing where to look for help with grammar issues, being aware of the proper format for the type of writing we are doing, and understanding how to […]