Hey'ya Mommas!
I am an awful speller. Usually, I am not able to make it through a single sentence without a (massive) spelling error. Thank goodness for spell check, because without it I am lost (sometimes spell check can't even recognize the word I am attempting...I'm THAT bad!!!).
My grammar is just as terrible but, unfortunately, not as easily remedied. Unlike spelling, I am not able to correct my errors with my computer's help. I am a very proficient reader, I enjoy writing, and I have completed a few college level writing courses. All have helped, but I need a lot more help and practice.
Can any of you suggest a free online grammar course that would help me bring my writing up to par? Or, do you have another suggestion that might help?
Thanks in advance!
Thank you for your suggestions! I am going to check them out.
Here are 3 links for ya:
1) http://www.englishgrammar.org/rules/
2) http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/Tags/General/page/1/...
3) http://www.amazon.com/Grammar-Girls-Quick-Better-Writing/...
:)
I edit, mostly for freelance writers (narrative and expository both). Reading your post, I would say your grammar is quite good. Believe me, I see all sorts of things, from run-on sentences to complete ignorance about a comma to "sentences" with no subject or with no predicate (verb).
I don't have a lot of advice to help you, but (unless you had a good editor), I would say you're doing fine. One good book is Eats, Shoots, and Leaves (it's mostly about punctuation, but also a fun read; there is a picture-book version of it, too, for kids, but I'd go with the full length one for you).
I don't really have any advice, just observation. Your spelling and grammar are not bad at all based on what typed in your question. You are ten times better than a lot of posts on here. Keep up the good work, and don't stop trying!
It is unfortunate that we have grammar lessons so early in our education. I wished schools would continue grammar classes until 12th grade. Oh well....
Maybe you could look through some books at Barnes and Noble. "Elements of Style" is a good one. Another one that I heard about on NPR, but haven't read is "You Are What You Speak." In this book the author talks about grammar and where it came from--like the reason why you don't end a sentence with a preposition. Another one is Woe is I.
Also, check out Half Price bookstores or the used online book sites for text books. Good luck!
I agree with the other posters...your grammar and spelling isn't bad. I've seen so many posts on here, craigslist and facebook that are horrendous! So, keep up the good work :-)
While I cannot direct you to a particular website I will say this:
Girl, yours is AWESOME compared to some of the other stuff I see on the internet. Good for you for wanting to improve your communication skills! Honestly, I think you're doing a decent job!
Phonics worked well for me in elementary school. Sometimes we have to go back and re-learn what we have already learned and think phonics just makes sense.
I could have written this post!!
I often cut and paste a post and check it in Word as another posted. the Strunk and White book is THE bible when it comes to grammar... pick it up.
There is also a website called Grammar Girl (ok, just spelled grammar w/ an er for the second time while writing this post to you!! AHHHH so frustrating) that is really good and has great information. I love it. good luck - I know how frustrating this can be.
Try writing out your posts in Word. Word automatically tries to help you with spelling and grammar. I'm usually pretty good with both with the occasional mistake and typo (especially as my nails get too long) but I do use Mozilla Firefox to help me out too when it comes to spelling sometimes.
I also like to use online checks sometimes.
I also think that compared to the chat and text speak and incoherent babble that I often seen on here, your spelling and grammar are impeccable.
I second the 'Elements of Style' recommendation. The authors are Strunk & White and you should have no trouble finding it. It is a (very) slim little volume and is absolutely fantastic.
