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OTAN (Outreach and Technical Assistance Network)

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Online Tools to Stay Connected to Learners

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Posted by Melissa Donovan on July 20, 2017 ·

There's good grammar and bad grammar, proper grammar and poor grammar. Some writers have fun with grammar and for others, grammar's a bore. But in order to communicate effectively and for our writing to be professional (and publishable), we all need reliable grammar resources.

There is no grammar authority, no supreme court of grammar where judges strike down the gavel at grammar offenders. Grammar is not an exact science (in fact, it's not a science at all), and even among the most educated and experienced linguists, the rules of grammar are heavily debated.

Of course, there are some basic rules we can all agree on, and these can found in any good grammar resource. There are gray areas, too, which are skillfully handled by style guides.

As writers, we need these resources. They help us use language effectively. Good grammar ensures that our work is readable. And we all know that bad grammar can make a piece of writing unreadable, unprofessional, and sloppy.

Reliable Writing Resources

In today's world, with so much information at our fingertips via the Internet, it can be challenging to find grammar resources that are reliable and that come from credible sources. Google any number of grammar-related search terms and you'll find page after page of articles and advice on grammar, many of which contain some of the worst grammar mistakes, a clear indication that such resources are neither reliable nor credible.

So when you choose your resources, choose wisely and make sure the authors are reputable and in a position to be postulating about grammar.

Writers must also choose resources that are appropriate to what they write. If you're writing for a particular publication, make sure you check to see which style guide they use, and then adhere to it.

Ten Good Grammar Resources

Here are ten resources to get you started. These are a mix of websites, podcasts, and books. Some are free, others require an investment, but keep in mind that when you invest in resources like these, you're investing in your writing.

1. Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing is a fun and accessible book packed with grammar tips and geared toward writers. It's a grammar book, but it doesn't read like a textbook. Author Mignon Fogarty has a B.A. in English, an M.S. in Biology, and has worked as a magazine and technical writer.

2. Before the book, Grammar Girl's podcast made her an online sensation. Her website features full written transcripts of her podcast for folks who prefer to learn via reading. If you're listener and learn well via audio, be sure to subscribe to her podcast via iTunes.

3. Washington State University's Paul Brians has been maintaining a massive list of common errors in English, which is well worth checking out. This list is a great starting place if you want to check off your basic grammar skills to see if your writing is on the up-and-up.

4. The Chicago Manual of Style is the most widely used style guide in publishing and includes a variety of rules on grammar as well. This particular guide is perfect for general writing, including fiction and creative nonfiction.

5. Schoolhouse Rock was a beloved series of animated short films that gave kids growing up in the 70s and 80s a basic education in grammar. One of the most popular installments, "Conjunction Junction" is available online and you can search YouTube to find plenty more treasures from Schoolhouse Rock's vintage collection.

6. Dr. Charles Darling was a professor of English at Capital Community College for over thirty-five years, and his Guide to Grammar and Writing is available online in loving memory of him.

7. This online Grammar Handbook from the University of Illinois is clear, organized by subject, and easy to peruse.

8. The Gregg Reference Manual is widely used among professionals and in business. It has been called "the most up-to-date, authoritative source on grammar, usage and style for a variety of business documents."

9. There's an app for that! Depending on your platform or device, you can find tons of grammar apps, so the answers to your grammar questions will be at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere! I'm a fan of the app "Grammar Guide" (for iPhone). But it's pretty stripped down - it simply gives examples and no detailed information. Check your app store for a good grammar app that works for you and your device.

10. Don't go to Wikipedia to learn grammar, but if you're trying to remember one of those pesky rules you've forgotten, it can usually do the trick. Note that Wikipedia is not recognized as an academically acceptable resource, but it includes sources at the bottom of each article, and these can put you on the path toward finding great resources on any subject, including grammar.

Grammar Resources for Pros

If grammar frustrates you, you're not alone. Writing is enjoyable for most of us, but there are some aspects to it that are hard work. For some writers, grammar is a major struggle, but one that can be overcome with commitment and the right resources. Commit yourself to making proper grammar integral to your writing and soon you'll feel comfortable and confident about grammar.

As a writer, how do you feel about grammar? Love it or hate it? How often do you look up the rules? Do you have any favorite grammar resources to add to this list? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment, and keep writing.

About Melissa Donovan
Melissa Donovan is a website designer and copywriter. She writes fiction and poetry and is the founder and editor of Writing Forward, a blog packed with creative writing tips and ideas.

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Posted by Melissa Donovan on July 20, 2017 · There's good grammar and bad grammar, proper grammar and poor grammar. Some writers have fun with grammar and for others, grammar's a bore. But in order to communicate effectively and for our writing to be professional (and publishable), we all need reliable grammar resources.

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I don't have any popcorn!

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Jane went to the

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There house is big.

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They're going to their grandma's over there!😝

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They're going to their grandma's over there!😝

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Please come in and eat!

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They're going to take their pet frog to the pond over there.

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http://www.writingforward.com/grammar/good-grammar/10-good-grammar-resources

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Purdue University: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/5/