The Writer’s Grammar Cheat Sheet
by Guest Contributor • December 6, 2017 • Follow
Published in Publishing Tips • No comments
Working hard comes naturally to a writer, but sometimes you just need a cheat sheet.
No matter how hard writers work, they are always editing and rewriting. The process takes vigilance and a lot of sacrificed time. But now there is a way to work around all that. Use a grammar cheat sheet:
The Ultimate Grammar Cheat Sheet for Writers
English speakers often think that their language is simple and that other languages, with their complex noun declensions and genders, are the tough ones. Although English appears simple, English grammar can be highly complex and confusing, causing even the most accomplished writers to make mistakes.
English is full of words that sound just like other words but mean something totally different, strange spellings and exceptions to rules. The only way to master English grammar is to practise, practise, practise.
Rules to learn
People who seem to find writing effortless have usually spent time learning a few basic rules and conventions. Once you’ve learned them, you’ll find it gets easier and easier to use them. They’ll become second nature and you’ll be one of those effortless writers.
Things to learn include:
– How to use commas and apostrophes properly.
– How the order you put your words in can change the meaning of your sentence (without you realizing).
– The difference between commonly confused words and spellings, such as affect and effect.
Bonus points
Learning grammar rules will get you so far, but if you want to be really good at English, pay attention to the words you choose too. Your writing will be clearer and more expressive if you branch out from the standard descriptive words such as ‘sad’ and use the full breadth of the English language.
Check, check, check
Proofreading is not an optional extra! Every time you write something, make time to proofread it too.
Check out this infographic below by The Expert Editor for a detailed look at the ins and outs of English grammar.
