engcit grammar online

rosetree When one is attempting to write one's thoughts down on paper for a class, there are several factors to consider. One, obviously, is the knowledge of the subject itself. The second is the format required for the task. The last and often most frustrating - and potentially damaging to the student's grade - is Grammar. This discussion will try to cover the common grammar problems most students face. One must realize that English is a language made from numerous other languages. It is constantly changing and most people speak a slang-influenced version of it. But there are acceptable levels of written college-level English a student is expected to use. Remember your audience is not your friends, your family, or your peer group. Your audience is an educated person who wants to know as clearly and concisely as possible the information for which they are asking. Keeping this in mind as you write will create a better paper, as well as a better grade.

Below are links to pages that will explain the topic listed. Many of them are interdependent. If one page does not completely answer your questions, perhaps another will.

For tips and guidelines for formatting, such as paragraphing, using text and composition modes, see Paper Format.

WORD ERRORS

Spelling
Homonyms
Frequently Misspelled Words
Typos and Spell-Check Errors
Nouns vs. Verbs
These Aren't Words
Not One Word
Verb Tense Errors in Essays

Apostrophes
Contractions
Plurals vs. Possessives
Possessive Pronouns

SENTENCE ERRORS

Fragments
VIDEO
Handout

Comma Splices and Run-ons
VIDEO
Handout

PunctuationVIDEO
Punctuation 1: Semi-Colons and Commas
Punctuation 2: Terminal and Other

Transitions
Transitional Words and Phrases

OTHER
ESL
Good Example of Bad Paper

art by jennifer mcclanahan

Updated February 28, 2017
© 1996-2018, Thomas T. Eiland