Grammar forms an integral part and the basis in the entire communication process. Whether verbal or non-verbal, grammar is the kingpin on which the entire sentence is based. For a meaningful conversation it is important to use correct grammar, otherwise you may be at risk of sounding slightly absurd and vague. Here we will guide you through the most common grammatical errors made and ways to overcome them. There are no major obstacles or hurdles that can stop you from achieving your goal. You just need to keep in mind few rules and apply your knowledge practically. Practice will also make you perfect. So whenever you get an opportunity, do indulge in some reading on the subject.
Avoid the mistakes commonly made when using the below mentioned words that seem to be problematic for many people because, they interchange with each other when used in a sentence. This in turn changes the meaning or the whole context in a phrase. This error mostly occurs due to the inability of an individual to gauge and remember when to use which words. Always remember the context in which they are applied. This will help you in spotting your own mistake. These tricky words are as under:
- Then and Than
- We’re / Were and Where
- Their /There and They’re
- Who’s and Whose
- Its and it’s
- Your and You’re
- Accept and Except
- Don’t and Doesn’t
- Bring and Take
- Have and Of
- Went and Gone
Few pointers that may help you in drafting an error free correct literary piece are as under:
- Lead with an idea: You should be clear of the main purpose for which you are writing. Only then will you be able to produce a document that possesses clarity.
- Correct usage of the main foundation of grammar: Nouns, Pronouns, Articles, Verbs, Adverbs, Adjectives, Preposition, Conjunction and Interjections are all known to be the building blocks of grammar. Mastering them thoroughly will vanish most of your worries and inhibitions that occur when writing.
- Avoid jargons: You should completely do away with clutter or unnecessary words. Stick to simple terms that help put across your thoughts well. If you think you are impressing people by using big dictionary words then you are absolutely incorrect. People prefer less complex and easily comprehendible words in a language.
- Sentence formation and length: Keep in mind the length of your sentences. Varied lengths help in explaining an idea well. Remember to put key words in the beginning or at the end of the sentence so that they have a greater impact. Change the structure of sentences by including a question or command every now and then. This interactive approach will keep the readers interested and generate good response for your writing.
- Punctuations: Correct usage of Punctuation marks like commas, hyphens, apostrophes and periods will help you in moving closer to your goal of writing better and more appropriately.
- Use a Dictionary: When proof reading keep a dictionary handy for ready reference and quick checking. Even in your spare time you may go through the dictionary and learn a new word every-day. This will greatly improve your vocabulary.
- Focus when Proofreading: It is easy for an error to slip through when you are merely going through your work. So actively proofread with full concentration and focus. Try reading aloud or even backwards to help spot errors in a different manner than you usually adhere to.
Hopefully these tips clear some of your doubts and help you in writing better. English is a flexible yet at times a complex language. To understand it better, you must grasp its nuances well and practice it on a regular basis.
Grammar forms an integral part and the basis in the entire communication process. Whether verbal or non-verbal, grammar is the kingpin on which the entire sentence is based. For a meaningful conversation it is important to use correct grammar, otherwise you may be at risk of sounding slightly absurd and vague. Here we will guide you through the most common grammatical errors made and ways to overcome them. There are no major obstacles or hurdles that can stop you from achieving your goal. You just need to keep in mind few rules and apply your knowledge practically. Practice will also make you perfect. So whenever you get an opportunity, do indulge in some reading on the subject.
Avoid the mistakes commonly made when using the below mentioned words that seem to be problematic for many people because, they interchange with each other when used in a sentence. This in turn changes the meaning or the whole context in a phrase. This error mostly occurs due to the inability of an individual to gauge and remember when to use which words. Always remember the context in which they are applied. This will help you in spotting your own mistake. These tricky words are as under:
- Then and Than
- We’re / Were and Where
- Their /There and They’re
- Who’s and Whose
- Its and it’s
- Your and You’re
- Accept and Except
- Don’t and Doesn’t
- Bring and Take
- Have and Of
- Went and Gone
Few pointers that may help you in drafting an error free correct literary piece are as under:
- Lead with an idea: You should be clear of the main purpose for which you are writing. Only then will you be able to produce a document that possesses clarity.
- Correct usage of the main foundation of grammar: Nouns, Pronouns, Articles, Verbs, Adverbs, Adjectives, Preposition, Conjunction and Interjections are all known to be the building blocks of grammar. Mastering them thoroughly will vanish most of your worries and inhibitions that occur when writing.
- Avoid jargons: You should completely do away with clutter or unnecessary words. Stick to simple terms that help put across your thoughts well. If you think you are impressing people by using big dictionary words then you are absolutely incorrect. People prefer less complex and easily comprehendible words in a language.
- Sentence formation and length: Keep in mind the length of your sentences. Varied lengths help in explaining an idea well. Remember to put key words in the beginning or at the end of the sentence so that they have a greater impact. Change the structure of sentences by including a question or command every now and then. This interactive approach will keep the readers interested and generate good response for your writing.
- Punctuations: Correct usage of Punctuation marks like commas, hyphens, apostrophes and periods will help you in moving closer to your goal of writing better and more appropriately.
- Use a Dictionary: When proof reading keep a dictionary handy for ready reference and quick checking. Even in your spare time you may go through the dictionary and learn a new word every-day. This will greatly improve your vocabulary.
- Focus when Proofreading: It is easy for an error to slip through when you are merely going through your work. So actively proofread with full concentration and focus. Try reading aloud or even backwards to help spot errors in a different manner than you usually adhere to.
Hopefully these tips clear some of your doubts and help you in writing better. English is a flexible yet at times a complex language. To understand it better, you must grasp its nuances well and practice it on a regular basis.
About Author
This guest post was provided by Tom Slaiter of i-Fluid Media on behalf of Wordy. Wordy is an online proofreading and copyediting service.
