-+Grammar+and+Writing+Tips

= Grammar and Writing Tips  =

Below, you will find some grammar and writing tips, reminders, and resources. They are random rules, but helpful and important if you want to become a better writer! Challenge yourself to learn and master these rules.

Grammar
>>>> This next chapter has a lot of difficult information in it, you should start studying right away. >>> (We could put a period where that comma is and start a new sentence. A semicolon might also work there.) >>>> Mr. Nguyen has sent his four children to ivy-league colleges, however, he has sacrificed his health working day and night in that dusty bakery. >>> (Again, where that first comma appears, we could have used either a period — and started a new sentence — or a semicolon.) >>>> This computer doesn't make sense to me, it came without a manual. >>> (Although these two clauses are quite brief, and the ideas are closely related, this is a run-on sentence. We need a period where that comma now stands.) >>>> Most of those computers in the Learning Assistance Center are broken already, this proves my point about American computer manufacturers. >>> Again, two nicely related clauses, incorrectly connected — a run-on. Use a period to cure this sentence.
 * ** Check out this comprehensive grammar website with quizzes, guides, and more **
 * http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
 * === Run-on Sentences ===
 * Run-on sentences typically occur under the following circumstances:
 * 1) **When an independent clause gives an order or directive based on what was said in the prior independent clause:**
 * 1) **When two independent clauses are connected by a transitional expression (conjunctive adverb) such as //however, moreover, nevertheless.//**
 * 1) **When the second of two independent clauses contains a pronoun that connects it to the first independent clause.**

Writing

 * ** Know when to use amount versus number? Know the difference between regrettably and regretfully? Read "50 Problem Words and Phrases" to learn the answers to these questions along with explanations about other problem words **
 * http://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-problem-words-and-phrases/
 * ** When using quotation marks, remember that periods and commas at the end of the sentence go inside the quotation marks! **
 * ** Aim for 3 drafts of all writing pieces **
 * The Down Draft: Get the words down
 * The Up Draft: Clean it up
 * The Dental Draft: Perfect it
 * ** Check out this rap on how to write a thesis **
 * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewSKYVXUpDo
 * ** Take your writing to a new level by limiting the use of "to be" verbs **
 * The "to be" verbs are: am, are, is, was, were, be, being, been
 * "To be" verbs are not as powerful or clear as more vivid verbs
 * Tips for limiting the use of "to be" verbs
 * __Substitute__: Sometimes a good replacement word just pops into your head. For example, instead of “That cherry pie sure is good,” substitute the “to-be” verb //is// with the verb //tastes// to change the sentence to “That cherry pie sure tastes good.”
 * __Rearrange__: Start the sentence differently to see if this helps eliminate a “to-be” verb. For example, instead of “The monster was in the dark tunnel creeping,” rearrange as “Down the dark tunnel crept the monster.”
 * __Change one word into a verb__: For example, instead of “Charles Schulz was the creator of the Peanuts cartoon strip,” change the common noun //creator// to the verb //created// as in “Charles Schulz created the Peanuts cartoon strip.”
 * __Combine sentences__: Look at the sentences before and after the one with the “to-be” verb to see if one of them can combine with the “to-be” verb sentence to eliminate the “to-be” verb. For example, instead of “The child was sad. The sensitive young person was feeling that way because of the news story about the death of the homeless man,” combine as “The news story about the death of the homeless man saddened the sensitive child.”
 * ** Capitalization Rules **
 * General Guidelines: []

Quotation Rules

 * How to use quotation marks and where to place punctuation
 * []
 * Block quotes, quoting poetry, dialogue, and titles
 * []