How to Use Proper Grammar
A common notion in grammar is that if it sounds good or looks good, then it must be good. There’s a difference between grammar that’s OK, and grammar that’s proper. Here are some things that you should keep in mind to help make your grammar solid and perfect.
Always Consult a Grammar Guide
Even the best writers can make a few mistakes, which makes it all the more important to consult a grammar textbook. It may seem intimidating, confusing, or even embarrassing to consult a grammar guide, but it can make a really big, positive difference in writing or speaking.
Modern usage. The rules of the English language are strict, but are not set in stone. Make sure to use grammar guides that accommodate modern usage.
Don’t hesitate to refer. Sometimes your ego can get in the way of good grammar, simply because you find it odd to refer to a grammar guide every now and then. If you’re not sure about a rule, take a step back and consult your grammar guide.
Practice. Many English language textbooks contain practice exercises that you can use to sharpen your grammar skills.
Things To Watch Out For
Grammar is quite tricky, and you can still make lapses during the writing process. You may even notice some grammatical errors when you’re done writing a piece. Here are some of the things you should watch out for when writing or editing:
Tenses. Unless the piece deals with different lapses in time, tenses must always be consistent.
Subject-verb agreement, also known as concord or conjugation, is one of the more tricky aspects of English grammar. The subject is the doer of the action (denoted by the verb), and that the forms of both the subject and the verb must always be consistent with each other.
Singular and plural form should always be considered when writing nouns.
Wordiness. The trick to getting crisp and clear sentences is to simplify them. Avoid using big words if you don’t know how to use them. You should also avoid constructing very long sentences, and try to stick with short, concise ones.
Go Over the Text
All people make grammar lapses, but this is not a good excuse to justify bad grammar. It’s very important for you to take a step back and edit your own work, or have someone else edit it for you. Grammar lapses only come to the surface when you read your own work as objectively as possible. Don’t hesitate to edit, to restructure your sentences, or to find synonyms for complicated and difficult words.
Proper grammar is not just about expression, but impression as well. With these tips, you can land the perfect impression on your readers with a perfect, solid use of grammar.