7 answers
Asked
618 views
What techniques could I use to help me improve my grammar?
I would like to better my vocabulary and how I write my sentences. #help
Login to comment
7 answers
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi Alishia,
I love that you’re thinking about this! As an English teacher, it’s easy to feel like grammar is a lost art. I could give you all of the usual advice: buy a grammar book like Painless Grammar or Writers Inc. to study, use websites like quizzlet or freerice to check yourself, etc. But, there are two suggestions that I don’t think students always think of on their own. The first is to read. Read as much as you can and as often as you can. Start with what you’re comfortable with, but don’t be afraid of texts that seem a little bit challenging, either. The more familiar you are with our language, the more comfortable you’ll become with its rules. Secondly, consider studying a language other than English. That sounds strange, I know! However, so many students have told me how much studying another language helped them understand their own language better. That was true for me, too. Most importantly, though, don’t give up on your study. Language is the thing that makes understanding anything else in this world possible. I’m proud of you for wanting to know more about it!
I love that you’re thinking about this! As an English teacher, it’s easy to feel like grammar is a lost art. I could give you all of the usual advice: buy a grammar book like Painless Grammar or Writers Inc. to study, use websites like quizzlet or freerice to check yourself, etc. But, there are two suggestions that I don’t think students always think of on their own. The first is to read. Read as much as you can and as often as you can. Start with what you’re comfortable with, but don’t be afraid of texts that seem a little bit challenging, either. The more familiar you are with our language, the more comfortable you’ll become with its rules. Secondly, consider studying a language other than English. That sounds strange, I know! However, so many students have told me how much studying another language helped them understand their own language better. That was true for me, too. Most importantly, though, don’t give up on your study. Language is the thing that makes understanding anything else in this world possible. I’m proud of you for wanting to know more about it!
Exactly what I was thinking Alison: READ!!!!
Desiree Giler Mann
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
I would suggest installing Grammarly. Run everything you write through it. The program will show you where you need improvement and suggest alternative structures to your sentences.
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
Read a lot ,newspapers and magazines as well as books, and listen to news broadcasts.
In your question you asked how to "better" your grammar , the correct verb is "improve " better is an adjective. So read grammar book too.
In your question you asked how to "better" your grammar , the correct verb is "improve " better is an adjective. So read grammar book too.
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
To me, grammar includes punctuation. There is a surprisingly witty book, with lots of funny examples, about proper punctuation called, "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation" by Lynne Truss. It is hands down the most amusing read on punctuation out there!
To improve punctuation, read the book "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation" by Lynne Truss.
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
I love Alison and Desiree's answers about learning the basics of grammar from some really amazing resources!
The other way to learn grammar is just to read a lot. Your brain does a great job of picking up patterns, even when we aren't actively focused on learning them. Reading a lot will help you pick up on things like what makes a sentence flow well and the correct usage of semicolons and commas.
I'll also throw out there that Ruth said your usage of "better" was incorrect, but your use of better as a verb is perfectly fine :) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/better
The other way to learn grammar is just to read a lot. Your brain does a great job of picking up patterns, even when we aren't actively focused on learning them. Reading a lot will help you pick up on things like what makes a sentence flow well and the correct usage of semicolons and commas.
I'll also throw out there that Ruth said your usage of "better" was incorrect, but your use of better as a verb is perfectly fine :) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/better
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Oh, how could I forget: the "Grammar Girl" website, blog and/or book by Mignon Fogarty!
These are great resources, in small digestible pieces.
Check out the Grammar Girl website: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl
These are great resources, in small digestible pieces.
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
The best way is to read news paper aloud . Newspaper has all kind of combination of tenses and contents that you can relate in daily life. Hence the best & cheapest method.
Good Luck!!
--Sandeep Kumar
Good Luck!!
--Sandeep Kumar