Grammar Wrap-up
April 21, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan
Every Monday, Writing Forward features a post about grammar. It has been this way since the beginning. Normally, these are researched posts that reveal the rules of the English language. Occasionally, they are articles or commentaries on grammar usage and style.
The last few weeks, these grammar posts have become rather obligatory for me. At first, they were fun to write, and I had a big list of topics I wanted to cover. However, more and more, I find that these posts are just rehashing information that could just as easily be found elsewhere on the Web — or in your trusty grammar reference book (you are a writer, please tell me you have a trusty grammar reference book!).
It’s not that I don’t like writing about grammar. I do. And it’s not that I’m out of ideas for topics. I’ve got plenty. It’s just that you can get this information elsewhere, so why should I repeat it here? I’d rather link out to other blogs and web sites that are grammar-focused and bring you informative posts on the craft of writing.
So, grammar Mondays are officially a thing of Writing Forward’s past. This doesn’t mean I won’t bring you introspection or information about grammar in the future. You can bet that grammar is a topic that I will continue to embrace!
If you need hardcore grammar tips on a regular basis, I recommend the following:
Daily Writing Tips is updated every single day, has a team of writers, and brings you tons of nitty gritty information about grammar, language, punctuation, etymology, and more. Subscribe, because they are an indispensable resource for writers.
Punctuality Rules has an entire section dedicated to grammar and punctuation with well-written posts that offer simple explanations of grammatical complexities. Plus, lots of other content related to writing, which we all love.
Grammar Girl is a blog and a podcast, so you can either read or listen (I recommend listening). Each post/episode is just a few minutes long, very entertaining, and Grammar Girl’s expertise cannot be denied. This girl knows her business!
A Way with Words is actually a one hour radio program that is syndicated over the airwaves, but also is available as a podcast. The website has a synopsis of each episode and you can listen directly from the site using the audio feature, or you can hop into iTunes and subscribe there. This is a super engaging show, and you can even call in with questions about words, language, and grammar.
You didn’t think I’d leave you hanging without grammar resources did you? Ha! I do reserve the right to pick this topic back up at any time. Since I do intend to discuss grammar on occasion (just not every single Monday), feel free to suggest grammar related topics you’d like to explore here.
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Okay, how ironic is it that the day you stop “grammarcizing” is the day I start? LOL! Hey, do what I do. If the mood strikes, blog it. I used to post jobs. No more. It became a hassle and I was repeating what others had on their sites (despite my best efforts to dig up fresh stuff).
Thanks.
I get it. You can only say the same thing so many ways. Wish I would finally “get it” though.
I consider your links today very valuable though and tonight I will bookmark and use for further reference.
Some folks say they think that if I did it would be a good itea to rork on my spealling and grammer but I thin k they don’t understand my creative edge, you gotta” just let it flow, eh, just really let it flow. (Big smile and wink)
Thanks again Melissa.
Harmony
@Lori, In a way, I think that the more blogs talk about grammar, the better the writing on the blogosphere will become. So, it’s great that you are going to be addressing it. I will still post about grammar from time to time too
@Harmony, These links are very valuable, some of my absolute favorites! Hey, don’t lose that creative edge!
I came across another handy reference for you & your readers Melissa. Wikipedia for the win!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_commonly_misused_English_language_phrases
My husband and I had an interesting time discussing these last night…we’re that big of nerds
Melissa,
I was here yesterday reading all of these great links and was interupted by real life. Came back today to make sure I had them all bookmarked and to tell you thanks for the great list.
I NEED this stuff. ( And yes, I have one whole shelf dedicated to references for grammer-or is it-grammar? just kidding…)
I am living proof that being a writer is not the same thing as being a great speller or grammar queen. It is so funny that I have been a paid proofreader because it does not come naturally. I follow the rule of- if in doubt, look it up. Then look it up again.
I am also a rebel. I may know what the rules are and then choose not to do them anyway if they interfere with the effect I want in something I write. Mood first, rules later.
Thanks for the shout-out. I enjoy writing my grammar posts and yet, sometimes I regret making it a regular, weekly thing, too–because some Mondays, it’s hard to come up with something! I haven’t missed one yet, though, so I guess I’m doing okay (grin).
I love your blog and getting the updates through my email. I always look forward to reading it. I just wanted to let you know that because I rarely comment. And thank you so much for the links.
@TrishaLyn, I have found a lot of good grammar tips on Wikipedia too. Thanks for sharing this link
@Wendi, Even though I think grammar is really important, there are many great writers who haven’t mastered it. However, I never notice mistakes in your writing!
@Deb (Punctuality), I will probably miss writing the grammar posts in a couple of weeks. You’re doing better than okay, by the way! I always enjoy the way you explain grammar.
@Rene, Thanks for your kind words! Feel free to comment as often as you’d like!
I’m like you, Melissa. I get tired of the obligation to write about a topic over and over and over again. My blog is, in some ways, about writing what I enjoy writing. The last thing I want to do is commit to a “grammar day” or something similar.
I started out with a weekly Link Love post, but quickly found it to be an uninteresting chore. Now I keep a list of interesting posts and try to put up a linky post every couple of weeks or so. Better yet, I try to integrate them into my blog writing.
OOH, and thanks for the grammar links. Good stuff there!
@Bob, Now that I’ve added a monthly theme, the weekly post topics seem to be getting in the way. Mostly, I’m trying out some different approaches here to see what works best both for me and for readers.
I like to be able to make changes to the schedule when necessary. With both Monday and Friday committed to topics (Fridays are writing exercises), I felt like too much of each week was predetermined.
We’ll see how it goes