1. Sentence Structure & Clarity:
* Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure your verbs agree with their subjects in number (singular/plural).
* Incorrect: The students is writing their essays.
* Correct: The students are writing their essays.
* Parallel Structure: Use the same grammatical structure for items in a list or comparison.
* Incorrect: She enjoys swimming, hiking, and to read.
* Correct: She enjoys swimming, hiking, and reading.
* Active vs. Passive Voice: Choose the voice that best suits your purpose. Active voice is generally stronger and more direct.
* Passive: The ball was thrown by the boy.
* Active: The boy threw the ball.
* Sentence Length & Variety: Vary your sentence length and structure to keep your writing engaging. Avoid overly long or short sentences.
2. Punctuation:
* Commas: Use commas to separate items in a list, after introductory phrases, to separate independent clauses, and to set off non-essential clauses.
* Semicolons: Use semicolons to join two closely related independent clauses.
* Colons: Use colons to introduce a list, an explanation, or a quotation.
* Apostrophes: Use apostrophes to show possession (e.g., the cat's tail) and contractions (e.g., it's, don't).
* Quotation Marks: Use quotation marks to enclose direct quotes, titles of short works, and words used in a special way.
3. Word Choice & Usage:
* Diction: Choose words that are appropriate for your audience and purpose. Avoid slang, jargon, and clichés.
* Conciseness: Express your ideas clearly and directly. Avoid unnecessary words and phrases.
* Clarity: Use specific language and avoid ambiguity.
* Pronoun Usage: Use pronouns consistently and ensure they have clear antecedents.
4. Mechanics:
* Spelling: Use a spell checker and proofread carefully to catch any spelling errors.
* Capitalization: Capitalize the first word of each sentence, proper nouns, and titles.
* Numbers: Use numerals for numbers above ten and spell out numbers below ten.
5. Beyond Grammar:
* Flow and Coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically and smoothly. Use transitions to connect ideas.
* Paragraph Structure: Organize your thoughts into clear and concise paragraphs.
* Style: Consider your audience and purpose when choosing a writing style.
Tools for Grammar Check:
* Online Grammar Checkers: Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Hemingway Editor
* Word Processors: Microsoft Word, Google Docs
* Proofreading by a Peer: Have a friend or colleague review your essay for grammatical errors.
Remember:
* Proofread: Read your essay aloud to catch errors that you might miss when reading silently.
* Practice: The more you write and practice, the better you'll become at grammar.
* Seek Help: If you're struggling with grammar, don't be afraid to ask for help from a teacher, tutor, or writing center.