Top 9 Grammar Tips EVERY Writer Needs to Know!

Summary

In this video, Brian Collins shares nine effective tips for improving English grammar skills. Drawing from his experience as a journalist and insights from various grammar books, he emphasizes practical techniques such as using style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), understanding British vs. American English, keeping a list of common mistakes, and employing grammar-checking software like Grammarly. He also advises using different editing methods, referencing grammar books, and working with editors to refine writing skills. Ultimately, Collins encourages writers not to fear mistakes, but to keep improving through practice and feedback.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use a style guide like the Chicago Manual of Style to help with grammar and punctuation consistency.
• 😀 Understand the differences between British and American English to write confidently for different audiences.
• 😀 Keep a list of common mistakes you make to help improve your grammar over time.
• 😀 Edit your writing using a monospaced font (like Courier) and increased spacing to catch grammar mistakes more easily.
• 😀 Approach editing in multiple passes: focus on structure first, then clarity, and finally grammar and punctuation.
• 😀 Invest in grammar reference books like 'The Elements of Style' to deepen your understanding of grammar rules.
• 😀 Working with an editor can greatly improve your writing and help spot grammar mistakes you may overlook.
• 😀 Use grammar checking tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to find and fix grammar errors more effectively.
• 😀 Don’t let the fear of making grammar mistakes prevent you from publishing or sharing your work.
• 😀 Practice makes perfect—regularly publishing your work and getting feedback will help you improve your grammar skills.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on providing nine proven tips to help improve English grammar and writing skills, especially for aspiring writers and those working on self-editing.

Why is using a style guide important for improving grammar?

A style guide helps writers maintain consistency and provides specific rules for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other writing elements. It simplifies the editing process and ensures clarity in the work.

Which style guides are recommended in the video?

The video recommends the Chicago Manual of Style, particularly for online writing and media, and mentions the Harvard style guide, which is common in academic settings.

How does the Chicago Manual of Style help with grammar and punctuation?

The Chicago Manual of Style provides clear rules for grammar, punctuation, and other writing aspects like numbers and spelling. It includes detailed explanations and examples for how to apply the rules in various contexts.

What is the difference between British and American English mentioned in the video?

The video highlights subtle differences between British and American English, such as spelling variations (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center'), usage of 'ize' vs. 'ise' (e.g., 'realize' in American English), and differences in vowel usage (e.g., 'colour' vs. 'color').

What is the benefit of keeping a running list of common grammar mistakes?

By keeping a list of regular grammar mistakes, writers can quickly identify and fix errors, improve their self-editing efficiency, and develop a better understanding of their weaknesses over time.

Why should writers change their font and spacing while self-editing?

Changing the font to a monospaced font like Courier and adjusting the spacing helps the writer's eyes spot grammar mistakes that might be overlooked in the original format. Printing the work or viewing it on a different screen can also aid in identifying errors.

How does the video suggest handling grammar mistakes during the editing process?

The video recommends editing in stages: first focusing on structural issues, then line editing for clarity and style, and finally doing a grammar check for spelling mistakes, punctuation, and other grammatical errors.

What role does grammar software play in improving grammar skills?

Grammar software like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can help by automatically identifying potential grammar issues, providing explanations for why certain changes are needed, and offering suggestions for improving writing. They also help writers understand the rules behind the changes.

What is the key takeaway regarding perfectionism and grammar in writing?

The video stresses the importance of not letting the fear of making grammar mistakes stop writers from publishing their work. It encourages getting the work out there and learning from feedback, as this helps writers improve their grammar over time.