Syndicated columnist and grammarian, Don Ferguson is an inveterate note-taker, recording mistakes in grammar or word usage and when observing an incorrect punctuation mark. It seems that people make the same mistakes over and over again. Accumulating a small mountain of short, cryptic notes, Ferguson wondered how they might be made useful, perhaps to his children in the years to come. Out of these thoughts, Ferguson's column "Grammar Gremlins" was born and now this book. Ferguson's work should not be confused with a "school lesson", nothing boring or schoolteacherish, in a nineteenth century stereotypical sense of the word. The reader will find this book interesting and charming; and consistent with our age of sound bites and demands for brevity, the segments are mercifully short but energized with useful, interesting, and thoughtful information. Ferguson's material comes from snippets of conversations overheard on the street, from correspondence that crosses his desk, from public speakers, and from brochures and pamphlets, among many other sources. It seems that no one is exempt from grammar and usage problems.

Grammar Essentials For Dummies (9781119589617) was previously published as Grammar Essentials For Dummies(9780470618370). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. For students competing for the decreasing pool of college scholarships, writing a stellar entrance essay can make all the difference. With discrete explanations of vital grammar rules, common usage errors, and the other key concepts people need to refer to most often, Grammar Essentials For Dummies provides crucial information to help students communicate accurately and effectively. This guide is also a perfect reference for parents who need to review critical grammar concepts as they help students with homework assignments or college entrance essays, as well as for adult learners headed back into the classroom and people learning English as a next language. The Essentials For Dummies Series Dummies is proud to present our new series, The Essentials For Dummies. Now students who are prepping for exams, preparing to study new material, or who just need a refresher can have a concise, easy-to-understand review guide that covers an entire course by concentrating solely on the most important concepts. From algebra and chemistry to grammar and Spanish, our expert authors focus on the skills students most need to succeed in a subject.

Researching, writing, and citing. Hiring, firing, and selling. Texting, blogging, and posting. Proper grammar and usage for every occasion is explored through nearly 500 answers to common questions on English grammar and language. The first, best place to turn for an overview of English grammar! Whether you are writing a term paper, a scientific article, a résumé, a business email, a text message, or presenting information in the social media, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book is an engaging guide to writing with clarity. It offers fundamental principles, grammar rules, and punctuation advice, as well as insights on writing for different occasions and audiences. From a brief history of the English language to the deconstruction—and explanation—of the different parts of a sentence, and from showing how to punctuate correctly to how to organize a well-argued essay, this easy-to-use reference answers nearly 500 questions and offers fun facts on the English language and its usage, including ... How did language begin? How did English become a language spoken worldwide? What is Middle English? How did Noah Webster affect the English language? What efforts have been made toward reforming spelling? Are there any language universals? What is an adverb? What is a compound sentence? What is a dialect? What is jargon? What is a noun? What is a split infinitive? What is passive voice and when should you avoid it? Why are English words so hard to spell? What is the i-before-e rule How do I use commas correctly in sentences? When should I use parentheses? How do I use capitalization on the Internet? When do I use “that” versus “which”? What types of dictionaries are there? How do I find the right level of formality in my writing style? What is a sentence fragment? What is a misused modifier? Should I use its or it's? What is academic writing? What is the difference between primary and secondary research? How do I respect copyright laws? How do I use materials ethically on my own websites? What is plagiarism and how do I avoid it? How do I plan a structure for my term paper? How do I write an outline? How do I avoid writer's block? What is considered good essay form? How do I write business emails? Should I include personal data in a résumé? What is “netiquette”? How do I write an effective blog? For speakers and writers of all ages and skill levels, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book brings you straightforward explanations, tips on avoiding and fixing grammatical mistakes, as well as numerous examples of good writing. This helpful book includes an appendix of model papers, letters, and sample writing for every occasion—from business or social communications to academic papers or Internet forums. Appendices on irregular verbs, idioms, homophones, prepositions, frequently misspelled words, wordy phrases, frequently confused word pairs, and other common mistakes bring a deeper understanding to readers. There is also a glossary of commonly used terms, a bibliography, and an index.

Learn to get your ideas across clearly and correctly—the easy way English Grammar All-in-One For Dummies is packed with everything you need to know to communicate with confidence—in your writing, on standardized tests, at work, on social media, and everywhere else. Strong verbal and written skills can help you get where you want to be, and this easy-to-understand Dummies guide will help you understand the English grammar principles you need to know so you can improve your understanding of basic grammar and punctuation rules, easily identify parts of speech, and communicate more effectively. Learn the basics of punctuation—periods, commas, semicolons, and beyond Write clearer e-mails and messages, or ace the writing section of your test Navigate pronouns and make sure you’re using inclusive language Practice with end-of-chapter quizzes and even more online practice English Grammar All-In-One For Dummies is an excellent resource for students, professionals, job seekers, non-native-English learners, and anyone who wants to brush up on using this crazy language we call English.