English Lessons
Dodge the grammar traps
You don't have to swallow a grammar book to write correctly. If you can just avoid ten serious and very common traps, your chances of making a grammar mistake drop dramatically.
Ten serious grammar mistakes
Not many, are there? But these errors are very common, and they get noticed. You must get these right or your writing will seem sloppy.
RIGHT We have received your order. We will dispatch the plants this afternoon.
RIGHT We have received your order, and we will dispatch the plants this afternoon.
WRONG We have received your order, we will dispatch the plants this afternoon.
To find where you need a period or a comma, read your own writing aloud, exaggerating the pauses. Ask a colleague for help, if necessary.
2. "However" needs a cap and a comma
Another serious error is using an adverb to join two sentences. Adverbs don't join sentences! "However" is the commonest culprit.
RIGHT June was mostly fine. However, July was rainy.
WRONG June was mostly fine, however, July was rainy.
EASY FIX
Always put "However," at the beginning of a new sentence, complete with comma. Then you're sure to get it right.
(If you put "however" in mid-sentence, there's a high chance of making a grammar mistake.)
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