Check Writing Basics: Brief English Grammar Rules

Clients often call my writers’ hotline looking for help in phrasing a sentence for maximum impact. Sometimes, they just want to make sure they avoid grammatical errors. Writing well is a commonly overlooked aspect of consulting. However, the line between proper and acceptable grammar is getting fuzzier every day. If you look at any print advertisement that has a paragraph of copy, you’ll see what I mean.

There are many books available on grammar and writing, but few people use them. When a proposal or manual has to get out of the door fast, referring to a handbook on writing is probably the last thing on your mind. Grammar checkers such as Grammatik or Correct Grammar can help, but more often than not, they are tedious to use. So, to give you a quick overview of proper grammar, here are William Safire’s Rules for Writers:

1. Remember to never split an infinitive.
2. The passive voice should never be used.
3. Do not put statements in the negative form.
4. Verbs have to agree with their subjects.
5. Proofread carefully to see if you words out.
6. If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.
7. A writer must not shift your point of view.
8. And don’t start a sentence with a conjunction.
9. Remember, too, a preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.
10. Don’t overuse exclamation marks!!
11. Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.
12. Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
13. If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
14. Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.
15. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
16. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
17. Always pick on the correct idiom.
18. The adverb always follows the verb.
19. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; seek viable alternatives.

Keep this list handy the next time you need to write something important. (If you haven’t figured it out by now, try to avoid phrasing your sentences like the examples above!) Good writing. Oops, was that a complete sentence?