Home › Forums › Writing tips

punctuation

Posted by morgan-g on July 3, 2009 - 17:19

I struggle badly with punctuation. I almost need to go back to basics. Can anyone recommend a book, or website that would help.
One of my friends called my grammar and punctuation 'challenging', ouch.
Apparently this is because I was educated at a comp during the early 80's. That's what I heard, and as it points the blame elsewhere, I like it!
Seriously, any recommendations?

‹ Onegin inspired short story idea ideas of discribing settings ›

Ewan | July 3, 2009 - 18:00

Eats,Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss; it will tell you everything you need to know in a light-hearted and understandable way.

If you're really serious about getting to grips with it all, buy a copy of Fowler's Modern English Usage as well. When you use the book you may find words that your teachers felt were unimportant hindering your understanding. 'Intransitive', for example; look it up in the book... you will end up looking up something else, then something else. HOWEVER, it will teach you more than a barrelful of people who believe grammar is not important.

Good luck!
Ewan

morgan-g | July 4, 2009 - 11:35

Thanks Ewan,
off to buy eats, shoots and leaves now. Fowler's I'll leave for when I feel a basic grasp approaching. To add to your horror, I had to look 'intransitive' up.

MG

John Doak | October 18, 2009 - 19:55

Any later works of Cormac McCarthy, particularly 'The Road'. Not only does he absolutely kick arse, he's also a prime example of pared-down, no-nonsense writing. If you want back to basics, he's your man.

marionwozere | November 18, 2009 - 14:48

The punctuation in your post is quite good :)

Scout | November 18, 2009 - 17:02

Yes marion's got a point! (Except watch out for '80's', should be '80s', but this is a common slip for most people not as anal about apostrophe usage as I am). And I also recommend 'Easts, Shoots and Leaves'. Good luck!
Thanks,
:)