I have a problem in writing

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pantho007
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I have a problem in writing

Post by pantho007 »

ho can i improve my writing. I have a verypoor knowledge in grammer
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Gree66bo
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Post by Gree66bo »

Hi,

I have a lot of friends who are English or Foreign Language teachers and their knowledge about grammar, etc, is phenomenal; it always makes me confused when they're discussing some point of English as I don't know any of the terms they use. I do write with a very good standard of English though, even whilst not being able to explain the rules of grammar (our reports at school are proof-checked, so I promise I have evidence to back this claim up;) ). I've always put that down to just reading an awful lot; it seems to just become second nature to you to write the good English that you see. So, I'd advise reading a lot of the old classics: Jane Austen, Dickens, etc, where you can be sure the language has been well-checked. I'd avoid blogs, or anything unpublished - just for a while - until you feel more confident with the way grammar works. Not that I'm saying unpublished pieces will necessarily have worse grammar - some of them will far outstrip published works. It's just if you're trying to brush up on your grammar, this way you can be sure someone has checked the writing.

Sorry if that's not the kind of thing you were looking for, but I found it worked for me. Of course, another thing you can do is read Lynn Truss' 'Eats, shoots and Leaves'. I think there's even some kind of workbook to go with it nowadays. :)
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gvplaggemeier
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Post by gvplaggemeier »

Read, read, read.
Write, write, write.
Read good books that you enjoy. Your brain will automatically pick up a sense of the language and grammar.
Write every day then let your writing cool for a day and read aloud what you wrote. How does it sound? This is the beginning of learning how to be your own editor.
There are nuances in English that give many writers fits such as how to use affect and effect. The best book I refer to is the "Elements of Style." It pretty much has what you need. Study it.
There's also a ton of reliable writing information online. You can use it to your advantage.
larryfinch
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Post by larryfinch »

1. Reread your work. It may sound good as you're typing it down, but when you reread it you might find it sounds awkward or the flow doesn't work. Fix it if that's the case. Also, rereading helps you catch spelling and grammatical errors. Which brings us to my next tip:

2. DO NOT rely on Spellcheck. Catch your own mistakes and know how the English language (or whatever language you're writing in) works. Relying on Spellcheck to help your writing will come back and bite you.

3. Increase your vocabulary! Read a lot.
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alliemarsh
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Post by alliemarsh »

I really did at first, but I've just kind of lost it. Its not even done, nor do I think it ever shall be. I think I'll be writing a different novel to try and get published
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rajukk00
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Post by rajukk00 »

To improve writing, you should write some letter, your writing will be improve.
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FeManJay
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Post by FeManJay »

Check out my recent post in classics about Shakespeare. There was a recent study done about how works by Shakespeare improve one's intelligence as well as teach the brain new things and create new pathways in the brain for neural travel. So I agree with everyone above, that the most important thing to do is to read and write constantly, but Shakespeare is (always, in my opinion) a good bet and place to start. Good luck to you.
P.S. There might be some classes in your area at highschools or community colleges or even at public libraries or community centers that teach grammar or English. If there is any way for you to take classes, they are always helpful, however the internet is always a good resource. Just get in front of google and start searching. My best to you
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Belchman
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Post by Belchman »

When Hunter S. Thompson was training to be a writer he allegedly copied out The Great Gatsby over and over again to teach himself how to be the best writer he could be. I think it worked.
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liliaceous
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Latest Review: "The Volunteer Traveler's Handbook" by Shannon ODonnell

Post by liliaceous »

Practice :) If you really want help understanding the basics, either take a course or find someone to speak to in English so you can learn through speaking practice first - you should be able to find someone easily in your area on gumtree on craigslist.
Latest Review: "The Volunteer Traveler's Handbook" by Shannon ODonnell
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