A few years ago, a magazine sponsored a contest for the comment most likely to end a conversation. The winning entry? "I teach English grammar." Just throw that line out at a party; everyone around you will clam up or start saying "whom." Why does grammar make everyone so nervous? Probably because English teachers, for decades – no, for centuries – have been making a big deal out of grammar in classrooms, diagramming sentences and drilling the parts of speech, clauses, and verbals into students until they beg for mercy. Happily, you don't have to learn all those technical terms of English grammar – and you certainly don't have to diagram sentences – in order to speak and write correct English. So rest assured – English Grammar For Dummies will probably never make your English teacher's top-ten list of must-read books, because you won't have to diagram a single sentence. What you will discover are fun and easy strategies that can help you when you're faced with such grammatical dilemmas as the choice between "I" and "me," "had gone" and "went," and "who" and "whom." With English Grammar For Dummies, you won't have to memorize a long list of meaningless rules (well, maybe a couple in the punctuation chapter!), because when you understand the reason for a particular word choice, you'll pick the correct word automatically. English Grammar For Dummies covers many other topics as well, such as the following: Verbs, adjectives, and adverbs – oh my! Preposition propositions and pronoun pronouncements Punctuation: The lowdown on periods, commas, colons, and all those other squiggly marks Possession: It's nine-tenths of grammatical law Avoiding those double negative vibes How to spice up really boring sentences (like this one) Top Ten lists on improving your proofreading skills and ways to learn better grammar Just think how improving your speaking and writing skills will help you in everyday situations, such as writing a paper for school, giving a presentation to your company's big wigs, or communicating effectively with your family. You will not only gain the confidence in knowing you're speaking or writing well, but you'll also make a good impression on those around you!

Get some good grammar practice-and start speaking and writing well Good grammar is important, whether you want to advance your career, boost your GPA, or increase your SAT or ACT score. Practice is the key to improving your grammar skills, and that's what this workbook is all about. Honing speaking and writing skills through continued practice translates into everyday situations, such as writing papers, giving presentations, and communicating effectively in the workplace or classroom. In English Grammar Workbook For Dummies you'll find hundreds of fun problems to help build your grammar muscles. Just turn to a topic you need help with-from punctuation and pronouns to possessives and parallel structure-and get out your pencil. With just a little practice every day, you'll be speaking correctly, writing confidently, and getting the recognition you deserve at work or at school. Hundreds of practice exercises and helpful explanations Explanations mirror teaching methods and classroom protocols Focused, modular content presented in step-by-step lessons English Grammar Workbook For Dummies will empower you to structure sentences correctly, make subject and verbs agree, and use tricky punctuation marks such as commas, semicolons, and apostrophes without fear.

Improve the writing and speaking skills you use every day Graceless with grammar? Perplexed by punctuation? Have no fear! This second Australian edition of English Grammar For Dummies explains everything from basic sentence structure to the finer points of grammar. Packed with expert advice, this book will help you to communicate more effectively and make the right impression every time. Structure sentences correctly learn everything from making verbs agree to understanding clauses Avoid and fix common mistakes find out how to revise the things your grammar checker underlines Punctuate like a professional explore the correct use of commas, apostrophes, colons, semicolons and dashes Polish your writing style discover how good grammar and good style go hand in hand Open the book and find: Ways to accessorise with adjectives and adverbs Tips for pairing the correct pronoun with the noun Advice about how to use numerals in documents Hints for writing emails and slide presentations Explanations of errors missed by spell checkers Learn to: Improve your writing and editing Understand and apply grammar rules Avoid common errors Connect grammar with style

The easy way to brush up on your English skills Is it good or well? There, their, or they're? Some people don't have to think twice about using proper English, but for the rest of us it can get tricky and confusing. Whether you're writing or speaking, it's all too easy to fall prey to simple mistakes that will represent you in a less-than-desirable light—which can potentially cost you a job or put you in an embarrassing social situation. Avoiding complicated grammar rules, Basic English For Dummies sticks to the basics and makes it easy to get up and running on what you need to know to partake in successful everyday communication, no matter your audience or medium. Inside, you'll find plenty of examples and exercises, guidance on how to structure sentences to make yourself easily understood, and so much more. In no time, you'll leave the 'me or I?' debate at the door and speak and write confidently and correctly. Plus, you'll expand your vocabulary, find the right tone and style you want to convey in your communication, and avoid common English language pitfalls. Includes quizzes and self-tests Provides guidance on composing letters, emails, texts, and phone calls Explains in plain English how to improve your English skills Gives you instruction and exercises on putting your skills to practice right away If English is your first language, but you missed or have forgotten the nuances that were taught in school, Basic English For Dummies is your go-to guide. It is also ideal for those learning English as a second language.

English Grammar Essentials For Dummies 2nd Edition (9780730384724) was previously published as English Grammar Essentials For Dummies 2nd Edition (9781118493311). 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. The fun and easy way to learn essential grammar rules, common usage errors, and other key concepts in the English language Understanding the rules of English is key to being an effective communicator—at work, at school, or anywhere else. If you struggle with the rules—and who hasn't—English Grammar Essentials For Dummies is the book for you. Covering just the basics you need, the book boils the rules of grammar down to the core concepts that will make you a better communicator in any and every aspect of your life. Ideal for students, job hunters, adult learners, those who speak English as a second language, and anyone who wants to make a good impression Covers the vital essentials needed for better written communication Serves as an excellent refresher course for professionals whose primary mode of communication is increasingly electronic and written Clear and understandable writing can be the key to success in almost any professional field. With English Grammar Essentials For Dummies, you'll master the basics with ease!

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.

The fun way to learn to speak Chinese With more than 1.2 billion speakers across the globe — and with nearly 3 million in the U.S. alone — Mandarin Chinese claims the top spot as the world’s most common language. If you want to learn this language to get ahead at school or work, or to make your travel to China easier, this is the handy reference you’ll want by your side. Chinese For Dummies teaches basic grammar, as well as the necessary vocabulary to make introductions and greetings, use proper etiquette, make small talk, make transportation arrangements, order food and beverages, ask directions, deal with money, shop, access recreation, and handle an emergency. Concentrates on Mandarin Chinese and features new and revised content Includes major updates to all the necessary foundational information needed to speak Chinese Covers grammar, verb conjugations, and pronunciations Offers a refreshed mini-dictionary complete with even more vocabulary Find free conversational audio tracks online As the Chinese economy continues to grow, the importance of Chinese as a trade language will also increase. If you’re a student or business professional who has a basic understanding of the language, you’ll be poised to surpass your peers when it comes to dealing with international markets. So get started today!