It is helpful to all people past their earliest years of schooling to improve English writing skill. Although schools may no longer emphasize grammar and spelling, and computer programs can help avoid the most egregious errors in these areas, a person who can express ideas in flowing prose will always find this a great advantage.

If English is the birth language, and correct grammar is used in speaking, it will be easier to avoid mistakes in writing. Simply by reading a piece of prose out loud, mistakes like missing punctuation and incomplete sentences will be obvious. The natural pauses in speech will show you where a comma or a period will be needed. A sentence without a clear noun or verb, or with incorrect tenses, will sound wrong when verbalized aloud.

For those who have learned this language at school, it will be harder to find the best word or to prevent errors. However, mistakes can still be avoided if extra care is taken. For instance, when searching for words with similar meanings, to keep from over-using one pertinent word or phrase, look up a synonym to get a more precise idea of its meaning. Replacing the word \’skin\’ with \’rind\’ will work if you are writing about fruit, but not in a discussion of cosmetics to use for a smooth complexion.

For both natives and those who learn the language later, a knowledge of basic grammar is indispensable. Fortunately, it is not hard to learn to diagram a sentence. Knowing how to distinguish the main noun or nouns and the corresponding subject(s) will make your sentences make sense. Once you choose the main noun, and make sure the verb agrees with it, you can ensure that the main clause is complete and make sure all phrases are correctly attached.

It is also vital to master the main rules of punctuation. At first, it is best to use simple sentences that need only a period at the end, or at most one comma if the idea is more complex. The rule of using an apostrophe is often ignored – to the writer\’s peril – but are actually very simple. A few short lessons completely mastered will make the whole rest of your writing career immensely more rewarding.

A short sentence is always easier to handle than a long, complicated one. It is important to realize that shorter sentences are easier for the reader, as well. Using precise words that accurately convey both sense and a visual picture will make even simple phrasing a pleasure to read.

If you want to write well, it is important to do it as much as possible. You will not want to try your skills only on important documents. Try to express yourself well whether you are writing an email or an article destined for publication. When you are reading a book or a newspaper, notice how the author uses words. You will find many examples of good writing and also of errors that you will want to avoid.

Of course, anyone who wishes to improve English writing skills will need to pay close attention to proofreading, or going over a finished passage to catch errors. It is a good idea to take at least a short break after the first draft so that you mind can take a fresh look at your work. Many people find it easier to proof their written pieces in hard copy rather than on the computer screen, so they print off a copy to correct.

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