Spelling and Grammar

Spelling

• You are EXPECTED to know the difference between:
  • their, there, they're
  • where, we're, wear, were
  • here, hear
  • & many others!
• Use the spell checker carefully!
• NEVER select 'change all'.

Basic Grammar

• Common problems:
• Punctuation
• Capitals and full stops
• All sentences must start with a capital.
• All sentences should end with a full stop.
• You can not put a full stop in the place of a comma.
• Commas
• A good basic rule is to put a comma where you would normally take a breath when you read the sentence out loud.
• If you are short of breath, be sparing!
• Apostrophes
• Apostrophes denote possession except in a few cases where they indicate a contraction.
• Basil's pocket calculator.
• Murgatroyd's slide rule.
• James's lab coat.
• The dog wagged its tail.
• It's a bright, sunny day.
• Do not put an apostrophe at the end of every word ending in 's'. (It happens!)
• Keep sentences short!
• Make sure they make sense!
• Do not change topic half way through a sentence!
• Read over your work when it is finished. Some spelling and grammar mistakes will stand out.
• Get someone else to read your work - they will spot more errors than you ever will.
• For further help with English language skills, please contact: