Do you confuse their and they're? It's and its? Compose and comprise?
Or maybe sentence structure throws you for a loop, with commas and semi-colons being especially inscrutable?
Whether or not English is your native language, standard formal English can be challenging! This page contains tips for grammar and the like, but we encourage you to book an appointment with Peter so you can discuss your specifics needs and concerns. Because in the end, language is flexible, and practice will always beat out rule memorization.
It's true: There are rules in English for when you should (and should not) use a comma. This page from Purdue's Online Writing Lab does a fine job of covering some of those rules.
Additionally, some writers find it helpful to read their papers aloud; for them, that action can help them catch any missing commas or awkward phrases.
However, it's also true that rigorously studying the rules of grammar can make it hard for your writing to actually improve. That may sound like a contradiction, so think of it this way: Language is flexible and dynamic, and as a result, our familiarity with it improves the more we engage with it (in this case, reading and writing a whole bunch). If you're busy, instead, studying rules and trying to replicate them, the rigidness may make writing harder, not easier. So as with the tips above, consider the Purdue source as a space for the occasional tip, rather than an ultimate guide.
; versus :
The semicolon (;) can seem tricky, but when its two main uses are broken down, it's actually quite straightforward!
The first way to use the semicolon is to separate two independent clauses. You may be thinking, "Isn't that what a period is for?" and you'd be correct! The difference is, a semicolon connects the two independent clauses in a fresh way.
Consider this example: The Pentateuch was traditionally ascribed to one author; today, most biblical scholars agree that it is an amalgamation of multiple texts by numerous authors.
You could use a period between those two independent clauses, and you'd be absolutely correct; however, by using a semicolon (as I just did a moment ago!), you create a stronger connection between the clauses, and that can be a powerful writing tool in a argumentative or persuasive essay.
By contrast, here is an incorrect use of a semicolon: The Pentateuch was traditionally ascribed to one author; Moses.Those are not two independent clauses, so it's not a time to use a semicolon. If we were to use a colon (:) instead, then the sentence is correct: The Pentateuch was traditionally ascribed to one author: Moses.
The second way to use semicolons is to separate a complex series of items, especially those involving phrases. Although we normally use commas to separate items (this, that, and the third), semicolons offer a harder stop for the reader, and more freedom for you the writer.
Here's an excellent example: The five pillars of Islam are: Shahāda, the testament of faith, publicly stating (in Arabic), “There is no god but God and Muḥammad is His Messenger”; ṣalāt, praying, preferably communally, five times a day facing Mecca; zakāt, or alms-giving; ṣawm, fasting from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramaḍān; and ḥājj, the pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Dhū’l-Ḥijja that every able-bodied Muslim is supposed to perform at least once in her life.
As you can see, separating those items with commas would have resulted in a messy, demanding sentence for the reader; with semicolons, though, all the items are cleanly separated, and the reader can take their time working through the sentence.
Of course, if any of this is unclear, book an appointment with Peter so you can discuss it with him!
While you should use the past tense when writing about events in the past, you should in general use the present tense when paraphrasing an author or setting up a quotation, even if the author is no longer with us. Scholarship is a ongoing discussion. When you read and discuss an author's work, that author is making an argument right now in the present, even if she is dead. So, do not write:
but instead:
Here are some free online platforms that check spelling, grammar, and in some instances, plagiarism. These resources can be helpful, but keep in mind one thing: Human language is nuanced, and computer programs do not understand nuance. We recommend using them for a boost, but not relying on them.
There's no sugarcoating it – English is a difficult language! The readings and videos below offer tips and context to improve your understanding of standard formal English spelling and grammar. Similar to proofreading apps, however, they are no replacement for experience; ultimately, your writing will improve the more you write and read.
For one-one-one tutoring sessions, book an appointment with Peter.