Are you struggling to use commas and semicolons properly? Some people never grasp this, no matter how many books and guides they go through. You don’t want to be part of them, though! Technology has since made things easier, and there are multiple tools to guide you.
What are the basic concepts to start with?
There are numerous parts of speech; the major parts involve the use of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives. Prepositions, conjunctions and interjections also fall under this category. You’ll also learn about the principles of grammar, which include word order, tense, connectors, and determiners. Punctuation is also a critical aspect of grammar. It involves marks such as;
- Commas
- Dashes
- Colons
- Brackets
- Quotations
- Parentheses
- Ellipsis
- Semicolons
Commas and semicolons are pretty common. However, they are different and are used between independent clauses in compound sentences. Begin by understanding when to use a semicolon and when to use a comma. And this will be beneficial during later stages in the learning process.
Want to learn about the tools? Check them out.
1. Grammarly
Grammarly is popularly used by writers and will help you improve on punctuation and write grammatically correct sentences. It thoroughly checks your grammar and word choice. What’s more? It will show and clarify your mistakes, which makes it a valuable learning tool. Grammarly will aid you if you’re struggling with the fundamentals of grammar. It will also come in handy when you want to spot errors in your written work.
2. The British Council
The British Council is a website dedicated to helping individuals improve on the English language. It’s handy for beginners and those starting from scratch. If you’re seeking to improve your grammar skills, this website would be ideal. It features a wealth of information and other useful resources. These include;
- Short grammar lessons
- Exercises
- Practice games
With this site, you have the option to choose your learning level. Worried about the cost? The tool is free, and you can use it as much as you want.
3. Hemingway
Hemingway resembles Grammarly and operates in a similar manner. But, its design is different, and it very intuitive. The tool will help you identify grammar and spelling mistakes in your written work. That’s not all, though. It will highlight any complex sentences in your draft and offer suggestions for more simplification. Still, the tool helps you to choose sentence structures that match your grammar level.
4. Lousy Writer
Don’t bother about the name! Lousy Writer is a potent tool for all English learners. It will help you communicate more effectively by breaking down sentences into components. It also uses Cheat sheets to help you understand concepts like subject-verb agreement, possessive nouns, homonyms and more.
5. Preply
Most people find it challenging to learn a new language by themselves. If you’re facing the same issue, you can learn grammar online with help from professional tutors. Preply is a platform that pairs learners and private tutors, with lessons being delivered remotely.
With this site, you can work with your private tutor from anywhere. Moreover, you will different grammar concepts ranging from basic grammar, punctuation rules, use of nouns and semicolons and more.
6. Grammar Monster
Grammar Monster is one of the top-rated sites among learners. It’s ideal for advanced students and native speakers and helps a lot in grammar and punctuation. However, if you’re a beginner, you’ll benefit more from sites like the British council or Grammarly.
Final thoughts
Most learners claim that learning grammar and punctuation is tedious. However, many technological tools help learners perfect their grammar skills and ease the process. Acquire the latest grammar books and use the tools mentioned above, and watch yourself improve your grammar skills.