Writing 101: I Have a Story! Now What? // The Grammar Edit

Hello everyone! Hope you are having a lovely Friday! This is the next to the last post in this series on the writing process! Hard to believe it isn’t it? My 2nd completed Series! (Click here for the 1st post in my 1st completed Series. Click here for the last post in this current series!!)

Oh dear. This is a post on grammar and I just totally abused the exclamation points. So sorry…
 
Okay, so I don’t have a set process for the grammar edit…because, I don’t do it! My Grandpa Miller is a retired English teacher, so he has graciously agreed to edit my work for me. However, I will gladly list a few grammar mistakes that you can look for in your work.
 
1.The Comma Splice. This is something to watch for and that my grandpa is constantly showing me.
 
Wrong way Ex.: Bobby ran down the stairs, at a rapid pace.
 
At a rapid pace is not a complete sentence. As a general rule, you should only use commas to separate two complete thoughts.
 
Right way Ex.: Bobby ran down the stairs, and he jumped over the boxes in his way.
 
Of course, there are exceptions…
 
Jumping over the boxes, Bobby continued his rapid pursuit.
Bobby turned, cocked his head, and continued on his way.
 
2.Improper use of Exclamation Points! See what I did there? Hee, hee 😉 I love exclamation points and probably use them too much, as you all probably know. But seriously, sometimes it comes across as if you are yelling at someone the entire time. I understand it conveys excitement too, but as a rule, keep it to a minimum in your writing. This will be something I will combat until I am old and gray haired…
 
When in doubt, use a period.
 
3. A dangling Modifier. My brother-in-law actually taught me about this (via my sister😉).
 
Ex. While walking across the yard, the bike plowed into Joey.
 
Now, this is a bit confusing, as we are picturing a bike walking across the yard. Here’s how to fix this.
 
Ex. While walking across the yard, Joey was plowed over by a bike.
 
Okay, so maybe not the best example, but that’s the gist of it.
 
4. Passed vs. Past.  I’ll make this simple, even though I get them mixed up all the time.
 
Ex. I passed him on the road.
Ex. It’s in the past.
 
5.There, Their and They’re. Elementary, I know, but so many times these get misused! Here’s some examples of proper use.
 
Ex. I put the napkins over there. There, it’s finished!
Ex. Their house is on my street.
Ex. They’re moving to Nebraska. When they find out, They’re not gonna be happy.
 
There are many grammar rules, these are just some of my nemesis! Stay tuned for next month’s posts! We’re gonna have so much fun! It’s Christmas after all!
 
In Christ,
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22