Improving Your Writing: How Is Your Grammar?

Im a freelance writer, just like you. When I started writing, I wasnt making a lot of money.But its amazing how one or two properly executed grammatical or punctual moves can improve your freelance income.I liken it to dining at your favorite local hamburger place. Almost everyone makes hamburgers, but youre probably sticking to your favorite burger joint for that extra seasoning, better bun or special customer service. When you make that kind of impression with your words, you attract positive attention. When it becomes a trend, youll be looked to as a specialist.

Whats funny is that you dont HAVE to follow every grammatical rule. They dont all apply in the freelance writing world. Just look three sentences up; I started it with because, which is a general grammar no-no. Yet it fits the article.

However, there ARE a few grammatical rules that will stand out if you ever get hired or submit something for public print. These errors are so common Ive seen them show up in public places and businesses worth billions.If you can avoid these errors, youll look a little more polished and above the fray.

1. Its and its. This is the one I have the most problems with, personally. Its will always stand for it is.Its is a possessive.This confuses people because the standard rule for indicating possessives is using an apostrophe before or after s.But Its and Its play different rules. Its no big deal, some might think. But its potential to cause further confusion is great.

2. CDs, Tapes Drinks. Oh, man. This is the one that gets under my skin more than anything. And Ive seen this at Wally World so many times I could cry.As mentioned earlier, apostrophe with s ('s) indicates a possessive. So why would you put it at the end of CD, Tape or Drink if those nouns arent followed by something they posses? I think its just placed because no one knows what to do with apostrophe s and instead try to error on the side of caution.

3. There/their/your/youre. Theres no other way to learn this other than to learn what each word means. There refers to a place; their refers to people. Your is someones thing; youre is short for you are. Probably one of the easier yet overlooked grammatical doh!s.

4. Numbers, numbers, numbers.Youre supposed to spell out every number zero through nine. Once you hit 10, you type out the number.Spell out numbers that begin sentences as well. For clarity Ill alternate if the number is describing an amount of something else indicated by a number. Like fourteen 3/8 sockets. Its just easier to read.

5. Among and between. You use between when its about two people or objects. You use among when its about more than two.

Theres more to this story. You can pick up more grammatical hints through this excerpt from the hilariously funny gramma book,Eats, Shoots and Leaves.

I also have more freelance writing tips on my blog here.