Okay, you caught me red handed. So, perhaps I'm no expert when it comes to grammar, but then again: who is? We've all made our mistakes, but the basic principles of our language should come naturally to us all.

Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case, and when it comes to the world of fan-fiction– well, maybe just the whole world in general –you will find more and more evidence to prove just that.

However, your understanding of grammar, and lack thereof, shouldn't stop you from writing, especially when you have this guide to... well, guide you along your journey.

Admittedly I had no idea how I was going to explain the in's and out's grammar, this is because I naturally assumed grammar was equal to a reflex, like a language reflex, and when it comes to reflexes, it should be simple– right? You touch something hot, you flinch away. You step on a Lego, you die. It's as simple as that.

So, what better way to get the Grammar Train rolling than to Google it? Yes, Google that shit.

The definition of grammar reads, "the whole system and structure of a language or of languages in general, usually taken as consisting of syntax and morphology (including inflections) and sometimes also phonology and semantics."

After reading that, I decided to transfer myself all the way over to the Urban Dictionary– a haven of words and sentences that I could actually understand –that's when I came across this divine little quote: "it [grammar], something that has not been adequately defined by some other sources, refers to the rules used to combine words together in order to give meaning within a given language."

There are hundreds of rules when it comes down to it, but the basic ones will refer to sentence structure and parts of speech, which are noun, pronoun, verb, adverb, adjective.

After some brief research, I found a ridiculously simple list that could possibly save your life (and your dignity):

You're / You are
Your / it belongs to you
They're / They are
Their / it belongs to them
There / a place
We're / We are
Were / past tense of 'are'
Where / a place
Then / a point in time
Than / a method of comparison
Two / the number 2
To / indicates motion
Too / also or excessively


Don't fret, sweetheart, if you're having difficulty, return to this list whenever you're unsure. Many people struggle with even the basics of grammar, so hang in there.

Another thing is always, always remembering to edit or, rather, proof read your writing. This will prove helpful when spotting previous mistakes. By getting into a routine of skim reading your chapters, you will also find the amount of errors you find later on will be next to nothing.


On that note, have fun writing and don't forget to vote and subscribe for the next tip/trick!

Notes

This was just the beginning of the whole grammar scenario. I was getting pretty sick of typing the word over and over again, which is why I stuck to the basics and kept it minimal for today.

The topic of grammar is actually really difficult to narrow down, you know? You should probably expect more chapters about this but still, let me know any other ideas you have or would like me to cover.

thanks a bunch (;

-GV