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Dani Alcorn and Ellen Feld

Ensure your writing is polished and professional, every time.

This course gives you the tools you need to ensure your writing is always polished and professional.

Every lesson offers a discussion area where you can ask questions and receive feedback.

You will:

Read more

Ensure your writing is polished and professional, every time.

This course gives you the tools you need to ensure your writing is always polished and professional.

Every lesson offers a discussion area where you can ask questions and receive feedback.

You will:

  • Impress readers and publishers.

    Polished, professional prose is necessary for your writing career, whether you plan to self-publish your work or seek traditional publication. Agents, publishers, and, most importantly, readers expect excellence.

  • Learn on your own schedule.

    This course is self-paced. You can take it on your schedule. You never have to wait for the next lesson to become available or worry about losing access after an arbitrary amount of time.

  • Prepare for a successful publishing career.

    Writing Academy graduates go on to successful traditional and self-publishing careers. Our students are award-winners and Amazon Best Sellers.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Building blocks: establish a strong foundation in the basic units of grammar, including parts of speech, rules, and tricky situations.
  • Structuring sentences: learn to craft complete, grammatically correct sentences.
  • Advanced parts of speech: dig deeper and master things like tense and proper pronoun usage, and learn to avoid common pitfalls.
  • Advanced sentence structure: learn the techniques and rules to bring your prose to life. identify common errors and craft compelling solutions that demonstrate your writing prowess.
  • Technical elements: master punctuation to avoid amateur mistakes and polish your writing.
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Establish a strong foundation in the basic units of grammar, including parts of speech, rules, and tricky situations.
Introduction
The Building Blocks
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers capitalization rules, which are essential for writers seeking to present their work in a professional and polished manner
Explores the nuances of pronoun usage, which is a common area of concern for writers aiming for clarity and precision
Examines sentence fragments and run-on sentences, which are common errors that can detract from the readability of written work
Teaches the correct usage of various verb tenses, voices, and moods, which is crucial for conveying the intended meaning in writing
Requires learners to understand the basics of grammar, which may be challenging for those with limited prior exposure to the subject
Focuses on advanced sentence structure, which may not be immediately relevant for beginners who are still learning the fundamentals

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Reviews summary

Polish your writing with grammar mastery

According to learners, this course is highly effective for writers looking to improve their grammar and polish their prose. Students consistently highlight the instructor's ability to break down complex grammar rules into understandable and actionable lessons. Many found the content directly applicable to their writing, whether for essays, fiction, or professional communication, leading to noticeable improvement in their work. The self-paced format and structured modules are also frequently praised, making it easy to learn on one's own schedule. While most find it suitable for improving existing skills, some reviewers imply it's particularly beneficial for those needing a solid refresh or foundation, potentially being less challenging for very advanced grammarians.
Excellent for solidifying or reviewing grammar basics.
"This course was a fantastic refresher for me. It solidified a lot of rules I was shaky on."
"If you need to brush up on grammar fundamentals and common writing errors, this is a great resource."
"While I knew some of it, the course helped me understand the *why* behind the rules much better."
"It's suitable if you have some grammar knowledge but want to be more precise and confident."
"Good for intermediate writers who want to eliminate common mistakes."
Organized lessons you can take on your own time.
"I loved that I could take this course at my own pace. The lessons are well-organized and easy to follow."
"The structure, moving from building blocks to advanced concepts, makes perfect sense."
"It's great to be able to revisit lessons whenever I need a refresher without deadlines."
"The self-paced nature was perfect for my busy schedule..."
"Each lesson felt bite-sized and manageable, which kept me motivated to continue."
Directly applicable insights to improve writing.
"This course has been invaluable for polishing my fiction writing. I feel much more confident in my sentence structure."
"Learning how to identify and fix run-on sentences and fragments has made a huge difference in my essay writing."
"The lessons on punctuation, especially comma usage, immediately helped me clean up my professional emails."
"I learned practical techniques and rules to bring my prose to life and craft compelling solutions..."
"This is exactly what I needed to make my writing shine. It’s perfect for anyone serious about writing quality."
Complex rules explained simply and clearly.
"The instructor has a gift for breaking down complex grammar concepts into simple, easy-to-understand lessons."
"I found the explanations on tricky topics like subject-verb agreement and pronoun usage incredibly clear."
"This course made grammar feel much less intimidating. They really break it down step by step."
"Complex grammar rules were simplified effectively, making them easy to grasp and apply to my writing."
"I appreciate how the modules focus on one concept at a time, making it easy to absorb the information."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English Grammar for Writers: Be Polished and Professional with these activities:
Review Parts of Speech
Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental building blocks of grammar before diving into more complex topics.
Browse courses on Parts of speech
Show steps
  • Review definitions and examples of each part of speech.
  • Complete online quizzes to test your knowledge.
  • Identify parts of speech in sample sentences.
Read 'The Elements of Style'
Develop a strong sense of style and learn to write with clarity and precision.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the rules and principles of style.
  • Apply the principles to your own writing, paying attention to word choice, sentence structure, and paragraph organization.
  • Refer to the book as a reference guide when editing your work.
Read 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation'
Gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of punctuation and its impact on effective communication.
Show steps
  • Read the book, paying attention to the examples provided.
  • Take notes on key punctuation rules and their applications.
  • Reflect on how punctuation affects the clarity of your own writing.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Sentence Diagramming Exercises
Improve your understanding of sentence structure by visually representing the relationships between words and phrases.
Show steps
  • Find online resources or workbooks with sentence diagramming exercises.
  • Diagram a variety of sentences, focusing on identifying subjects, predicates, and modifiers.
  • Check your diagrams against answer keys or seek feedback from others.
Create a Grammar Style Guide
Synthesize your knowledge of grammar rules and best practices into a comprehensive style guide for your own use or for others.
Show steps
  • Research and compile a list of grammar rules and style guidelines.
  • Organize the rules into a logical and easy-to-navigate format.
  • Provide examples to illustrate each rule.
  • Share your style guide with others and solicit feedback.
Write and Edit a Short Story
Apply your grammar knowledge in a creative writing project, focusing on crafting grammatically correct and stylistically polished prose.
Show steps
  • Write a short story of approximately 1000-1500 words.
  • Revise and edit your story, paying close attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
  • Seek feedback from peers or writing groups.
  • Make final revisions based on feedback received.
Tutor other students in grammar
Solidify your understanding of grammar concepts by explaining them to others and helping them overcome their difficulties.
Show steps
  • Offer to tutor classmates or other students who are struggling with grammar.
  • Prepare explanations and examples to illustrate key concepts.
  • Provide constructive feedback on their writing.

Career center

Learners who complete English Grammar for Writers: Be Polished and Professional will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Copywriter
A Copywriter crafts persuasive and engaging content for advertising and marketing campaigns. This role demands a strong command of grammar and style to create compelling copy that resonates with target audiences. This course helps Copywriters refine their writing skills to produce clear, concise, and error-free content. The modules on sentence structure and technical elements are particularly useful for ensuring accuracy and impact. The course's emphasis on polished, professional prose directly translates to a Copywriter's ability to deliver high-quality work that impresses clients and drives results.
Editor
An Editor reviews and refines written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. Editors often work on manuscripts, articles, or web content, possessing an exceptional eye for detail and a thorough understanding of grammar. This course may be particularly helpful for Editors. It provides a structured approach to mastering grammar rules and sentence construction. The course modules on advanced parts of speech and advanced sentence structure can help an Editor identify and correct errors effectively. The emphasis on technical elements helps hone an Editor's ability to polish writing to perfection.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates clear and concise documentation for complex products and services. Precision and accuracy are paramount in this role, as technical documentation often requires strict adherence to grammatical rules and style guidelines. This course helps Technical Writers develop proficiency in grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. The modules on structuring sentences and technical elements are particularly relevant, enabling the writer to produce documentation that is easily understood and free of errors. By mastering these skills, Technical Writers can enhance the usability and effectiveness of their documentation.
Grant Writer
A Grant Writer researches and composes proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and other organizations. This position requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to write persuasively and professionally. This course may be particularly helpful for Grant Writers. It provides a solid foundation in grammar and sentence structure, essential for crafting compelling grant proposals. The course's focus on advanced sentence structure assists in conveying complex ideas clearly and concisely. A Grant Writer who completes this course will be adept at producing polished proposals that meet the highest standards of quality.
Journalist
A Journalist investigates and reports on current events for newspapers, magazines, websites, and broadcast media. Accurate and clear writing is essential for conveying information effectively and maintaining credibility. This course helps Journalists master grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation, ensuring their reporting is error-free and easy to understand. The modules on technical elements may be particularly useful for polishing their writing. A Journalist who has completed this course can produce high-quality articles that inform and engage their audience.
Content Strategist
A Content Strategist plans, develops, and manages written content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms. Excellent writing skills are crucial for creating engaging and effective content. This course may be particularly helpful for Content Strategists. It provides a solid foundation in grammar and sentence structure. The course's focus on advanced sentence structure helps the Content Strategist craft clear and concise copy, while the technical elements modules teach the importance of impeccable writing and attention to detail. This can help a Content Strategist produce content that captivates and converts.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages communication between an organization and the public. This requires strong writing skills to craft press releases, speeches, and other materials that present the organization in a favorable light. This course may be particularly helpful for Public Relations Specialists. It provides a comprehensive understanding of grammar and sentence structure, essential for creating clear and impactful messages. The course's modules on sentence structure and technical elements help ensure accuracy and professionalism in all communications. A Public Relations Specialist who completes this course can effectively convey their organization's message to the public.
Web Content Manager
A Web Content Manager oversees the creation, organization, and maintenance of content on a website. This demands strong attention to detail and excellent writing skills to ensure content is accurate, engaging, and error-free. This course may be particularly helpful for a Web Content Manager. It provides a foundation in grammar and sentence structure, essential for crafting compelling website content. The course's focus on advanced sentence structure can help the Web Content Manager craft clear and concise copy. This can help a Web Content Manager improve the user experience and achieve website goals.
Proofreader
A Proofreader is responsible for reviewing documents to identify and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style. Attention to detail is paramount in this role, coupled with a strong understanding of grammar rules and conventions. This course may be particularly helpful for Proofreaders. It offers an in-depth review of grammar and sentence structure, allowing for the identification of even the most subtle errors. The course's modules on technical elements help improve a Proofreader’s ability to polish writing to perfection. As a result, the Proofreader can ensure the accuracy and quality of written materials.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and creates educational materials for courses and training programs. Clarity and accuracy are essential in this role, as the materials must effectively convey information to learners. This course may be helpful for Curriculum Developers. It may provide a strong foundation in grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation, ensuring that educational materials are error-free and easy to understand. The modules on structuring sentences and technical elements may be particularly useful for creating clear and engaging content. Curriculum Developers who have taken this course can enhance the effectiveness of their training programs.
Librarian
A Librarian is a professional who helps people find information and resources. They may also be responsible for cataloging and managing library materials. Strong writing skills are important for creating clear and accurate descriptions of library resources. This course may be helpful for Librarians. It provides a solid foundation in grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. Librarians who have taken this course can improve their ability to communicate effectively with library patrons.
Educator
An Educator teaches students in a variety of settings, from elementary schools to universities. Clear and effective communication is essential for conveying information and engaging students. This course may be helpful for Educators. It provides a foundational understanding of grammar and sentence structure, enabling Educators to communicate with clarity and precision. Educators who complete this course may enhance their ability to present information effectively and foster a strong learning environment.
Legal Assistant
A Legal Assistant supports attorneys by preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing files. Attention to detail and accuracy are crucial in this role, as legal documents must be error-free and comply with specific formatting requirements. This course may be helpful for Legal Assistants. It provides a solid foundation in grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation, which supports the creation of accurate and professional legal documents. Legal Assistants who take this course may enhance their ability to contribute to the efficient operation of a legal practice.
Executive Assistant
An Executive Assistant provides administrative support to senior executives, managing schedules, handling correspondence, and preparing reports. Strong writing skills are important for communicating effectively on behalf of the executive. This course may be helpful for Executive Assistants. It provides a solid foundation in grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation, thus enabling the Executive Assistant to draft clear and professional communications. Taking this course may enhance one's ability to effectively support senior leadership.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager manages an organization's presence on social media platforms. While visual content is important, compelling written content is also necessary to engage followers and build brand awareness. This course may be helpful for Social Media Managers. It provides a foundational understanding of grammar and sentence structure. While not the primary focus of the role, Social Media Managers may benefit from improved writing skills for crafting engaging captions and community updates.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in English Grammar for Writers: Be Polished and Professional.
Humorous and informative guide to punctuation. It highlights the importance of correct punctuation and the potential for miscommunication when it is used incorrectly. It fun and engaging way to learn about punctuation rules and improve writing skills. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

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