Split Infinitives, Sister Brenda Marie And CEOs; The Grammar Connection

I imagine almost anyone who was taught grammar by a nun in the 1970s knows the horror of diagramming sentences on the chalk board. As kids, we’re sweating bullets and wondering if Sister Brenda Marie (my sixth-grade English teacher) will be editing our tombstones. But as communication professionals, we’re fair game for being taken to task on any — and all — points of grammar.

We are, after all, supposed to experts, subject matter experts and gurus of the written word. I’ve had several opportunities over the years to argue points of grammar with CEOs who had degrees in English. Losing their confidence as an expert in the written and spoken word is not where we want to be. So here’s a quick set of on-line grammar and writing links to help reinforce the basics.

• You Don’t Say

• John McIntyre, The Baltimore Sun’s assistant managing editor for the copy desk, on language and writing, particularly grammar and usage.

• The Slot

• A grammar Web site written by Bill Walsh, who is chief of the night desk at The Washington Post.

• Grammarphobia

• Grammar blog by Patricia T. O’Conner, author of the best-selling “Woe Is I” and “Words Fail Me,” and Stewart Kellerman.

• Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

• Grammar blog by Mignon Fogerty

• The Columbia Guide to Standard American English

• On-line language handbook, with 6,500 entries.

• The American Heritage Book of English Usage

• Guide to Grammar and Style

• Jack Lynch, Professor in the English department of the Newark campus of Rutgers University.

  
  

And for those nerds who have read to the end…a special link on diagramming sentences. You’re welcome.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/diagrams/diagrams.htm