Grammar Rules Every Writer Should Keep in Mind

We're talking commas, subject-verb agreement, and pronouns in this grammar-focused article.

Writing has a lot of rules, and they can be hard to remember when you’re just starting a regular writing routine. Good grammar, however, helps you clearly communicate your thoughts to readers. Your use of grammar and punctuation sends little signals to readers that they need in order to easily read your book. So, while grammar may feel a bit boring for you at times, your future readers will thank you for your attention to detail.

In this post, we’re discussing three important grammar rules—commas, subject-verb agreement, and pronouns—that every writer should keep in mind to ensure high quality in their writing.

How to Use Commas

Commas are one of the most used punctuation marks in the English language, but it’s important to use them correctly. One of the most common mistakes I see writers make is using too few or too many commas.

A comma is used to separate items in a list, after an introductory phrase or clauses in a sentence, and to separate two independent clauses that are joined by a conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, yet, so).

Proper Use of Commas (In Examples)

To Separate Items in a List

Please pick up apples, oranges, and bananas from the grocery store.

To Separate an Introductory Phrase

Meanwhile, the kids played with their toys.

To Separate Two Independent Clauses

Sheila was tired after her overnight shift, so she crawled into bed to take a nap.

Another way you can use commas is to convey the tone of your writing. For example, if you use a comma after an interjection, the comma can emphasize the emotion behind the statement.

Commas with Interjections

Yes, he will apologize.

That’s typically true, however, you may want to consider an alternate route.

How to Achieve Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is another important grammar rule to keep in mind. Each subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

Here’s an incorrect example: The group of students were divided on their opinion.

 In this sentence, the “group” is the subject which is singular. but “were divided” is the verb and it’s plural, which is not correct.

The correct sentence reads: The group of students was divided on its opinion."

Subject-verb agreement is not limited to singular and plural, but also includes verb tense. It’s important to maintain consistency in verb tense throughout a piece of writing. Shifting from one tense to another can confuse the reader and make the writing appear disjointed.

This may seem like a simple rule, but it is one that is often overlooked.

How to Use Pronouns

Pronouns are used to replace nouns in a sentence. They help writers avoid repetition and make your writing more concise. It’s important, however, to correctly use pronouns.

One common mistake I see is when writers use the wrong pronoun for a given situation.

Incorrect: Me went for a walk.

Correct: I went for a walk.

Another mistake I see is when writers use ambiguous pronouns that can refer to more than one noun in a sentence. To avoid confusion, always make sure that the pronoun you are using clearly refers to the intended noun.

Incorrect: When Louise saw her sister, she hugged her.

In that example sentence, it is unclear who the pronouns "she" and "her" are referring to.

Correct: When Louise saw her sister, Louise hugged her.

Question: What grammar rules should we cover next?