Grammar Without Tears

by Tabitha Ormiston-Smith

Learn while you laugh, laugh while you learn, with this short guide to the most egregious errors commonly made in English.

23 pages, ebook

First published May 5, 2013

Reviews

[Rafeeq O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha Ormiston-Smith's Grammar Without Tears is a witty and thoroughly enjoyable little treatise on avoiding those little grammatical errors that really aren't so little after all. The 15 topics covered include the split infinitive, lie and lay, and apostrophe usage, along with perennial homophonous conundra such as there/their/they're and your/you're. At 25 pages, the piece is indeed short enough not to bring on tears either of frustration or of boredom, and the breezy dialogue-based explanations, complete with mock-heroics, ironic anachronisms, and playful flippancy as required, make the book suitable for the erudite and dullard alike. For most writers and speakers, polishing out linguistic gaffes and punctuational problems may not be tops on the "to-do" list, but it should be, and Ormiston-Smith gives a jolly nudge toward correctness that truly can help.

[Georgina Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting much from this book, but shame on me! It's been over 20 years since I was 'taught' how to 'use' the English language and time has made me sloppy. Of course I use it every day, but when it comes to the rules and terminology I am ashamed to say that my 10 year old son has a better grasp than me. I just write what 'looks about right' but he understands the 'why.' This book had me laughing my way through the rules and I am now proud to say that I finally know what it means to 'split the infinitive.' This is actually a lovely book that combines language, literature (in a weird way) and history.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Grammer Without Tears to be a rather amusing read. Tabitha Ormiston-Smith has hit the nail on the head with some of the most common mistakes in using the English language.

[Gisela Hausmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Grammar Without Tears" by Tabitha Ormiston-Smith is hilarious. She presents the typical errors every office employee, who knows his/her grammar, sees every day, because even working adults make them. While it may seem ridiculous to discuss when to use and write your/you're or their/there/they're, I know better. During my time in a particular industry I would get at least one email per day, which stated "Your welcome". I would hope many of the people I worked with there will find this gem. Ormiston-Smith has put together an array of short, funny dialogues , which illustrate the differences. They are poignant and easy to remember.

Red Riding Hood & the Wolf:
W: And what kind of goodies have you got in you're basket?
R: Shame on you, you mangy cur. I'll tell you nothing when you ask so rudely.
W: Rudely? What rudely? I only asked what's in you're basket.
R: Yes, but you said `YOU'RE basket'. `YOU'RE' means `YOU ARE', so that's like calling me a basket. (followed by some harmless swearing, which might attract middle school students, as it would indicate that this is not your run-of-the-mill grammar book).

This wonderful gem fills the void, boring schoolbooks cannot fill. Since the book is short students could even learn the dialogue examples by heart. The examples are so cute and funny, that I imagine even the most uninterested student will laugh and learn.

Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger

[Solease Barner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading "Grammar Without Tears" was not what I expected. I just knew it was going to be a boring English grammar book that your forced to read in school. Boy, was I wrong. I found myself laughing and learning at the same time. I loved how she teaches you the correct way of writing or saying things as you write, with a short example in story form.Being a author, I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing, and reading this book has helped me in a way that was not dreadful. I truly enjoyed this book, and will continue to use this as a reference as I write. I wish I had this when I wrote my first book, but I have it now. I recommend this book "Grammar Without Tears" it's AMAZING! I will make sure to let my daughter read this too. It's for any age and can teach anyone. Make sure to keep this close authors you will have less stress during editing.

[Ben Ditmars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grammar Without Tears creatively teaches grammar through short skits in a modern context. The author uses Batman, Darth Vader, Queen Victoria, and various other fictional characters in her book. If you have trouble understanding they're, their, and there, reflexive pronouns, may/can, or split infinitives, Grammar Without Tears will make them easy to learn. It's astounding as an educational reference, and I can see classrooms benefiting from its use. The only bad thing I can say about it is occasionally the humor and direction of the plays themselves becomes bogged down with grammar information. I would extend the plays a little, as to not condense their messages.

[Pedro Barrento · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very original and creative grammar book. It has been very useful to my wife and I, allowing us to boldly go to any English speaking country and lay down on our hotel beds every night in the certitude that our impeccable English grammar has not failed to impress the locals.
Allow me one small criticism only, if I can: the book is too short. If it were more comprehensive, it would have earned the full five stars.
P.S. (2017): The book now has an expanded second edition and, as my only criticism was that it was too short, the rating has been upgraded to 5 stars.
(Suggestion: reading the book will allow you to correct the mistakes in this review).

[Marc Corn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ebook will give you an amazing insight on grammar and punctuation. I learnt a lot by reading this book, and I'm an author myself.
The book is set out in a simple way, which makes it very easy to understand, and the examples given will help you understand each section with no bother.
If you are looking for an easy to understand grammar and punctuation book, then I would certainly recommend this.

[Chris Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant way to teach simple grammar to young and old.

This covers some of the most mistaken forms by people: the young; the older; and those who should know better.

While "Grammar Without Tears" is not a complete book on grammar and style, it is a good start for those who want write.

Don't let its simplicity deceive you. It's a very useful book that teaches through humorous dialogue between classic literary (and historical) characters.

[Robert Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly-entertaining read. The author has an excellent grasp of humour which she deploys effectively and liberally. I only wish the book was longer. Perhaps there will be a sequel tackling some more advanced grammatical problems? I'd certainly buy a sequel.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ad adorable and witty guide to avoiding grammatical horrors. Congratulations to the author(ess) for making grammar funny.