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English Grammar: 100 Tragically Common Mistakes
The practical English grammar guide for perfect writing.
Gone are the days when you worry about embarrassing yourself with pesky misplaced modifiers or dreaded double negatives. Next time you have a nagging grammar question, pick up this practical guide and write with clarity and confidence.
English Grammar spares you the lessons and cuts right to the answers. Designed for fast reference, this book makes it easy to avoid the most cringe-worthy mistakes in the English language—and maybe even make your grade school grammar teacher proud.
Inside English Grammar:
English Grammar goofs—Avoid falling into the most common traps with guidelines for incomplete sentences, possessive pronouns with gerunds, dangling modifiers and more.Word mix-ups—Learn the difference between common word misuses like sex vs. gender, its and it's, whose and who's, the list goes on…Write with style—Make a good (and grammatically correct) impression with every sentence you pen using these easy writing hacks and suggestions.Everyone makes mistakes—but with this English grammar guide you'll make a lot fewer of them. Period.
Gone are the days when you worry about embarrassing yourself with pesky misplaced modifiers or dreaded double negatives. Next time you have a nagging grammar question, pick up this practical guide and write with clarity and confidence.
English Grammar spares you the lessons and cuts right to the answers. Designed for fast reference, this book makes it easy to avoid the most cringe-worthy mistakes in the English language—and maybe even make your grade school grammar teacher proud.
Inside English Grammar:
English Grammar goofs—Avoid falling into the most common traps with guidelines for incomplete sentences, possessive pronouns with gerunds, dangling modifiers and more.Word mix-ups—Learn the difference between common word misuses like sex vs. gender, its and it's, whose and who's, the list goes on…Write with style—Make a good (and grammatically correct) impression with every sentence you pen using these easy writing hacks and suggestions.Everyone makes mistakes—but with this English grammar guide you'll make a lot fewer of them. Period.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2019
580 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 8, 2019
Filled with common writing issues, English Grammar is a fun (yes, actually fun!) way to correct your grammar, punctuation, and word use.
Quick! What is the easiest way to determine whether to use “further” or “farther” and “affect” or “effect”? If you said for the first pair, farther refers to distance, you would be correct! For the second choice, if you said affect is a verb and effect is a noun, you would match what I thought before reading this book. But you would be wrong! Both can be used as nouns or verbs. It depends on usage. Affect is a noun when writing about the flat affect of someone’s face. Effect is a verb when you mean to make happen. You can effect change in your grammar if you read this book. If you wonder how I could be writing a review of a grammar book and start a sentence with “But”, you need to read the author’s section on the changing face of English grammar. Starting a sentence with a conjunction is fully acceptable everywhere but in an English composition class. Just a side note on my side note, does anyone else hear the Conjunction Junction song in their head every time they read or hear the word “conjunction”? They really should bring back the Schoolhouse Rock cartoons.
The author uses clear explanations and examples to explain grammar and punctuation rules. There is even a quiz afterwards for the more complex ideas. There is also a section about the differences between English (from England) and American English. For example, theatre is the English (from England) spelling but theater is the American English spelling. However, just to confuse everyone, Americans use the British spelling when trying to sound refined. Also, Shakespeare used the American spelling. English grammar differences are nothing but inconsistent. Thanks Noah Webster, who the author blames for trying to un-French the English language in An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828.
If you read through my review all the way to this paragraph, you will probably enjoy English Grammar (the book—not necessarily the subject). It is an excellent reference that is short and to the point. And it entertains while it is teaching you something most writers, reviewers, and basically humans, need to use daily. 4 stars!
Thanks to Zephyros Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Quick! What is the easiest way to determine whether to use “further” or “farther” and “affect” or “effect”? If you said for the first pair, farther refers to distance, you would be correct! For the second choice, if you said affect is a verb and effect is a noun, you would match what I thought before reading this book. But you would be wrong! Both can be used as nouns or verbs. It depends on usage. Affect is a noun when writing about the flat affect of someone’s face. Effect is a verb when you mean to make happen. You can effect change in your grammar if you read this book. If you wonder how I could be writing a review of a grammar book and start a sentence with “But”, you need to read the author’s section on the changing face of English grammar. Starting a sentence with a conjunction is fully acceptable everywhere but in an English composition class. Just a side note on my side note, does anyone else hear the Conjunction Junction song in their head every time they read or hear the word “conjunction”? They really should bring back the Schoolhouse Rock cartoons.
The author uses clear explanations and examples to explain grammar and punctuation rules. There is even a quiz afterwards for the more complex ideas. There is also a section about the differences between English (from England) and American English. For example, theatre is the English (from England) spelling but theater is the American English spelling. However, just to confuse everyone, Americans use the British spelling when trying to sound refined. Also, Shakespeare used the American spelling. English grammar differences are nothing but inconsistent. Thanks Noah Webster, who the author blames for trying to un-French the English language in An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828.
If you read through my review all the way to this paragraph, you will probably enjoy English Grammar (the book—not necessarily the subject). It is an excellent reference that is short and to the point. And it entertains while it is teaching you something most writers, reviewers, and basically humans, need to use daily. 4 stars!
Thanks to Zephyros Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 15, 2019
I vividly remember my 7th grade English class and my difficulties with grammar. Despite writing for a day job, I am fully aware that my knowledge at this point is based on training and my love of reading. If my writing sounds okay reading it out loud, I'm fine with it (terrible but true). Thankfully, in reading English Grammar, I'm reminded of my hate/love relationship with English grammar -- and how I will never, ever be a grammarian. The quizzes included in the book are incredibly helpful, as are the 'incorrect' and 'correct' examples given and the 'fun facts' are a nice way to drive the point home. This is a great resource for me in my attempt to improve my writing -- I just hope that the information sticks better than it did from 7th grade.
July 2, 2019
English Grammer: 100 Tragically Common Mistakes by Sean Williams Ph.D. is a great and informative guide to common grammar and punctuation errors. Williams divides the book into easy to understand sections that share examples of common issues, takes a look at the rule for this specific concept and then shares how to correct the issue. Williams does a wonderful job of sharing this information in a teachable manner that comes across as relatable and not condescending which can sometimes happen with this kind of guide.
We all make mistakes and sometimes we just don't know all "the rules". Grammar is something I still struggle with as an adult and as someone who shares a lot of writing on the internet, this guide is a perfect addition to my bookshelf. I often need little reminders about different grammar and punctuation or how to use words more effectively. It is wonderful to have a guide that is helpful but also readable and I know I will refer back to this one over and over again!
Thank you to NetGalley and Callisto Media for an advanced copy of this book.
We all make mistakes and sometimes we just don't know all "the rules". Grammar is something I still struggle with as an adult and as someone who shares a lot of writing on the internet, this guide is a perfect addition to my bookshelf. I often need little reminders about different grammar and punctuation or how to use words more effectively. It is wonderful to have a guide that is helpful but also readable and I know I will refer back to this one over and over again!
Thank you to NetGalley and Callisto Media for an advanced copy of this book.
June 18, 2019
"English Grammar: 100 Tragically Common Mistakes (and How to Correct Them)" is a very helpful and well-organized guide to proper grammar and punctuation. Author Sean Williams teaches--not preaches--and you will enjoy refreshing your writing and word skills. Divided into sections such as: "Grammar Goofs", "Punctuation Saves Lives", "Word To The Wise", and "High Style", the book presents information in an easily-accessible and entertaining manner. There are "cheat sheets" for punctuation and parts of speech, a glossary, and and a list of fifty substitutions that cut over-long phrases down to one concise word. The book's smaller size makes it conveniently portable, and just like a suitcase packed by an expert traveler, it contains a large amount of necessities fitted into a compact space.
Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers
Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers
November 29, 2019
A handy little reference. Has examples to help demonstrate the concepts. A written in A fun way, I think this will help the kids with their writing as well.
March 14, 2021
perfect little review - addresses all those annoying little rules you forget
June 23, 2019
“English Grammar: 100 Tragically Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them” is exactly as advertised; it’s a simple collection of common English grammar errors along with proper corrections.
Having read through this book it helped inform me as to previous grammatical oversights. Furthermore, it will undoubtedly serve as a useful reference for future writing. The author, Sean Williams does an excellent job at making what could easily be a very dry topic, lighthearted and sometimes comical. Another point that stands out is the skillful weaving of classic grammar with modern relevance.
“English Grammar: 100 Tragically Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them” is a useful reference for writers and anyone seeking to become better informed of the English language.
Having read through this book it helped inform me as to previous grammatical oversights. Furthermore, it will undoubtedly serve as a useful reference for future writing. The author, Sean Williams does an excellent job at making what could easily be a very dry topic, lighthearted and sometimes comical. Another point that stands out is the skillful weaving of classic grammar with modern relevance.
“English Grammar: 100 Tragically Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them” is a useful reference for writers and anyone seeking to become better informed of the English language.
July 21, 2019
Not A Great Teacher
I ordered this book in hopes of improving my grammar, esp. while writing. In several situations, I didn't really understand the correct way because the author never gave the correct form for the incorrect form. For example, three incorrect statements are provided such as:
We've went to work every day this year.
Their cousin gone home.
My grandad said that he gone fishing.
Then the correct use is provided this way:
The irregular verb to go uses simple past tense-went-to indicate something that may still be happening. Where is he? He went to the store. (Maybe he's still there!) When you include a variant of the auxiliary verb to have, it changes into the perfect tense. Using have means the action is complete: Their cousin has gone home. (He isn't returning!) You never have went anywhere though.
In the above example, I do understand how to use Gone and Went, so I already understood how to use the words properly. My problem is the author doesn't always clarify or properly illustrate concepts so that someone looking to improve their grammar (like me!) can clearly see this is the wrong way & this is the correct way.
Sometimes, the author does clearly provide a correct form for the incorrect form. It's very frustrating. What I did learn from reading this book, is that I do have a pretty good understanding of English grammar & punctuation. I'm not as clueless as I worried I was. One shocking discovery was that I don't have to double space after a period. Apparently, this was necessary for typewriters, but is no longer necessary for today's modern devices. Now I have to break a nearly 35 year habit!
Overall, this book did teach me a few things, & confused the hell out of me on others. It's an okay book. I think I would have appreciated a book that was less witty & more to the point in explaining correct vs. incorrect usage.
I ordered this book in hopes of improving my grammar, esp. while writing. In several situations, I didn't really understand the correct way because the author never gave the correct form for the incorrect form. For example, three incorrect statements are provided such as:
We've went to work every day this year.
Their cousin gone home.
My grandad said that he gone fishing.
Then the correct use is provided this way:
The irregular verb to go uses simple past tense-went-to indicate something that may still be happening. Where is he? He went to the store. (Maybe he's still there!) When you include a variant of the auxiliary verb to have, it changes into the perfect tense. Using have means the action is complete: Their cousin has gone home. (He isn't returning!) You never have went anywhere though.
In the above example, I do understand how to use Gone and Went, so I already understood how to use the words properly. My problem is the author doesn't always clarify or properly illustrate concepts so that someone looking to improve their grammar (like me!) can clearly see this is the wrong way & this is the correct way.
Sometimes, the author does clearly provide a correct form for the incorrect form. It's very frustrating. What I did learn from reading this book, is that I do have a pretty good understanding of English grammar & punctuation. I'm not as clueless as I worried I was. One shocking discovery was that I don't have to double space after a period. Apparently, this was necessary for typewriters, but is no longer necessary for today's modern devices. Now I have to break a nearly 35 year habit!
Overall, this book did teach me a few things, & confused the hell out of me on others. It's an okay book. I think I would have appreciated a book that was less witty & more to the point in explaining correct vs. incorrect usage.
August 4, 2019
It’s hard to tell the degree to which a mistake is serious or forgivable if every mistake is tragic. Amusing when someone was such a stickler for the use of literal. Some good ones, but some unnecessarily strident when really a question of spoken v writing
August 12, 2019
English Grammar - the title itself is enough to scare most people, but don't let that stop you from purchasing this valuable book. As the subtitle says, the author pulled together the most common grammatical mistakes made by people who speak English. Then she explains each of these classic mistakes and walks the reader through understanding what they should do to keep from making them in the future.
If you are like me, as you read through these pages you begin to see yourself or those with whom you speak. Sometimes it is a little embarrassing to realize that what you have been saying is wrong even though it sounds so right to your ear. Along the way, Williams gives the reader tidbits and clues to help us keep from falling into these classic grammatical sinkholes. One I liked was, slow down and think before you write. You're much less likely to make mistakes in your writing if you will do this very simple thing.
Everyone who writes, whether professionally or just for their own pleasure, should have a copy of this book in their library. Read it through in order to understand how to communicate more effectively in what arguably is one of the more difficult languages in the world - ask anyone who has tried to learn English as an adult. It is an easy and entertaining book to read. Keep the book as a reference to help you make sure these common errors do not continually crop back into your prose.
We all want to communicate better. Every so often we need help. Here it is, so take advantage of it.
Upon request the publisher sent me a copy of the book to review.
If you are like me, as you read through these pages you begin to see yourself or those with whom you speak. Sometimes it is a little embarrassing to realize that what you have been saying is wrong even though it sounds so right to your ear. Along the way, Williams gives the reader tidbits and clues to help us keep from falling into these classic grammatical sinkholes. One I liked was, slow down and think before you write. You're much less likely to make mistakes in your writing if you will do this very simple thing.
Everyone who writes, whether professionally or just for their own pleasure, should have a copy of this book in their library. Read it through in order to understand how to communicate more effectively in what arguably is one of the more difficult languages in the world - ask anyone who has tried to learn English as an adult. It is an easy and entertaining book to read. Keep the book as a reference to help you make sure these common errors do not continually crop back into your prose.
We all want to communicate better. Every so often we need help. Here it is, so take advantage of it.
Upon request the publisher sent me a copy of the book to review.
August 4, 2019
Handy, interactive guide to common grammar, punctuation, and word usage errors.
Divided into four chapters on grammar, punctuation, word usage, and "high style" (i.e., style and syntax), the book provides short lessons, briefly explaining the issue, giving examples incorrect and correct usage, explanation, and often, an interactive quiz. Some of the topics are quite basic (e.g., homophones such as there/they're/their and accept/except), while others are more complex (e.g., possessive pronouns with gerunds). The explanations are not always clear, presumably particularly for those who do not already know the rules by ear or experience.
Further, the book's value would be heightened by an index, making it easier to find various topics. However, the it is written with good humor and enlivened by amusing illustrations and artwork.
A fun way to brush up on grammar, and learn why those pesky rules exist.
Divided into four chapters on grammar, punctuation, word usage, and "high style" (i.e., style and syntax), the book provides short lessons, briefly explaining the issue, giving examples incorrect and correct usage, explanation, and often, an interactive quiz. Some of the topics are quite basic (e.g., homophones such as there/they're/their and accept/except), while others are more complex (e.g., possessive pronouns with gerunds). The explanations are not always clear, presumably particularly for those who do not already know the rules by ear or experience.
Further, the book's value would be heightened by an index, making it easier to find various topics. However, the it is written with good humor and enlivened by amusing illustrations and artwork.
A fun way to brush up on grammar, and learn why those pesky rules exist.
January 21, 2020
A useful review of English Grammar with useful tips for remembering them.
This book is for students learning grammar, writers who are perplexed by a grammar rule and anyone needing a refresher. The author lists a common mistake, such as who/whom, provides incorrect and correct usage, a memory tip and a quiz with an explanation for which I am terrible. The author suggests that since language has been relaxed, we may let those prepositions fly.
Highly recommended. The grammar rules we need in a short, clear and concise manner. This should be in every library, personal, educational or business.
I received an ARC from Castillo Media through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do
This book is for students learning grammar, writers who are perplexed by a grammar rule and anyone needing a refresher. The author lists a common mistake, such as who/whom, provides incorrect and correct usage, a memory tip and a quiz with an explanation for which I am terrible. The author suggests that since language has been relaxed, we may let those prepositions fly.
Highly recommended. The grammar rules we need in a short, clear and concise manner. This should be in every library, personal, educational or business.
I received an ARC from Castillo Media through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do
July 7, 2019
I am a proud grammar snob, so this book immediately drew my attention. Modeled as a workbook, Dr. Williams provides short grammar lessons followed by short tests of the reader's grammar. I loved this! I think everyone needs to have a copy of this handy to brush up on their grammar from time to time. English is definitely a tricky language, but I cannot quantify the amount of times I've cringed from improper grammar use.
I received a PDF of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a PDF of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2022
As a self-proclaimed "grammar nerd," I found this to be a good read. However, some of the explanations and the way she organized her incorrect and correct examples were a bit confusing. Rather than presenting 3 or 4 incorrect sentences followed by a paragraph explanation on what should have been done, I would have used a table with the incorrect and correct examples side by side, followed by a paragraph explanation. Additionally, she fails to make note of some exceptions to the rules she presents. Some discussion of style guides and their differing conventions would have been useful.
June 21, 2019
This will be a handy reference for editing newsletters and copy. Set vs sit. Lay vs lie. Less vs fewer. And help with punctuation - who doesn’t need to brush up on some of this? Will be using this booklet for quick help tips and as a guide. My copy was received from the publisher but did not influence my review.
July 8, 2022
This book belongs on every bookshelf
I love the format of this book. It enables a writer to have a quick reference or a cover to cover read. There are helpful memory tips included with many of the rules. The more to know sections also provide helpful context. Perfect read for anyone who wants to improve their writing.
I love the format of this book. It enables a writer to have a quick reference or a cover to cover read. There are helpful memory tips included with many of the rules. The more to know sections also provide helpful context. Perfect read for anyone who wants to improve their writing.
July 9, 2019
A quick and easy to use reference guide
This handy book presents grammar rules in a fun and easy to use manner. It full of information, explanations, and examples. The rules are short and to the point. A good size book (5”x8”) to keep in a backpack, tote, or desk.
ARC provided by the publisher
This handy book presents grammar rules in a fun and easy to use manner. It full of information, explanations, and examples. The rules are short and to the point. A good size book (5”x8”) to keep in a backpack, tote, or desk.
ARC provided by the publisher
September 8, 2023
Excellent Primer
This is an excellent guide of grammar and an fantastic resource to either jog one’s memory about a grammar rule or provide instruction. Highly recommend adding this to your library—be the reader a child or a working adult.
This is an excellent guide of grammar and an fantastic resource to either jog one’s memory about a grammar rule or provide instruction. Highly recommend adding this to your library—be the reader a child or a working adult.
July 7, 2019
This is a book that everyone should own AND use! Bad grammar is a pet peeve of mine, so this was the perfect book for me. I highly recommend it!
January 22, 2020
Had some good examples, but also had a lot of things that I thought was blatantly obvious.
May 6, 2020
The book is wonderful! I read it with such fascination as if it were not an English grammar book, but a collection of short detective stories!
Read
September 27, 2021Short, fun and witty. This is the only English grammar book I have managed to finish so far. Which makes it the best book on grammar I have ever read!
May 19, 2023
Five stars for an entertaining book on grammar. My favorite chapter was titled “Punctuation saves lives.” Who knew grammar, or rather grammarians, could be funny!
October 2, 2025
I don't think I make too many grammatical errors ... until now. So many rules, but I still speak good.
December 6, 2019
Excellent resource for people who want to write better
I liked this book because It helped me improve my english level.
Recomended for all writers who want to write correctly and for those who, like me, are learning English.
I liked this book because It helped me improve my english level.
Recomended for all writers who want to write correctly and for those who, like me, are learning English.
January 6, 2020
A book to improve your writing skills that doesn't make you feel like you are being lectured. Some of the things pointed out are actually pretty amusing. I am going to have to keep this one around to read through slowly from time to time.
July 21, 2019
Rudimentary from the beginning
Some of these entries are so basic and others incomplete or just plain wrong. I can't believe I paid for this.
Some of these entries are so basic and others incomplete or just plain wrong. I can't believe I paid for this.
October 19, 2019
This grammar guide is thorough but to the point and easily accessible. The layout is clean and fun. This is a great little reference book to have.
I received and ARC from NetGalley.
I received and ARC from NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews