Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips
Witty podcasts and posts offer language tips and tricks.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this website.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this tip-based site features interesting, well-written posts and podcasts on punctuation, word choice, grammar, and style. Grammar Girl often examines in-depth topics but is never boring. The entries are written in a lighthearted tone, and the site addresses minute grammar conflicts along with more common, everyday usage questions. Teens may be more interested in the content than younger kids who are still learning the basics. But you don't need to be an English major to appreciate the site.
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Great site for writers of any age!
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What’s It About?
Grammar Girl writer Mignon Fogarty, who holds degrees from the University of Washington and Stanford, provides writing and usage tips in podcasts and posts. The site covers general grammar questions and more nuanced topics, like why \"explain\" has an \"i\" in it but \"explanation\" doesn't. The posts are fun to read because they're conversational and creative. The author, for example, compares certain usage rules to \"a rebellious Mohawk haircut\" and calls uncommon figures of speech \"the paprika, cardamom, and saffron of language.\"
Is It Any Good?
Grammar Girl offers language and usage instruction through the Quick and Dirty Tips network of sites. (Other sections feature science info from Everyday Einstein, health tips from House Call Doctor, and parenting advice from Mighty Mommy.) Grammar Girl -- a.k.a. Mignon Fogarty, a former magazine and technical writer who is also Quick and Dirty Tips' founder -- offers writing and usage tips through blog posts, podcasts, and newsletters. Audio podcast files feature in-depth but accessible advice on grammatical issues like correctly using the adverb "only" in sentences; users can also opt to read written descriptions of questions sent to the site. Most posts also include helpful examples and citations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what grammar concepts your kids find interesting. Are there other school subjects that they want to learn more about? Check out our School Performance Tips guide to see how technology can help your kids be academically successful.
Users can post comments about each post. What kind of things are OK to post if you are confused or disagree with another comment?
What comments might be hurtful to say when you're posting a response to something?
Website Details
- Subjects: Language & Reading: speaking, writing clearly
- Skills: Self-Direction: academic development, personal growth, Communication: conveying messages effectively, speaking
- Genre: Educational
- Pricing structure: Free
- Last updated: September 4, 2018
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