Proper Grammar

[1ARMEDBANDIT]

Is there a good website or book that teaches you proper grammar, how to use the proper words, build sentences where to put that dash or comma, is it that`s or thats for example, when to or when not to use a certain word etc. I saw a programme a few years ago that featured Carol Vordeman, she taught you various techniques on grammer and spelling and she made it so easy very interesting.
I think we could do with more programmes like that.

[bookbinder]

I have a book that you might find interesting. It's: The Complete Plain Words; author Sir Ernest Gowers; second edition revised by Sir Bruce Fraser; publisher Pelican Books; 1975. ISBN 0 14 02.0554 3. It cost me 75 pence, but that was in 1975! It was first published in 1954, and has been reprinted many times since then. I'll give you a few chapter headings: How to draft a letter; Incorrect words and phrases; The choice of words; Jargon and legal language; Metaphors and other showy words; Choosing the precise word; Punctuation; Right and wrong use of the various stops (Apostrophe; Capitals; Colons; Comma; etc.) It's a handy reference book to have when you're not sure about where to put an apostrophe or whatever. I don't know if it's still in print, but it's worth asking at your local bookshop. Best of luck.

[factor-fiction]

Eats Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss (I think) is also a very readable and informative book.

[tyke1]

also:
Usage and Abusage: A Guide to Good English (Penguin Reference Books) (Paperback)
by Eric Partridge (Author)