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Saturday, April 10, 2010

Grammatical errors

8 I hope you all have a enjoyable stay.3 I hope you all have an enjoyable stay.Always use an (NOT a ) before a word beginning with a vowel sound: ‘an egg’, ‘an envelope’.28 My husband is doing a MS in civil engineering.Use an (NOT a) before an abbreviation that begins with a vowel sound: ‘an MS’ /6em 'es/, ‘an MA’ /6em 'eI/.38 Sometimes it is difficult to live a
honest life.
.3 Sometimes it is difficult to live an honest life.Use an (NOT a ) before words beginning with h when the h is not pronounced: ‘an honor’, ‘an hour’.48 A bottle of milk is in the fridge.3 There is a bottle of milk in the fridge.
8 A party will be at the language school.3 There will be a party at the language school.In many sentences, the verb be is used to mean ‘exist’ or ‘take place’. If the subject has not been mentioned before, it is placed immediately after the verb and the sentence begins with there .

Longman Interactive American Dictionary©Addison Wesley Longman 1997

Sunday, January 31, 2010

The preposition at,in and on

at in on
at home in a car on a bus
at work in a taxi on a train
at school in a helicopter on a plane
at university in a boat on a ship
at college in a lift (elevator) on a bicycle, on a motorbike
at the top in the newspaper on a horse, on an elephant
at the bottom in the sky on the radio, on television
at the side in a row on the left, on the right
at reception in Oxford Street on the way

The preposition at,in and on

at in on
at home in a car on a bus
at work in a taxi on a train
at school in a helicopter on a plane
at university in a boat on a ship
at college in a lift (elevator) on a bicycle, on a motorbike
at the top in the newspaper on a horse, on an elephant
at the bottom in the sky on the radio, on television
at the side in a row on the left, on the right
at reception in Oxford Street on the way

The preposition at,in and on

at in on
at home in a car on a bus
at work in a taxi on a train
at school in a helicopter on a plane
at university in a boat on a ship
at college in a lift (elevator) on a bicycle, on a motorbike
at the top in the newspaper on a horse, on an elephant
at the bottom in the sky on the radio, on television
at the side in a row on the left, on the right
at reception in Oxford Street on the way

How to Affect Your Bottom Line by Improving Your English Writing Skills

“If writing had secrets, then writers’ sons would all be writers.” - Lu Xun

Are there really “secrets” to writing, as all those books and articles continually promise? Or is developing English writing skills just a function of experience?

While there are particular skills and techniques that can help you turn out better copy, they’re not secret. In fact, they’re freely available from here and other sites that frequently discuss language training.

To become a better English writer, there are three things you need to do:

1. Read widely
2. Write often
3. Improve on one area at a time

That’s it and none of those things are secret. If you become a wide reader, you can see further and deeper into topics. You gain familiarity with a greater amount of vocabulary, along with specific writing styles and ways of expression. Most of the time, you end inheriting many of the traits of the materials you peruse, developing both the quality of your thoughts and your artistic temperament.

When you write often, you train your mind to work through the craft, the same way runners train their bodies by putting themselves through the pace. Just as you developing singing talent partaking in the activity, you train your writing instincts by engaging in it.

If you write enough times, it’s not unusual to improve naturally. However, making the conscious decision to see gains in a particular area usually serves to speed up the process. As such, be open to criticism, learn from them and always strive to improve a facet of your overall ability. Similarly, don’t shy away from using tools, such as language software, to help you on your path.

Your Use Of English Affects Your Bottom Line

Whether you’re an American company that use English as your main vernacular or a foreign organization who needs to communicate with the rest of the world, a good grasp of the English language will affect your bottom line. Regardless of your feelings about it, English remains as the international language of business. As such, making sure that your business is well-equipped to communicate in it can create massive improvements in your year-end numbers.

1. Good English can increase sales. All businesses need a regular influx of new customers to remain competitive. If your marketing strategy includes producing English materials in any shape or form, your pitch will need to be written well enough to be able to persuade. The better your writing is, the stronger the connection you can potentially foster with your prospects, eventually leading to higher sales.

2. Good English boosts your business’ credibility. Businesses will need to always put their best foot forward in order to maintain their credibility. When you foster clear communication with your customers and the industry at large, it enhances your image in a way that will leave an indelible impression on people. It announces that you pay attention even to the littlest detail and you strive for excellence in all facets of your business.

Any organization that needs to use English, whether for internal or external purposes, should take the time to equip their employees with the necessary skill to communicate with it at a professional level. That means providing them with opportunities to train (e.g. grammar classes, language learning software) as well as equipping them with necessary tools (e.g. grammar checkers) to help them achieve proficiency.

Grammar Checker - The All-In-One English Writing Solution!

When writing, you really have to read your product again and again to check for errors in grammar and spelling. This process is called proofreading. This is often hard and most of the time, humans are the best proofreaders. Some say that this process can not be done electronically but there is a discovery of doing this using the computer. It is called the English grammar checker. It is a new kind of software which helps you proofread your work automatically and accurately.

Nowadays, most people who write for books, papers and other reading materials find it hard to proofread their data since they do not have enough time because they are pressured by their boss. The result of this is a faulty work that leads to your boss scolding you because of your irresponsibility. Well, you really do not have to worry because with English grammar checker, you can write confidently with less worries and fears.

This said checker searches for errors in your document-wrong spelling, improper grammar and unnecessary punctuations. It reads every sentence and word for word that is why it knows when an improper word is used or the grammar is incorrect.

It works just the like the way you proofread your writing. It has a large database base of semantics and common usage. It then compares your writing with its database and spots the differences between the two. It will then flag an error with explanation of the rules of the proper English grammar-you are corrected and at the same time you learn a lot of new things that can be applied to your next writing.

There are also online grammar checkers that are easier to download and deal with. They are very sophisticated and use intricate algorithms. Plus, they are developed by computer experts and English experts. That is why these are said to be accurate.

This is very beneficial to you because you will gain more confidence in your writing. You will save your time and you do not have to be very conscious with your writing since you will just have to ask the English grammar checker to do the proofreading for you. Consequently, you can concentrate on the other things that you have to do.

When you write in proper spelling and grammar, you will be more reliable and credible. More people will read your products. You can communicate with your readers clearly and for sure -- they can interact with you.

According to the developers of such grammar and punctuation checking software, this technology is designed to ensure that your English writing matches the basic grammar and punctuation rules. The software automatically identifies and corrects your writing errors and will enable you to further edit your text or document. It is true that language analyzing technology is complex, but in recent years it made a significant progress as databases got bigger and algorithms got smarter. This state-of-the-art writing technology offers the following benefits: grammar check, punctuation and spelling check.

The 5 Most Common English Language Writing Rules

When writing in the English language, there are rules that must be followed in order for the reader to understand the text. Without writing rules, words would be sprawled all over the page without making much sense, but with these rules in place, what is on the page can be processed and a mental image be developed. Otherwise, English-speaking people would be intellectually deficient due to the lack of quality reading materials.

Spelling

Spelling is one of the most important things when writing because misspelled words can ruin the credibility of the person who wrote them. Following such rules as “I before E except after C or when it sounds like A as in neighbor or neigh” can help in the spelling of words, especially if the writer is not sure which comes first – the I or the E.

Punctuation

Punctuation is very important in making a sentence read correctly. The most common punctuation mistake is the placement of the comma. Sometimes people are called “comma happy” because they have commas every five words. This isn’t necessary because commas are supposed to be used to separate the parts of sentences that stand by themselves, such as parenthetical sentences. An example of a parenthetical sentence: “There was so much candy, not that I minded, but I knew I couldn’t eat it all alone.” Also, avoid using commas after conjunctions such as “and” and “but.”

The run-on sentence

It is only appropriate that run-on sentences be listed next under punctuation because it is due to lack of punctuation that a run-on sentence is born. An example of a run-on sentence is: “We went down to the store to get some candy but they didn’t have the kind we wanted so we went to the next store and they didn’t have what we wanted either so we decided to go home when we saw a store we had never seen before and it had exactly what we wanted.” Try saying that one without taking a breath. Okay, you might be able to do it and it might make sense, but it will read a lot better with some punctuation. Two or three sentences could be formed out of that run-on sentence with a couple periods, a comma, and added words to make it read less choppy.

Capitalization

There are some who think that the words at the beginning of sentences are the only ones worthy of capitalization. People and places, referred to as proper names, should be capitalized and so should acronyms and titles.

Tense

When referring to the time, tense is very important. The time period in the whole piece of writing should be consistent. When talking about yesterday, the entire piece should stay in yesterday unless the reader is being brought into today. A sentence that reads, “He missed the bus yesterday and he is mad” is not correct. The correct tense is, “He missed the bus yesterday and he was mad.” True, he might still be mad today, but chances are the sentence is not speaking of today.

These 5 rules are amongst the many grammar rules that exist, but they do tend to be the worst offenses that can compromise the quality of the content. The reader can become frustrated and the writer makes it obvious that they were napping during English grammar class when these basic rules were discussed. By building a strong foundation with the basics, other rules will fall into place with practice. Before long, the writing is of a better quality and the reader understands everything.

The Basics of Learning English Writing

Many people believe that it is only necessary to learn English when planning to move to the United States or another English-speaking country. However, you should realize that there are many different reasons you need to study this language.

First of all, English is still considered to be a global language, taught and learned all over the world. Learning English will enable you to communicate with people throughout the world and participate in the exchange of ideas that constantly change the world. By learning English, you will be transforming yourself from just an individual with ideas to a member of a community with an ability to communicate those ideas with other people.

When you learn English, you open yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities. Through the English language, you will be able to gain access to new knowledge from countries all over the world — knowledge that may give you the advantage you need to succeed in your chosen career. Knowledge and information, after all, are passed on through communication. With English, you will have the best possible medium for communication at your disposal, allowing you to give and receive knowledge that you need to achieve success in life.

Learning English is very important if you want a successful career. When you observe the face of business today, you will realize that many companies and entrepreneurs depend on the help of people from all over the world in order to remain competitive and efficient. Learning English is all about joining the global community in the quest for mutual progress. It is something that must be done if you want to achieve your full potential both as an individual and as a part of the world.

English is a good language to talk and write in, because many people all over the world are capable of understanding or speaking it. If you are one of those who find themselves pondering and wondering why your articles were not accepted on ezinearticles in example or some other of these popular article sites, then we highly suggest you looking into your grammar and writing knowledge.

There are a lot of different programs available on the Internet, some are free some not. Just make sure that you don't get any viruses when downloading something which is advertised as "free" but in fact is not.

Writing is very popular in our age. Many individuals are quitting their full time jobs and work as online freelance writers in example. In fact, quality writing can earn you a good amount of money. But before you jump off your office chair now and quit that job, it's absolutely recommended to take the time and refresh your grammar and writing knowledge. You don't want to look like a fool writing articles or even a book full of errors do you.

With the right guidance, you may even find that English grammar can be quick, easy and fun to rule! English writing and grammar checking software can help you to get started in perfecting your handle of the written English language.

Art of Writing English - Importance of Writing Skill

Stephen Thomson

Most that is good in life comes from men's ability to make their fellows share their thoughts and feelings. But it is not always an easy thing to make others see how we feel or think. The young child is called an infant, a word that means unable to speak. Half his miseries arise from his inability to communicate his notions. Men are but children of a larger growth, and much of their misery results from inability to tell what they think or feel. In a sense the case is worse for the man than for the child. The child makes gestures and grimaces to help his meaning out, but the grown man has to communicate by letters and other compositions.

Both in English writing and speaking there are many special laws that must be observed if there is to be real communication. The special laws of spoken language are not so numerous as those of written language. Written language has to be much more careful than spoken; the writer has no chance of correcting himself on the spot if not understood. All writing consists of sentences that may be defined as series of words so arranged that they express a thought. Sentences are the basis of written and spoken language. Words do not make sentences unless they are arranged in accordance with the rules of grammar, logic, or common sense. Nevertheless knowledge of how to communicate by written words is a very great help in communicating orally.

The art of communicating by means of written English words is called English composition, or rhetoric. A matter of prime importance to each man is that, in business or in society, he should be able to say or write exactly what he means. A businessman may lose money by failing to make himself clearly understood; misunderstandings and quarrels arise between friends because some one has failed to write just what he meant; a man is liable to be taken for a boor if he abuses the English language.

Writing is a trade in which every educated man, woman, and child should be skilled. Writing is a trade, which any one can master if he goes about it in the right way. It is true that writing skill is often the only trade of some people like the poets, novelists, newspaper reporters and editors. These might be called specialists in writing, and writing is their main occupation and way of making a living. But writing skill is a universal trade and it is necessary for every person to know it to a certain extent.

A person will never regret the time he spends in perfecting his instrument of expression. He should work steadily toward the point where he may come to have an abiding love for that which is lucid and beautiful in expression by words. No matter how practical the life he plans to lead, the power of writing down his ideas in good English, in a way that will leave no doubt as to what he meant and how earnestly he meant it, will always profit him.

Writing softwares like English writing software or business writing software with text enrichment tool can be used for writing a good personal or business communication. Writing software can also be used to check and correct English grammar, spellings and for proofreading.

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English Grammar CD


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A,an or the

Here are the rules for when to use "A, An or The":
The use of the indefinite article in English is often determined by how easy it is to say with the following noun; we say an umbrella but a union because the sounds of the first letters are different. It is more important to know the difference between indefinite and definite articles and when or when not to use them:
a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with consonants
She has a dog.
I work in a factory.
an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with vowels (a,e,i,o,u)
Can I have an apple?
She is an English teacher.
the = definite article (a specific object that both the person speaking and the listener know)
The car over there is fast.
The teacher is very good, isn't he?
The first time you speak of something use "a or an", the next time you repeat that object use "the".
I live in a house. The house is quite old and has four bedrooms.
I ate in a Chinese restaurant. The restaurant was very good.
DO NOT use an article with countries, states, counties or provinces, lakes and mountains except when the country is a collection of states such as "The United States".
He lives in Washington near Mount Rainier.
They live in northern British Columbia.
Do Use an article with bodies of water, lakes, oceans and seas -
My country borders on the Pacific Ocean
DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about things in general
I like Russian tea.
She likes reading books.
DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about Meals, places, and transport
He has breakfast at home.
I go to university.
He comes to work by taxi.
Read the following description
I am from Seattle, Washington. Seattle is a city in the United States. It is near the border of Canada in the northwest corner of the USA. I live in a town called Olympia, in a house in a street in the countryside. The street is called "Bear Street" and the house is old - more than 100 years old! I am an English teacher at a school in the centre of the town. I like books and taking photographs. I usually have lunch at school. I usually go home by car. We have all kinds of food in Olympia. I like Italian food very much. Sometimes, I go to an Italian restaurant in Seattle. The restaurant is called "Luigi's". Italian food is great!



The

The is pronounced with an e sound, as in bee or flea, before a noun or adjective beginning with a vowel or a vowel sound, so we would say:
In the ark, the angry ants, the antelopes, the elephants, the iguanas, the ostriches and the unhappy hippos all knew that the hour had come. It was time to go to sleep
The is pronounced with an er sound, as in mother, father, brother, before a noun or an adjective beginning with a consonant or a consonant sound, so we would say:
The bank and the post office are in the High Street next to the university building.
Now practise these sentences, each of which contains two pronunciations of the with the e sound and two pronunciations of the with the er sound.
The Irish and the Welsh forwards were fitter and faster than the English and the Scots.
In the qualifiers for the World Cup the Argentine team was the only one to win all their matches. Is this true?
The FBI agent and the FIFA official were arguing about the best tickets for the Italy and the Brazil match. (Note that the F in FBI starts with a vowel sound, as in when or then, whereas the F in FIFA starts with a consonant sound as it is pronounced as one word)
Neither the one-pound coin nor the two-pound coin could be used in the amusement arcade at the airport. (Note that the o in one is pronounced as a consonant sound as in won.)
The RSPCA and the NSPCC are concerned about the protection of animals and the prevention of cruelty to children. (Note that the R in RSPCA starts with a vowel sound as in car or far and that the N in NSPCC also starts with a vowel sound as men or hen.)
The RSPCA is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the NSPCC is the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Did you notice how much easier it is to say the, as in see, rather then the, as in brother, when a vowel sound follows, the Irish, rather than the Irish? Note how the first pronunciation just flows off the tongue, whereas the second one doesn't.
Note that all abbreviations said as individual letters that begin with A, E, F, H, I, L, M, N, O, R, S, or X are pronounced as vowel sounds. They are therefore preceded by the as in see and an, rather than a, see below.
A / An

A is normally pronounced unstressed as er as in mother, father, brother.
Can I use a pen or a pencil on this form? ~ A pen is best. You should use a ball-point or a fountain pen.
If we wish to stress it, we can pronounce it as ay, as in say or day, though this is rather unusual:
It was a breathtaking performance!
It was a magnificent achievement!
We might stress a in this way if the circumstances are unusual and we want to savour every syllable.
A or an?
Whether we use a or an depends upon the pronunciation of the following adjective or noun, not on the spelling. If the adjective or noun starts with a vowel sound, even if it is written as a consonant, we use an:
What did you have for lunch today? ~ I had an apple, an orange and an enormous pizza.
If you want to do an honest day's work you will need to be at your desk for longer than an hour and a half.
An MP at Westminster paid for his lunch with an IOU the other day as he had neither money nor credit cards in his pocket.
An MP is a Member of Parliament and an IOU is an I-owe-you. Note how in pronunciation the n in an flows on to, and almost becomes attached to, the following adjective or noun. An MP becomes a Nem P, an honest day's work becomes a nonest day's work.
If the adjective or noun starts with a consonant sound, even if it is written as a vowel, we use a:
A university education for a child coming from a one-parent family was unusual.
A European network of contacts for a successful businessman is essential.