Grammar Tips For Those Who Speak English As Second Language

 Grammar Tips For Those Who Speak English As Second Language

 

There are special considerations when non-native English speakers aspire to write in grammatically correct English. Though certainly not one of the most difficult languages to master, little nuances and exceptions to the rules often make writing in English a challenge for those who speak it as a second language. The fact that English is the most widely used language in global communications makes it necessary for many to master its written form.

For most, some formal education is recommended. Beyond that, mastering English in written form is a matter of practice. Here are some helpful tips for those who find themselves in this situation:

Make Spell Check and Grammar Check Second Nature

This is your first line of defense against major errors. Even though they are not foolproof, they can give you some sense of security by catching major spelling and grammar mistakes. Keep grammar and style guides handy so you can look up anything in question. And practice makes perfect. The more you write in English, the easier it will seem and the more proficient you will become.

Speak Fluently, Write Fluently

The better you understand the spoken language, the easier it will be to write in it. As you develop an ear for what is correct, you will be better able to catch mistakes in your writing. Often times, even for native speakers of the language, hearing the words out loud can help you catch errors. So read your writing aloud and see how it sounds.

You can also practice grammar by listening to educational audio clips. There are online resources for pronunciation and grammar drills, pacing and speech. This is good practice for English speaking skills that will translate to perfecting your English writing skills.

Get a Proofreader

Until you are comfortable with your writing, have someone proofread all of your work. A second set of eyes is always a valuable tool for catching errors of all sizes. Sometimes writers are a little close to their work and having someone review it can be especially helpful.

Enlist the Help of Specialized Software

If you still lack confidence, look for a safety net in English language software that runs as background software to your word processing program. The most popular brands offer total language solutions for writing grammatically-correct English documents. The software provides punctuation, grammar, and spell checkers for proofreading purposes. Corrections come with complete explanations so you can understand and learn from your mistakes.

Don’t Get Discouraged

Writing in a language that is not your own is never easy. When you become frustrated, think about how many people before you have become fluent in the language and extraordinarily adept at writing in it. Again, like anything else worth mastering, practice makes perfect.

Author Bio

Mark Weatherford is a high school english teacher and published author. He often encourages his students and associates to instantly proof their work using a grammar checker. In order to save time and money Mark takes advantage of Miami commercial printing.