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Grammar Web Guide
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by Morrow Jones
Consultant
New Hartford, Connecticut
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What I know about grammar is its infinite power. To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of the sentence, as definitely and inflexibly as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the subject photographed. Many people know camera angles now, but not so many know about sentences. -- Joan Didion
The term "grammar" can be applied to the description of language behavior as well as to prescriptions for correct language use. For the purposes of this guide, I am going to assume that the second meaning is the operative one here and that teachers seeking Internet help with grammar will sometimes want reference information and at other times will want explanations and exercises that can be given to students.
As a comparison of grammar textbooks and workbooks will show, there can be some disagreement about basic terms. Writing "its" where sense requires "it's" may be treated as an error in diction, as an error in usage, or as an error in spelling. Like other reference tools, Internet sites are most helpful to those who take the time to learn their individual ways of presenting things. Much of the best online help with grammar will be found at sites which cover the whole field of English composition and research; for the sake of consistency and convenience, a teacher may want to recommend just one of these sites to students.
 Reviewing Grammatical Terms And Concepts
Focus On Common Errors
Miscellany
If you want an overview of online grammar resources more complete than this one has room to be, by all means start here:
Grammar Resources on the Web
This is an Internet portal created by the University of Chicago Writing Program. It's updated regularly and covers in an entertaining way shorter and longer grammar guides, ESL resources, scientific and technical writing, usage, and so on.
Grammar Resources on the Web
Morrow Jones taught English, including AP English, and film study at two independent day schools. He retired last year to work on an old house in New England and to concentrate his attention on computer arts and documentary photography.
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