Grammar and punctuation made easy

Grammar and punctuation don't have to be scary. They can even be fun. This one-day course focuses on teaching you only what you need to know to be a good writer; it doesn't overload your brain with dozens of obscure terms and pedantic detail.

You will master the grammar rules that give most trouble, learn how to punctuate with flair, and learn the principles of constructing sentences that flow effortlessly into the reader's mind.

What you will learn
How words function
  • The eight parts of speech into which words are classified according to function.
  • How to use each part of speech.
  • How to avoid common errors with parts of speech.
Anatomy of a sentence
  • What is a sentence?
  • The clauses and phrases with which sentences are built.
  • The key role of word order in English syntax.
  • Sentence errors to avoid: the run-on sentence and sentence fragments.
Grammar essentials
  • Grammar myths: "rules" that are not valid and can be ignored.
  • Mastering valid grammar rules many people find tricky.
  • How the active voice brings energy to your sentences.
Punctuation perfection
  • Why punctuation is vital to how language works.
  • How punctuation points to the meaning of your words.
  • Mastering all the common punctuation marks.
  • The marvellous subtlety of the semi-colon.
  • How to cure your bad dose of dashitis.
Using grammar and punctuation as powerful writing tools
  • How they can add sophistication and flair to your writing.
  • Why good writers break the rules occasionally on purpose.
  • Using the rules to make your writing crystal clear and unambiguous.
  • Writing beautifully constructed sentences.
Being consistent
  • Areas where you need to choose between acceptable usages.
  • How style guides can help you to make consistent usage choices.

Who should attend?
People fluent in English who want to hone their writing skills, whether English is their first or second language and whether they write at a basic or advanced level.

Trainer
Tony Spencer-Smith brings to this course his extensive experience as a journalist, corporate writer and award-winning novelist. He has been Editor-in-Chief of Reader’s Digest magazine and is a lively writing coach and trainer.
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Contact us now to find out more about Grammar and punctuation made easy.
Want to learn more about how we can help you to cure your grammarphobia and punctuate perfectly? Speak to Tony Spencer-Smith now at [email protected] or 0419 484-005..

We hold public sessions of this course, and can organise an in-house session for your team. We will assess writing samples from the participants and give feedback on the day. And we will customise the material so it fits your team's needs exactly.

“The course did what it said it would: make grammar and punctuation easy. Tony is very knowledgeable and he didn’t over-complicate things. It made me realise I knew more than I thought I did – and I also learnt lots of new things.” Alisha Walkerden

“This course was very beneficial. I really enjoyed learning all the basic grammar rules and the simple mistakes I can avoid in my everyday writing. Tony is a great trainer, he is very experienced and knowledgeable. He explained everything thoroughly until it made sense to me.” Linda Cao, Project Officer, Their Futures Matter (NSW Government)