Brush up your grammar and punctuation

175,00

First impressions last. That’s why it’s crucial that all your customer communications use correct English. After all, how do you feel when you read a report, website or social media post that contains grammar mistakes or typos? Not impressed?

On this practical workshop, you’ll get a refresher on the rules of punctuation and grammar.  You’ll also learn to identify common errors – and see how you can fix them.  In small groups, you’ll have the opportunity to apply the rules to correct mistakes.

For example, we’ll look at: What goes into a sentence? What’s a quick way to check that a sentence is grammatically correct? When do you use ‘that’ and ‘which’? What’s the difference between ‘affect’ and ‘effect’? What’s best practice in writing numbers and dates?

Take away the confidence that you understand and can apply the rules of correct English grammar and punctuation. A professional proofreader (an ex-Irish Times sub-editor) will share her skills so you can write more confidently and correctly.

Date: To be confirmed. Please contact us for details.

Time: 2pm-5pm GMT. For this Zoom session, you’ll need good internet, a microphone and, if possible, a webcam. You’ll need to be in a place where you can talk aloud. You’ll also need a pen and paper to take notes. After you book, we’ll send you the link and password.

Numbers: Limited to 12 attendees

Companies can arrange to pay by EFT. Please contact us for details.

 

 

Description

Course content

  • What is grammar and why is it important?
  • Punctuation refresher
  • Common errors – learn to hear alarm bells
  • Overlong, clunky sentences and paragraphs
  • Linking words and pronouns
  • Tricky use of English (e.g. ‘that’ vs ‘which’ / ‘less’ vs ‘fewer’)
  • Fragments (i.e. dependent clauses as sentences)
  • Singular vs plural
  • Word order
  • Commonly confused words (e.g. affect/effect, practice/practise)
  • What’s the role of a proofreader? How is it different from an editor’s role?

After the workshop, you can download handy factsheets: Quick guide to punctuation and Ten common errors.