Grammar Essentials

We all ‘know’ grammar: we use it instinctively every time we speak or write.

But from the 1970s, grammar was no longer formally taught in most Australian schools; as a result, many people struggle to understand how the language works. For example, they can’t explain why one piece of writing reads well and another doesn’t, and they find this frustrating.

Don’t be daunted by those mysterious terms ‘subject’, ‘object’, ‘verb’, ‘active/passive voice’, and ‘semi-colon’. The concepts are easy to grasp when presented through real-life examples, and you will gain a powerful tool for organising your words and sentences.

A knowledge of grammar (which includes punctuation) can help you manage the mechanics and nuances of writing. So, whether you write creatively or as part of a business or technical role, understanding the basics of grammar will give you confidence as a writer.

This one-day workshop with expert Susan McKerihan introduces the fundamental elements of grammar and explains how they work in real life. It covers these grammatical features and principles:

• the eight parts of speech and their functions

• phrases, clauses and sentences

• verbs, including tense, mood, voice, participles, auxiliaries

• grammatical case

• punctuation.

We will also examine the most common areas of difficulty, as well as the language ‘myths’ that are often (wrongly) assumed to be non-negotiable rules.

Through discussion and written exercises, you will gain confidence in your ability to write and to make choices in language and style. And there’s a side benefit for anyone who’s trying to learn a foreign language, as your classes will almost certainly include grammar!

This writing course, Grammar Essentials with Susan McKerihan, will be held at Writing NSW in Sydney.