Goof
Proof Grammar
Introduction xi
Pretest xv
SECTION ONE:
HOW TO IMPROVE
YOUR GRAMMAR 1
Learn the
Goof-Proof Rules 1
Use Flash Cards
2
Read! 2
Visit Helpful
Grammar Websites
(with list of
sites) 2
SECTION TWO:
THE GOOF-PROOF
RULES—BASIC BLUNDERS 5
#1 Avoiding Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons 6
#2 Overusing and
Abusing Commas 10
#3 Using Semicolons and Colons 14
#4 Overdosing on Dashes 17
proof G
R A M M A R
#5 Subjects and Verbs that Don’t Agree 19
#6 Active vs. Passive Voice:
Passing Up
Activity for Passivity 22
#7 Going Crazy
with Capitalization 25
#8 Confusing Comparatives and Superlatives 27
#9 Double Negatives: Being Too Negative!
30
#10 Mistaking Adjectives for Adverbs 32
SECTION THREE:
THE GOOF-PROOF
RULES—WORD USAGE 35
#1 Using A or An 36
#2 Using Accept and Except 37
#3 Using Affect and Effect 39
#4 Using Amount and Number 40
#5 Using Anxious and Eager 42
#6 Using Between and Among 44
#7 Using Bring and Take 46
#8 Using Can and May 48
#9 Using Capital, Capitol, or Capitol 50
#10 Using Complement or Compliment 51
#11 Using Continual or Continuous 52
#12 Using Each Other or One Another 53
#13 Using Eminent or Imminent 54
#14 Using Farther or Further 55
#15 Using Feel Bad or Feel Badly 56
#16 Using Fewer or Less 57
#17 Using Formally or Formerly 58
#18 Using Good or Well 59
#19 Using Insure, Ensure, or Assure 60
#20 Using Imply or Infer 61
#21 Using Its or It’s 62
#22 Using Lay or Lie 63
#23 Using Me, Myself, or I 66
#24 Using Per or A/An 68
#25 Using Principle or Principal 70
#26 Using Stationary or Stationery 71
#27 Using Than or Then 72
#28 Using That or Which 74
#29 Using Weather or Whether 76
#30 Using Who or Whom 77
SECTION FOUR:
RESOURCES 79
Quick Reference
Charts 79
Business Letter
Basics 91
List of Grammar
Resources 92
Answer Key 95
