Grammar books

[stldenise]

Hey guys! I used to be a good English student, but it would seem my writing has gotten rusty. My professional writing is all over the place: I write newsbriefs for a paper (which is very clear cut) and I write a lot of shorts for a kid's magazine where I need to be witty and accessible to 10 year old boys. That I can do.

My problem seems to be writing for Suite, where I've run into a tough editor. I'd like to work up to feature status in her channel/department whatever, but I'm not going to impress her if she keeps picking on my grammar. (I just wrote something in 2nd person and didn't even know it. Geez.)

Does anyone have a suggestion on a grammar style book that might be helpful? Skunk & White (I know that's not the real name) or something like that? I've got a 30% off coupon to Borders, so I though I might invest in myself with a writing manual.

I know I could look this stuff up online, but I kind of like books. Besides, I'm getting "bloggers butt" sitting in this computer chair too much...

[Wicked]

Are you thinking of Strunk and White - The Elements of Style?

I keep a copy at my writing desk. Very handy. :)

[stldenise]

Strunk, skunk, whatever. :)

Whenever I ask my mom a sticky grammar question she goes back to her 1965 English textbook from teacher's college. I'm hoping to find something a little more accessible when I hit the bookstore!

[blueobsidian]

If you're looking for accessible, I'm a big fan of Grammar Snobs are Great Big Meanies: A Guide to Language for Fun and Spite.

[Angie]

If you're looking for accessible, I'm a big fan of Grammar Snobs are Great Big Meanies: A Guide to Language for Fun and Spite.

One of my favorites! It's right next to my copy of Strunk & White. :D

[TemlynWriting]

We've got an entire forum devoted to grammar and syntax (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=111) here at AW, and here are a few threads in there that have to do with grammar books:

English grammar (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107541)
Good Grammar Book? (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117463)
Books you guys use for grammar? (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42547)
Tip on improving my grammar and spelling (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120827)
Recommendations? (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121708)
Know any good books on punctuation? (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95815)
Best reference books? (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92557)

You may want to start a fresh thread over there and see what responses you get.

There's also this thread in Freelance Writing: What is the best way to perfect your punctuation and grammar? (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79755)

On another really fun note, the author of Grammar Snobs are Great Big Meanies, June Casagrande (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=22411), is an active member (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=22411) here at AW! :Hail:

[raw-neck]

Is Wren & Martin outdated?

Cause no one mentioned it..

I am surprised cause it is the only book that people on this side of the globe follow when it comes to grammar...