3 Simple Grammar Tips For Homeschool Moms

Hey, homeschoolers!

I wrote the curriculum series Grammar Galaxy in part because I'm a grammar nerd. Grammar has always come easily to me and I love it. But hand me a Rubik's cube or another visual-spatial puzzle and I just can't get it. If visual-spatial skills are your strength, you could send me written instructions for solving it and I might understand.

In the same spirit, I want to give those of you whose weakness is grammar some auditory instructions that might help.

Why Grammar Matters to Homeschool Moms

I have three reasons.

* We want to be clear in our communication with others. Not all grammar errors result in confusion, but some do and can have a negative impact on us socially and even financially.

* We want to honor the profession of homeschooling. Like it or not, we can be judged for using bad grammar--especially by those who don't support homeschooling.

* We want to model correct grammar for our kids. In speaking and writing, we want to teach them how to be clear and honorable by using good grammar.

3 Grammar Tips for Homeschool Moms

Now let's get to the tips.

Tip #1: Use an -ly adverb if the word explains how.

Adjectives and adverbs are often confused. Both parts of speech are describing words. Adverbs describe verbs with where, when, and how. A common mistake is to use an adjective that doesn't have an -ly ending to describe how.

Think different. Incorrect. How should you think? Think differently.

Drive careful. Incorrect. How should you drive? Drive carefully.

Add the -ly to the following adjectives in your mind or out loud.

Give generous.

He was acting suspicious.

Print your name neat.

Tip #2 Use the pronoun I instead of me to discuss what you did or plan to do.

Me is an object pronoun. It is used when something is done to or for you. We use I when we are the subject, talking about what we did or will do.

We wouldn't say, "Me went shopping." It just sounds wrong. But when another person is involved, we might say, "Me and my friend went shopping." It could sound natural to you.

To identify the error, take the other people out of the subject. Here's another example.

Me and my neighbors watched the fireworks. Take the neighbors out and you have: Me watched the fireworks. We know that's wrong. The best correction is My neighbors and I watched the fireworks. It's more polite to put yourself last in the subject.

Yesterday, me and Jamie had coffee. Incorrect. Yesterday, Jamie and I had coffee.

I wish that me and my friends lived in the same neighborhood. A tricky one with a clause, but take the friends out. I wish me lived in the same neighborhood. Incorrect. I wish that my friends and I lived in the same neighborhood.

Your turn. Correct the following sentences in your mind or out loud.

Hannah and me had a great time thrifting. (Hannah and I had a great time thrifting.)

Tomorrow you and me should go. (Tomorrow you and I should go.)

Did I tell you that me and the other moms are taking a girls' trip? (Did I tell you that the other moms and I are taking a girl...