vcolts  +  958473 Sun, 01 Nov 09 12:09 AM What is the best grammar book for a university student in Canada?   I would like one that covers a wide range of examples and usages. A strong focus on punctuation would be very helpful since most of the time I have a question about the usage of comma. vcolts Joined on Thu, May 22 2008 New Member 16 Book, Canada, University, Grammar, Commas, Punctuation, Universities, Usages, Students, Schools

	Mister Micawber  +  958556 Sun, 01 Nov 09 03:14 AM Grammar books do not focus on punctuation at all; what you need is a style manual like that by the University of Chicago.  That is a widely-accepted authority, but since you are in Canada, you might first search to see if a Canadian style manual of some authority exists. Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,842 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

	vcolts  +  958785 Sun, 01 Nov 09 09:51 AM We usually do APA or chicago in Canada. Are you saying I should just read an APA/Chicago manual on the net? Or is there a good book about it? Because I read an APA manual (well, a compact version of it), and it doesn't deal with comma rules other than rules in citations.   Also, I currently do not own a great grammar book. I could definitly buy one. So do recommand me one if you know one that does wonders for writing university papers. vcolts Commas, Punctuation, Universities, APA Format, Students, Schools

	Mister Micawber  +  958791 Sun, 01 Nov 09 10:06 AM Grammar books are simply not designed for writing papers.  You are on the wrong track.  If you do not like the Chicago manual, my lesser-known A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Kate Turabian) has plenty about punctuation outside of citations.  For writing style, you are still better to go with the Chicago Manual or AP Manual.  Nevertheless, if you want a grammar book, the best popular one is Michael Swan's Practical English Usage. Mister Micawber Punctuation, Universities, Writing, Usages, Students, Schools

	vcolts  +  958822 Sun, 01 Nov 09 10:50 AM Well, I think/assume that I got the basics of how to write good papers down because my papers get pretty okay grades. However, I think my punctuation and grammer somewhat hinders/limits my ability to write a better paper or to get a better grade. I think I lose some points on punctuation and grammar time to time. I would like to eliminate losing points on those.     Also, I feel like I can't write sentences in the fashion I want to. It feels like I am limited to writing simple, point focused sentences. I do fine in social sciences but can't say the same in an English course. I would like to refine my writing while not making grammar/punctuation mistakes. I can't present my ideas on paper fully if I keep worrying about grammar/punctuation mistakes. In the past, I just didn't and that worked out ok but I think I can get better grades if I master grammar and punctuation.       vcolts Punctuation, Universities, Writing, Sentences, Students, Mistakes, Schools