Like any good grammar junkie, I keep a list of resources for when questions arise about the English language. The following are some free sites that I find myself referring to time and time again. They have been so helpful over the years that it would feel stingy not to share them.
OWL: The Purdue Online Writing Lab
Purdue University has a wonderful set of online materials aimed at helping people improve their writing. Though some parts of the lab are dedicated specifically to Purdue students, many of them are more broadly applicable. The sections on grammar and the writing process are particularly good.
Amherst College’s Online Resources for Writers
Amherst College has also curated a lovely set of writing resources. Its collection features an aggregation of essays from wonderful places. One of my favorite pages discusses obstacles to writing, which has great features on anxiety and procrastination.
For questions about word use, Grammarist is a great resource. The website is constantly growing and adding information about the English language and grammar.
Paul Brians’s Common Errors in English Usage
Paul Brians has created a fabulous site about the most common mistakes writers make. The site can be a bit difficult to navigate, but it is a great way to answer tough language questions.
Mignon Fogarty’s Grammar Girl Site
Grammar Girl offers short tips and easy guidelines about grammar, punctuation, and writing style. Because this site is technically a part of QuickandDirtyTips.com, it can be a little difficult to find some of the information available. Regardless, she provides excellent information. For some of her more popular discussions, see her writing on affect versus effect and quotation marks.
How could I write about online grammar guides without talking about the Oxford Dictionaries? Though the site can be overwhelming to beginners, it provides a thorough exploration of all aspects of the English language.
Other Grammar Resources
Grammarphobia – Information on grammar, etymology, and word usage
Guide to Grammar and Style – Grammar rules, explanations, and discussions of style
LousyWriter.com – Tips for writing in basic English
The Punctuation Guide – A guide to American punctuation
Punctuation Marks – More information about using punctuation in English
These are the online sources I use, but I know that I missing other fantastic options. If you know of other handy sites, I would love to hear about them! After all, questions about comma splices and word use will no doubt remain an integral part of my future.
*Note that I plan to update this page periodically, so you can look forward to forthcoming additions.
Kristen Twardowski 
I remember using Wren & Martin in school. Yes, I’m getting old or as T.S.Eliot put it, I grow old, I grow Old, I will wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled
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The cover of it made me nostalgic even though it was a text I never used. (And I suspect they were are all working on growing Old.)
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‘they were are’?
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Ha! That’s what I get for typing too fast. I suspect that we all are…There we go. That is a slightly more logical phrase.
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Better grammar, too, Kristen. I never trust what I type when I’m on a roll. Read it back, is a mantra.
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Reblogged this on Flights of Fancy and commented:
Instead of a MOOCy Monday update on my grammar course (been slacking), I’ll do a Thieving Tuesday and retweet this excellent post from Kristen Twardowski. I can add my praises to the OWL site, it’s an excellent resource. I’m certainly going to check out the other links.
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For a quick answer to my grammar questions I often refer to Grammar Girl. Thanks for these other resources. ( :
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Grammar Girl is great! She has some stellar tips and tricks.
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Awesome resources! These are really helpfully and I’m going to keep this handy. 🙂 Thanks!
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That’s great to hear! I’m glad you might find a few of them useful.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Fantastic information — thank you Kristen. 🙂
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My pleasure! I’m always excited to share information like this.
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Thanks for your follow. I certainly need help with all aspects of grammar so will keep an eye on your blog. Best wishes.
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I hope you find some things here useful!
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Thanks – interesting post and comments and nice to have online resources. For years I’ve been a Strunk and White devotee, but it’s good to be branch out and see what else there is!
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‘The Elements of Style’ is so good! It is hard to deviate from the classics like that.
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Funny, I see that in my original comment I have a silly typo, just like in the thread with Dermott Hayes that made me smile. Pot calling the kettle black, I suppose.
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These are great resources, I’ll have to add them, thanks!
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My pleasure! I love sharing things like these.
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My grammar is horrible. Thx for sharing.
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My pleasure! I hope some of it will be useful.
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