I rely on several books and a terrific Web site to assist me with my grammar.  The Chicago Manual of Style is a frightfully thick tome. Once a writer figures out how to use it, the answer to nearly every conceivable grammar-related question can be found in its pages. I also use the Associated Press Stylebook.  And there’s the gotta-have-it English Grammar for Dummies.  Finally, among the many wonderful Web sites that deal with this topic, a particular favorite is http://www.dailywritingtips.com/.

Writing is hard work.  After we do battle with fact or fiction, quotes or dialogue, we must concern ourselves with spelling and grammar.  I am amazed that even after my work is proofed by multiple readers, errors remain.  My editor circles in red, highlights in yellow, and underscores.  Together we do battle against the ever-present passive voice and the sentences that end in prepositions. 

I am better with grammar than I was and I am grateful that I had English teachers who spent weeks drilling us in grammatical rules. While the struggle to use my own language effectively continues, I can’t help but wonder if writing in French or German would be easier.