Grammar and Punctuation Refresher Quizzes

Grammar and punctuation aren't always easy. Rules can vary depending on what context you are writing, whether it be for a novel or a newspaper. There are also personal stylistic preferences. Plus you have dialogue, where almost anything goes. And just when you think you have it all figured out, a sly sentence will sneak along that would stump even the savviest Grammar Nazis. But there are general rules that will always apply—or at least if you apply them, you won't be wrong.

Back in the 10th grade in my alma mater of Royalton-Hartland High School in Middleport, New York, all students were forced to take a refresher grammar course. We scoffed at the notion that we didn't already know how to write. I mean, we were sophomores for God's sake! But it turned out to be one of the best additions to the school's curriculum. It helped solidify some of the rules we had forgotten.

I don't want to make this blog post about what are the proper ways to use a comma, or when to use "which" and "that" and so on. But I think a lot of writers should take the time to review all the grammar and punctuation websites and books out there so they will feel more comfortable with what they type.

In my recent role as proofreader for published authors, I would say the most common mistakes are in the usage of commas, numbers, and not writing in the active voice. Commas are the biggie, whether lack of, or in desperate overuse of.

There are a ton of free grammar/punctuation quizzes on Grammarbook.com to help. Here are a few:

Comma Quiz 1

Comma Quiz 2

Writing Numbers 1

Writing Numbers 2

Grammar Pretest

Punctuation, Capitalization, and Numbers Pretest

All free quizzes on grammarbook.com. Have fun!

Recommended books:

The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

The Elements of Style

Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation

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