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Two Rib-Ticklin' Nitty-Gritty Grammar Guides

Now Available as E-books

Close to 100,000 Sold

Nitty-Gritty Grammar
A Not-So Serious Guide to Clear Communication
Winner, San Diego Book Awards

This popular guide (102 pages) builds your confidence in grammar basics. Age level-10 to 110!
Open, inviting pages
Clear explanations
Ticker tape highlighting common bloopers
Syndicated cartoons
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down/Why?
Lighthearted examples
More Nitty-Gritty Grammar
Another Not-So Serious Guide to Clear Communication
This second, more extensive A-Z guide (224 pages) builds on the ongoing success of Nitty-Gritty Grammar and delves deeper into grammar specifics.
Easy-access, alphabetical format
Syndicated cartoons and ticker tape
Humorous approach
Detailed content
  • including grammatical terms
  • literary terms (idioms, malapropisms, oxymorons . . .)
  • slippery pairs (effect/affect, eager/anxious, rigorous/vigorous)
  • syntax, punctuation, and much more
  • mnemonics-memory aids

Both Nitty-Gritty Grammar Guides
Now Available as E-books



Handy references for homes and businesses
Perfect for sixth grade through college
Great gifts
Useful for home schoolers and second-language learners


What Reviewers Say

What Readers Say
Pop Quizzes
Be brave! Sharpen your grammar skills.
Grammar Quiz I
Grammar Quiz II
Grammar Quiz III
Grammar Quiz IV
Grammar Quiz V
Grammar Quiz VI
Grammar Quiz VII
Pesky Punctuation: Quotation Marks
Parts of Speech Puzzler
"I'm going to lie down," said Dagwood. (Not, lay)                                                 Bette plays better with decent clubs. (Not, more better )                                                 Gryffindor swept the Quidditch finals. (Not, sweeped )                                                 You're camping in Antarctica? (Not, Your)                                                 Deedee and I saddled up. (Not, myself)                                                 Terry plays Boggle with Jeannie andme. (Not, I)                                                 Lee showed her mementos of Africa. (Not, momentos)                                                 It sounds as if Chlöe loves singing. (Not, like)                                                  The Taj Mahal is a unique building. (Not most unique or very unique)                                                  They signed the card, "The Smiths." (Not "The Smith's.")                                                  Let's finish the croquet match. (Not, lets)                                                 She and I are going to the tatoo parlor. (Not, Me and her)                                                 These kinds of truffles are dangerously good. (Not, These kind)                                                 As I said, Travis rescued Fluffy. (Not, Like I said)                                                 Stella told Steve and me about her adventure (Not, I)                                                 Sergeant Pepper will take roll call. (Not, role call)                                                 Jessica's hunk detector works well. (Not, good)                                                 Hugh wished his telephone had rung. (Not, would have rang)                                                 Sewer Tour: $45, plus guide's tip. (Not, guides tip or guides' tip)                                                 Linda loves lying on the beach. (Not, laying)                                                 Miss Piggy should have run for president. (Not, should of)                                                 Cory and I use gargoyles for garden gnomes. (Not, Cory and me)                                                 I saw the Doo-Dah Parade yesterday. (Not, seen)                                                 There are not enough votes. (Not, There is or There's)                                                 It's revolting! (Not, its)                                                 You're our hero, Mr. Rogers. (Not, Your)                                                 Where is it? (Not, Where's it at)                                                 Frankenstein arrived with him and a werewolf. (Not, he)                                                 I should have gone bowling. (Not, should have went)                                                 Colleen entertains better than I (Not, me)                                                 Are our children learning? (Not, Is)                                                 The feisty clerk's nickname is "Spitfire." (Not, "Spitfire". )                                                 Florists take romance seriously. (Not, serious)                                                 Café Flour Power showcased its new torte. (Not, it's)                                                 Ted and Tisha's van was stolen. (Not, Ted's and Tisha's )                                                 Bill's and Alma's tubas collided. (Not, Bill and Alma's )                                                 The Lotto Jackpot was bigger than expected. (Not, more bigger)                                                 Your poodle terrifies my Rottweiller. (Not, You're )                                                 Where are my Ripplin' Red lures? (Not, Where's [where is])                                                 It's time for Jen and me to build a snowman. (Not, I)                                                 Snails-to-Go is closing its doors forever. (Not, it's)                                                 The effects of garlic chili last for hours. (Not, affects)                                                  The flavor of the fowl enhanced the tofu. (Not, foul)                                                 Things are going bad on the Fashion Fest runway. (Not, badly)