Writing Help: Tools and Resources

Grammar, Mechanics, Punctuation

OWL Purdue: Grammar
This guide provides resources and exercises to help improve grammar in writing, covering topics like nouns, articles, subject-verb agreement, and prepositions.
OWL Purdue: Mechanics
Resources and exercises to improve sentence-level organization and style, covering topics like active/passive voice, parallel structure, parts of speech, and transitions.
OWL Purdue: Punctuation
Resources and guidelines for using punctuation marks correctly, covering various punctuation types such as commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and quotation marks.

Using Generative Artificial Intelligence to Correct Grammar & Punctuation

The Good

GenAI tools can answer grammar and punctuation questions:

•Many use GenAI to revise, edit, and proofread their writing (examples).

•This can lead to the ability to identify redundancies, idiomatic expressions (e.g., “Can you list some idioms that express surprise or astonishment?”), or synonyms (e.g., "what is another word for 'happy'?").

•GenAI can also help writers with punctuation and sentence structure, leading to more polished work.

The Not-So-Good

GenAI tools do not always consistently or correctly identify grammatical errors, especially in complex texts.

•Better outputs require better inputs (prompts), meaning that you require some grammar knowledge to be specific in your prompt (e.g., "Check for unclear pronoun references").

•As AI tools become more integrated into educational platforms and software (e.g., GrammarlyGo in Grammarly), you might unknowingly use AI-assisted features, even when their use is unauthorized.

Can You Use GenAI for Help with Grammar & Punctuation?

Ask your instructor, supervisor, or publisher for guidance. Read assignment directions, course policies, & publication submission guidelines.

For enhanced security, consider using USask-supported CoPilot or Microsoft 365, which includes MS Editor.

Remember that as more GenAI is embedded in standard, institutionally-supported software, writers are still responsible for verifying with instructors, supervisors, and prospective publishers that it is acceptable to enable these features.

Checklists

Revision Checklist
Author: Heather McWhinney
Editing Checklist
Author: Heather McWhinney
Proofreading Checklist
Author: Heather McWhinney

Sentence Construction

Sentence Construction Tutorial
"This short tutorial looks at the structural elements of writing good sentences. It covers some of the common mistakes that are made and shows you how to identify these mistakes and rectify them in your writing. This is particularly helpful for students from a non-English language background."