In all honesty, we know writing can be stressful. Whether you’re trying to meet a page count, trying to sound like you know what you’re talking about, or just trying to put your commas in the right place, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. But the truth is - you’re not a bad writer, you just don’t know all the rules yet. And that we can definitely work with.
Grammar isn’t there just to trip you up. It’s meant to make your writing more clear and powerful. Once you cover a few basics, the whole process starts to feel a lot less like pulling teeth.
That’s where your friendly online library database steps in. We’ve got a full Grammar Resources Guide to help build your confidence, learn the rules, and write your papers with minimal stress.
So, what exactly is grammar?
Cambridge Dictionary defines grammar as “the rules about how words change their form and combine with other words to make sentences.” In other words, it’s how your ideas get translated into something others can understand. If you’ve ever had a teacher say “good idea, but it’s a little unclear,” grammar might be the missing link.
What’s in the guide?
A little bit of everything. Our librarians have pulled together some of our best resources and tools to help you demystify grammar, writing styles, and citations. Perfect for use whether you’re just brushing up before turning a paper in or doing a deep dive to feel more confident in your everyday writing.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store:
Grammarly
This free tool is a writing lifesaver. It checks your grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and gives suggestions to help you sound more polished without changing your voice. You can even download the browser extension to help with emails and discussion boards.
eBooks + Print Books
We’ve got books that break grammar down in a visual, easy-to-follow way. Some of our favorites include:
The Infographic Guide to Grammar (colorful and visual — perfect for quick understanding)
Write Right! (concise and packed with examples)
Sentence Skills (great for practice and review)
Strategies for Successful Writing (covers grammar and research strategies)
AMA Manual of Style and other formatting guides
Not sure where to find these? The guide has location info and links, and if you're stuck, a librarian can always help.
Writing Tools
Whether you’re writing a research paper, a discussion post, or even an email to your professor, we’ve got tips and tools to make sure you’re saying what you really mean. The guide includes help with sentence structure, clarity, tone, and punctuation.
APA or AMA?
Different programs may use different citation styles, and switching between them can be confusing. Our guides break down APA and AMA formats with examples, plus shows you how to properly cite your sources because avoiding plagiarism is just as important as writing a strong paper.
You’re not in this alone
Grammar doesn’t have to feel intimidating. We built this guide to make writing easier and to take some of the guesswork out of the process. Whether you’re trying to improve your sentence structure, avoid plagiarism, learn the difference between APA and AMA, or just stop second-guessing your comma placement, it’s all covered.
And if you ever get stuck or want one-on-one help, reach out to a librarian. We're happy to walk through things with you, help you find a resource, or just give you a boost when you’re feeling stuck.
So don’t let grammar be the thing that holds your writing back. Learn the rules, get the tools, and take your writing to the next level, with a little help from your library.
Did you know that the South College Library offers students, faculty, and staff access to over 100,000 eBooks? This August, we’re celebrating books that connect us to joy, curiosity, and the powerful peace that comes from expressing ourselves clearly. Whether you’re exploring the roots of democracy, unlocking the magic of your own thoughts through writing, or seeking the courage to write your truth, our collection has something to inspire you. Writing well doesn’t begin with perfection—it begins with understanding. Let this month’s selections remind you that clarity, expression, and connection are all within reach.
Political Grammars: The Unconscious Foundations of Modern Democracy by Davide Tarizzo
What if the way we talk about “we the people” is more important than we think? Political Grammars examines how identity, language, and unconscious cultural structures shape the very idea of democracy. With a unique mix of philosophy, linguistics, and political theory, this book helps readers think more clearly about what unites and divides us. A compelling read for students interested in political science, communication, or how grammar shapes our sense of self and society.
Writing and Desire: Queer Ways of Composing by Jonathan Alexander
This beautifully reflective book shows how writing can be a radical act of self-expression, especially for queer and trans writers. Writing and Desire blends personal reflection and theory to examine how the act of writing reveals our deepest hopes for a better world. For any student who’s ever struggled to find their voice, this book reminds us that our longing, creativity, and identity can all live on the page. It's a powerful meditation on the emotional and political possibilities of writing.
Exploratory Writing: Everyday Magic for Life and Work by Alison Jones
Writing doesn’t have to be perfect—it just must be yours. Exploratory Writing makes the case for writing as a tool for self-discovery, decision-making, and joy. With quick and accessible prompts, this book helps you unlock your creativity and clarify your thinking in just minutes a day. It’s a great pick for students who want to reduce stress, spark ideas, and build confidence in their writing process.
Paradoxes of Media and Information Literacy: The Crisis of Information by Jutta Haider & Olof Sundin
In an age of information overload, this book digs into what it really means to be media literate. Paradoxes of Media and Information Literacy questions what we accept as truth, fact, and knowledge—and how those ideas shape our ability to write, think, and communicate. It’s essential reading for students in media, education, or library science, and anyone curious about how power, perception, and literacy interact in the digital age.
What the Science of Reading Says About Writing by Jennifer Jump & Hillary Wolfe
Want to understand the science behind how we learn to write? This practical guide offers research-based strategies for teaching writing with clarity and purpose. Though written for educators, it’s also valuable for students who want to understand how strong writing habits are built—and how reading and writing support each other. A great foundational resource for future teachers and lifelong learners alike.
The Art and Architecture of Academic Writing by Patricia Prinz & Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir
This book is a blueprint for academic writing success—especially for multilingual students or those new to scholarly English. The Art and Architecture of Academic Writing offer clear structure (the “architecture”) while also encouraging writers to develop voice and style (the “art”). With a focus on practice and process, it’s a great choice for students to look to improve their academic writing in a way that feels both structured and expressive.
You can find these and more through the South College Library’s digital collection—where writing becomes a practice of peace, discovery, and connection. Whether you’re exploring your voice, building new habits, or unlocking the wonder of words, let this month’s reads remind you: you don’t have to write perfectly to write powerfully. Your story matters—and we’re here to help you tell it.