What do you think?
Rate this book
There, Their, They're: A No-Tears Guide to Grammar from the Word Nerd
It’s here: clear and easy answers to your most common grammar, usage, and punctuation questions. In this second edition, you’ll find more than sixty new and expanded entries in this much-used resource used by professional editors, novelists, students preparing for the ACT, and those who simply want to master grammar once and for all. The Word Nerd once again cuts through the convoluted terminology by explaining things in a way even the most frustrated writer can understand.
158 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2009
About the author
Annette Lyon
81 books311 followersAnnette Lyon is a USA Today bestselling author, an 9-time recipient of Utah’s Best in State medal for fiction (three times for novel-length works and five times for short fiction), and a Whitney Award winner for BAND OF SISTERS. She's the author of over a dozen novels, at least that many novellas, a cookbook, a popular grammar guide, and over a hundred magazine articles.
She’s a founder and regular contributor of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, which she served as editor for its first three years. She's also one of the four co-authors of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. She graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.
Annette is represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Her first suspense novel, Just One More, releases 2023 through Scarlet Suspense.
She’s a founder and regular contributor of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, which she served as editor for its first three years. She's also one of the four co-authors of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. She graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.
Annette is represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Her first suspense novel, Just One More, releases 2023 through Scarlet Suspense.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 12, 2013
I’ve taught Jr. High School English for 34 years, and I’ve been an editor for the past 20 or more. You’d think when it comes to grammar and punctuation I should know it all. Not so!
Although I can hold my own with most conventions, there are still several that are stoppers for me—things I have to look up one more time, just to make sure. Maybe these rough spots have come about because it’s a concept I never really learned. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen the same error made so many times as I’ve read writing from both students and clients that I began to doubt my own knowledge and abilities to get things right.
Whatever the cause, Annette Lyons’ THERE, THEIR, AND THEY’RE: A NO-TEARS GUIDE TO GRAMMAR has been a lifesaver for me, and this new expanded version, with over 60 new entries, is all that much better as a resource as I edit, as well as write books of my own.
I read the book cover to cover—something I never would have done with a grammar text such as Warriner—and actually enjoyed reading Lyons’ explanations and examples. But the best thing is, I learned! In every chapter there were multiple times I stopped to say “I didn’t know that,” and suddenly situations I had faced before about word choice, punctuation, or the history of why one word had gone from the usage lexicon made that proverbial light bulb in the head go off in a way that I believe will help me remember the next time I am writing or editing a manuscript with the same problem.
I previously purchased copies of the first version for my classroom reference shelves. My recommendation will extend even farther this time into the other English classrooms at my school.
English teacher or not, editor or not, professional writer or not, if you do ANY kind of writing at all, you NEED a copy of THERE, THEIR, AND THEY’RE: A NO-TEARS GUIDE TO GRAMMAR right next to your computer where you can use it. The book is worth the price alone for the final chapter, Usage Errors & Confusing Words. If only I could send a copy to everyone who uses Facebook!
Although I can hold my own with most conventions, there are still several that are stoppers for me—things I have to look up one more time, just to make sure. Maybe these rough spots have come about because it’s a concept I never really learned. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen the same error made so many times as I’ve read writing from both students and clients that I began to doubt my own knowledge and abilities to get things right.
Whatever the cause, Annette Lyons’ THERE, THEIR, AND THEY’RE: A NO-TEARS GUIDE TO GRAMMAR has been a lifesaver for me, and this new expanded version, with over 60 new entries, is all that much better as a resource as I edit, as well as write books of my own.
I read the book cover to cover—something I never would have done with a grammar text such as Warriner—and actually enjoyed reading Lyons’ explanations and examples. But the best thing is, I learned! In every chapter there were multiple times I stopped to say “I didn’t know that,” and suddenly situations I had faced before about word choice, punctuation, or the history of why one word had gone from the usage lexicon made that proverbial light bulb in the head go off in a way that I believe will help me remember the next time I am writing or editing a manuscript with the same problem.
I previously purchased copies of the first version for my classroom reference shelves. My recommendation will extend even farther this time into the other English classrooms at my school.
English teacher or not, editor or not, professional writer or not, if you do ANY kind of writing at all, you NEED a copy of THERE, THEIR, AND THEY’RE: A NO-TEARS GUIDE TO GRAMMAR right next to your computer where you can use it. The book is worth the price alone for the final chapter, Usage Errors & Confusing Words. If only I could send a copy to everyone who uses Facebook!
July 14, 2013
This book is amazing! I highly recommend it to anyone who needs help with their grammar or editing. Writing is my passion. I love to do it. But unfortunately my biggest weakness is editing. Earlier this year I took a editing class form Annette and discovered her genius. Then I purchased this book and read it in two days. Now it is a constant companion to my computer so if I have any questions I can quickly refer to this book and get my editing right. I love how everything is organized in this book and is very easy to find what I need. Also the way Annette lays things out and explains them makes the rules of grammar very easy to understand and sort out. Whether you are a full time writer or not this book is a must have.
Thanks Annette for writing such an amazing book that makes Grammar and editing so much easier!
Thanks Annette for writing such an amazing book that makes Grammar and editing so much easier!
July 17, 2013
Yes, it's my own book. :) But I honestly believe that this grammar (plus usage/punctuation/mechanics) guide is a great tool for writers--and anyone else who struggles with understanding what can so often be convoluted terminology and concepts.
I figure the proof's in the pudding, so here's my proof:
-I know several professional novelists who keep my book on a shelf near their computers for quick reference--and use it often.
-A senior editor at a publishing house does the same. (I know!!!)
-When my son prepared for taking the ACT a second time, he read my book, and his English score went up by SIX points.
I'm thrilled for this second edition, which is twice the length of the first, with brand new entries and several expanded ones. (Can we ever cover every comma issue? Probably not.)
I figure the proof's in the pudding, so here's my proof:
-I know several professional novelists who keep my book on a shelf near their computers for quick reference--and use it often.
-A senior editor at a publishing house does the same. (I know!!!)
-When my son prepared for taking the ACT a second time, he read my book, and his English score went up by SIX points.
I'm thrilled for this second edition, which is twice the length of the first, with brand new entries and several expanded ones. (Can we ever cover every comma issue? Probably not.)
March 10, 2010
I keep a copy of Annette's little handy grammar guide on my desk where I write, and a class set in my classroom where I teach. I'm always referring to them and send my students there as well. The book is readable and better yet, understandable, with information that is explained much more clearly than the standard grammar books also stored in my classroom.
July 31, 2013
Audience: Adult (Fiction Writers)
Genre: Writing, Writing Advice, Grammar
Length: 158 pgs.
Rating: ***** (Really Liked It)
Review: The book was everything I expected it to be. Although I did already know many of the rules in the guide, it did exactly as it claimed to: presented them in an understandable way for the average person. I even learned a few things! Annette also presents it in a fun way as well, making a stuffy grammar book lighthearted. It's a quick read, and thanks to the sections, you can use it as a quick-reference guide while writing. I know I'll be using it to double check things I'm not sure about. My favorite advice from the book about why grammar and style are important? "You want the writing to be invisible and your ideas to take center stage." So. True. I think I could write a whole blog post on why that's important. I think I probably already have. The best thing is, this book is only $3.99 for Kindle. You now have no excuse not to go out and buy it.
Source: I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Read more reviews at http://raneesclark.blogspot.com
Genre: Writing, Writing Advice, Grammar
Length: 158 pgs.
Rating: ***** (Really Liked It)
Review: The book was everything I expected it to be. Although I did already know many of the rules in the guide, it did exactly as it claimed to: presented them in an understandable way for the average person. I even learned a few things! Annette also presents it in a fun way as well, making a stuffy grammar book lighthearted. It's a quick read, and thanks to the sections, you can use it as a quick-reference guide while writing. I know I'll be using it to double check things I'm not sure about. My favorite advice from the book about why grammar and style are important? "You want the writing to be invisible and your ideas to take center stage." So. True. I think I could write a whole blog post on why that's important. I think I probably already have. The best thing is, this book is only $3.99 for Kindle. You now have no excuse not to go out and buy it.
Source: I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Read more reviews at http://raneesclark.blogspot.com
May 28, 2011
The title of this book is my number one grammar pet peeve :) But, there were definitely some things I didn't know (I have NEVER gotten a grasp on the the whole lay/lie thing). I understood it while I was reading through the blurb on it in the book, but the understanding has apparently taken flight again and escapes me. Oh well, at least now I have a reference to look at.
If you have questions about grammar, but don't want to fall asleep or purposefully bash your head into a wall while trying to figure the answer out, then I HIGHLY recommend this! It's short and there are a few misspellings that weren't caught before printing (doubly embarrassing, I guess, given that the author is a professional editor), but you can't catch everything. Even then, though, it doesn't take away from how informative the book is. It's written in a style that's very "user friendly."
I couln't find it at the library, but if you'd like to borrow my copy, you're more than welcome to, or you can find it on Amazon.com.
If you have questions about grammar, but don't want to fall asleep or purposefully bash your head into a wall while trying to figure the answer out, then I HIGHLY recommend this! It's short and there are a few misspellings that weren't caught before printing (doubly embarrassing, I guess, given that the author is a professional editor), but you can't catch everything. Even then, though, it doesn't take away from how informative the book is. It's written in a style that's very "user friendly."
I couln't find it at the library, but if you'd like to borrow my copy, you're more than welcome to, or you can find it on Amazon.com.
July 10, 2013
I just figured out what a comma splice is! I have been trying to understand for years, but have met with no success. I just couldn't get it through my thick head. And comma splices are only one of the grammatical concepts I now understand. I was blind, but now I see. I know it might sound a little funny to be so excited about a grammar guide. But I have struggled for years to learn all these things. I will admit that I have sometimes re-written various things simply because I didn't feel secure about usage, punctuation, or other grammatical matters. This book is empowering. If you are a writer, a blogger, or a professional in any number of professions where the written word is important, this book is for you. Whether you want to bring greater fluidity to your next manuscript, or just be able to write a coherent and correct update on social media, this book is for you. I have an electronic copy, but shall be buying a hard copy promptly. That copy will sit on my desk next to my dictionary, thesaurus, Strunk & White, and MLA handbook. Thank you, Annette Lyon!
February 15, 2012
This is probably the best grammar guide I've ever seen. It is concise and has easy to understand examples of how to use grammar correctly. Even better, it shows the common mistakes and explains why it's wrong. I didn't mind reading this cover to cover, and that's never been something I accomplished with any grammar book! The best part is that it only includes the most common issues that people have with grammar. This greatly reduces the potential for confusion. I've recommended this book to several people who have trouble using more traditional grammar books and they've had success with it. I would recommend this for any level of writer and anyone looking to improve or maintain their grammar.
July 15, 2013
The book is arranged with an excellent table of contents which comes in handy as a straight-through read isn’t what it is intended for.
A perfect companion for editing, students, or anyone who just doesn’t know whether or not a comma is necessary, or when do you use an em-dash.
I have this book on my Kindle, and I love how easy it is to find just what I need, and then more importantly understand the explanation. See what I did there? How I connected those independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction and punctuated it correctly?
If you have no idea what that means—and I think very few people do—then your $4.00 will be well spent.
Two thumbs up! Thanks, Annette Lyon for making grammar easy enough for the punctuation-impaired populace.
A perfect companion for editing, students, or anyone who just doesn’t know whether or not a comma is necessary, or when do you use an em-dash.
I have this book on my Kindle, and I love how easy it is to find just what I need, and then more importantly understand the explanation. See what I did there? How I connected those independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction and punctuated it correctly?
If you have no idea what that means—and I think very few people do—then your $4.00 will be well spent.
Two thumbs up! Thanks, Annette Lyon for making grammar easy enough for the punctuation-impaired populace.
June 18, 2012
Yes, sometimes I read grammar books from cover to cover, and this one was very readable. I found myself comparing it to Stunk & White’s Elements of Style. There was a lot of overlap and Strunk & White probably covers more material, but Lyon’s style was less “my way or the high way,” and I liked that. She did a good job explaining things in a clear way and explaining what was a rule and what was a trend and what was her preference. The Kindle version of this book is only 99 cents, so if you write books or blogs or proofread your children’s homework, I’d recommend adding it to your library (or downloading it to your smart phone).
January 27, 2010
I love this book. Annette is brilliant and has put together a basic grammar guide for those of us who can't remember what we learned in elementary school (off the top of our heads). It's not absolute or complete--I look forward to another grammar book from the self proclaimed "Word Nerd." The only issue I have with this book is how my copy sprouted legs and ran off. So, you might want to keep a close watch on your copies...
March 5, 2011
Short but always to the point Mrs lyon manages to shed a new light on many problems i've always had when writing texts in english, which is not my mothertongue. She has got a nice style of writing too so it's not too dry and monotone - as you could expect given the theme of the book(let) - but then it's not about annecdotes and witticisms but just pointing out sources of misunderstanding and errors everybody could make when using the english language. And that she handles more than worthy!
July 6, 2009
This book, although small, is absolutely invaluable in reminding us all about the basic rules of grammar. Annette Lyon is awesome at providing examples and explaining just what makes a sentence correct or incorrect. This one is a must-have for anyone who writes books, blogs, letters, e-mails, or who talks aloud for any reason.
August 30, 2009
This short, 86 page book addresses the most common questions I have in my daily writings with easy to find and easy to understand answers. Almost all of the rules are accompanied by examples that either show correct vs. incorrect usage or how improper usage can change the intent of a sentence. Very handy!
April 28, 2013
This was a great little book on grammar, although never having read anything about grammar before I'm sure most of it I have already forgotten! It will be one to dip back into I'm sure. The reason it didn't get 5 stars is because some grammar related words are thrown in without enough introduction - it assumed a little too much prior understanding!
May 9, 2013
It was just what I wanted. I will use this book over and over to help me proofread documents for work. Now I'm second guessing everything I write in my review! Is proofread one or two words??? Anyway, if you're looking for a book to help you with every day writing and proofreading, this is the book you want. My boss will be glad I bought it and read it in one day.
November 1, 2015
A VERY read-able book on grammar whether you are in school and needing a little direction when it comes to writing or you just plain want to better understand the English language. Annette Lyon clearly has a way of teaching that will surely make it "stick" for you. It doesn't come naturally for me so this book was a big help!
January 6, 2010
No one knows her grammar AND how to explain it to the rest of us idiots like Annette Lyon! This is a must-have for any writer or student...particularly if you get a headache going through the more formal and obtuse grammar guides that have been published.
February 25, 2011
There were one or two explanations that confused me, but I learned some new tricks to help me while writing. I did catch a couple of errors that the editor missed. The errors were located in the second half of the book.
June 24, 2009
A great, easy-to-follow grammar guide. I've already used it several times in both my writing, and in emails.
wishlist
June 25, 2009Saw this on the Goodreads Giveaways and thought it looked neat.
May 10, 2011
This book is short but sweet. A fun way to read about basic grammar mistakes that are made.
May 27, 2011
What fun! I've been feeling sluggish in the brain over the past few months and this was just what I needed. A great reminder that I know all this even if sometimes I forget to use it.
June 21, 2011
Nice, quick and easy read with some good tips. Great for beginning authors/writers, or even those who need a reminder.
October 16, 2011
An excellent guide, written in a chatty style.
April 28, 2014
I want to give every blogger a copy of this book :)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews