What exactly is a dangling participle? What is a prepositional phrase? Following grammar rules is a basic necessity for good writing and communication skills, yet basic grammar rules often fall under the category of "assumed knowledge." Though many people get through their writing lives without knowing the "hows" and "whys" of grammatical construction, they don't realize the ways in which good grammar can directly influence good writing. A solid understanding of grammar can lead to writing that is more clear, more concise, and more pleasurable to read. These are the goals of Check it Out. This book offers readers a simple, straightforward way to understand the most commonly encountered grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure difficulties. The authors avoid introducing unnecessarily complex grammar terminology, yet strive to ensure all explanations are thorough but concise. In addition to the sections on sentence level concerns, the book also provides brief introductions to the writing process and different types of writing. A separate section is also devoted to readers with special needs and readers for whom English is a second language. Writers, instructors of writing, second language learners, and anyone interested in improving their basic writing skills.