Grammar and mechanics are the foundational rules—correct spelling, punctuation, and sentence construction—that make writing clear and readable. Style and voice, on the other hand, are the choices writers make within those rules to create a distinctive tone and personality in their work. Strong writing requires mastery of both: you need solid grammar so your ideas land clearly, and you need voice so your writing engages readers. Tutors help students build a strong grammatical foundation first, then show how to use grammar intentionally to strengthen their unique writing voice.

Many students struggle with comma usage, especially in complex sentences and with introductory phrases. Pronoun-antecedent agreement, subject-verb agreement, and distinguishing between commonly confused words (like their/there/they're or its/it's) are also frequent pain points. Students often have trouble recognizing sentence fragments and run-ons, and understanding when to use different verb tenses can be particularly tricky. Personalized tutoring addresses these specific weak spots through targeted practice and real examples from the student's own writing.

In a classroom with a student-teacher ratio of 17.6:1, teachers often don't have time to provide detailed written feedback on every assignment. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to review your student's writing closely, identify patterns in their grammar and mechanics mistakes, and explain why those mistakes matter. Rather than just marking errors, tutors work interactively—asking questions, showing revision techniques, and helping students understand the reasoning behind grammar rules so they can apply them independently to future writing.

Grammar builds throughout a student's education, from basic sentence structure in elementary grades through complex syntactic analysis in high school. If your student is struggling with clarity in their writing, making repeated grammar mistakes despite corrections, or feeling anxious about writing assignments, tutoring can help at any grade level. Many students benefit from grammar support before major writing-heavy courses, standardized tests like the ACT, or college application essays. A tutor can assess where your student is and create a personalized plan to address specific gaps.

Clear syntax—the way sentences are structured—is essential for effective argumentation. When a student writes grammatically correct, well-constructed sentences, their ideas become easier to follow, making their arguments more persuasive. Syntax also helps with transitions between ideas and with emphasis: a writer can vary sentence length and structure to highlight important claims or guide readers through complex reasoning. Tutors help students see grammar not as a set of rules to follow, but as a toolkit for expressing ideas more powerfully in essays and analytical writing.

Varsity Tutors connects students with expert tutors who specialize in English grammar and syntax. You can get matched with a tutor based on your student's specific needs, grade level, and learning style. Tutors in the Minneapolis area understand local school curricula and can tailor instruction to align with what your student is learning in class. Getting started is straightforward—reach out to discuss your student's challenges, and you'll be matched with someone who's a good fit.