Alternatives to Google Translate when practicing Japanese grammar

I have lately become obsessed with Tae Kim's grammar guide as I find it amazingly useful but the problem is that when I want to use what I have learnt by changing the context/vocab GT shows it as something that makes no sense or not what I expect it to mean. It must make sense because there is no doubt in my mind that Tae Kim is much more reliable than Google Translate.

I already know that Google Translate is absolute BS and really want an alternative just to make sure that I am not making any small errors with the placing of particles or other grammatical errors.

Thank you in advance.

One alternative would be to start a thread with your efforts in them and get some feedback from members. We have some very patient and helpful people here who have done tons of such work already helping with individual questions.

Mike Cash said:

One alternative would be to start a thread with your efforts in them and get some feedback from members. We have some very patient and helpful people here who have done tons of such work already helping with individual questions.

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I am sorry. I do not mean to be of an inconvenience it is just that must of my questions are quite 'individual' and I find it hard to put them into an already made thread. I am a new member here therefore I am trying to find my feet and I am still getting used to the place. I have every intention to come back here and post if I get useful information as I did on my thread about renting LeoPalace21 apartments as a minor.

Once again I am very sorry if I have not been a good member. I will also no longer use my signature.

You're very welcome to link your video. It is just that embedding it takes up a lot of monitor real estate.

You're not an inconvenience at all. You seem a bright and sincere young fellow who is making a serious effort to learn. We welcome the chance to support you in that.

For now the easiest thing for me to do (and for others to do unless they have a different method) would be the ol' pen and paper method. Everyone always says that the best way to keep grammar rules in your head is to apply the rule in various sentences by changing it around a little each time until it becomes second nature.

Another method that is semi-reliable is using websites where natives check blocks of text that you write. Some of these sites are:
Lang-8 - Multi-lingual language learning and language exchange | Lang-8
italki: Learn a language online
Livemocha

The only downside to these sites is that you do get trolls. Correct, there are people out there who actually waste their time ruining people's education and study just for the sake of it. For the most part these sites are reliable and I believe that the person who translates your text usually has a reliability rating therefore you can go off that as tho whether it is an accurate translation or not.

If you already tried lang-8 and others, then how about finding a partner for language exchange?
You can register yourself at Conversation Exchange, for instance. It's a free service and you can choose the communication method - emails, skype or face-to-face conversation.
Conversation Exchange - Language learning with native speakers

undrentide said:

If you already tried lang-8 and others, then how about finding a partner for language exchange?
You can register yourself at Conversation Exchange, for instance. It's a free service and you can choose the communication method - emails, skype or face-to-face conversation.
Conversation Exchange - Language learning with native speakers

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Thank you, I will be sure to look at the website. The main problem I have with Skype is that I am one of them people that can not get over being scared of making mistakes which is a huge drawback.

JouruKun said:

Thank you, I will be sure to look at the website. The main problem I have with Skype is that I am one of them people that can not get over being scared of making mistakes which is a huge drawback.

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Well, language exchange I think is basically for those who are learning - no one would expect you to speak fluently and perfectly, and I assure you (from my own experience) that when you make mistakes, you'll learn a lot!
Don't be shy, try to speak as much as possible (also you should let your partner talk as much), and enjoy making mistakes! ;-)