what are some easy ways to improve english usage

Hello all,

ok, here's the deal
my aunt, who was from england, used to tell me I didn't know english
I speak american english and live in the u.s.a.
she meant I didn't speak the king's english properly, she told me
but, I have come to the conclusion that for me if I can speak and
write american english basically properly, that will be good enough
for me

so, I ask, what are the easiest ways that an american adult learn to
speak better english?
I don't want to become a grammarian, I just want to be fairly
proficient at speaking and writing american english

all I've come up with so far is to read english classics and good
books written in any kind of proper english

what books, magazines, newspapers, websites, etc. are considered
models of well written english?

short of taking an english grammar course, does anyone have any
suggestions on how to improve my english usuage and writing?

who can I read or listen to that I can learn what good written or
spoken english is? Please don't tell me tv, radio, songs or movies,
because most people in/on those speak any old way and aren't too
concerned about clarity, ease of comprehension, being pleasurable
reading and sounding, etc.

thanks, bandit
.

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