Grammar Rules to Know for English

Understanding grammar rules is essential for effective communication in English. These rules cover everything from subject-verb agreement to punctuation, helping you write clearly and confidently. Mastering these concepts will enhance your skills in English, English 11, and Language Arts Education.

1. Subject-verb agreement

   • The subject and verb must agree in number (singular or plural).
   • Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on context.
   • Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, each) are usually singular.
   • When subjects are joined by "and," use a plural verb; when joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

2. Proper use of pronouns

   • Pronouns must agree in number and gender with the nouns they replace.
   • Use subjective pronouns (I, he, she) for subjects and objective pronouns (me, him, her) for objects.
   • Avoid ambiguous pronoun references; ensure it’s clear what noun the pronoun refers to.
   • Use possessive pronouns (my, his, her) to show ownership.

3. Sentence structure (simple, compound, complex)

   • A simple sentence contains one independent clause.
   • A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
   • A complex sentence includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
   • Varying sentence structure enhances writing style and clarity.

4. Punctuation rules (commas, semicolons, colons, etc.)

   • Use commas to separate items in a list, after introductory phrases, and before conjunctions in compound sentences.
   • Semicolons connect closely related independent clauses without conjunctions.
   • Colons introduce lists, explanations, or quotations.
   • Proper punctuation clarifies meaning and improves readability.

5. Capitalization rules

   • Capitalize the first word of a sentence and proper nouns (names, places, titles).
   • Days of the week, months, and holidays are capitalized.
   • Do not capitalize common nouns unless they begin a sentence.
   • Titles of books, movies, and songs should capitalize major words.

6. Active vs. passive voice

   • In active voice, the subject performs the action (e.g., "The cat chased the mouse").
   • In passive voice, the subject receives the action (e.g., "The mouse was chased by the cat").
   • Active voice is generally more direct and vigorous; passive voice can be used for emphasis or when the doer is unknown.

7. Verb tenses and conjugation

   • Verb tenses indicate the time of action (past, present, future).
   • Consistency in verb tense is crucial for clarity.
   • Regular verbs follow predictable patterns; irregular verbs do not.
   • Conjugation changes based on the subject and tense.

8. Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.)

   • Nouns name people, places, things, or ideas.
   • Verbs express actions or states of being.
   • Adjectives modify nouns, providing more detail.
   • Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often indicating manner, time, or degree.

9. Parallel structure

   • Use parallel structure to create balance in lists or comparisons.
   • Ensure that items in a series or pairs are in the same grammatical form.
   • This enhances clarity and rhythm in writing.
   • Example: "She likes hiking, swimming, and biking" (not "She likes hiking, to swim, and biking").

10. Modifiers and their placement

    • Modifiers describe or limit nouns and verbs.
    • Place modifiers close to the words they modify to avoid confusion.
    • Misplaced modifiers can lead to ambiguous or humorous interpretations.
    • Use clear and precise language to enhance understanding.

11. Commonly confused words (e.g., their/there/they're)

    • "Their" indicates possession, "there" refers to a place, and "they're" is a contraction of "they are."
    • Other commonly confused pairs include "your/you're," "its/it's," and "affect/effect."
    • Understanding the differences is essential for clear communication.
    • Practice using these words in context to reinforce correct usage.

12. Apostrophe usage

    • Use apostrophes to indicate possession (e.g., "the dog's leash").
    • Apostrophes are also used in contractions (e.g., "don't" for "do not").
    • Do not use apostrophes for plural nouns (e.g., "cats" not "cat's").
    • Be cautious with its/it's; "it's" means "it is," while "its" shows possession.

13. Quotation marks and dialogue punctuation

    • Use quotation marks to indicate direct speech or quotations.
    • Punctuation marks (commas, periods) typically go inside the quotation marks.
    • For dialogue, start a new paragraph for each speaker.
    • Use single quotation marks for quotes within quotes.

14. Sentence fragments and run-on sentences

    • A sentence fragment is an incomplete thought; it lacks a subject or verb.
    • Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are improperly joined.
    • Both can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of writing.
    • Revise to ensure each sentence is complete and properly structured.

15. Dangling and misplaced modifiers

    • A dangling modifier lacks a clear subject, leading to confusion (e.g., "After reading the book, the movie was disappointing" implies the movie read the book).
    • A misplaced modifier is incorrectly positioned, causing ambiguity (e.g., "She almost drove her kids to school every day" suggests she nearly did, not that she did it regularly).
    • Ensure modifiers are placed next to the words they modify for clarity.