English Grammar - Sentence Structures
Here we will practice building effective sentences. After reviewing the basic parts of speech, we'll work with more advanced structures: adjective and adverb clauses, appositives, participial phrases, and absolutes. Finally, we will focus on ways to correct some common problems (fragments and run-ons) to ensure that our sentences are clear and complete.
Basic Sentence Structures
One of the keys to good writing is understanding the countless ways in which basic sentence structures can be combined and arranged. Let's begin, then, by identifying those basic sentence structures and considering how to use them effectively.
One of the keys to good writing is understanding the countless ways in which basic sentence structures can be combined and arranged. Let's begin, then, by identifying those basic sentence structures and considering how to use them effectively.
What Is Grammar?
"Descriptive grammar" refers to the structure of a language as it is actually used by speakers and writers. "Prescriptive grammar" refers to the structure of a language as certain people think it should be used.
"Descriptive grammar" refers to the structure of a language as it is actually used by speakers and writers. "Prescriptive grammar" refers to the structure of a language as certain people think it should be used.
Why Does Grammar Matter?
From the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), a lucid and sensible position statement on the value of teaching grammar in American schools.
From the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), a lucid and sensible position statement on the value of teaching grammar in American schools.
Top 24 Grammatical Terms You Should Have Learned in School
If you're in the mood to brush up on your grammar, this page is for you: brief definitions and examples of the two dozen most common grammatical terms.
If you're in the mood to brush up on your grammar, this page is for you: brief definitions and examples of the two dozen most common grammatical terms.
What Is Sentence Combining and How Does It Work?
Find out about sentence combining--a friendly (and generally more effective) alternative to traditional grammar instruction. Then begin developing your sentence-combining skills here at About.com Grammar & Composition.
Find out about sentence combining--a friendly (and generally more effective) alternative to traditional grammar instruction. Then begin developing your sentence-combining skills here at About.com Grammar & Composition.
Introduction to Sentence Combining
An introduction to the basic principles and methods of sentence combining.
An introduction to the basic principles and methods of sentence combining.
The Parts of Speech
One way to begin studying basic sentence structures is to consider the nine parts of speech. Here you will learn the names and basic functions of these sentence parts.
One way to begin studying basic sentence structures is to consider the nine parts of speech. Here you will learn the names and basic functions of these sentence parts.
Why the Adverb Is Not Our Friend
Without a doubt, the adverb is both the poor stepchild and the Rodney Dangerfield of the parts of speech, enduring the scorn of writers and critics alike.
Without a doubt, the adverb is both the poor stepchild and the Rodney Dangerfield of the parts of speech, enduring the scorn of writers and critics alike.
Plural Forms of English Nouns
As children we learn that most nouns in English change from singular to plural with the addition of "-s" or "-es." It's the few hundred exceptions that can be perplexing. Here we illustrates some of these rule-breakers with two versions of the poem "The English Lesson."
As children we learn that most nouns in English change from singular to plural with the addition of "-s" or "-es." It's the few hundred exceptions that can be perplexing. Here we illustrates some of these rule-breakers with two versions of the poem "The English Lesson."
A 19th Century College Entrance Exam in English Grammar
In 1870, students who had applied to Illinois Industrial University (now the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) were required to take this entrance exam in English.
In 1870, students who had applied to Illinois Industrial University (now the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) were required to take this entrance exam in English.