English Grammar and Punctuation

Grammar

• Rules that govern the structure of language
• Involves the correct use of:
  • Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.)
  • Tense and aspect (present, past, future, etc.)
  • Agreement between subject and verb
  • Modality (possibility, necessity, etc.)
• Common grammar mistakes:
  • Subject-verb agreement errors
  • Tense inconsistencies
  • Misused pronouns

Punctuation

• Marks used to clarify meaning and separate words or phrases
• Involves the correct use of:
  • Commas (,): separate items in lists, set off nonessential clauses
  • Periods (.) : end sentences
  • Semicolons (;): separate independent clauses
  • Colons (:) : introduce lists or explanations
  • Apostrophes ('): indicate possession or form contractions
• Common punctuation mistakes:
  • Misused commas (e.g., comma splices)
  • Inconsistent use of quotation marks

Syntax

• The arrangement of words and phrases to form sentences
• Involves the correct use of:
  • Word order (SVO: subject-verb-object)
  • Phrase structure (e.g., noun phrases, verb phrases)
  • Clause structure (e.g., independent and dependent clauses)
• Common syntax mistakes:
  • Sentence fragments
  • Run-on sentences
  • Unclear sentence structure

Style

• The way in which language is used to convey meaning and tone
• Involves:
  • Clarity: using clear and concise language
  • Concision: using few words to convey meaning
  • Tone: using language to convey attitude or emotion
  • Voice: using language to convey personality or perspective
• Common style mistakes:
  • Wordiness
  • Ambiguity
  • Inconsistent tone

Tone

• The attitude or emotion conveyed by language
• Can be:
  • Formal: objective, professional
  • Informal: conversational, casual
  • Serious: solemn, grave
  • Humorous: playful, lighthearted
• Common tone mistakes:
  • Inconsistent tone
  • Inappropriate tone for the audience or context
  • Tone that is too extreme or subtle

Grammar

• Language structure is governed by rules that involve the correct use of:
  • Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.)
  • Tense and aspect (present, past, future, etc.)
  • Agreement between subject and verb
  • Modality (possibility, necessity, etc.)
• Errors in grammar include:
  • Subject-verb agreement errors
  • Tense inconsistencies
  • Misused pronouns

Punctuation

• Marks used to clarify meaning and separate words or phrases include:
  • Commas (,): separate items in lists, set off nonessential clauses
  • Periods (.) : end sentences
  • Semicolons (;): separate independent clauses
  • Colons (:) : introduce lists or explanations
  • Apostrophes ('): indicate possession or form contractions
• Punctuation mistakes include:
  • Misused commas (e.g., comma splices)
  • Inconsistent use of quotation marks

Syntax

• The arrangement of words and phrases to form sentences involves:
  • Word order (SVO: subject-verb-object)
  • Phrase structure (e.g., noun phrases, verb phrases)
  • Clause structure (e.g., independent and dependent clauses)
• Common syntax mistakes include:
  • Sentence fragments
  • Run-on sentences
  • Unclear sentence structure

Style

• The way in which language is used to convey meaning and tone involves:
  • Clarity: using clear and concise language
  • Concision: using few words to convey meaning
  • Tone: using language to convey attitude or emotion
  • Voice: using language to convey personality or perspective
• Common style mistakes include:
  • Wordiness
  • Ambiguity
  • Inconsistent tone

Tone

• Tone is the attitude or emotion conveyed by language and can be:
  • Formal: objective, professional
  • Informal: conversational, casual
  • Serious: solemn, grave
  • Humorous: playful, lighthearted
• Common tone mistakes include:
  • Inconsistent tone
  • Inappropriate tone for the audience or context
  • Tone that is too extreme or subtle