English Grammar Principles Quiz

English Grammar

English grammar is the system that allows words to change their form, their order in a sentence, and combine with other words in novel ways. This applies to both written and spoken language. In this article, we will look at the main principles of English grammar, which will help improve your communication skills and give you an advantage in your English language studies. The main elements of English grammar we will cover are:

Morphemes
Clauses
Conjunctions
Types of phrases
Grammatical voice
Tenses
Aspects
Types of sentences
Sentence functions
Word classes

Morphemes

A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning in a language. It cannot be reduced without losing its meaning. For example, 'luck' is a morpheme as it cannot be made any smaller. Morphemes are different from syllables, which are units of pronunciation. There are two types of morphemes: free morphemes and bound morphemes.

Free Morphemes

Free morphemes can stand alone. Most words fall into this category, regardless of how long they are. Take the word 'tall' for example - it has a meaning on its own, you can't break it down into smaller parts. 'Ostrich' is also a free morpheme; despite having more than one syllable, it cannot be broken down into smaller parts.

Bound Morphemes

Bound morphemes are attached to free morphemes. They cannot stand alone. For example, 'able' in 'capable' is a bound morpheme, as it needs to be attached to another word to have meaning.

Clauses

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, or can stand alone as a sentence. There are two types of clauses: independent (also known as main) clauses and dependent (also known as subordinate) clauses.

Independent Clauses

An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. For example, "I'm going to the store."

Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning. For example, "When I finish my work, I will go to the store."

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect clauses or phrases. There are three types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect two similar parts of a sentence. The most common coordinating conjunction is 'and'. For example, "I like pizza and burgers."

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause to a dependent clause. The most common subordinating conjunction is 'because'. For example, "I study because I want to get good grades."

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that have the same meaning and are used to connect two similar parts of a sentence. The most common correlative conjunction is 'either...or'. For example, "You can have ice cream or cake."

Types of Phrases

A phrase is a group of words that has a meaning but does not contain both a subject and a verb. There are two types of phrases: noun phrases and verb phrases.

Noun Phrases

A noun phrase is a group of words that functions as a noun in a sentence. It usually includes a noun and any modifiers that describe or give more information about the noun. For example, "the small red car" is a noun phrase.

Verb Phrases

A verb phrase is a group of words that functions as a verb in a sentence. It usually includes a main verb and any auxiliary verbs that help form the tense of the sentence. For example, "have been studying" is a verb phrase.

Grammatical Voice

Grammatical voice refers to the perspective from which the action of a sentence is narrated. There are two types of voice: active and passive.

Active Voice

In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. For example, "The dog bit the man."

Passive Voice

In passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action. For example, "The man was bitten by the dog."

Tenses

Tenses are used to show the time relationship between the action of a sentence and the time it is being spoken or written. There are three main tenses: past, present, and future.

Past Tense

The past tense is used to describe actions that have already happened. For example, "I ate a sandwich for lunch."

Present Tense

The present tense is used to describe actions that are happening now or actions that are always true. For example, "I eat a sandwich for lunch."

Future Tense

The future tense is used to describe actions that will happen in the future. For example, "I will eat a sandwich for lunch."

Aspects

Aspects are used to show the duration or completion of an action. There are two main aspects: perfect and progressive.

Perfect Aspect

The perfect aspect is used to show that an action has been completed up to the present. For example, "I have eaten a sandwich for lunch."

Progressive Aspect

The progressive aspect is used to show that an action is ongoing. For example, "I am eating a sandwich for lunch."

Types of Sentences

There are four main types of sentences: declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative.

Declarative Sentences

Declarative sentences are used to make statements. For example, "I like pizza."

Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions. For example, "Do you like pizza?"

Exclamatory Sentences

Exclamatory sentences are used to express strong emotions. For example, "I can't believe you ate the last piece of pizza!"

Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentences are used to give commands or instructions. For example, "Eat your vegetables."

Sentence Functions

Sentence functions refer to the purpose of the sentence in the context of a larger piece of writing. There are four main sentence functions: assertive, descriptive, interrogative, and imperative.

Assertive Sentences

Assertive sentences are used to make statements and express

English Grammar Principles Quiz

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

English grammar is the system that allows words to change their ______ in a sentence

A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning in a ______

Free morphemes can ______ alone

Bound morphemes are attached to free ______

Morphemes are different from ______

Most words fall into the category of ______ morphemes

An independent clause can stand alone as a ______.

A dependent clause relies on an independent clause to complete its ______.

The most common coordinating conjunction is '______'.

Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause to a dependent ______.

A noun phrase functions as a noun in a ______.

In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the ______.

Study Notes