Grammar Goodies

Subject Verb Agreement

Basic Rule Singular subjects need singular verbs. Plural subjects need plural verbs.

Present and Past Tense

Using Adjectives and Adverbs Correctly

Recognizing Adjectives & Adverbs Many words have both an adjective and adverb form AdjectiveAdverb Happy kidsPlaying happily Smooth rockRunning smoothly Good nightEating Well Efficient workersWorking efficiently Casual dressDressing casually Quick meetingTalking quickly hopeful childrenWaiting hopefully Real butterReally hot

What are adjectives? Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns These words are all adjectives A hot day A happy camper A silly twit A big, bloody mess (both “big” and “bloody” modify “mess”) She is creative (“creative” is a subject complement that follows the linking verb “is”) A boring course (present participle used as an adjective

So what are adverbs? Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs Many adverbs end with ly Many adverbs answer the question “How?” These are adverbs Eating quickly (modifying a verb) Trying very hard (modifying an adverb) A really big show (modifying an adjective)

Don’t use needless adverbs Before using any of these words, check to see if they add anything to the sentence Really, very, absolutely, extremely, quite, actually, somewhat, rather I am really happy to see you Grammar is very boring You are absolutely correct Her language was extremely crude You are quite intelligent Context will help you decide whether to retain the underlined words Keep them only if they add to the meaning Bill Gates is very rich. I hope he gives me some money. Most college instructors are poor; their students are very poor. Note: the terms “good success” and “real good success” have been reserved for sports broadcasters; do not use them

Types of Transition Words and Phrases…

Transitions of Addition Common Words 1.And 2.Also 3.Besides 4.Too 5.First 6.Next 7.Last Power Terms 1.Moreover 2.Furthermore 3.In Addition

Transitions of Contrast Simple Contrast 1.But 2.Yet 3.Still 4.Even so 5.Instead 6.Otherwise 7.Regardless Complex Contrast 1.Although 2.At the same time 3.Despite that 4.In contrast 5.In spite of 6.Nevertheless 7.Notwithstanding 8.On the other hand

Transitions of Example Simple Example 1.For example 2.For instance 3.Indeed 4.In fact 5.Of course Complex Example 1.As an illustration 2.In other words 3.In short 4.That is 5.To illustrate

Practicing Transitions 1.In addition, 2.Likewise, 3.Even so, 4.For instance, 5.In general, 6.Finally, Write sentences using the above transitional words and phrases.

Apostrophes…

Tip! Even when a singular noun already ends in -s, you must still add an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive. The class’s test scores were high. Oscar Lewis’s article was interesting, but I disagree with much of what he said.

Singular Possessive Lincoln Universities mascot is the lion. Lincoln University’s mascot is the lion. My next clients appointment is at 1:00. My next client’s appointment is at 1:00.

Plural Possessive All three agencies directors are coming. All three agencies’ directors are coming. Those students excuses are unbelievable. Those students’ excuses are unbelievable.

Here’s the Common Mistake!! Don’t make a word possessive when it really is just a plain old plural. The students’ did well. The students’ success was well deserved. X possessive plain old plural

Using Apostrophes There are two uses for apostrophes. 1. To form contractions. do + not = don’t 2. To show possession or ownership. Jean’s essay was good. ’

Contractions and Formal Writing Do not use contractions in formal writing. Always write the words out. Informal: Experts don’t agree on why people can’t seem to stick to their diets. Formal: Experts do not agree on why people cannot seem to stick to their diets.

Homophones Homophones are words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings.

Homophones For example, there is a pear that is good to eat. I use a pair of gloves because I have two hands. Pay attention to see how the following homophones are spelled.

they’re there their They’re going to be last if they don’t hurry. The books are right there. Halloween is their favorite holiday.

through threw water We are swimming through the water. She threw the ball to her brother.

two too to The baby has two new teeth. I have too much homework! Astronauts went to the moon.

eight choose wait sun main need new pair You’re a homophone expert! For the words listed above write the homophone.