25 Grammar Rules Cont. Rules 11-15

11. Always introduce people and things in a narrative. Do not use the ambiguous “they.” “They never let us do what we want.” “They never let us do what we want.” Does your reader know who “they” are? Is it parents, teachers, or playground bullies? In every paragraph, state at least once who “they” are.

12. Subject-Verb Agreement. Use Standard English subject-verb agreement only. “I done seen a comet in the sky” is not correct; “I saw a comet in the sky” is. Although we live in a diverse society, we must find a common language, and Standard English helps everyone to communicate efficiently.

13. Know the differences between “then” and “than,” and “that” and “who.” “Then” indicates time. First this happened, and then that happened. First this happened, and then that happened. “Than” compares things I like chocolate more than vanilla. I like chocolate more than vanilla. “That” (or which) describes things. She prefers the car that (which) steers easiest to the others. She prefers the car that (which) steers easiest to the others. “Who” describes people. She prefers the salesperson who gives her the best advice. She prefers the salesperson who gives her the best advice.

14. Always list other persons before yourself (oneself). Me and Joe went out Joe and I went out In writing, follow the same rules as in polite society: If you approach a door with a group of friends and get to it first, it is good manners to open the door for the others and go through last. The same applies when writing a list.

15. Avoid double negatives Just like in math, two negatives make a positive. I don’t want none This actually means you want some. This actually means you want some. We didn’t do nothing This means you did something. This means you did something.