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Examples:
"I need a chair."
In the sentence above we find the article "a". It shows us that the speaker does not need
a specific chair. He can have any chair.
"I want an apple."
In the sentence above we find the article "an." It shows us that the speaker does not want
a specific apple. He can have any apple.
"I want the red apple."
In the sentence above we find the article "the." It shows us that the speaker wants
a specific apple.
In English, there are two kinds of grammar articles.
Explanation: I went to see some doctor. I didn't mention him before, and you are not familiar
with him. Another option is that it is not important who he is. So I use the word "a".
Then I say: "The doctor said I should get more rest."
Now you already know which doctor I am referring to. I am referring to the doctor I went to see.
So I use the word "the."
Next I say to you: "Do you remember the movie we watched together?"
I use the word "the" because I mention a specific movie you know which movie I am talking
about.
Then I tell you: "Well, I've seen a better movie since!"
You are not familiar with the new movie, so I use the word "a".
I also tell you: "A man on the street stepped on my foot."
You don't know who exactly stepped on my foot, I've never mentioned him before. So I use the
word "a".
Finally, I tell you: "I am a singer."
This sentence simply means that I sing for a living. If I said: "I am the singer", you would
understand that I am the singer that was mentioned before.
For example:
- "Wow! I heard a great singer is coming to town."
- "Oh, it's me. I am the great singer."
Now that we understand the general idea of English grammar articles, here are some more
specific details:
Specific Uses of English Grammar Articles
In this case
Example Sentence
You mention something
I have a problem.
for the first time.
You want to say that something
This is a table.
belongs to a certain group.
Use "a" / You want to say that someone belongs
She is a designer.
"an"
to a certain group.
You want to say that
I've built a strong ship.
something is that kind of thing.
You want to say that
He is a nice guy.
someone is that kind of person.
Use "the"
You talk about a specific thing.
The feeling I got was
very strange.
No article
First, let's review the basics. A singular noun (like teacher, umbrella,lamp) refers to one person
or thing. A plural noun (like pencils, cups,ideas, papers) refers to more than one person or
things.
For a full explanation and lots of practice with plural nouns, be sure to check out our English
Plural Nouns, a Step-by-Step Guide book, which you can purchase and download instantly!
Examples:
chairs
apples
pillows
books
But, if the noun ends in -ch, -s, -sh, -x, or -z, we add -es to form plural nouns. If the noun ends in
a vowel then -y, we just add -s. But, if the noun ends in a consonant then -y, we remove the y and add -ies.
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Plural-only Nouns
Some nouns in English only have a plural form. This means that we cannot use them as singular
nouns.
Examples:
Examples:
sugar
milk
coffee
money
food
work
news
water
electricity
happiness
A preposition is a word which is used before a noun to show its connection to another word in
the sentence.
For example:
The dog rests on the armchair.
(The word "on" is used before "the armchair". We understand that the dog ison the armchair. He
is not under it, above it or beside it, for example.)
The name "preposition" (pre + position) means "put before".
So prepositions usually come before the noun.
Here are some more examples:
She stands by the tree.
A preposition is a word or phrase that comes before a noun or pronoun to show its connection to
the other words in the sentence.
Prepositions can show place, time, position, or method.
About
2. near
Above
Across
After
1. following
Against
Along
Among
1. in a group
Around
1. near
As
At
Before
1. at an earlier time
2. in front of
Behind
1. losing in a competition
Below
The ice cream shop is one floor below the clothing store.
Beneath
Beside
1. next to
Besides
Between
1. in the middle of
Did you cut down the tree between the two houses?
I can't choose between the red car and the blue car.
She does not have any time to date between work and her children.
But
Mom said I could buy anything but candy with my Christmas money.
By
D E F
G H I
Concerning
Down
1. along a path
Can you walk down this street to get to the grocery store?
During
Except/Except for
For
"For" has many definitions. Here are three of the most common with examples.
From
3. source
In
There are many ways to use the preposition "in". Here are just a few of the most common
examples.
1. within; inside
2. during
Inside
Into
2. hitting or touching
M N
Like
Near
Next to
Of
This tiny word has many uses as a preposition. Here are a few of the most common uses.
Off
Please take off your muddy shoes before coming in the house.
On
Here is another tiny word with many uses as a preposition. Here are some of the most common
uses of the word on.
2. about
Onto
Opposite
Outside
Over
1. covering; on top of
4. more than
5. during
S T U
V W X Y Z
Regarding
The teacher said, "I need to speak with you regarding your son's behavior."
Since
1.from a time in the past until a later time in the past or present
Through
1. by; because of
To
Toward/Towards
You can use either toward or towards in your sentences. Some say that toward is more popular
in American English and towards is more popular in British English. Others say it depends on
what area of the United States you are visiting.
1. in the direction of
Under
2. below; beneath
Underneath
Unlike
Until
1. up to a point in time
Up
1. along a path
Upon
1. on
*Upon is a more formal than the word "on."
Via
1. by using
2. through
With
The word "with" is a very common preposition in the English language. Here are just three of the
many definitions of the word "with."
1. together
Put the dictionary on the bottom shelf with the other books.
2. having something
3. using
Within
2. inside; in
*Within is the formal way to say "inside."
Without
1. Put a comma before the coordinating conjunction when it is used to connect two
independent clauses.
A clause is a group of words the contain a subject and a verb.
An independent clause (or main clause) expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a
sentence. For example, "I like apples."
(A dependent clause does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.
For example, "that I saw last month.")
Examples of independent clauses:
These two independent clauses can be combined with a coordinating conjunction. When we
combine these two sentences, the second "Tom" will be changed to "he."
Examples:
Both parts of the sentence have a subject and verb (before and after the coordinating
conjunction).
Here are a few more examples of coordinating conjunctions connecting independent clauses.
Incorrect: I want to go see a movie but my sister has my car.
Correct: I want to go see a movie, but my sister has my car.
Incorrect: Lisa loves cats yet she does not want one living in her house.
Correct: Lisa loves cats, yet she does not want one living in her house.
2. When using a coordinating conjunction to connect two items, do not use a comma.
In the example above with Tom and his dog, we can leave out the comma if we do not have two
independent clauses. We do this by leaving out the subject in the second part of the sentence
(he).
Example:
Here are a few more examples of how to use a coordinating conjunction to connect two items
that are not independent clauses.
3. When using a coordinating conjunction with a list of items (three or more in number),
the comma before the coordinating conjunction is optional.
You should put or leave out the comma before the coordinating conjunction based on the style
guide you are using.
Example with comma:
question mark ( ? )
exclamation mark ( ! )
colon ( : )
semicolon ( ; )
hyphen ( )
en dash ()
em dash ( )
ellipsis (. . . )
apostrophe ( ' )
slash ( / )
ampersand ( & )
asterisk ( * )
at sign ( @ )
bullet ( )
degree symbol ( )
number sign ( # )
percent sign ( % )
underscore symbol ( _ )
copyright symbol ( )
trademark symbol ( )
dollar sign ( $ )
To end a sentence
exclamation mark ( ! )
ellipsis (. . .)
comma ( , )
semicolon ( ; )
To begin a list
colon ( : )
To show alternatives
slash ( / )
Read also
Colon vs Semicolon
Comma Splices
End Punctuation
End Punctuation is the most common punctuation in the English language. You must use end
punctuation at the end of every sentence to avoid confusion.
The three most common ways to end a sentence are
period ( . )
The elephant is big.
question mark ( ? )
Where is the man?
exclamation mark ( ! )
The huge elephant sat on the man!
End punctuation tells the reader where each sentence ends. It also helps the reader understand the
writer's emotions about the subject. For example, an exclamation mark ( ! ) tells the reader that I
am excited or yelling.
Here is a paragraph without end punctuation:
Do you like to sing My mom and I sing in a choir that meets every Tuesday Last week we sang
Christmas carols at a nursing home The residents of the nursing home enjoyed our visit It was
fun Would you like to join us next Tuesday
You can see that it is very difficult to read and make sense of the paragraph. Every sentence runs
straight into the next sentence.
Here is the same paragraph with end punctuation:
Do you like to sing? My mom and I sing in a choir that meets every Tuesday. Last week, we sang
Christmas carols at a nursing home. The residents of the nursing home enjoyed our visit! It was
fun! Would you like to join us next Tuesday?
Now, you can see questions, statements, and exclamations in the paragraph. You can see that the
writer is excited about singing and enjoyed singing for the residents of the nursing home. The
writer also asks if you like singing and would like to join their choir.
Commas
Commas are another very important type of punctuation. Commas tell the reader where to pause.
Commas also separate phrases, ideas, and items in a list. Commas help avoid confusion.
Without commas, it sounds like Sally likes to eat hot dogs and broccolicovered in chocolate!
Yuck!
Here is the same list with commas:
Sally likes to eat chocolate, hot dogs, and broccoli.
Now, we see that Sally actually likes three foods:
1. chocolate
2. hot dogs
3. broccoli
Quotation marks
Quotation marks are another common punctuation mark in the English language. Quotation
marks are used with commas to inform the reader that someone is talking or being quoted.
Example:
"Punctuation is important," my teacher said. "Without punctuation marks, your writing
would be very confusing."
Without quotation marks and commas, it would be difficult to understand what the character is
saying.
Punctuation is important my teacher said without punctuation marks your writing would
be very confusing
Quotation marks are also very important when you are quoting words someone has already said.
Example:
Maya Angelo said, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change
your attitude."
Maya Angelo is a famous author and poet. When I am quoting her, I show her exact words by
enclosing them in quotation marks. By using quotation marks, I am giving her credit for her
words.
Apostrophes
Apostrophes are another commonly misused form of punctuation. Apostrophes are used to show
ownership and missing letters in contractions.
Misplaced apostrophes can cause confusion for readers.
Example:
it's = it is
its = ownership
Correct:
Example:
boy's = ownership
boys = more than one boy
Correct:
The boy's room is painted blue.
The blue room belongs to the boy.
Incorrect:
The boys room is painted blue.
In this example, we do not know if the room belongs to one boy(boy's) or more than one
boy (boys').
Correct:
The boys are sleeping in the tent.
There is more than one boy sleeping in the tent.
Incorrect:
The boy's are sleeping in the tent.
The apostrophe is not needed in this sentence because we are not showing ownership.
I like cats.
Apples are red.
2) Use an exclamation point (!) at the end of a sentence that is exciting or should be said loudly.
Examples:
Watch out!
I won the race!
3) Use a question mark (?) at the end of a sentence that asks a question.
Examples:
1) Use a question mark when you are trying to get information. This type of sentence is called
an interrogative sentence.
Many interrogative sentences start with question words such as who, what, when, where, why or
how and end with a question mark.
Examples:
Interrogative sentences can also start with forms of the words "do" and"be."
Examples:
2. Use a question mark at the end of a sentence when you turn a statement into a question to get
a specific answer. This type of question is used when the speaker is hoping for a certain answer.
Examples:
4. Use questions marks after each question in a series, even if the question is not a complete
sentence.
Example:
Note that you do not capitalize each choice because they are all a part of the same sentence. This
sentence could also be asked as one complete question using only one question mark at the end:
Who cares?
Isn't it a beautiful day?
1. A warning
In a story, the main character tells his daughter: "Watch out!"
The exclamation mark tells us that the man is scared and is calling out to his daughter.
Without the exclamation mark, the statement is not as urgent: "Watch out."
2. A direct order
If you read a sign on a door that says "Do Not Enter!" the exclamation mark helps catch your
attention.
You are more likely to notice "Do Not Enter!" than if it says "Do Not Enter."
The exclamation mark tells you that it might be dangerous to go through that door.
In many cases (but not always!) adverbs have the following form:
Adjective + "-ly"
Examples:
Quick + ly = quickly
Strange + ly = strangely
Dead + ly = deadly
Sudden + ly = suddenly
Clever + ly = cleverly
Brave + ly = bravely
Real + ly = really
When an adjective ends with "y" replace the "y" with an "i":
Heavy + ly = heavi + ly = heavily
Happy + ly = happi + ly = happily
When the adjective ends with an "e" drop the "e":
True + ly = tru + ly = truly
However, there are many adverbs that do not end in "-ly":
Fast, very, hard, home, just, too, well, never, sometimes, and so forth.
Adverbs of degree
Adverbs of degree show us the strength or degree of the action or state.
They answer the following questions:
How much? To what degree?
Examples:
Very, highly, totally, perfectly, partially, almost.
He answered perfectly.
Example sentences:
Adverbs of manner
Adverbs of manner show us the way the action is done. They answer the following question:
How?
Examples:
Well, badly, nicely, slowly, loudly, quietly, happily, sadly, secretly, weakly.
They run happily.
Example sentences:
Adverbs of place
Adverbs of place show us the location of the action or state. They answer the following question:
Where?
Examples:
Home, here, there, outside, inside, away, around, anywhere, abroad, up, down, out.
He is home.
Example sentences:
We are here.
He went home.
Adverbs of time
Adverbs of time show us the time of the action or state. They answer the following question:
When?
Examples:
Now, soon, later, yesterday, tomorrow, early, before, lately, recently.
They are having dinner now.
Example sentence:
Adverbs of frequency
Adverbs of frequency show us the frequency of the action or state. They answer the following
question:
How often?
Examples:
Always, never, sometimes, often, rarely, usually, occasionally.
I will never do that!
Example sentences:
Adverbs of duration
Example sentence:
Adverbs of probability
Adverbs of probability show us the chances for the action or state to happen. They answer the
following question:
How likely?
Examples:
Certainly, maybe, probably, possibly, surely.
He is probably in trouble.
Example sentences:
Comparative adverbs
"Comparative" means "comparing something to something else."
Comparative adverbs show us which action or state is better, worse, stronger, weaker, and so
forth.
Examples:
More, less, better, worse, faster, slower, farther, closer.
She writes faster than most people.
Example sentences:
Superlative adverbs
"Superlative" means "of the highest degree."
Superlative adverbs show us which action or state is the best, the strongest, and so forth.
Examples:
Best, most, least, worst, strongest, fastest, slowest.
They like each other best.
Example sentences:
He knows best.
It was the most boring experience.
The word "adjective" comes from the Latin word jacere, which means "to throw."
Size
Big, small, large, tiny, enormous, little, etc.
An enormous cupcake
Age
Young, old, new, ancient, antique, etc.
An antique car
Shape
Round, square, flat, straight, etc.
A round coin
Color
Blue, red, white, black, dark, bright, yellowish, etc.
A red apple
Origin
Italian, British, Mexican, western, southern, etc.
An Italian pizza
Material
Metal, wooden, plastic, golden, etc.
A wooden house
Determiners
A determiner is a word that comes before a noun to show which person or thing you are talking
about.
Examples:
A, an, the, my, your, some, any, several, enough, any.
Example sentences:
Some people consider determiners to be a type of adjective. What's special about determiners is
that you usually can use only one determiner at a time.
Incorrect: He has the my ticket.
Correct: He has my ticket / He has the ticket.
Click here to read more about English Determiners.
Sports car
Orange juice
Television station
Coffee shop
Book cover
Comparative adjectives
"Comparative" means "comparing something to something else."
Comparative adjective show which thing is better, worse, stronger, weaker, and so forth.
Examples:
Better, worse, bigger, smaller, nicer, fatter, thinner, more dangerous.
Example sentences:
He seems healthier.
Superlative adjectives
"Superlative" means "of the highest degree."
Superlative adjectives show us which thing is the best, the strongest, and so forth.
Examples:
Best, worst, strongest, smallest, cheapest, most expensive.
Example sentences:
Subject
Possessive Adjective
My
You (singular)
Your
He
His
She
her
It
Its
We
Our
You (plural)
Your
They
their
Sentence structure
Possessive Adjective + Noun
When we talk about possessive adjectives, we say they show "ownership" for the subject.
"Ownership" in this form means that it belongs to that subject.
Examples:
1. My
The possessive adjective my shows ownership (possession) for the subjectI.
Examples:
My dog is brown.
(I own the brown dog.)
That is my horse.
(I own the horse.)
3. His
The possessive adjective his shows ownership (possession) for the subjecthe.
Examples:
4. Her
The possessive adjective her shows ownership (possession) for the subjectshe.
Examples:
5. Its
The possessive adjective its shows ownership (possession) for the subjectit.
Examples:
6. Our
The possessive adjective our shows ownership (possession) for the subjectwe.
Examples:
7. Their
The possessive adjective their shows ownership (possession) for the subjectthey.
Examples:
Possessive Pronouns
mine
his
hers
its
ours
theirs
Examples:
Comparatives and superlatives are types of adjectives and adverbs that are used to compare
two or more things or people.
Comparative means to compare one thing to another.
Comparative adjectives and adverbs compare two things or people.
Comparative Adjectives:
Jan is taller than Sally.
Sally's blue uniform is more colorful than Jan's pink uniform.
Comparative Adverbs:
Superlative Adjectives:
Mrs. Smith is the shortest person in the group.
Kate is wearing the most colorful outfit.
Superlative Adverbs:
Mrs. Smith talks most quietly.
Bob and Sam laugh loudest at Mary's joke.
In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use comparative and superlative adjectives and
adverbs.
Examples
Comparative
Rule
fine
One syllableadjectives ending in "e"
wise
large
Examples
Superlative
Rule
finer
Add "r"
wiser
larger
Examples
finest
Add "st"
wisest
largest
big
One syllable adjectives ending with
one voweland one consonant
fat
hot
Double the
final
consonant and
add the suffix
"er"
tall
One syllable adjectives with two
vowels or ending with twoconsonants
smart
neat
angry
happy
Change the
"y" to "i" and
add the suffix
"er"
important
gentle
Adjectives with two syllables ending
in "er", "le", "ow"
hollow
yellow
hotter
smarter
neater
more
important
more
dangerous
gentler
hollower
yellower
hottest
smartest
neatest
prettiest
Change the "y"
to "i" and add
the suffix "est"
happier
more
beautiful
fattest
loudest
prettier
angrier
biggest
tallest
louder
Do not change
beautiful
the word
Adjectives with two or more
syllables not ending in "y"
fatter
taller
loud
pretty
bigger
angriest
happiest
Do not change
the word
Add the word
"most" before
the adjective
most
beautiful
most
important
most
dangerous
gentlest
hollowest
yellowest
Of course there are exceptions to the rules. (Exception means that they do not follow the rules.)
Here are just a few of the most common adjective exceptions.
Word
Comparative form
Superlative form
good
better
best
bad
worse
worst
far
farther
farthest
far
further
furthest
many
more
most
little
less
least
Some two syllable adjectives can follow two rules. Both forms of these words are grammatically
correct.
For example:
Word
Comparative forms
Superlative forms
friendly
friendlier
more friendly
friendliest
most friendly
quiet
quieter
more quiet
quietest
most quiet
simple
simpler
more simple
simplest
most simple