English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
Common nouns name people, places, and things that don’t need to be capitalized. Proper nouns are names for actual people, actual locations and buildings. Common nouns are names for plain, unspecific people, places, and things. A proper noun is Chicago,… Read more192. Common Nouns
Italics are most often used for titles and names. However, we sometimes use italics when we want to emphasize certain words in our writing. Italicizing the words makes them stand out to the reader. Here is an example of using… Read more189. Use Italics to Emphasize Words
Look at this sentence: He likes ice cream more than me. Do you know what the writer is trying to say? Here are two possibilities: He likes ice cream more than he likes me.He likes ice cream more than I… Read more183. Pronoun Problem
The word hard works as an adjective when it modifies a noun.That was a hard test.You took a hard fall down the stairs. The word hard acts as an adverb when it modifies a verb.The team played hard but they… Read more179. Using Hard and Hardly
Parentheses ( ) are a type of punctuation. Parentheses always come as a pair – in twos. We put parentheses around words and information that are not of major importance. The words in a parentheses can be left out and… Read more172. Parentheses
We place quotation marks around words that are spoken. The words inside of the quotation marks are always a complete sentence, and that sentence must begin with a capital letter. Mary said, “Please let me drive the car.” The words… Read more464. Using Quote Marks with Conversation
Section A: Decide which words in each sentence are proper nouns and should be capitalized.1. My mom and i went to see dr. smith last week.2. Sam’s friend, mr. brown, teaches swim lessons.3. Sam and i are learning the back… Read more460. Practice With More Proper Nouns
All company names are proper nouns and must be capitalized. Businesses, stores, restaurants, and other retail establishments all have names that are proper nouns. I bought my computer at Best Buy.My mom always shops at Target for school suppliesMy dad… Read more458. Company Names are Proper Nouns
The word I is a proper noun because the word I is a name for yourself. Always capitalize the word I. I will help you with that project.Bob and I can be at your house tomorrow.Bob says I can get… Read more456. Capitalize the Word I
Section A: Find the common nouns in each sentence. 1. Janet took Susan to the park.2. Larry says there is no school on Monday.3. Mom cooked eggs while I made a salad.4. Jim asked his mother to write a note.5…. Read more450. Practice with Common and Proper Nouns