English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
A colon (:) is a piece of punctuation used to signal that a list is coming. It’s important to remember that the words before the colon must be a complete thought. Look at this example:We need three things for our… Read more406. Using the Colon with a List
When we use a word formed from a verb as a describing word, we call it a participle. A participial phrase is a group of words used to describe a noun. We often use a participial phrase at the beginning… Read more393. Use a Comma after an Introductory Participial Phrase
We use a comma to separate items in a list. I bought lemons, sugar, cookies, and ice. This sentence says that I bought four items. A comma goes in between each of the items to keep them separate. If we… Read more384. Using the Comma in a List
The words anything, everything, and something are indefinite pronouns. Each of these pronouns can be used in place of a noun. I can’t find anything in my messy closet.The word anything takes the place of a noun that you might… Read more378. Indefinite Pronouns: Anything, Everything, Something
Section A: Decide if the sentence needs a contraction or a pronoun for each blank. Choose the correct word from the two options.1. I hope ____ coming to the game tonight. (you’re, your)2. Jim and Sue said _______ planning to… Read more370. Practice With Confusing Contractions and Pronouns
The word you’re is a contraction. A contraction is formed by bumping two words together to make one word. A contraction always has an apostrophe (‘) to show where letters have been taken out. The contraction you’re is formed by… Read more367. You’re vs. Your
The names of the twelve months must always be capitalized. JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember The shortest month of the year is February.Summer vacation begins in June.The fall festival is held every October.Our first snowfall usually comes in December.The summer month of July is… Read more362. Capitalize Names of the Months
We always capitalize the first and last names of a person. Mary JonesBill Smith We also capitalize a person’s title. Common titles are Mr. (mister); Mrs. (missus); Dr. (doctor); Rev. (reverend)Mrs. Mary JonesMr. Bill Smith Even though pets are not… Read more357. Capitalize the Names and Titles of People
The word me is an object pronoun. Use me as the object of a preposition. Here are three common prepositions: to, for, and from.These prepositions use the pronoun me as an object of the preposition. John gave a gift to… Read more352. The Pronoun Me as the Object of a Preposition
A preposition shows the location of an object. These words are prepositions: under, on, inside, in, behindThe toy is under the couch.The toy is on the table.The toy is inside the toybox.The toy is in the closet. The toy is… Read more341. The Preposition