English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
A declarative sentence is a telling sentence. A declarative sentence makes a statement. A declarative sentence always ends with a period (.) . These sentences each make a statement. These are declarative sentences.Today is Monday.The school will be closed next… Read more241. Declarative Sentences
A complex sentence is made up of two clauses: an independent clause and a subordinate clause. An independent clause is the main idea of the sentence and is strong enough to stand alone. The dog can stay in the yard.This… Read more236. Highlight on Writing: Rearranging the Clauses in a Complex Sentence
A complex sentence has two parts: a subordinate clause and an independent clause.The subordinate clause always begins with a subordinating conjunction. Let’s look at what that means. The word since is a subordinating conjunction. When you begin with the word… Read more218. Complex Sentences Using Since and Because
Section A: Decide which word or words in each sentence below should be in italics.1. The warplane Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bombs in WWII. 2. The Pilgrims traveled to North America on a ship called the Mayflower.3. Columbus… Read more190. Practice With Italics
Here is a usage mistake that I hear quite frequently:Be sure to let Jeff or I know.Talk to Bob or I if you have any questions. Maybe you’ve heard this too. If you take Bob and Jeff out, these sentences… Read more184. Pronoun with a Compound Object
A dash ( – ) looks like a hyphen. A hyphen is used inside of words. A dash is used between parts of a sentence. Use a dash when you want to show an interruption in thought. I really need… Read more171. Using the Dash
All holiday names are proper nouns and must be capitalized.Father’s Day, Mother’s DayChristmas Day, New Year’s Day, HanukkahMemorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s DayHalloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day We have no school on Veteran’s Day.My grandparents will visit on Easter.On Halloween, my… Read more453. Names of Holidays are Proper Nouns
The word on is a preposition. The words on me form a prepositional phrase. Always use the pronoun me (not I) with the preposition on. My little sister played a joke on me.My prom date pinned the corsage on me.The… Read more439.
A subordinate clause is a group of words that shows action but cannot stand alone. When you begin a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, you are beginning your sentence with a subordinate clause. Here are five common subordinating conjunctions: after,… Read more399. Use a Comma After a Subordinate Clause
An appositive phrase is a group of words that gives more information about a noun. The appositive comes right after the noun that it is describing. Look at this example:Bob, my next door neighbor, loaned me his mower. The phrase… Read more394. Using the Comma with an Appositive Phrase