English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
A complex sentence is made by combining an independent clause with a subordinate clause. You do not need a comma in a complex sentence where the independent clause comes first. But anytime you begin a complex sentence with a subordinate… Read more727. The Comma in a Complex Sentence
Most nouns add -s or -es to become plural, but a few nouns actually change their form when plural. Here are some examples of plural nouns that do not end in -s:one child – two childrenone mouse – two miceone… Read more733. Some Nouns Change Form when Plural
A collective noun names a word that contains many parts or members, but is still one thing. Here is a list of collective nouns that name people: team, choir, band, class, family, faculty, staffThe choir has many members.Our family contains… Read more734. Collective Nouns
An ordinal number is a number that shows order. An ordinal number modifies a noun and acts as an adjective when it comes just before the noun. Look at these sentence examples:Jane is in sixth grade.My little sister lost her… Read more739. Ordinal Numbers are Adjectives
Adjectives can modify nouns by showing other attributes besides size, number, and color. Here are some adjective examples that describe other attributes of nouns: pretty, beautiful, ugly, creepy, cute, handsome fresh, stale, special, hungry, open, closed, honest, lucky, cold, warm,… Read more741. Adjectives Describe Nouns with an Attribute
A possessive adjective shows ownership. Here are the common possessive adjectives: my, your, his, her, its, our, theirPlace the possessive adjective right before the noun that it modifies.Have you seen my coat?I found your pencil.John is looking for his dog.Mary… Read more742. Possessive Adjectives
Sometimes we place a title in front of a person’s name. Just as we capitalize the person’s name, we must also capitalize the person’s title. Here are some common titles: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms.Rev. Dr. I visited Dr. Masson yesterday.My… Read more762. Capitalize the Titles in People’s Names
The days of the week must always be capitalized. MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday We have no school on Saturday.John’s birthday is next Tuesday.Let’s meet for dinner on Monday night. Be sure to capitalize the days of the week whenever you are writing them…. Read more763. Capitalize the Days of the Week
Always capitalize the names of the months.JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember The three summer months are June, July, and August.My birthday is in May.It’s fun to go apple-picking in October. Always capitalize the words that name the months. ▶It’s your turn. Find the two… Read more764. Capitalize the Names of the Months
Always capitalize the names of cities.ChicagoDenverMiamiHoustonBaltimore Always capitalize the names of states in the United States.IllinoisColoradoFloridaTexasMaryland Always capitalize the names of countries.GermanySpainIndiaJapanNorway Always capitalize the names of continents.AsiaEuropeAfricaSouth AmericaAsia Always capitalize the names of cities, states, countries, and continents. ▶It’s… Read more766. Capitalize Names of Places