Grammar Refresher

Lesson 1

Using Nouns, Pronouns, and Adjectives

The three most common parts of speech are nouns, pronouns, and adjectives. Learn how all types of pronouns are used in sentences, and explore how adjectives modify nouns and how to use them in your writing.

Using Verbs and Adverbs

There are three types of verbs: action verbs, linking verbs, and helping verbs. Each has a different use in a sentence. Take a look at action and linking verbs and review the basic types of verb tenses. Then, explore adverbs, and learn how to use both effectively in your writing.

Using Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections

This lesson focuses on the last three parts of speech: prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Prepositions show relationships between nouns and pronouns. Conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, and clauses within a sentence. Finally, interjections are used to show feeling and emotion.

Capitalization and Punctuation

Learn to use some of the most common types of punctuation correctly and effectively. Understand use of end punctuation and explore the rules for colons, semicolons, quotations, apostrophes, and parenthesis.

Commas

More often than not, commas are used to indicate a brief pause. However, there are many different uses for the comma. Explore the various rules that govern comma usage in the English language while also learning how to use commas correctly and effectively in your writing.

Sentences

There are many different kinds of sentences in the English language: Declarative (makes a statement), Interrogative (asks a question), Imperative (issues a command), and Exclamatory (shows strong emotion). Finally, you will explore some common problems and pitfalls to avoid when writing sentences.

Plural and Possessive Words

Plural words refer to more than one; while, possessive words refer to nouns and pronouns and show ownership. Explore plural and possessive words and the rules you must follow to form them. You will also have plenty of opportunities to practice your new grammar skills.

Difficult and Confusing Words

There are many words that spell or sound similar yet have very different meanings. Explore these words and practice your new skills as you learn to avoid common pitfalls in your writing.

Phrases

Phrases are groups of words that have distinct meanings and perform certain functions within a sentence. There are different types of phrases, including prepositional phrases, appositive phrases, gerund phrases, adverb phrases, adjective phrases, infinitive phrases, participle phrases, and absolute phrases.

Agreement

Within the English language, parts of a sentence must agree in different ways. Explore subject / verb agreement, and see how using the correct conjunctions can correctly connect words or sentence parts together.

Common Sentence Problems

A sentence is a unit of thought, and each sentence must contain a subject and a verb to be complete. However, the three common sentence errors that writers often make: the run-on, the comma splice, and the fragment.

Becoming a Better Writer

The purpose of studying grammar is to improve your English speaking and writing skills. Put your grammar skills to work as you gain writing tips and opportunities to practice your writing skills.