Basic English Grammar For Dummies - US
Geraldine Woods
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
Basic English Grammar For Dummies - US
Geraldine Woods
About This Book
The easy way to brush up on your English skills
Is it good or well? There, their, or they're? Some people don't have to think twice about using proper English, but for the rest of us it can get tricky and confusing. Whether you're writing or speaking, it's all too easy to fall prey to simple mistakes that will represent you in a less-than-desirable light—which can potentially cost you a job or put you in an embarrassing social situation. Avoiding complicated grammar rules, Basic English For Dummies sticks to the basics and makes it easy to get up and running on what you need to know to partake in successful everyday communication, no matter your audience or medium.
Inside, you'll find plenty of examples and exercises, guidance on how to structure sentences to make yourself easily understood, and so much more. In no time, you'll leave the 'me or I?' debate at the door and speak and write confidently and correctly. Plus, you'll expand your vocabulary, find the right tone and style you want to convey in your communication, and avoid common English language pitfalls.
- Includes quizzes and self-tests
- Provides guidance on composing letters, emails, texts, and phone calls
- Explains in plain English how to improve your English skills
- Gives you instruction and exercises on putting your skills to practice right away
If English is your first language, but you missed or have forgotten the nuances that were taught in school, Basic English For Dummies is your go-to guide. It is also ideal for those learning English as a second language.
Frequently asked questions
Information
Getting Started with Basic English Grammar
Getting a Grip on Grammar
Getting to Know the Elements of Proper English
- Parts of speech: Words are like people. Both base a portion of their identity on the work they do. Words that name people or things, for example, are nouns. English teachers call the identity of a word the part of speech. Understanding how to select the appropriate part of speech is an important aspect of grammar.
- Parts of a sentence: Words seldom like to be alone. (This is another quality that words and people have in common.) When words join together, they form sentences. Complete sentences are essential in formal writing.
- Mechanics: Surprised? Usually, mechanics repair cars and other machines. In language, the term mechanics refers to the little things that help readers understand what you mean. Spelling and capitalization are included in mechanics. So is punctuation, the placement of periods, commas, question marks, and other symbols. Without proper mechanics, your writing suffers.
- Word order: In English, location partly determines meaning. The dog bit John is different from John bit the dog. In the first version, the dog is in trouble. In the second, John has a problem. You should know the rules that govern the placement of words.
- Word choice: Some words sound alike (eye and I, for example). Others are nearly twins (for instance, affect and effect). Selecting the wrong word can wreck your writing.
- Word forms: Today I walk. Yesterday I walked. The form of the word walk changes to reveal the time period of the action. Knowing the correct form is essential.