What Are The Basic Rules of Grammar?

There are literally countless rules we must master in grammar. The main focus is following a solid structure with our sentences. Following proper grammar rules provides us with a great means to communicate through written language whether we are reading, writing, or speaking.

You must start by having a good grasp for all the different parts of speech. Nouns are names of people, places, or things. Nouns can be found be themselves (singular), in groups (plural), or expressing ownership (possessive). Verbs are action words that make sentences move faster or slower depending on the verb itself.

Many students often think that pronouns and proper nouns are the same thing. They are not! Pronouns take the place of a noun and often are the subjects of sentences. Pronouns are often general words. Proper nouns are names of specific nouns and they are capitalized. The opposite of a proper noun is a common noun they name general things.

You also have words that add more meaning to the words around them or in the same sentence. Adjectives add descriptions to nouns or pronouns. They tell us more about the nouns themselves. Adverbs put a spin on verbs. Adverbs provide us with a sense of rate on a verb. You can say that you missed the boat, but you can also include an adverb that changes the sentence entirely by saying, "I almost missed the boat."

There are also parts of speech that add a link or connection between words of a sentence. Prepositions give you a general sense of how nouns and pronouns interact. They can often tell you a position or location. Prepositions are always followed by a noun or pronoun. Conjunctions put two words or thoughts together.

The key to all grammar rules start and end with the subject. The subject is what the sentence is all about. Predicates tell us what the subject is doing. Each sentence you write must contain a complete thought and if they are written in the singular voice, a singular predicate most follow.