English Grammar Tips, Guides and Resources
English Grammar, Punctuation and Capitalization EBook on English Grammar, Punctuation and Capitalization. The How to Grammar Page - When to use Grammar - Grammar Rules English rules with examples about grammar for English, punctuation and capitalization provided Grammar Rules & Punctuation and Capitalization Rules 38+ plus Pages of Information. Some of the outstanding topics: Abbreviation, Adjective, Adverb, Archaic, Article, Capitalization, Colloquial, Comma Splice or Fused Sentence, Commonly Confused, Comparative/Superlative, ... [Find out more ...]
A sentence is a series of words put together to express an idea. It can contain a statement, question, suggestion, command, request or exclamation. Sentences assume four basic forms. These sentence forms are declarative, interrogative, imperative and exclamatory.
● Declarative sentences make a statement or convey information. This type of sentence is punctuated with a period.
● Interrogative sentences pose a question and request information. In all cases, this sentence form ends in a question mark.
● Imperative sentences offer a command or a request. Either a period or exclamation point can work for this type of sentence.
● Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions. They are used to express surprise, fear, anger and other similar feelings. This sentence form usually ends with an exclamation point.
Sentence structure varies with all four basic sentence forms. Each sentence can be defined as simple, compound, complex or compound-complex.
A simple sentence contains a subject and predicate. The subject is typically a noun phrase and the predicate is a verb or verb phrase. Compound subjects or compound verbs can also be used in simple sentences. A simple sentence is considered to … [Find out more ...]
English Grammar Tips, Guides and Resources
Webster's New World English Grammar Handbook The trusted reference—now with on-the-go access Whether you're in school or out in the work world, communicating clearly and correctly is key to your success. With easy-to-understand explanations of grammar rules and plenty of real-world examples and tips, this authoritative reference is just what you need to speak and write with confidence and ease. Now more accessible than ever, this edition has been updated to include: • A new chapter on punctuation, including common punctuation ... [Find out more ...]
Clauses and phrases are essential elements in constructing sentences. The most basic sentence consists of a single (independent) clause. More complex sentences may contain multiple clauses, including clauses contained within clauses. Clauses may be independent or dependent.
● Independent clauses are those that could stand as a sentence by themselves, although they may be used in connection with other clauses in a longer sentence. Independent clauses can be joined together with a conjunction.
● Dependent clauses are those that would be awkward or nonsense if used alone. They must be used with an independent clause to form a complete sentence. A subordinate conjunction is frequently used to introduce a dependent clause.
Clauses can take on different roles in a sentence. A noun clause fulfills functions identical to a noun in a sentence. An adjective clause functions like an adjective does and modifies a noun or pronoun. An adverb clause acts as an adverb.
Clauses can also be essential or non-essential. An essential clause offers additional information. A non-essential clause interrupts sentence flow with supplementary information. This type of clause is offset with commas and can be converted into a separate … [Find out more ...]
Writing > Plain English Writing Tips, Guides and Resources
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Plain English (sometimes referred to as plain language) is a generic term for communication styles that emphasize clarity, conciseness and the avoidance of technical language.
Here are some plain English writing tips to help you write more clearly and concisely:
Identify Your Audience
Think about why the reader wants to read your writing. Also identify people who will be interested in your writing, even if they are not directly affected. Write to everyone who is interested. And keep in mind your average readers’ level of understanding and comprehension.
Write in Active Voice
Voice is the form a verb takes to indicate whether its subject acts or is acted upon. When the subject of a verb does something (acts), the verb is in the active voice. When the subject of a verb receives the action (is acted upon), the verb is in the passive voice. Because the active voice emphasizes the doer of an action, it is usually briefer, clearer, and more emphatic than the passive voice. Whenever possible, use active voice in your writings.
Keep It Short
You will communicate more clearly if you keep sentences short. Aim for an average sentence length … [Find out more ...]
Writing > Plain English Writing Tips, Guides and Resources
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Good writers write in plain English to bring their writing to life. Plain English writing speaks directly to the audience and helps them to better grasp the meaning of the written text. Active voice, everyday words and short sentences are the distinguishing features of plain English.
One characteristic of plain English writing is the use of active voice. Sentences using an active voice are built on strong verbs. This tightens sentences and gives it a natural flow. Using an active voice helps readers to understand sentences quicker because this is how a person thinks and breaks down information. Sentences written in a passive voice require more mental steps to understand. Passive voice is not bad in all instances, but it should be used sparingly.
Personal pronouns are another feature that strengthens writing and clarifies the meaning of sentences. These words are an essential part of plain English writing because they speak directly to the audience and grab their attention. Using personal pronouns keeps sentences shorter and helps avoid using confusing or obscure language.
Writing in plain English involves elimination of excess words. Words are excessive when they can be … [Find out more ...]
Writing > Plain English Writing Tips, Guides and Resources
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Plain English writing is a flexible and efficient writing style designed to be brief, clear and free of technical terminology. This writing style is commonly used in official government communication, including laws.
Sir Ernest Arthur Gowers was credited for bringing the plain English to life. Gowers was a distinguished British civil servant who was asked by the British Treasury to write a guide to show government officials how to avoid pretentious and excessively elaborate writing. He completed a writing guide and published it as “The Complete Plain Words” in 1954. Gowers’ writing guide has remained in print since its original publication.
The push to use plain English writing in the United States began in the 1970s. Congress passed The Paperwork Reduction Act in 1976 to condense and simplify the language used in many federal government documents. By 2010, the Plain Writing Act made it a requirement for all Federal agencies to write documents in plain English.
Plain English writing is designed to engage the reader on a basic level of understanding. It emphasizes being simple and direct in communication. Documents using this writing style are clear, easily readable and … [Find out more ...]