Basic English Grammar For Dummies, UK Edition E-Book

Geraldine Woods

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 505

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

Get good guidance on using English well English is a hard language to get right. It's all too easy to make simple mistakes, whether writing or speaking--which can land you in embarrassing social situations or even cost you a job. Luckily, Basic English Grammar For Dummies UK Edition is here to help you get to grips with English. Without the complexity of formal grammar and through plenty of examples and brief exercises, it gets you up and running on common spelling errors, how to structure sentences to make yourself easily understood, and find the right tone and style for any situation, whether you're talking on the phone or writing a letter, email, or text. Is it good or well? There, their or they're? Some people don't have to think twice about using proper English grammar, but for the rest of us it can become tricky and confusing. Easy to understand and free of jargon, this friendly and accessible guide sticks to the basics and makes it easy to build your English grammar skills. In no time, you'll leave the 'me or I?' debate at the door and speak and write confidently and correctly. * Includes quizzes and self-tests * Provides guidance on composing letters, emails, and texts * Uses easy vocabulary to make the content accessible to all * Serves as a great guidebook to English grammar for overseas learners If English is your second language or you simply missed or have forgotten the nuances that were taught in school, Basic English Grammar For Dummies UK Edition is the fast and easy way to brush up on your skills and make a good impression.

Leseprobe

Basic English Grammar For Dummies®

Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, www.wiley.com

This edition first published 2016

© 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, West Sussex.

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ISBN 978-1-119-07115-0 (paperback); ISBN 978-1-119-071143 (ebk);

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Basic English Grammar For Dummies®

Visit www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/basicenglishgrammar to view this book's cheat sheet.

Table of Contents

Cover

Introduction

About This Book

Foolish Assumptions

Icons Used in This Book

Beyond the Book

Where to Go from Here

Part I: Getting Started with Basic English Grammar

Chapter 1: Getting a Grip on Grammar

Getting to Know the Elements of Proper English

Building Language, Block by Block: Parts of Speech

Making Sentences

Small but Important: Punctuating, Capitalising and Spelling

Facing Everyday Writing Tasks

Chapter 2: Language in Action

Adjusting Language to Suit Your Audience

Getting Help from Spelling and Grammar Checkers

Recognising Your Grammar Profile

Part II: The Parts of Speech

Chapter 3: People to See, Places to Go, Things to Remember: Recognising Nouns

Identifying Nouns

Sorting Out Singular and Plural Nouns

Attaching ‘This’, ‘These’ and Other Words to Nouns

Chapter 4: Practising Pronouns

Replacing Nouns with Pronouns

Solving the Case of Pronouns

Forming Possessive Pronouns

Chapter 5: Doing and Being Words: Verbs

Searching Out Verbs

Asking Questions to Find the Verb

Telling Time with Verbs

Recognising Forms of Some Important Verbs

Getting Assistance from Helping Verbs

Chapter 6: Describing with Adjectives and Adverbs

Adding Detail with Adjectives

Writing Well with Adverbs

Choosing Between Adjectives and Adverbs

Placing ‘A’ and ‘An’ in the Proper Place

Making Comparisons with Adjectives and Adverbs

Chapter 7: Little Things Mean a Lot: Prepositions

Recognising Prepositions

Identifying Objects of Prepositions

Choosing Pronouns as Objects of Prepositions

Placing Prepositional Phrases in the Proper Place

Chapter 8: Joining and Commenting: Conjunctions and Interjections

Linking Ideas with Conjunctions

Identifying Interjections

Part III: Creating Correct Sentences

Chapter 9: Making Progress: Verbs Ending in –ing

Keeping Time with –ing Verb Forms

Choosing Between Simple and Progressive Tenses

Some Help with Spelling –ing Verb Forms

Chapter 10: Revisiting the Past: The Perfect Tenses

Building a Bridge between the Present and the Past: Present Perfect Tense

Placing Events in Order with Past Perfect Tense

Breaking the Rules: Irregular Past Forms

Glancing at the Future Perfect Tense

Chapter 11: Searching for Subjects

Locating the Subject of a Sentence

Matching Subjects and Verbs Properly

Dealing with Tricky Subjects

Chapter 12: Adding Meaning with Complements

Surveying Complements

Popping the Question to Identify Objects and Subject Complements

Choosing the Proper Complement Pronoun

Chapter 13: Finishing the Job: Writing Complete Sentences

Half Way Is Not Enough: Expressing aComplete Thought

Cooking Up a Complete Sentence: The Essential Subject–Verb Pair

Ending Sentences with Proper Punctuation

Changing the Rules for Texting

Part IV: Punctuation and Capitalisation

Chapter 14: Small Punctuation Mark, Big Trouble: Apostrophes

Possessed: Using Apostrophes to Show Ownership

Shortening Words with Apostrophes

Avoiding Common Apostrophe Mistakes

Chapter 15: Pausing for a Rest: Commas

The Sound of Silence: Why Commas Matter

Making a List with Commas

Placing Commas before Conjunctions

Placing Commas after Introductory Words

Talking to People: Commas in Direct Address

Chapter 16: Who Said What: Quotation Marks

Telling the Truth with Quotation Marks

Quoting or Paraphrasing: Which Is Better?

Identifying the Source of a Quotation

Adding Punctuation to Quotations

Identifying Titles with Quotation Marks

Chapter 17: Big or Small? When to Write Capital Letters

Knowing the (Capital) ABCs of Capital Letters

Setting Up Sentences with Capital Letters

Naming Names

Mr Mayor or mr mayor: Capitalising Titles

Dad or dad? Capitalising Family Relationships

Capitalising Creative Works

Capitalising Abbreviations

Part V: Grammar in Action

Chapter 18: Writing with Electronic Media

Communicating Clearly in Texts, Instant Messages and Tweets

Writing Proper Emails

Writing for Websites and Social Media

Chapter 19: Presentation Slides and Bulleted Lists

Ladies and Gentlemen, May I Present … Slides!

Writing Winning Bullet Points

Chapter 20: Writing at School and on the Job

A Is for Accomplished: Writing at School

Get to Work: Writing on the Job

Part VI: Common Errors

Chapter 21: Spelling Your Way to Perfection

Following the Rules of English Spelling

Mastering Spelling Demons

Checking the Dictionary for Spelling Help

Chapter 22: Tricky Word Traps

Same Sounds, Different Spelling: Sorting Out Word Pairs

Together or Apart? One- and Two-Word Expressions

Staying Away from Improper Expressions

Chapter 23: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Writing Clear Descriptions

Substituting the Correct Pronoun

No! No! Understanding Double Negatives

Part VII: The Part of Tens

Chapter 24: Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills

Listening Carefully

Reading Regularly

Practising Your Writing

Rewriting

Recognising Your Weak Spots

Asking for Help

Proofreading

Making Friends with a Dictionary

Using Spelling and Grammar Checkers

Solving Puzzles and Playing Games

Chapter 25: Ten Mistakes to Avoid

Substituting ‘Me’ for ‘I’

Switching Verb Tenses

Adding Apostrophes to Plurals

Confusing ‘An’ and ‘A’

Forgetting Endmarks

Pairing ‘You’ with the Wrong Verb

Connecting Sentences with a Comma

Omitting Capital Letters

Using Half a Verb

Being Unclear

About the Author

Cheat Sheet

Connect with Dummies

End User License Agreement

Guide

Cover

Table of Contents

Begin Reading

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Introduction

You want to send a letter to your aunt. She is very strict about proper grammar and spelling. This is what you write:

Dear Aunt Louise,

I wanted

I would like

I want to thank

Thank you for

you’re

your’

Thank you for the

presant

pressent

gift.

By now, the notepaper is a mess, and so are you. If this sounds like your life, you’re not alone. Many people struggle when they must write or speak formally. Fortunately, help is on the way. In fact, it is already here, in the book you’re reading.

English grammar is not a mystery. It is a set of traditions and patterns of language handed down through the years. Anyone can learn the rules of Standard English. Basic English Grammar For Dummies explains what you need to know. With practice and the information in this book, you can express yourself confidently and correctly. Even Aunt Louise will be pleased!

About This Book

As I wrote this book, I followed For Dummies traditions. I also made some patterns myself. Every time I introduce a grammar term, I italicise and explain it. If I write noun, for example, I tell you a noun is the name of a person, place, thing or idea. Don’t be afraid! In Basic English Grammar For Dummies, I use very few grammar terms. As often as possible, I explain what you need to know in normal, non-teacher language. I also underline some words or phrases that you should pay close attention to.

To help you pick up important points quickly, I frequently place information in lists. Every item in a list begins with a little checkmark. The key idea appears in boldface. Examples illustrate every rule. Keep an eye out for these examples, centred alone on a line. If I mention an idea but don’t explain it immediately, I direct you to a chapter that contains more information.

Although this book focuses on grammar, I couldn’t resist throwing in some vocabulary builders. A strong vocabulary makes your writing more interesting. Look for grey boxes, called sidebars, if you want to learn new words. If your vocabulary is already in good shape, ignore the grey boxes and go right to the text.

Foolish Assumptions

I don’t know who you are, but you will spend some time with me. When I write, I keep you, the reader, in my mind. I imagine you holding a yellow For Dummies book or an e-reader. This is how I see you:

You know the language, but you are open to learning more.

You want a firmer grasp of the rules of Standard English, the formal language of educated people.

You are busy. You don’t want to waste time memorising facts you will never need.

You enjoy a little humour.

That is everything I assume about you. Have I described you accurately? I hope so.

Icons Used in This Book

Flip through Basic English Grammar For Dummies. Many little drawings appear in the margin. Those pictures are called icons. Icons alert you in these ways:

This icon signals a shortcut or an extra bit of information. A tip is a whisper in your ear, helping you master a grammar rule.

This icon tells you where errors often pop up, so you can avoid mistakes.

For every topic, you find a few questions labelled with this icon. Take the quizzes to check whether you have mastered the material. Answers follow every quick quiz. (No peeking allowed.)

Key ideas appear with this icon.

Beyond the Book

Like me, you probably spend a lot of time on the Internet. I have placed extra material there, to add to what you find on the screen of your e-reader or between the paper covers of Basic English Grammar For Dummies. Here is what you get, all for free:

Cheat Sheet:

Yes, I know you are honest. You don’t cheat on tests or at work. You could use a little help sometimes, though. The Cheat Sheet lists essential information from this book. Print it out and tape it to your desk or put it in your pocket. Glance at the Cheat Sheet at

www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/basicenglishgrammar

when you want to refresh your memory about key grammar rules.

An extra Part of Tens:

All

For Dummies

books, including this one, end with the Part of Tens. Two chapters in this book explain ten ways to improve your writing skills and ten mistakes that wreck your sentences. You can read an extra Part of Tens online at

www.dummies.com/extras/basicenglishgrammar

. That one lists ten ways to polish your writing. With this online Part of Tens, you move beyond grammar and into style. You see how to create sophisticated sentences. Like designer clothing, they attract positive attention.

Articles:

I love language, and I have more to say about every topic in this book. Plus, the rules of Standard English are not carved in stone. They are changing right now, adapting to new means of communication such as smartphones, tablets and the like. Fortunately, the Internet gives me space for in-depth discussions of old grammar rules and reports of new developments. Look for articles that tell you a little bit more about parts of speech, parts of a sentence, new media and other topics. For example, do you know how to combine words and images for a presentation? Would you like to find out whether to capitalise school years, seasons and historical eras? Check

www.dummies.com/extras/basicenglishgrammar

to read articles on these topics, and more.

Where to Go from Here

You don’t have to read Basic English Grammar For Dummies in order. Nor do you have to read the entire book. You can, of course. If you do, you will be my favourite reader.

I realise, however, that you’re busy. You probably want to select just what you need. To get started, take a close look at the Table of Contents. Mark off topics that interest or puzzle you. Read the chapters you have selected.

Another way to personalise your approach to grammar starts with the checklist at the end of Chapter 2. Look at the questions there. If you don’t know an answer, turn to the chapter covering that topic. You can also try your hand at the quizzes in each chapter. If you get every question right, feel free to skip that section. (Also, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.) If the quiz stumps you, spend some time in that section of the book. Read the explanations, and glance at related material in other chapters.

If you are facing a specific task, a school report or a work presentation, perhaps, turn to Part V. There you find information about common writing formats. Check out the online material, too.

No matter which path you choose to follow through Basic English Grammar For Dummies, you will arrive at the same place. You will be a stronger, more confident writer and speaker.

Part I

Getting Started with Basic English Grammar

For Dummies can help you get started with lots of subjects. Visit www.dummies.com to learn more and do more with For Dummies.

In this part …

Identify the elements of proper English.

Explore the proper format of everyday writing tasks.

Become familiar with common errors.

Learn when breaking the rules of Standard English is acceptable.

See how to take advantage of computer programs that check your spelling and grammar.

Chapter 1

Getting a Grip on Grammar

In This Chapter

Surveying the basic elements of grammar

Watching out for punctuation and spelling

Coping with everyday writing tasks

Lots of people groan when they hear the word grammar. They think that grammar is just a long list of picky rules. Who cares if you say had gone or went? Why worry about the choice between I and me? These issues can seem silly. Wouldn’t it be better to spend time searching for a cancer cure?

Yes, grammar is often picky. Certainly, the world needs more than grammar – much more! Yet proper language does matter. Rightly or wrongly, many people judge your intelligence and ability based on the way you speak and write. Better jobs and higher grades often go to those who follow the rules. In this chapter, you survey the key elements of Standard English – grammar, spelling and much more.

Getting to Know the Elements of Proper English

When you bake a cake, you need all the right ingredients. If you forget one, the cake is tasteless. English has a number of ingredients, too. You cannot ignore any if you wish to express yourself correctly. Here are the ingredients 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 automobiles and other machines. In language, the term

mechanics

refers to the little things that help readers understand what you mean. Spelling and capitalisation are included in mechanics. So is

punctuation,

the placement of full stops, 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.