Top 5 Rules of English Grammar

Communication is effective when we follow certain rules. These rules make the written words understood. A writer should make the reader's job easier by communicating what he or she wants to communicate. If you also want to write, pay respect to your readers. Don't take them for granted. Learning and understanding the basic rules of English Grammar, you will surely be able to avoid ill-formed, confusing sentences. Hence, following and applying the rules of English Grammar and thereby producing a good writing can help the readers save their time from trying desperately to guess what you mean. This article covers the top 5 rules of English Grammar.

Subject-Verb Agreement ? Errors in agreement are the most common mistakes made in writings. To avoid this, just follow the simple rule: A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.

Wrong: Identification of these goods have been difficult.

Right: Identification of these goods has been difficult. ('Identification' is the subject here)

Wrong: The best way to keep your children happy are to give them enough responsibilities.

Right: The best way to keep your children happy is to give them enough responsibilities. (Use a singular verb if the subject is a phrase or clause)

Awkward: Neither John nor I am interested in this project.

Better: John is not interested in this project; nor am I. (If you write an awkward sentence, consider rewriting it)

Exception: Use a singular verb if a compound subject refers to the same person or thing.

Example: Milk and breads is a typical breakfast for many people.

Tense ? Tense refers to time. It tells when an action is happening: in the present, in the future, or in the past. Whatever time it is, it should remain consistent throughout your whole piece of writing. There are three main tenses - Past Tense, Present Tense and Future Tense.

Here is an example of writing with mixed tenses:

Wrong: John wanted to know why Rebecca is sad, but she will not tell him.

Right: John wanted to know why Rebecca was sad, but she would not tell him.

Present tense, Past tense and Future Tense each has the following four forms. The examples below will help you understand that:

Past Tense

Simple Past ? I spoke.
Past Continuous ? I was speaking.
Past Perfect ? I had spoken.
Past Perfect Continuous ? I had been speaking.

Present Tense

Simple Present ? I speak.
Present Continuous ? I am speaking.
Present Perfect ? I have spoken.
Present Perfect Continuous ? I have been speaking.

Future Tense

Simple Future? I shall/ will speak.
Future Continuous ? I shall/ will be speaking.
Future Perfect ? I shall/will have spoken.
Future Perfect Continuous ? I shall/ will have been speaking.

Double Negatives ? Two negative words create a positive meaning, which may be just the opposite of what you have intended to convey.

Wrong: I don't have nothing to say.

Right: I don't have anything to say.

Wrong: Tom couldn't hardly believe what Jack said.

Right: Tom could hardly believe what Jack said.

Modifiers ? Words that describe or limit other words are called modifiers. Adjective is a word or group of words that modifies a noun or pronoun, whereas Adverb is a group of words that modifies a verb, adjective or other adverb. Avoid misplaced and dangling modifiers.

Wrong: Thomas told her that he wanted to marry her frequently.

Right: Thomas frequently told her that he wanted to marry her.

Wrong: Nicole picked up a girl in a blue jacket named Agatha.

Right: Nicole picked up Agatha, a girl in a blue jacket.

Wrong: Walking across the busy street, a bus almost hit me.

Right: As I walked across the busy street, a bus hit me.

Usage ? If you are going to use a word, you must know how to use it. Use simple words. Many people have the tendency to use big, difficult words while writing. Avoid fancy words and phrases when simpler ones convey the idea. Omit unnecessary words. A piece of writing, containing long words strung together in complex sentences, turn out to be poorly written and not impressive. You will have fewer chances for grammatical errors if you can cut a word out which can be cut out.

Stuffy: I will make modifications in the document.

Simple: I will change the document.

Wordy: You should remember to consult your watch in order to keep a person from waiting for you when you have decided to meet him at a particular time.

Translation: Be punctual.

To conclude, the more you remember the basic rules of English Grammar and practice good writing, the better your writings will be. The process is simple and easy. Keeping a good dictionary is essential in searching for the right word and finding out the actual meanings that will help you in selecting the right words. Usage of proper English Grammar and selecting the right words will make it more likely that your writings stand out from the rest. So, keep enjoying the process and keep writing.

About the Author:
Rumki Sen is the founder of Perfect Editing Solutions (http://www.perfectediting.com), a professional firm providing a Proofreading and Copyediting service to websites and online documents. She corrects and edits English grammar, punctuation, spelling, links and a lot more for mainly websites, letters, applications, CVs / resumes, advertisements, manuals, brochures, e-newsletters, articles and e-mail messages. Her company also offers resume-writing services. Whether you're a student, webmaster, or business owner, your written work will be improved immediately after you get her company's service. Contact Rumki Sen at rumki@perfectediting.com

---

Creative Writing

Do you consider yourself a storyteller? Do you consider yourself... Read More

Freelancing Doesnt Mean Writing For Free. Does it?

Writer's forums are bustling with debate over whether or not... Read More

How to Have an Effective Reading Group

Writing leads to reading. Therefore, it's only fair to supply... Read More

Write Your Way To A Better Brain

Boost Brain Power Through WritingHave you ever noticed what happens... Read More

Piecing It All Together

There's a little known secret we writers like to keep... Read More

Increase Your Web Traffic By Using Keyword Articles

If you have an online home based business you know... Read More

On Giving and Receiving Feedback

Writing is a personal and introspective process. To share with... Read More

Why Researching Is Good, And A Failure To Do So Is Not

What a lack of research could do to you.When creating... Read More

The Cost of Being a Writer

You are the only one who knows what being a... Read More

Writing Dialogue That Make Your Characters Come Alive

Characters in a good novel really carry the story along... Read More

To Transcribe or Not To Transcribe Interviews?

11 Secrets from an Experienced InterviewerOne of the unwritten rules... Read More

Got an Idea? Turn it into a Novel in Thirty Days or Less!

People can't believe I did it, but I did. I... Read More

How To Self-Publish Your Own Books, Manuals, Reports Or Newsletters

You can make a lot of money by writing and... Read More

The Writer and the Web

If your dream is to get published, the chance is... Read More

I Am Biodegradable - My Writing Is Not

My dad was wrong. I just discovered that I am... Read More

10 Ways to Shatter Writers Block

1. Use Logic: Check for External PressuresAre you under physical... Read More

Plagiarism Through The Eyes Of College Students

Plagiarism has been condemned lately by all types of experts,... Read More

How to Get Free Publicity in In-flight Magazines

If you're targeting an educated, more affluent audience with your... Read More

Amazing Ways Writing Articles Can Improve Your Business

How to get a lot of traffic to your website... Read More

Eight Ways To Write Your Novel Faster

I asked several writers how long it took them to... Read More

Writing With Power: 5 Snappy Rules For Success

Almost everyone could profit from enhancing their writing skills. From... Read More

Check Your English Grammar With This Easy Technique

As an International language, English has been used widely in... Read More

Writing Made Them Rich #5: Peter Mayle

Peter Mayle was born in England in 1939.His fascination with... Read More

Zany Ideas That Increase Writing Productivity And Quality

Welcome to the zany ideas of a productive writer. My... Read More

Write Possibilities

We writers are a powerful lot. We control time. We... Read More

Interviewing an Author: Dont Be Left Speechless

Joyce Carol Oates. Langston Hughes. Anne Sexton. F. Scott Fitzgerald.... Read More

What Can Go Into A Plot?

Creative Writing Tips ?We all tackle plotting differently. How you... Read More

Screenwriting, Screenplays, Screenwriters ? Good Ideas for Stories

The principle for writing good screenplays begins with good idea... Read More

Getting Past The Shoulds To Write

During the past few months I have received many questions... Read More

The Daily Rite

If you want to be a writer, then you must... Read More

Inspiring the Poet in You!

Poems. Just the mention of them makes me smile. Why?... Read More

The Opportunities As A Freelance Proofreader in the UK

A UK based freelance proofreader should be able to provide... Read More

How to Write Your Op-Ed Piece

Op-ed articles, also known as opinion/editorial articles, are a great... Read More