Quick Reference Guide to Common Grammar Rules
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Ensure that subjects and verbs agree in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural
subjects take plural verbs.
Example:
- She runs every morning. (singular)
- They run every morning. (plural)
2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Pronouns must agree in number with the nouns they replace. If the noun is singular, the pronoun
must be singular, and if the noun is plural, the pronoun must be plural.
Example:
- Each student must bring his or her book. (singular)
- All students must bring their books. (plural)
3. Proper Use of Commas
Use commas to separate items in a series, after introductory elements, and to set off nonessential
information.
Example:
- I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
- After the meeting, we went to lunch.
- My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.
Quick Reference Guide to Common Grammar Rules
4. Avoiding Run-on Sentences
Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper
punctuation. Use a period, semicolon, or conjunction to fix them.
Example:
- Incorrect: I love to write it is my favorite hobby.
- Correct: I love to write. It is my favorite hobby.
- Correct: I love to write; it is my favorite hobby.
- Correct: I love to write, and it is my favorite hobby.
5. Correct Use of Apostrophes
Apostrophes are used to show possession and to form contractions.
Example:
- The dog's bone (possession)
- It's a beautiful day. (contraction for 'it is')
6. Differentiating Homophones
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Ensure you
use the correct word based on the context.
Example:
- They're going to the park. (they are)
- Their house is big. (possessive form of they)
Quick Reference Guide to Common Grammar Rules
- There is a cat on the roof. (indicating a place)
7. Using Proper Tenses
Maintain consistent tense throughout your writing. Switch tenses only when necessary to indicate a
change in the timeframe of the action.
Example:
- Incorrect: She was walking to the store and buys milk.
- Correct: She was walking to the store and bought milk.
8. Avoiding Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. Ensure each sentence has a subject and a verb
and expresses a complete thought.
Example:
- Incorrect: Because I was tired.
- Correct: I went to bed early because I was tired.
9. Parallel Structure
Use parallel structure in lists and comparisons to ensure readability and clarity.
Example:
- Incorrect: She likes hiking, to swim, and biking.
- Correct: She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.
Quick Reference Guide to Common Grammar Rules
10. Proper Use of Capitalization
Capitalize the first word of a sentence, proper nouns, and titles.
Example:
- I visited New York City last summer.
- Dr. Smith will see you now.
