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Here are some sets of rules that you need to follow in order to avoid mistakes in English grammar.
Rule 1: Every sentence should start with a Capital letter in the first word.
In the English Language, when you are starting a sentence, then make sure that you capitalize the first letter of the first
word. Also, remember that you need to capitalize even when you start a new paragraph.
Rule 2: Every sentence should either end with a full stop (or) a question mark (or) an exclamation mark.
If you want to end a sentence, then make sure that you need to use a full stop (.), a question mark (?) or an
exclamation mark (!) based on the type of the sentence.
The above, any of the three mentioned should be used depending on the situation of the sentence. For example, let us
consider a few examples with its usages (purpose).
Example Statements:
Example Statements:
Example Statements:
This order is only applicable for positive sentences, not for sentences with negatives or question marks (?) or
exclamation marks (!) because they may have different orders.
The Subject usually plays a major role in the entire sentence. It helps you to give an idea of who is performing an
action, who is talking to whom, etc.
The verb is usually the action which is performed by the Subject, and the object is usually on which the action is
performed.
Sometimes, a few sentences don’t mention the subject. Actually, it has a subject, and it is understood even if it is not
shown. For example, consider the word “Stop!” – which means that you must stop (here “you” is hidden).
Example Statements:
Rule 4: The Subject and Verb forms are interrelated in the sentence.
If you are using a singular Subject, then you need to use a singular Verb for the whole sentence and if you want to use
a Plural subject, then you must use a plural verb.
If you are using he/she/it as a Subject, then use its corresponding verb and when using we/they/I/you, then use its
verb.
Example Statements:
Rule 5: Use Either – or (or) Neither – nor depending on the Sentence while using singular nouns.
In English sentences, Either – or and Neither – nor is used when two singular nouns are connected. These two are
different in usage. Also, remember that the singular verb is used for singular nouns.
Either – or:
Either – or is used when any one of the two cases is true. This means that either this must be true or that.
Example Statements:
Neither – or:
Neither – or is used when two of the (subject) cases are false. This means that both are false.
Example Statements:
Rule 6: Proper Nouns should be capitalized anywhere in the sentences (including at the beginning) when used.
It is important to capitalize on the words which are Proper Nouns. This can be at the beginning, middle and end of the
sentences (in short, anywhere in the sentence).
Example Statements:
Rule 7: Common Nouns should be capitalized only at the beginning of the sentences.
When common nouns are used, then you need to capitalize them only at the beginning of the sentences.
Example Statements:
Rule 8: The words its – it’s, and you’re – your are not the same.
Some words in the English Language look like they are the same, but they have different meanings. Now let us take
some examples to understand the concept well.
1. its: It is a Possessive determiner and used to say that it belongs (holds or refers to) something.
2. it’s: Here “it’s” is the short form of “it is” and is used to mention things.
Rule 9: Use Indefinite Articles for Countable Nouns and Definite with specific Countable & all Uncountable
Nouns.
The Indefinite Articles (a/an) are used mostly for Countable nouns. Definite Articles (the) are used for a few
Countable nouns and mostly for Uncountable nouns.
Example Statements:
Rule 10: Use the article “a” for Consonant sounds and “an” for vowel sounds.
Use the article “a” for the words which sound Consonant at the very beginning. For example, consider the below table.
bat a bat
cat a cat
dog a dog
fish a fish
gun a gun
hat a hat
jug a jug
kite a kite
lemon a lemon
mat a mat
Use the article “an” for the words which sound Vowel at the very beginning. For example, consider the below table.
apple an apple
eagle an eagle
elephant an elephant
orange an orange
umbrella an umbrella
igloo an igloo
apron an apron
Note: When you’re using “a” or “an” then make to focus on pronunciation rather than the word’s spelling. Few words
look like consonants, but it actually pronounces like vowels. For example, “an hour”.
Example Statements:
Rule 12: Active voice is more preferred than Passive voice in the English Language.
Most of them recommend writing Active voice rather than Passive voice while writing articles, letters, etc.
In simple terms, an Active voice is a sentence in which the subject performs an action (verb). Whereas in Passive
Voice, the Verb (action) is displayed first and then the Subject.
Example Statements: