Basic

English
Grammar
Basic English Grammar
Lesson 1
Learning objectives:
• Importance of learning correct English Grammar
• Use of punctuations
Introduction

Learning a language is not so difficult. Most of us pick up a language from our parents,
brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers and other members of our
community.

Our earliest memories of reading, writing and speaking give us insight into how
language develops. Please try to recalling our first memories of using a language in
different ways.

Learning English grammar is very important; we will try to compile some basic rules of
English grammar here. We hope our effort might be useful for our colleagues those who
take interest in learning English grammar.
The Rules of English

All languages have rules and once we know these we should have a grasp on how to
communicate effectively. Learning the conventions of language ensures that
communication is clear and effective.

Language is all about communicating with people. Writing, for example, has different rules
to those used when speaking. When speaking we may be more informal and use body
language to get our message across. In writing, we need to follow the rules of the language
we are writing in.

How often have we been in a situation where something has been communicated badly
and everyone is left confused?
Shaping Communication

When we read newspapers, especially newspaper headlines, we will see the English
language used in newspapers is very flexible. We can shape our communication by reading
newspapers.

The English language enables us to communicate in various ways. It is important to

understand how we can be flexible in the way we use language. We can mold language,
shape it and form it according to our wishes if we know the basic rules for its use.
Communicating with Words

Words are the building blocks of our communication whether we speak them or write
them. Words are the means by which other people understand our thoughts and ideas.
Without words to express what we want to communicate we become frustrated.
Punctuation

Punctuation is about how words relate to each other. Using punctuation symbols
helps us to know when to stop a sentence, take a breath, pause, become excited,
lift your voice to ask a question and also when to begin a sentence.

When we are speaking we do this naturally, however, when we write, punctuation

symbols become indications for the reader.
Using Full Stops
A full stop ends a sentence. A sentence is a complete statement usually containing a verb.
Look at these examples of the use of full stops. What effect does the use of full stops have?
Example 1
All of my friends have mobile phones l can't afford one because my parents work hard to
support our family they say that it's more important for me to read books than spend my
time on an expensive phone they don't understand the pressure my friends put on me to
have a mobile friends or family, how should l choose?

Example 2
All of my friends have mobile phones. I can't afford one because my parents work hard to
support our family. They say that it's more important for me to read books than spend my
time on an expensive phone. They don't understand the pressure my friends put on me to
have a mobile. Friends or family, how should l choose?
Using Commas
Commas are used to separate words, phrases or clauses. They are used to indicate a short
pause.
Example of how commas changed the way we read?
Example 1
"Clean your room now" mum commanded from the family room. Now I was really in for it.
Not only my room but I also had to attack the grass out the back the garage junk pile the dirty
car the dirty dog wash my kid brother and do homework. I'm good I thought but not that
good.
Example 2
"Clean your room now," mum commanded from the family room. Now I was really in for it.
Not only my room, but I also had to attack the grass out the back, the garage junk pile, the
dirty car, the dirty dog, wash my kid brother, and do homework. I'm good I thought, but not
that good.
Using Commas
Commas act as pauses and they can be used to separate independent statements which
are linked by: for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so.

Examples of how commas are used to separate different parts of the sentences:
•Ifrat said she would buy me the tickets, but she hasn't shown them to me at all.
•I am buying a new car, but l won't pick it up for another month.
•I am going to office, so l don't expect to attend the program!
•She picked the whole box up in one go, for she is an athlete and l am not.
•Would you like some cake, or would you prefer fruit?
Semicolons
Some words need a stronger pause than that provided by a comma. Examples of these types
of words are: however, therefore, also, moreover, furthermore, hence, subsequently and
consequently.

Examples of semicolon usage:

•Borna is a wonderful chef; therefore we must consider her for the job.
•He loves camping; furthermore he can afford to go on the trip.
•I love English; hence I've decided to study Literature at university.
In the above examples the words 'therefore', 'furthermore' and 'hence' need to remain
strong in the sentences. They need a strong pause before them and this is done through the
use of the semicolon.
Colons

A colon is made up of two full stops on top of each other. They can be used to introduce
new information, quotations or a list of things. They push the reader forward and make
them focus on what is happening next in the sentence.
Example:

•She ran all the way home, crashed on the bed exhausted she slept for a week.
•She ran all the way home, crashed on the bed exhausted: she slept for a week.

Colons are used to introduce new information.

Apostrophes
Apostrophes do two really important jobs. Firstly, they help to tell us when one thing is
owned by another.
Examples:
•The boy's bicycle
•The child's toy
•Fatima's song
Secondly, Apostrophes are used when one or more letters have been omitted from a word.
Examples:
•You're very upset.
•Won't he come with me?
•Don't talk to me!
Apostrophes
With singular nouns the rule is to add an apostrophe plus an 's'.
Examples:
1. The mother's bad temper
2. The dog's bone
In the past, with singular nouns that end in 's', an apostrophe and an 's' was always added.
Today it is acceptable to have only the apostrophe after the 's'.
Examples:
1. The class's textbooks or The class' textbooks
2. Peter Davis's CDs or Peter Davis' CDs

With plural nouns only an apostrophe is required.

Examples:
1. Two weeks' pay
2. The girls' books
Apostrophe Examples

•Isn't - the two words 'is' and 'not' are pushed together to make isn't

•Jenny's parents' house - Jenny owns the parents and they own the house

•Its collar - In this case, there is no apostrophe. Make sure that you don't confuse the
word 'its' with it is: it's. A rule to remember is: possessive (possession or ownership)
‘its; never splits. Therefore don't split it with an apostrophe.
Exclamation Marks

The exclamation mark gives a lot of energy to words that are placed in front of it. It
can tell us that a word is stated in anger or disgust, has the opposite meaning, or is an
insult or a command.

Examples:
1. Give me my money now!
2. You are such a nosey Fuad!
3. You have to do four reports by Monday!
Question Marks
This is an easy one, it is the question mark. It tells us that what has just come before is
either a direct question or the speaker or writer is a little doubtful about how correct
the statement is.

Examples:
1. What did you do on Saturday?
2. Did you have a nice lunch?
3. Why is she so happy today?
Bullet Points

This is a bullet and it is becoming popular because it offers us a quick way to

summarize; it tells us that what we are reading are the most important bits; they also
make a writer be brief.

Example:
• Use semicolons when the pause needs to be stronger than a comma pause
• Use an exclamation mark to give oomph to words
• Use the asterisk to replace letters in words that may offend people
Stroke

/ This is a stroke or forward slash. It is used to tell us that we have a choice

to make, or it can tell us that we are reading lines of poetry. The slash can be
used to separate lines of a poem.

Example:

1. Twinkle, twinkle, little star/How I wonder what you are./Up above the world
so high,/Like a diamond in the sky.

2. Fresh made sandwiches. Choice of filling:

lettuce/cheese/tomato/mayonese/carrot.
Thank you
We will share next topic on Sunday on parts of speech:
prepositions are really tricky

Stay home, stay safe