MATILDE T.

RAMOS
EDMGT 604-Grammatical Structure in English

Shared Study Number 1 in Grammatical Structure

Grammar is the system that structures a language, and every language has its own guidelines. But
grammar isn’t so much about rules as it is the conventions that determine how we speak and write, and
it includes things like spelling, inflecting words for different purposes, and the way words are arranged to
form sentences. While it’s good to remember that languages are living things that constantly change, it’s
also important to know that proper grammar is still necessary for communication. Luckily, there are plenty
of resources and style guides available to help people who want to improve their grammar.

1. Know the parts of speech.

These are the types of words that make up the language, and they are nouns, adjectives,
pronouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections, and sometimes articles. To
put sentences together properly, you must understand what the parts of speech are and how they
function in sentences.
2. Recognize points of view.
In terms of grammatical person, English has three points of view, and each of those can
be either singular or plural. The points of view are: singular or plural first-person, singular or plural
second-person, and singular or plural third-person.
3. Use proper word order.
English sentences are structured following the subject–verb–object order (such as “John
ran to the door,” not “Run to the door John”). In general, articles come before adjectives, and
adjectives come before the nouns they modify. Modifiers should always be placed as close to their
nouns as possible.
4. Conjugate verbs properly.
English technically only conjugates the present (“I like”) and past tenses (“I liked”),
meaning that English verbs are only inflected (have different forms or endings) for these tenses.
However, other verb tenses, such as the future (“I will like”), are created with the help of mood,
words that denote time (such as “tomorrow”), and auxiliary (helping) words and verbs.
5. Punctuate sentences properly.
Punctuation is an important part of language because it indicates starts, stops, pauses,
and relationships. Capitalize the first letter of every sentence, and the first letter of all proper
nouns (the names of people and places).
6. Read children’s books.
While children’s books may not be grammar textbooks, they are designed to teach the
basics of language, including fundamental words and spelling, regular and irregular nouns and
verbs, simple conjugation, and sentence structure. Children aren’t often explicitly taught the
grammar and mechanics of their native tongues, but instead pick them up by reading and listening
to other native speakers.
7. Read a variety of material.
Improve your grasp of grammar by learning how other authors use language. Focus on
reading different genres and styles of writing, such as classic literature, textbooks, science-fiction,
 science books, biographies, blogs, essays, and articles. Pay attention to how sentences are
structured, word order, spelling, and creative variations the authors use.
8. Read style guides and grammar books.
Grammar and style guides come in two forms: descriptive guides that describe how
people do speak, and prescriptive guides that tell people how they should speak. But language
changes and evolves, and the rules of English aren’t always set in stone. There are many style
guides that recommend different ways of approaching grammar, and it’s a good idea to read
several of them. This will provide an idea of the different ways to approach spelling (such as
American versus British), syntax, and style, give you a better idea of the fundamentals of grammar,
and show you where the language is adaptable and where it’s inflexible.
9. Pay attention to how other speakers talk.
Listen to how other people construct sentences, where they place words in sentences,
how they say common phrases, and the vocabulary they use. English has many rules and
exceptions, so don’t be afraid to ask questions if you have any.
10. Play word and grammar games.
There are many online games and applications you can download on your computer or
phone that will test your grammar skills in a fun way. Since these games are educational, they’ll
often provide explanations for wrong answers so you can learn from your mistakes.
11. Practice writing every day.
Improve your grammar by writing and practicing any new rules or words you've learned.
Keep a journal, write short stories, or even just email back and forth with friends or family.
Concentrate on improving any problem areas you might have or mistakes you often repeat.
12. Learn the difference between confusing words.
English has a lot of words that look, sound, and/or are spelled the same, even if they have
very different meanings. These homographs (words that are spelled the same), homophones
(words that are pronounced the same), heteronyms (words that are spelled the same but
pronounced differently), and homonyms (words that are spelled and pronounced the same) cause
a great deal of confusion, and result in common errors. Remembering these common errors will
help you avoid frequently made mistakes.
13. Find online resources.
Along with the resources available at libraries, the Internet is full of reliable grammar
games, lessons, exercises, quizzes, and tips. Many universities will also offer resources about
grammar, spelling, syntax, and common errors.
14. Proofread…out loud
Sometimes when we re-read pieces we have written, our brain fills in the gaps of missing
information. We do not always catch our own mistakes when we proofread. Reading what you
have written out loud, preferably to someone else, is an efficient way to evaluate whether or not
you have used correct grammar. You are more likely to notice your errors if you read the content
aloud, rather than in your head to yourself.
15. Write
Just as it helps to read a great deal, it will also benefit you to write more. The more you
practice writing with proper grammar, the more naturally it will come to you. These are greats
tips to help you with writing a college essay.