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Grammar Tip: Matching Subjects and Verbs

5/27/2019

 
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"Matching up singular or plural subjects with singular or plural forms of a verb is part of the process called agreement. This is easy in simple sentences:

He admits that he is worried. [singular subject and verb]
They admit that they are worried. [plural subject and verb]

But there are some cases where the grammar is not so straightforward."

To read more about subject verb agreement from Oxford Dictionaries.com click here.


Common Grammatical Errors

1/22/2018

 
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Want to improve your writing? Well, there are some common errors that you might want to look for as your revise and edit your writing. Here's the first one:  

Error #1: Run-on Sentence or Comma Splice
A run-on sentence is a sentence that joins two independent clauses without punctuation or the appropriate conjunction. A comma splice is similar to a run-on sentence, but it uses a comma to join two clauses that have no appropriate conjunction.
Fixing a run-on sentence or a comma splice can be accomplished in one of five different ways:
  • Separate the clauses into two sentences.
  • Replace the comma with a semi-colon.
  • Replace the comma with a coordinating conjunction--and, but, for, yet, nor, so, or.
  • Replace the comma with a subordinating conjunction--after, although, before, unless, as, because, even though, if, since, until, when, while.
  • Replace the comma with a semi-colon and transitional word--however, moreover, on the other hand, nevertheless, instead, also, therefore, consequently, otherwise, as a result.
For example:
  • Incorrect: Rachel is very smart, she began reading when she was three years old.
  • Correct: Rachel is very smart. She began reading when she was three years old.
  • Correct: Rachel is very smart; she began reading when she was three years old.
  • Correct: Rachel is very smart, for she began reading when she was three years old.
  • Correct: Because Rachel is very smart, she began reading when she was three years old.
  • Correct: Rachel is very smart; as a result, she began reading when she was three years old.

Read more at 18 Most Common Grammar Mistakes 


The Writing Process: Editing

11/10/2017

 
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Editing is a critical part of the writing process. Learning to edit your work is very important and takes a great deal of practice. It is always good to have someone else look over your paper for mistakes and errors, but sometimes that is not a possibility. So, how do you become more skilled at proofreading and editing?

I'm glad you asked!

Some of the links below offer information on how to become better at self-editing. Others will give you an opportunity to practice your editing skills. There are both online exercises found below  and links to worksheets that can be printed out and completed. (Answers are available for these if you look carefully on the page.)

For more information on how to proofread  and edit, go to one of these sites:
Editing and Error-Correction
Proofreading


For online practice click on these links:
Editing Practice 1
Editing Practice 2
Editing Practice 3


To print out worksheets that will give you editing/proofreading practice, click HERE.



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    Author

    My name is Craig, and  I've been teaching English for many years. I initially created this site for my students, but all English learners are welcome. I hope you find something helpful to you. Feel free to leave suggestions or ideas in the Comments section under any entry. 

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