Grammar Rules
Essential rules and guidelines for proper English grammar
What Are Grammar Rules?
Grammar rules are the fundamental principles that govern how words are combined to form meaningful sentences in English. They provide structure and consistency to language.
Understanding and following these rules helps ensure clear communication and makes your writing more professional and effective.
Basic Grammar Rules
Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb must match the subject
Singular: The cat runs.
Plural: The cats run.
I am happy.
Sentence Structure
Every sentence needs a subject and verb
Subject + Verb + Object
The dog (subject) + chases (verb) + the ball (object)
Complete thought = complete sentence
More Essential Rules
Tense Consistency
Maintain consistent verb tenses within a sentence
✅ I went to the store and bought milk.
❌ I went to the store and buy milk.
Both verbs should be in the same tense.
Pronoun Agreement
Pronouns must match their antecedents
✅ The student left his book.
✅ The student left her book.
❌ The student left their book. (unless referring to multiple students)
Article Usage
Use "a," "an," and "the" correctly
A: before consonant sounds (a book, a university)
An: before vowel sounds (an apple, an hour)
The: for specific or known items
Punctuation Rules
Commas
Use commas to separate items and clauses
Lists: apples, oranges, bananas
Clauses: When it rains, I stay inside.
Direct address: John, please help me.
Apostrophes
Show possession and contractions
Possession: the dog's bone
Contractions: don't, can't, it's
Plural: the dogs' bones
Interactive Quizzes
Quiz 1: Subject-Verb Agreement
Choose the correct verb form:
1. The students _____ (is/are) studying.
Answer: are (plural subject needs plural verb)
2. Neither John nor Mary _____ (like/likes) coffee.
Answer: likes (singular verb with "neither...nor")
Quiz 2: Fix Grammar Errors
Correct these sentences:
1. "Me and him went to the store."
Answer: "He and I went to the store." (use subject pronouns)
2. "The book is laying on the table."
Answer: "The book is lying on the table." (lay = put down, lie = recline)
Quiz 3: Article Usage
Choose the correct article:
1. I saw _____ elephant at the zoo.
Answer: an (elephant starts with vowel sound)
2. She is _____ university student.
Answer: a (university starts with consonant sound /ju/)
Quiz 4: Punctuation
Add correct punctuation:
1. "Lets eat Grandma"
Answer: "Let's eat, Grandma!" (apostrophe for contraction, comma for direct address)
2. "The students books are on the desk"
Answer: "The students' books are on the desk." (apostrophe for possession, period)
Important Notes
• Grammar rules exist to make communication clear and effective, not to restrict creativity.
• Context matters - formal writing requires stricter adherence to rules than casual conversation.
• Practice is essential - reading good writing helps develop an intuitive sense of correct grammar.
• When in doubt, keep sentences simple and clear rather than complex and potentially incorrect.
Pro Tip
Read your writing aloud. Your ear often catches grammar mistakes that your eye might miss. If something sounds wrong, it probably is wrong.