Language Mechanics

Grammar
So what is Grammar? By definition grammar is the whole system and structure of a language or of languages in general, usually taken as consisting of syntax and morphology (including inflections) and sometimes also phonology and semantics. Sounds frustrating right? Well in simple terms Grammar is just basically a set of rule for which words, clauses, and phrases are governed in a natural language. So now that the definition of Grammar is established we will go over some appropriate uses of grammar. In this section examples will be shown of the right and wrong ways to use grammar. Ex 1. Adverb and Adjective Use: So what are Adverbs and Adjectives? Well anyone with a basic grasp on both the English Language and the Composition of it can tell you what that means, but just to reiterate the definitions they will be listed below. Adverbs: A word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word-group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc Adjectives: A word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it. Now that that is out of the of the way we will go over the proper use of Adverbs and Adjectives. Adverbs AS noted before Adverbs are used to modify verbs, so they should be placed to where they complement the verbs while putting emphasis solely on the verb itself, here are some examples. My grandmother quickly baked cookies. The word quickly is used to emphasize and explain How she baked the cookies. The pianist flawlessly played the concerto. The adverb flawlessly is used to describe How the verb is used and describe the noun.

Ex 2. Correct Article Use: This section is based on the concept of articles , so now you are wondering what are these said articles are and how are they used. Well you came to the right place, this section will cover the correct way to use articles. Before moving on we must first explain what an article is, so here is a definition. Article: An article is basically an adjective that is used to modify nouns and only nouns. Now with articles there are two basic kinds, the and a/an. These both are rather different and are used under different circumstances. So when should we use these different articles? Well, when working with nouns/pronouns, there are different times to use the articles. When you want to be specific about a certain

noun/pronoun you should use the definite article the. Likewise, when you wish to have a more broad spectrum over nouns/pronouns you should you the article a/an. I want to eat the the fruit on the table The definite article the is used to specify both the table and the fruit. I want a book from the library. There are two different articles used, a book is used to show that you want to read a book but not a specific book. When the library is used this specifies the particular library that the book is being held in, which is the correct way to use a definite article.

Ex 3. Prepositions Over the hill and through the bridge to Grandmothers house we go. Thats how the song goes right? The popular verse of that song contains a lot Prepositions, which we will cover in this section. Preposition: a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause. So with prepositions you have a variety of words to describe place, to introduce objects of verbs, an object at one point in time, & extended time. Here is a list of prepostions and explanations of their uses. Place Prepositions: To express location or placement of the object in the English Language. In Inside On At Over Above Under Underneath Beneath Below Near By There is an Elephant in the room. Please put the bread inside the oven. Your Chromebook should be on the table. I will be at the Eastwood Mall. Don't make a noise, the bear is over there! Please put the box above the shelf. That kitten was under the bed! The crab lives underneath the rocks She is buried 6ft beneath the ground. What's below the couch? Its near the bank. Thats by Georgies house!

Next to Between Among Opposite

Whats next to Pizza Hut? Im stuck between Grandma and Aunt Shelly. I am among idiots. My bedroom is opposite the bathroom.

Point in time Prepositions: These literally express one point in time. On At In I will see you on the 21st! The clock struck at 6 A.M. The accident happened in Spring 1999

Extended time Prepositions: These express an extended point in time. Since For By From-to From-until During Within He has been missing since February. I'm going to Russia for 3 years. I must be home by 12! The boat left from Brussels to Stuttgart. The heat will last from spring until fall. I watch movies during summer break. The bridge will be completed within a year.

Introduction Prepositions: These are used in English to introduce objects of the following verbs.

At Of/About Of For

She stares at her kittens shadow. Can you think of the address?/ I dreamt about his handsome face. He came home smelling of alcohol. I'm looking for my phone.

Ex 4. Pronouns

A person, place, or a thing, this is the simple explanation of nouns right? Well what if there was something that could be used to make nouns a whole lot simpler. these magical fix alls for nouns are called pronouns, here is a proper definition below. Pronoun: a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse (e.g., I , you ) or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse Now before you go all pronoun crazy you should maybe want to understand how they work first, here are 3 examples of how pronouns should be used. 1. Pronouns must agree in number, meaning that if the noun is singular the pronoun must also be singular. a. If a leaseholder wishes to park on the street, he or she must obtain a permit. 2. Pronouns must agree in person, meaning that the context of either 1st Person (I), 2nd Person (You), & 3rd Person (He, She, They, It, e.t.c.) must carry over to the pronoun. a. When a leaseholder enters the building, he or she must lock his or her door. 3. Pronouns must clearly refer clearly to a specific noun. You cannot be vague! a. Although Whittaker lost the house, he was not deterred.

Punctuation
Punctuation is a crucial component in the written English Language. Think of how when you speak you often pause or alter words to put emphasis towards something. In the written language this is what punctuation is used for. With that out of the way here is how to use said punctuation. Comma With commas there are many uses for it so this area will be your go to section for how to use a comma, so lets get started! Use a comma to join 2 independent clauses (and, but, or, for, nor, so). Construction can be inconvenient, but it is needed. The new apartment has a large living room, so I am sure our family will enjoy it.

Use a comma after any phrase whether its introductory,prepositional, or a dependant clause. To get a good report, you must complete projects on time. Because Dad passed away, we canceled our trip to Africa. After the party, the people went home.

Use a comma to separate elements in a series. On her study abroad, Lisa partook classes in Greece, Spain, and Italy. In their protests, many of the people voiced opinions on the environment, world peace, and world hunger.

Use a comma to separate nonessential elements from a sentence. John's station wagon, a gold Volvo, needs new tires. When he realized he had forgot papers at work, Matt rushed to his car and hurried back.

Use a comma between coordinate adjectives. The frantic, crazed crowd waited impatiently for the speech. The sturdy, compact car passed all tests.

Use a comma after a transitional element. For example, Manchester Utd., Arsenal, and A.C. Milan are popular futball teams. If you really want to get a good grade this semester, however, you must complete all assignments, attend class, and study your notes.

Use a comma with quoted words. "Yes he promised. Terry replied, saying, "I will be back in August."

Use a comma in a date. August 10, 1995 Monday, August 10, 1995 10 August, 1995

Use a comma in a number. 4,000,000 2504, E. Stanton Cr.

Use a comma in a personal title. Georgie Marlow, MD Reggie Fils-Amie, CEO of Nintendo North America, reported the quarter's earnings.

Use a comma to separate a city name from the state. Tulsa, OK Sioux Falls, SD

Colon Use a colon to join 2 independent clauses when you wish to emphasize the second clause. Construction in Chicago has hindered travel around town: parts of Main, Second, and North Street are closed during the construction.

Use a colon after an independent clause when it is followed by a list, a quotation, appositive, or other idea directly related to the independent clause. Craig went to the store for some food: oranges, chicken nuggets, tea, and milk.

Use a colon at the end of a business letter greeting. To My Friends:

Use a colon to separate the hour and minute(s) in a time notation. 1:43 p.m.

Use a colon to separate the chapter and verse in a Biblical reference. John 3:16 Parentheses Parentheses are used to emphasize content. Buzz Aldrin (1930-present), arguably the bravest man of all time, for his heroic efforts in the first moon landing.

Dashes Dashes are used to set off or emphasize the content enclosed within dashes or the content that follows a dash. Perhaps one reason why the computer circuit failed -not only cause of the faulty wiring and lack there of power- was due to negligence of building standards.

Use quotation marks to enclose direct quotations. He asked, "Where are my pants at?" I answered, "Over in the bathroom!"

Use quotation marks to indicate the novel, ironic, or reserved use of a word. The restaurant is described a kitschy and trendy, the perfect place for Hipsters

Use quotation marks around the titles of short poems, song titles, short stories, magazine or newspaper articles, essays, speeches, chapter titles, short films, and episodes of television or radio shows. Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. She Wolf by Shakira. Through the Wormhole starring Morgan Freeman.

Spelling
With spelling its really just the process of going through your paper and double checking that everything is spelt correctly. You can also use this time to review everything you have written and make sure that the reader of the paper will be able to fully understand what you are attempting to write.

Effective Language Use

Language

Effective Language Use is vital to a writer for the fact that without it we would write aimlessly. So now you are most likely wondering Ok guy, teach me how to write like a professional!. Just follow these simple guidelines and in no time you will become a writing professional! 1. 2. 3. 4. Be direct and concrete with language. Be concise with word use. Be crystal clear with meaning. Use constructive language. a. With that use the correct language formality.

See, this is simple and direct, but by following these guidelines you will effectively use language like a pro!