Why is grammar important?

Grammar lays the groundwork for effective communication.  Just as an improperly configured telephone wire can cause static during a phone conversation, improper grammar can likewise affect the meaning and clarity of an intended message.

Some common errors are with sentence structure, subject/verb tense, punctuation, spelling, and other basic mechanics and parts of speech. Even something as simple as a misplaced comma can completely change the meaning of a sentence. For example: "Let's eat Grandpa." vs. "Let's eat, Grandpa."

Grammar makes written content more readable and in turn more interesting. If it is necessary to repeatedly reword sentences while reading, the flow becomes disrupted and involvement in the story halted.

How do you know when to use "is" or "are"?

When deciding which of the verbs "is" and "are" to use look at whether the subject is plural or singular.  If the subject is singular use "is," if it is plural or there is more than one subject (compound subject) use "are."

Examples: 

The cat is eating all of his food.

The cats are eating all of their food.

The cat and dog are eating all of their food.

Commas, commas, commas

We frequently get the following comment: 

"I really hate using commas. I never know when to use them." 

 

We hope this helps: http://www.dailygrammar.com/Commas.htm

Summer Break

We have now posted all of the Daily Grammar lessons and quizzes.  We will be taking a break from posting lessons and quizzes.  We will continue to post articles and answers to questions sporadically.  If you have a question, please send us an email or post the question on our Facebook page or feel free to send us a tweet.

Please visit Daily Grammar or search this blog to continue your learning.  We will resume posting lessons to this blog with Lesson 1 on August 29th.  Thank you.

Quiz for Lessons 436 - 440 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Brackets/Slash

View quiz on Daily Grammar

Instructions: Make the necessary changes in these sentences by using brackets and slashes as learned in the lessons.

1. "The bear loved the sweat honey in the tree."

2. You will need two thirds of a cup for this recipe.

3. Send the letter to me in care of my father.

4. The man saw the doctor Dr. Rymechisel on his second visit to the clinic.

5. Mr. and or Miss Smith will be at the reception.

6. I drive my car 75 miles per hour on the highway in Montana.

7. "The theif was eager to get away from the crime."

8. Mr. Reed the man with the mask is my next door neighbor.

9. I type about 40 words per minute.

10. This must have happened about 1984 or 1985.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. "The bear loved the sweat [sic] honey in the tree."

2. You will need 2/3 cup for this recipe.

3. Send the letter to me c/o my father.

4. The man saw the doctor [Dr. Rymechisel] on his second visit to the clinic.

5. Mr. and/or Miss Smith will be at the reception.

6. I drive my car 75 mi./hr. on the highway in Montana.

7. "The theif [sic] was eager to get away from the crime."

8. Mr. Reed [the man with the mask] is my next door neighbor.

9. I type about 40 words/minute.

10. This must have happened about 1984/1985.

Back to Lesson 1

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Lesson 440 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Slash

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use the slash (/) in abbreviations such as c/o (in care of) and to replace per mi./hr., words/min.

Instructions: Put slashes and abbreviations where they are needed in these sentences.

1. This car can go over 200 miles per hour.

2. My secretary types 80 words per minute.

3. Send it in care of The Boston Factory.

4. This snail moves only 3 feet per minute.

5. In Canada speed is measured in kilometers per hour.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. This car can go over 200 mi./hr.

2. My secretary types 80 words/min.

3. Send it c/o The Boston Factory.

4. This snail moves only 3 ft./min.

5. In Canada speed is measured in km./hr.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 439 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Slash

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use a slash (/) to separate parts of a choice. 

 

Example: 

Mr./Mrs. Smith will speak to us first.

Instructions: Put slashes where they are needed in these sentences.

1. Jeff and or Jim may return by train.

2. Miss Ms. Jones is a special guest of the company.

3. Mr. Mrs. James was surely the driver of the car.

4. We and or they will be given the chance to see the bears.

5. Sir Madame Chorsky will christen the new ship.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Jeff and/or Jim may return by train.

2. Miss/Ms. Jones is a special guest of the company.

3. Mr./Mrs. James was surely the driver of the car.

4. We and/or they will be given the chance to see the bears.

5. Sir/Madame Chorsky will christen the new ship.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 438 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Slash

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use a slash (/) to separate parts of fractions. 

 

Examples: 

2/3's (two thirds)

1/8 (one eighth)

Instructions: Replace the fractions in these sentences by using numbers with the slash.

1. We only need three quarters of a yard of that material.

2. That door is three sixteenths too long to fit.

3. You only get one-half of the money.

4. She was asleep one fourth of the time when she should have been working.

5. This must be within one sixty-fourth of an inch.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. We only need 3/4's of a yard of that material.

2. That door is 3/16's too long to fit.

3. You only get 1/2 of the money.

4. She was asleep 1/4 of the time when she should have been working.

5. This must be within 1/64 of an inch.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 437 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Brackets

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Use a bracketed sic [meaning "thus in the original"] to show that an error in quoted material is not an error in quoting, but the error was in the original text. 

 

Example: 

"i [sic] felt very bad." 

(The "I" should have been capitalized.)

Instructions: Insert [sic] where needed in the following sentences.

1. "The robber put the monie in the canvas bag."

2. "I will be leaving early tommorrow by train."

3. "I wanted to kill the man because he was a Yanky."

4. "He was a nown criminal by everyone there."

5. He complained, "I ain't going."

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. "The robber put the monie [sic] in the canvas bag."

2. "I will be leaving early tommorrow [sic] by train."

3. "I wanted to kill the man because he was a Yanky [sic]."

4. "He was a nown [sic] criminal by everyone there."

5. He complained, "I ain't [sic] going."

Next Lesson

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Lesson 436 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Brackets

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use brackets to enclose comments, criticisms, or corrections inserted by someone other than the original writer or speaker. 

 

Example: 

Anyone who met him [the author] respected his authority.

Instructions: Place brackets where they are needed in these sentences.

1. Everyone who knew him the deceased recognized the loss to the community.

2. In his biography My Only Love he wrote about his job.

3. I think the day was the 3rd 4th that you were here.

4. The witness said, "I saw him the defendant coming out the back door."

5. With his new book The Last Day he should become a millionaire.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Everyone who knew him [the deceased] recognized the loss to the community.

2. In his biography [My Only Love] he wrote about his job.

3. I think the day was the 3rd [4th] that you were here.

4. The witness said, "I saw him [the defendant] coming out the back door."

5. With his new book [The Last Day] he should become a millionaire.

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Quiz for Lessons 431 - 435 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Parentheses

View quiz on Daily Grammar

Instructions: Use parentheses where needed in these sentences.

1. I'll get back to you tomorrow Friday.

2. Which country countries do you want to visit?

3. You put fifty-four 54 books on that shelf.

4. The ACLU American Civil Liberties Union is going to bring a suit.

5. If you want to be healthy, you must 1 eat good food, 2 get sufficient exercise, and 3 get adequate sleep.

6. The Atomic Energy Commission AEC is very concerned about what is happening in Europe.

7. We are going to visit Brazil I don't know where this spring.

8. I need seven 7 dollars for tonight.

9. To take this ride, you need to 1 shut your eyes, 2 hang on tight, and 3 pray.

10. That movie reminded me I remember it well about the adventure we had.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I'll get back to you tomorrow (Friday).

2. Which country (countries) do you want to visit?

3. You put fifty-four (54) books on that shelf.

4. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) is going to bring a suit.

5. If you want to be healthy, you must (1) eat good food, (2) get sufficient exercise, and (3) get adequate sleep.

6. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is very concerned about what is happening in Europe.

7. We are going to visit Brazil (I don't know where) this spring.

8. I need seven (7) dollars for tonight.

9. To take this ride, you need to (1) shut your eyes, (2) hang on tight, and (3) pray.

10. That movie reminded me (I remember it well) about the adventure we had.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 435 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Parentheses

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use parentheses to indicate alternative terms (as in form letters). 

 

Example: 

You may study any lesson(s) on our site.

Instructions: Use parentheses to indicate alternative terms in these sentences.

1. Please indicate the lecture that you want to attend.

2. I would like to know the city where your firm is located.

3. I can't tell you my favorite book from that list.

4. Be sure to indicate the nation that you want to visit.

5. I don’t need your silly look any more today.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Please indicate the lecture(s) that you want to attend.

2. I would like to know the city (cities) where your firm is located.

3. I can't tell you my favorite book(s) from that list.

4. Be sure to indicate the nation(s) that you want to visit.

5. I don’t need your silly look(s) any more today.

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 434 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Parentheses

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use parentheses to enclose abbreviations synonymous with spelled-out forms occurring after the forms or if the order is reversed. 

 

Examples: 

I will meet with U.E.A. (Utah Education Association) leaders at 4:00. 

I will meet with Utah Education Association (U.E.A.) leaders at 4:00.

Instructions: Use parentheses where needed in these sentences.

1. The FFA Future Farmers of America boys from our school won many awards.

2. What was the ruling by the Federal Communications Commission FCC?

3. The pipe that will be used is PVC polyvinyl chloride.

4. The National Education Association NEA will have its conference in February.

5. The BSA Boy Scouts of America has come under fire recently.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The FFA (Future Farmers of America) boys from our school won many awards.

2. What was the ruling by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?

3. The pipe that will be used is PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

4. The National Education Association (NEA) will have its conference in February.

5. The BSA (Boy Scouts of America) has come under fire recently.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 433 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Parentheses

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use parentheses to enclose Arabic numerals which confirm written numbers. 

 

Example: 

They will arrive in (30) thirty days.

Instructions: Use parentheses where needed in these sentences.

1. The phone deal is for one hundred fifty 150 minutes a month.

2. It is interest free for ninety 90 days.

3. We only have room for forty-five 45 guests.

4. The firm has thirteen 13 openings at the present time.

5. They will lay off four hundred 400 workers in the next 6 six months.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The phone deal is for one hundred fifty (150) minutes a month.

2. It is interest free for ninety (90) days.

3. We only have room for forty-five (45) guests.

4. The firm has thirteen (13) openings at the present time.

5. They will lay off four hundred (400) workers in the next (6) six months.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 432 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Parentheses

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use parentheses to mark numbered or lettered divisions within sentences or paragraphs. 

 

Example: 

We will read the following chapters for our discussion tomorrow: (1) Africa, (2) India, and (3) Iceland.

Instructions: Use parentheses where needed in these sentences.

1. Before you turn in your paper, check 1 spelling, 2 punctuation, 3 capitalization, and 4 footnotes.

2. Our trip will take us to 1 Swanee, 2 Moreno Valley, 3 Taber, and 4 Rio de Janeiro.

3. We must set 1 our short term goals, 2 our long term goals, and 3 the ways they will be accomplished.

4. Our possible means of transportation are as follows: 1 bicycle, 2 ox cart, 3 train, 4 bus, or 5 by foot.

5. We must include 1 our family, 2 our friends, and 3 our neighbors so we don't offend anyone.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Before you turn in your paper, check (1) spelling, (2) punctuation, (3) capitalization, and (4) footnotes.

2. Our trip will take us to (1) Swanee, (2) Moreno Valley, (3) Taber, and (4) Rio de Janeiro.

3. We must set (1) our short term goals, (2) our long term goals, and (3) the ways they will be accomplished.

4. Our possible means of transportation are as follows: (1) bicycle, (2) ox cart, (3) train, (4) bus, or (5) by foot.

5. We must include (1) our family, (2) our friends, and (3) our neighbors so we don't offend anyone.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 431 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Parentheses

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Parentheses are used much like the dash, but it is used to set off unimportant material that interrupts the sentence thought or structure.

Use parentheses to set off supplementary, parenthetic, or explanatory material that does not change the meaning of the main sentence. 

 

Example: 

Joe Jones (you knew him) visited me yesterday.

Instructions: Use parentheses where needed in these sentences.

1. We fished or should I say drowned worms in the murky river.

2. They listened to the teacher's stories they were very dull which gave some background for the book.

3. Terri and Mark you remember them moved to a new house last week.

4. Even though he was not qualified according to his transcripts, he knew more than most of the others.

5. Another possibility the possibilities seem endless was suggested by a person at the back of the room.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. We fished (or should I say drowned worms) in the murky river.

2. They listened to the teacher's stories (they were very dull) which gave some background for the book.

3. Terri and Mark (you remember them) moved to a new house last week.

4. Even though he was not qualified (according to his transcripts), he knew more than most of the others.

5. Another possibility (the possibilities seem endless) was suggested by a person at the back of the room.

Next Lesson

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Quiz for Lessons 426 - 430 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Dashes

View quiz on Daily Grammar

Dashes are used to give emphasis to written ideas and are typed by using two hyphens. They should be used sparingly.

Instructions: Use dashes where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. I I I don't know what you mean!

2. We need to paint everything the window frames, the doors, the walls.

3. Next week how I dread it! I have to go to court.

4. You know the man across the street you are not even listening to me.

5. The dishes, the windows, the tile they were all broken by the storm.

6. They fished in the lower river a waste of time!

7. We had many things to do for the trip buy tickets, get passports, pack, arrange for the animals.

8. We we we shouldn't be in this warehouse.

9. This movie what a thriller! was the best I have seen recently.

10. Have you met my wife my best friend and eternal companion?

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I--I--I don't know what you mean!

2. We need to paint everything--the window frames, the doors, the walls.

3. Next week--how I dread it!--I have to go to court.

4. You know the man across the street--you are not even listening to me.

5. The dishes, the windows, the tile--they were all broken by the storm.

6. They fished in the lower river--a waste of time!

7. We had many things to do for the trip--buy tickets, get passports, pack, arrange for the animals.

8. We--we--we shouldn't be in this warehouse.

9. This movie--what a thriller!--was the best I have seen recently.

10. Have you met my wife--my best friend and eternal companion?

Next Lesson

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Lesson 430 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Dashes

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use a dash to emphasize appositives or to set off a series of appositives. 

 

Example: 

Everything--cars, bikes, furniture--must be moved.

Dashes are used to give emphasis to written ideas and are typed by using two hyphens. They should be used sparingly.

Instructions: Use dashes where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Have you met Larry Millward the best friend I've ever had?

2. We lost in the fire everything clothes, jewelry, photos, memories.

3. We stopped in three cities Butte, Great Falls, Sweetgrass.

4. I want you to visit Brazil my other country and second home.

5. Everyone men, women, children will be cared for immediately.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Have you met Larry Millward--the best friend I've ever had?

2. We lost in the fire everything--clothes, jewelry, photos, memories.

3. We stopped in three cities--Butte, Great Falls, Sweetgrass.

4. I want you to visit Brazil--my other country and second home.

5. Everyone--men, women, children--will be cared for immediately.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 429 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Dashes

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Dashes are used to give emphasis to written ideas and are typed by using two hyphens. They should be used sparingly.

Use dashes to show hesitation. 

 

Example: 

I--I--I don't know what you mean!

Instructions: Use dashes where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. You you you are the one who did it.

2. I heard him say "Oh oh oh my head!"

3. I I I didn't mean to do it.

4. Well well well I guess I can try to help with it.

5. Soon very soon we should be there.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. You--you--you are the one who did it.

2. I heard him say "Oh--oh--oh my head!"

3. I--I--I didn't mean to do it.

4. Well--well--well I guess I can try to help with it.

5. Soon--very soon we should be there.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 428 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Dashes

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Dashes are used to give emphasis to written ideas and are typed by using two hyphens. They should be used sparingly.

Use a dash to indicate a summarizing clause. 

 

Example: 

The house, the yard, the garage--they had remained untouched.

Instructions: Use dashes where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Kitchen, living room, bedrooms they were just as dirty as ever.

2. Oil, steel, wheat they were the backbone of industrialization.

3. Policemen, teachers, garbage collectors these are people that we cannot do without.

4. Cars, homes, businesses they were destroyed everywhere by the earthquake.

5. Families, jobs, hope these the war had nearly decimated everywhere.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Kitchen, living room, bedrooms--they were just as dirty as ever.

2. Oil, steel, wheat--they were the backbone of industrialization.

3. Policemen, teachers, garbage collectors--these are people that we cannot do without.

4. Cars, homes, businesses--they were destroyed everywhere by the earthquake.

5. Families, jobs, hope--these the war had nearly decimated everywhere.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 427 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Dashes

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Dashes are used to give emphasis to written ideas and are typed by using two hyphens. They should be used sparingly.

Use dashes to emphasize parenthetical material. 

 

Example: 

Tomorrow--how I fear it!--is the big test.

Instructions: Use dashes where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. All the presentations especially the one by Emily were excellent.

2. I leave I am so excited! for school today.

3. That game what an exciting one it was! is one that we will long remember.

4. There are several persons including myself, incidentally who resent your implications.

5. We approached the dog what a monstrous creature he was! with caution.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. All the presentations--especially the one by Emily--were excellent.

2. I leave--I am so excited!--for school today.

3. That game--what an exciting one it was!--is one that we will long remember.

4. There are several persons--including myself, incidentally--who resent your implications.

5. We approached the dog--what a monstrous creature he was!--with caution.

Next Lesson

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Lesson 426 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Dashes

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Dashes are used to give emphasis to written ideas and are typed by using two hyphens. They should be used sparingly.

Use a dash to show a break in thought or sentence structure. 

 

Example: 

He had tried to change--you're not even paying attention!

Instructions: Use dashes where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. We will invite Susan she is the new girl next door to our party.

2. The dog slid on the vinyl his nails acting like skates and crashed into the trash can.

3. When our stockpile was sold indeed, dumped for surplus all our sales were compromised.

4. Today has been but I will not bore you with my troubles.

5. Let me tell you about watch where you are going!

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. We will invite Susan--she is the new girl next door--to our party.

2. The dog slid on the vinyl--his nails acting like skates--and crashed into the trash can.

3. When our stockpile was sold--indeed, dumped for surplus--all our sales were compromised.

4. Today has been--but I will not bore you with my troubles.

5. Let me tell you about--watch where you are going!

Next Lesson

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