The many rules and guidelines governing the use of grammar in the English language, make many people find this one subject daunting. Grammar is a complex structure, so before you learn how to make great written or spoken English, you need to understand grammar which is the building block towards more complex forms. With enough time, effort and practice, you will eventually master English grammar.
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Method 1 of 4: Part One: Learn Grammar at the "Word" Level
Step 1. Study the parts of speech
Every word in English can be categorized into specific parts of speech. Part of speech does not define what a word is, but describes how it is used.
- noun is a noun, it can be any person, place, or thing. Example: grandma, school, pencil
- Pronoun is a pronoun of a noun in a sentence. Example: he, she, they
- Article is a special term that starts a noun in a sentence. These three articles are: a, an, the
- adjective or adjectives modify or explain nouns and/or pronouns. Example: red, tall
- Verb is a verb, which describes an action or condition. Example: be, run, sleep
- Adverb is an adverb, which modifies or explains a verb. Adverbs can also be used to modify adjectives. Example: happily, wonderfully
- Conjunction combine two parts of a sentence. Example: and, but
- Preposition used together with nouns or pronouns to form phrases that modify other parts of speech, such as verbs, nouns, pronouns, or adjectives. Example: up, down, of, from
- Interjection is an interjection that expresses an emotional state. Example: wow, ouch, hey
Step 2. Study the rules that govern each part of speech in more detail
Most parts of speech have additional rules governing their use. If you want to master English grammar, you need to study these rules in detail. Pay attention to the following points as study materials:
- The types of nouns are: singular (singular) or plural (plural), proper (special) or common (general), collective (collective), countable (can be counted) or uncountable (cannot be counted), abstract (abstract) or concrete (concrete), and gerund
- The types of pronouns are: personal (rorang), possessive (possession), reflexive (reflexive), intensive (intensive), reciprocal (reciprocal / repeated), indefinite (indefinite), demonstrative (pointer), interrogative (ask), or relative (relative/connector)
- Adjectives can be used alone, for comparison, or as superlatives.
- Adverbs can be relative adverbs or adverbs of frequency.
- Conjunctions can be coordinating (coordinating) or correlative (correlative).
- The types of verbs are: action verb or linking verb, main verb or auxiliary/helping verb
- Articles " a " and " an " are indefinite, while "the" is definite.
Step 3. Know how to write number symbols
Number symbols with one digit (zero to nine) must be written in letter form, while symbols for numbers with two digits (10 and so on) must be written in numeric form.
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All number symbols in the sentence must be written in letter form or written numerically. Don't get mixed up.
- Correct example: I bought 14 apples but my sister only bought 2 apples.
- Incorrect example: I bought 14 apples but my sister only bought two apples.
- It is not allowed to write a number symbol in the form of a number at the beginning of a sentence.
- Simple fractions should be written in letters and use hyphens. Example: one-half
- Mixed fractions can be written numerically. Example: 5 1/2
- Write down the decimal as a number. Example: 0.92
- Use a comma when writing numeric symbols with four or more digits. Example: 1,234, 567
- Write down the numeric form when writing the date. Example: June 1
Method 2 of 4: Part Two: Learn English Grammar at the "Sentence" Level
Step 1. Learn how to construct a basic sentence
At the very least, every sentence consists of a subject and an action. A sentence that does not have one of them is called a sentence fragment or an incomplete sentence and is considered incorrect.
- The subject is usually a noun or pronoun, and the action is conveyed in the form of a verb.
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Correct example: The dog ran.
Note that subjects are marked in bold and actions are in bold
- Incorrect example: Yesterday afternoon.
- Develop your sentences into more complex forms once you master this basic format.
Step 2. Don't forget the subject-verb agreement
In a sentence, the subject and the noun must use the same singular/plural condition. We cannot use the singular form of the verb with a plural subject. The plural subject must be paired with the plural verb.
- Correct example: They are at school.
- Incorrect example: They is at school.
- When two singular subjects are connected with the word "and" (he and his brother), they become plural. When connected by "or" or "nor" (he or his brother), the subject remains singular.
- Collective nouns, such as family or team, are treated as singular nouns and use singular verbs.
Step 3. Form a compound sentence
Compound sentences are the easiest form of sentences to master after basic sentences. Use conjunctions to combine two related sentences into one sentence instead of forming two separate sentences.
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Instead: The dog ran. He was fast.
Use: The dog ran and he was fast
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Instead: We looked for the missing book. We could not find it.
Use: We looked for the missing book but could not find it
Step 4. Practice using conditional sentences
A conditional sentence describes a situation in which one part of the sentence is true only if the other part is true. This sentence can also be called an "if-then statement", but the word "then" does not always appear in the sentence.
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Example: If you ask your mother, then she will take you to the store.
- Notice, it would also be true if we wrote: If you ask your mother, she will take you to the store.
- Both forms are conditional.
Step 5. Understand how to use clauses
Use clauses to form complex sentences. Clauses are "building blocks" that can be used to develop a sentence beyond its basic form. There are two types of clauses in English, namely independent clauses (free clauses) and dependent clauses (bound clauses).
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An independent clause has its own subject and verb. Therefore, it can stand alone as a sentence. Note that compound sentences, as mentioned earlier, are constructed by independent clauses.
- Example: She felt sad, but her friends cheered her up.
- The two clauses "she felt sad" and "her friends cheered her up" can stand alone as separate sentences.
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Dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.
- Example: While he agreed with his brother, the boy would not admit to it.
- The clause "While he agreed with his brother" doesn't make sense as a separate sentence, so it is a dependent clause.
Step 6. Learn punctuation
Many punctuation marks along with various rules governing their use. You will need to study these rules in detail, but first you need a basic understanding of how to use each of these punctuation marks.
- Point (.) marks the end of the statement sentence.
- Ellipsis (…) indicates the presence of an omitted part in a text.
- Coma (,) separates words or groups of words when a pause is needed.
- Semicolon (;) should be used in complex sentences that do not have conjunctions.
- Colon (:) is used to introduce lists in sentences.
- Question mark (?) is used at the end of the question sentence.
- Exclamation mark (!) is used at the end of a declarative sentence to show surprise or emphasis.
- Double quotes (") separates the words spoken by a person from the rest of the text.
- Brackets () attach information that explains the previous idea.
- Apostrophe (') separates contraction and indicates possession.
Method 3 of 4: Part Three: Learn English Grammar at the “Paragraph” and “Narrative” Levels
Step 1. Study paragraph structure
A basic paragraph consists of three to seven sentences. Each paragraph must have a topic sentence, a supporting sentence, and a concluding sentence.
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The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in the paragraph. This is the most common sentence and introduces the idea that will be discussed throughout the paragraph.
Example: English grammar is a complex topic that covers a range of information
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The supporting sentence explains the ideas presented in the main sentence in more detail.
Example: English grammar is a complex topic that covers a range of information. At the "word" level, one must learn about parts of speech. At the "sentence" level, topics like sentence structure, subject/verb agreement, and clauses must be explored. The rules governing punctuation use are also a part of "sentence" level grammar. Once a person starts writing larger piece, he or she must also learn about paragraph structure and organization.
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A concluding sentence concludes the information contained in the paragraph. It's not always important, but you still need to know how to write it.
Example: English grammar is a complex topic that covers a range of information. At the "word" level, one must learn about parts of speech. At the "sentence" level, topics like sentence structure, subject/verb agreement, and clauses must be explored. The rules governing punctuation use are also a part of "sentence" level grammar. Once a person starts writing larger piece, he or she must also learn about paragraph structure and organization. All of these rules define and describe how to write English correctly.
- Also note that the first sentence of a paragraph must be indented several spaces.
Step 2. Vary the sentences in a paragraph
Technically, you can write paragraphs that use only basic sentences, but better paragraphs with pleasant grammar have a variety of simple and complex sentences.
- Correct example: I love my cat. He has soft, orange fur. On cold days, he likes to cuddle next to me for warmth. I think that my cat is the greatest cat ever, and I am really happy to have him.
- Incorrect example: I love my cat. He is orange. His fur is soft. He cuddles next to me on cold days. My cat is the greatest cat. I am really happy to have him.
Step 3. Create a longer post
Once you're comfortable with your paragraph writing skills, try writing a longer piece, such as an academic essay. Essay writing is a separate subject, so you will need to study it in more detail. Also there are a few things you need to keep in mind when getting started.
- Write an essay by writing an introductory paragraph, three or more discussion paragraphs, and one concluding paragraph.
- The introductory paragraph should be a general paragraph that presents the main idea without going into detail. The discussion paragraphs should develop this main idea in more detail, with each paragraph addressing a different point. The closing paragraph restates and summarizes the information presented in the essay and does not provide any new information.
Method 4 of 4: Part Four: Learn More
Step 1. Understand that this is just the beginning
The rules and information in this article don't teach you everything you need to know about grammar. This article is intended to provide information as a starting point for you to study. The subject of actual English grammar is much more complex and requires a lot of time and effort if you really want to learn it.
Step 2. Compare the grammar rules
If you are studying English as a foreign language, compare the rules in English grammar with Indonesian grammar. Some aspects will be similar while other aspects will be different.
- If the rules are the same, rely on your knowledge of Indonesian grammar to help you understand English grammar.
- If the rules are different, spend more time and practice aspects of the grammar as you learn.
Step 3. Read a lot
People who read a lot tend to be more proficient in using grammar in their writing and speech.
- You don't always have to read grammar books. This book is helpful, but other sources are also used as study material.
- Read books, magazines, or other material written in English that you enjoy. Naturally, the more you read, the more familiar you will become with how grammar is used at the word, sentence, and paragraph level. Learning the rules of English grammar is an important step, but you'll be better able to practice them if you really get into the habit of reading proper grammar.
Step 4. Take an English class
If you are still in school, look for English language tutoring or extracurricular opportunities provided at your school. If you are no longer a student at school, consider taking a grammar class at a college or English course. You can also search for online classes.
Look for classes specifically designed for students studying English as a second or foreign language. These classes are usually labeled as ESL (English as a Second Language), EFL (English as a Foreign Language), or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes
Step 5. Find a mentor
If formal classes don't help, find a mentor who can review grammar rules with you in private. This mentor can be a teacher, professor, or professional tutor. It can also be parents, siblings, friends, or other relatives who have a strong understanding of English and are willing to help.
Step 6. Find out other additional information yourself
Go to a bookstore and buy an English grammar practice book, or go online and find some free English grammar resources.
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In general, search the internet for resources from educational websites (.edu). As:
- The Guide to Grammar and Writing by Capital Community College Foundation (https://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/)
- Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/5/)
Step 7. Practice
Practice brings perfection. The more you practice English grammar, the more proficient you will become.
