A Few Words About English Grammar Rules

The word Grammar finds its roots in the Greek word gramma, which means “letter” or “written symbol.” No wonder grammar rules are rather stringent when it comes to the written English. In speech, it’s alright to bend them a little, such as using ‘me’ instead of ‘I’ in saying, “He’s better than me.” Fundamentally, grammar is the overarching structure that holds a language together. They are a set of principles upon which language-oral or written-are built, in order to have a meaningful conversation. It is the literate aspect of speaking and writing, by which a person is judged. The business of English grammar is the forms of words, phrases, and clauses, which are grouped according to the role they play in a given sentence.

In the course of studying grammar rules, the distinctions between writing and speaking will become more apparent. Writing, as a mode of communication, is more formal than speaking. In a moment of conversation, there is the dynamics between the verbal and the non-verbal signals, the circumstances around serve as a context to the ongoing communication, there is room for meaning to be clarified and explained further because of the personal interface. What may be unacceptable in the written form may be ignored in normal, everyday speech. However, members of the academe, both students and instructors, hold a standard of excellence when it comes to grammar, whether they drafting their theses or defending in front of a panel.

In the English grammar, the word-the unit of language-takes on the basic functions. Mastery of these is essential to applying them to the more complex structures of phrase, clause, and sentences. There should be emphasis on understanding grammar in terms of function and meaning, rather than terminology, because a lot of the words in the English language can assume two functions, depending on how a given sentence is structured, and how words are positioned in a sentence, simple or complex.

The first of these functions is to identify, and when words take on this role, they become nouns and pronouns. When they assert or show action or event, they become verbs. When they describe, modify, alter, they assume the role of adjectives and adverbs. There are times when they join or connect words, phrases, and sentences, in which case, they become conjunctions and prepositions. And when words are exclamatory, words turn into interjections.

To express sense and meaning, however, words are arranged or put together, another facet of grammar that should not be put aside. Well known writers, who have learned the science behind grammar, have the confidence to play around their words to set the stage for their stories, build suspense, and convey an irony for an ending. This is the beauty of having a solid grounding of the English grammar rules, when they become second nature to the person who studies them. These writers have earned their right to improvise or even break the rules from time to time to communicate a characterization or a theme on the page. But before budding writers go to that extent, it is necessary to get the rules right first.

Author Bio: Go to the official English Grammar website for more grammar lessons, rules, and news for everyday use – http://www.englishgrammar.org/

Category: Education
Keywords: english grammar,grammar rules,english grammar rules,few words,wonder grammar rules,wonder grammar

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