Basic English Grammar For Dummies - US

by Geraldine Woods

Overview

The easy way to brush up on your English skills

Is it good or well? There, their, or they're? Some people don't have to think twice about using proper English, but for the rest of us it can get tricky and confusing. Whether you're writing or speaking, it's all too easy to fall prey to simple mistakes that will represent you in a less-than-desirable light—which can potentially cost you a job or put you in an embarrassing social situation. Avoiding complicated grammar rules, Basic English For Dummies sticks to the basics and makes it easy to get up and running on what you need to know to partake in successful everyday communication, no matter your audience or medium.

Inside, you'll find plenty of examples and exercises, guidance on how to structure sentences to make yourself easily understood, and so much more. In no time, you'll leave the 'me or I?' debate at the door and speak and write confidently and correctly. Plus, you'll expand your vocabulary, find the right tone and style you want to convey in your communication, and avoid common English language pitfalls.

• Includes quizzes and self-tests
• Provides guidance on composing letters, emails, texts, and phone calls
• Explains in plain English how to improve your English skills
• Gives you instruction and exercises on putting your skills to practice right away

If English is your first language, but you missed or have forgotten the nuances that were taught in school, Basic English For Dummies is your go-to guide. It is also ideal for those learning English as a second language.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394244737
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	02/27/2024
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
File size:	981 KB

About the Author

Geraldine Woods is the author of more than 10 Dummies titles, including English Grammar For Dummies. She is a hugely experienced educator with a gift for helping students realize their potential and come to grips with even the hardest subjects. Her friendly style and good humor make learning easy.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Basic English Grammar 5

Chapter 1: Getting a Grip on Grammar 7

Chapter 2: Language in Action 21

Part II: The Parts of Speech 31

Chapter 3: People to See, Places to Go, Things to Remember: Recognizing Nouns 33

Chapter 4: Practicing Pronouns 47

Chapter 5: Doing and Being Words: Verbs 65

Chapter 6: Describing with Adjectives and Adverbs 83

Chapter 7: Little Things Mean a Lot: Prepositions 101

Chapter 8: Joining and Commenting: Conjunctions and Interjections 113

Part III: Creating Correct Sentences 127

Chapter 9: Making Progress: Verbs Ending in –ing 129

Chapter 10: Revisiting the Past: The Perfect Tenses 141

Chapter 11: Searching for Subjects 155

Chapter 12: Adding Meaning with Complements 171

Chapter 13: Finishing the Job: Writing Complete Sentences 185

Part IV: Punctuation and Capitalization 199

Chapter 14: Small Punctuation Mark, Big Trouble: Apostrophes 201

Chapter 15: Pausing for a Rest: Commas 215

Chapter 16: Who Said What: Quotation Marks 231

Chapter 17: Big or Small? When to Write Capital Letters 245

Part V: Grammar in Action 261

Chapter 18: Writing with Electronic Media 263

Chapter 19: Presentation Slides and Bulleted Lists 275

Chapter 20: Writing at School and on the Job 287

Part VI: Common Errors 301

Chapter 21: Spelling Your Way to Perfection 303

Chapter 22: Tricky Word Traps 313

Chapter 23: Avoiding Common Mistakes 325

Part VII: The Part of Tens 335

Chapter 24: Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills 337

Chapter 25: Ten Mistakes to Avoid 343

Index 349