English Grammar Rules

Grammar is an extensive field in every language. English language is no different and is also full of numerous grammar concepts and detailed rules for every concept. These rules need to be taken care of in order to perfect written and spoken skills in this language. Some important rules pertaining to English grammar are summed up below in brief:

1. Capital letters: Only capital letters should be used for proper nouns and at the beginning of a sentence.
2. Noun and Verb: For every sentence there should be one noun and one verb. A sentence with more than one noun or verb is confusing to understand.
3. Difference between ‘who and whom’: ‘Whom’ should not be used in those places where ‘who’ can be applied. For example: We say ‘Who are you speaking to?’ or ‘To whom are you speaking?’ but we never say: "Whom are you speaking to?"
4. The difference between ‘that’ and ‘which’: We should use ‘which’ for non-defining clauses whereas ‘that’ for defining clauses.  
5. Use of Possessive Nouns: Non-native speakers of the English get confused about showing possession while writing or speaking in English. For example: ‘The car belonging to the man’ can also be referred to as ‘The man’s car’.
6. Punctuation: Use appropriate punctuation when a sentence is complete. There is no need to have dual punctuation when ending a sentence.
7. Comparison of adjectives: We add ‘er’ to compare short adjectives like ‘big’ and ‘pretty’ and we add ‘more’ for longer adjectives like ‘beautiful’ and ‘intelligent’.
8. Use of conjunctions: When connecting two lines of thought in a sentence, use a conjunction to make thoughts slow smoothly. Though it is a myth that a sentence shouldn’t be started with a conjunction and is avoided in several cases, it is not true for all conditions.
9. Ending a sentence with a preposition: It’s a common myth that in English language a sentence shouldn’t be ended with a Preposition, but it is not true. Like beginning a sentence with a conjunction, this is always completely fine.
10. Using paragraphs: Whenever writing multiple sentences about the same subject or line of thought, use paragraphs to divide long segments of writing.
11. Use of apostrophe: If an apostrophe is needed make sure to use it to show ownership. An apostrophe is also used when words are abbreviated.
12. Use of comma: If a line of thought requires a list, make sure to separate each article by a comma.
13. Use of subjunctive: The subjunctive is used to describe a wish or a state of affairs that isn't the case. The plural form of the past tense ‘were’ should always be used in subjunctives.
14. Use of semi colon: If you have two lines of thought that are similar feel free to use a semicolon to combine them.