Grammer - PartsofSpeech
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Forming Sentences (Grammar)
Parts of Speech
How words are used in a sentence.
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Parts of speech is a system that classifies words and phrases based on the function performed in a sentence. The system gives us a way of examining a sentence to understand its meaning. The more we understand how words are used, the better we can speak, read and write: but especially translate or learn another language.
Nouns can act or be acted upon.
Open HyperGrammar2 - What is a noun (in a new tab).
Different types of nouns may required different spelling rules (like how to use the noun in the plural sense) or punctuation rules (like should the noun be capitalized). We classify nouns so we may explain the rules for using the word in a sentence.
The light shines through the window.
Turn on the light.
Peace flows through me like a river.
I find peace in simple pleasures.
Turn on the light.
Peace flows through me like a river.
I find peace in simple pleasures.
The dog fed.
I fed the dog.
I fed the dog.
A kite flies.
I fly the kite.
I fly the kite.
Climb the rope.
The rope is rough, but strong.
The rope is rough, but strong.
Put the corn cob in the bag.
The rock is heavy.
The rock is heavy.
You can find a ball in the gym.
Hem the doll's dress.
Hem the doll's dress.
She rides in a car.
The car ride was long.
The car ride was long.
Santa drives a sleigh.
The sleigh can fly.
The sleigh can fly.
The boy dreams of a bicycle.
The bicycle broke down.
The bicycle broke down.
The cat climbs the tree.
The tree shades the yard.
The tree shades the yard.
Answer the phone.
The phone rang twice.
The phone rang twice.
Common Nouns are people, places or things: like "boy".
Person, place or thing — these words, when used in a general sense, are common nouns.
People read books.
My dad reads.
The book is popular.
My dad reads.
The book is popular.
Dogs dig holes.
My dad is fit.
The city is big.
My dad is fit.
The city is big.
She drives a jeep.
The light faded.
Take me home.
The light faded.
Take me home.
We eat rice everyday.
The soup is too hot.
Plant a seed.
The soup is too hot.
Plant a seed.
Ducks fly south.
My neck is sore.
The bug is big.
My neck is sore.
The bug is big.
I am going to the gym.
The ham is cooked.
The town is on the map.
The ham is cooked.
The town is on the map.
The door is locked.
Get a net.
The cat is on the bus.
Get a net.
The cat is on the bus.
The glade is over there.
I went to a play last night.
The glue is dry.
I went to a play last night.
The glue is dry.
The crate is locked.
The drape reached the floor.
I see the crow fly away.
The drape reached the floor.
I see the crow fly away.
The oak tree provides shade.
Those running shoes are expensive.
We saw the show last night.
Those running shoes are expensive.
We saw the show last night.
Many queens have ruled over time.
The country suffered a quake.
Use a spoon when eating stew.
The country suffered a quake.
Use a spoon when eating stew.
The scroll lay hidden for many years.
Crowds gathered in the street.
The blue spruce can grow to great heights.
Crowds gathered in the street.
The blue spruce can grow to great heights.
Proper Nouns identify specific people, places or things: like John.
Proper nouns identify specific, unique persons, places or things. Proper nouns start with a capital letter.
Amber reads well.
Amber gives her books to Dad.
Dad reads The Hobbit.
Amber gives her books to Dad.
Dad reads The Hobbit.
Chase digs a hole.
Dad lives in Toronto.
Give the gel to Dad.
Dad lives in Toronto.
Give the gel to Dad.
Amber drives a jeep.
He named the kite Sam.
Take Kevin home.
He named the kite Sam.
Take Kevin home.
Kevin will not eat rice.
Samuel coaches the team.
Marie grew up in Toronto.
Samuel coaches the team.
Marie grew up in Toronto.
Call a cab for Dad.
Linda collects bugs.
Watch how Amber laughs.
Linda collects bugs.
Watch how Amber laughs.
Is John in the den?
It is a map of Toronto.
I joined Joe's gym.
It is a map of Toronto.
I joined Joe's gym.
William is a bus driver.
She kissed her cat Fluffy.
My favourite jazz musician is Louis Armstrong.
She kissed her cat Fluffy.
My favourite jazz musician is Louis Armstrong.
He plans to climb Mount Everest.
The plane landed at Toronto airport.
Professor Plum found a clue.
The plane landed at Toronto airport.
Professor Plum found a clue.
The crew boarded the Pacific Princess cruise ship.
John is not a member.
The bride waited at St. Andrews church.
John is not a member.
The bride waited at St. Andrews church.
The Darlington oak provides shade.
Those Brooks Womens Ariel '20 running shoes are so affordable.
We saw West Side Story last night.
Those Brooks Womens Ariel '20 running shoes are so affordable.
We saw West Side Story last night.
They expect Queen Victoria to visit this year, but the queen has not confirmed.
Typhoon Alice lashed the shore.
I spoke with John about fixing the dishwasher.
Typhoon Alice lashed the shore.
I spoke with John about fixing the dishwasher.
I saw it today on Mulberry Street.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are much studied.
John will spray the spruce tree.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are much studied.
John will spray the spruce tree.
Concrete nouns can be seen, heard, touched, smelled or tasted: like desk.
Amber holds a cup.
The cup of tea is hot.
Tea is her favourite drink.
The cup of tea is hot.
Tea is her favourite drink.
Dad charges his phone.
The dog digs a hole.
Spit out that gum.
The dog digs a hole.
Spit out that gum.
A jay flew past.
The hay dried in the field.
She tied the roses with some jute.
The hay dried in the field.
She tied the roses with some jute.
Use the rope to climb that pole.
See the toad in the garden.
The seed is sprouting.
See the toad in the garden.
The seed is sprouting.
The lid is open.
The bag tore.
The spider web glistens in the sunlight.
The bag tore.
The spider web glistens in the sunlight.
The doll is soft.
She held the pup in her arms.
Did the bell ring.
She held the pup in her arms.
Did the bell ring.
The door is made of metal.
Her bus pass expired.
I think I saw a fox.
Her bus pass expired.
I think I saw a fox.
The clay was moist but easy to form.
Spring flowers carpeted the floor of the glade.
The flame flickered then went out.
Spring flowers carpeted the floor of the glade.
The flame flickered then went out.
The grapes are green and plump.
The drone flew just out of range.
Across the doorway tattered drapes hung loosely.
The drone flew just out of range.
Across the doorway tattered drapes hung loosely.
Grab a tray and get some food.
The chain held the dog back.
Where are my shoes?
The chain held the dog back.
Where are my shoes?
Hand me that spade.
The spicy aroma from the bubbling stew filled the hall.
Did you see his trophy?
The spicy aroma from the bubbling stew filled the hall.
Did you see his trophy?
Her scream was heard by everyone.
He tightened the screw.
He must undergo an operation to remove his spleen.
He tightened the screw.
He must undergo an operation to remove his spleen.
Abstract nouns are non-physical things: like democracy, hope.
Abstract nouns are concepts, ideas or other non-physical things: like hope. These ideas and concepts work as the subject or objects in sentences just as concrete nouns do.
My personal boundaries are important to me.
Peace surrounds me.
The past is the past.
Peace surrounds me.
The past is the past.
Woe showed in their faces.
With the autumn came the rain.
The vote was unanimous.
With the autumn came the rain.
The vote was unanimous.
Great fun was had by all.
Fear of another bomb threat hung over them.
Fear of another bomb threat hung over them.
What's the buzz?
All that jazz.
All that jazz.
Their plight was dire.
His glee showed despite efforts to hide it.
His glee showed despite efforts to hide it.
Her dreams always started this way.
His creed was his only concern. Give me freedom or give me death.
His creed was his only concern. Give me freedom or give me death.
The truth will out.
Do not give me any cheek.
His pride is concerning.
Do not give me any cheek.
His pride is concerning.
I need a good quote for my essay.
That work is schedule for the second phase of the project.
He has a stake in her success.
That work is schedule for the second phase of the project.
He has a stake in her success.
Countable nouns can be made plural: like grapes.
Countable nouns have a plural form and a number of associated rules for making the noun plural. The simplest plural rule is: add the letter 's' to the end of the word to make it plural. Review spelling rules 18-21, on this site, to learn more about making nouns plural.
Amber has read many books this month.
A leaf floats by her window. So many leaves are falling.
It is okay to make mistakes.
A leaf floats by her window. So many leaves are falling.
It is okay to make mistakes.
The dog dug three holes.
My dad has two cell phones.
Cabs lined the driveway.
My dad has two cell phones.
Cabs lined the driveway.
Where are my keys?
She found the third clue.
He owns two jeeps.
She found the third clue.
He owns two jeeps.
It was the second meal today.
They packed ropes, hammers, and spikes.
The teams gathered at the arena.
They packed ropes, hammers, and spikes.
The teams gathered at the arena.
The webs blocked the path.
Seven bugs hung in them.
The spider fed on onebug as they watched.
Seven bugs hung in them.
The spider fed on onebug as they watched.
Her bedroom housed many dolls.
The dog had five pups.
The three men were seated in the den.
The dog had five pups.
The three men were seated in the den.
His first car was a Mustang.
She planted three firs.
The two doves perched on the branch.
She planted three firs.
The two doves perched on the branch.
His first clue was a muddy footprint.
I sharpen the blades at night.
The garage held two sleighs.
I sharpen the blades at night.
The garage held two sleighs.
Two braids hung down her back.
The crates were stacked from floor to ceiling.
Three crows perched on the sill.
The crates were stacked from floor to ceiling.
Three crows perched on the sill.
Two empty trays were stacked on the counter.
Three trolls attacked.
I bought a pair of skates.
Three trolls attacked.
I bought a pair of skates.
The moon has eight phases.
He might win another trophy.
She submitted three stew recipes.
He might win another trophy.
She submitted three stew recipes.
She collects strays.
The cat was covered in scrapes and scratches.
The scribes gathered in the dusty attic.
The cat was covered in scrapes and scratches.
The scribes gathered in the dusty attic.
Some nouns have no plural form: like ozone, which is not countable, and fish, which simply has no plural form.
Amber counts sheep at night.
The sheep and the cows share the same meadow.
Amber cultivates peace.
The sheep and the cows share the same meadow.
Amber cultivates peace.
The fog was thick.
He spread bacon fat on his toast.
He chews gum everyday.
He spread bacon fat on his toast.
He chews gum everyday.
Peat forms in wetlands.
Rice is a major staple food.
The tide is high.
Rice is a major staple food.
The tide is high.
Feel the cat's fur.
She wrapped his hand in gauze.
What's the buzz?
She wrapped his hand in gauze.
What's the buzz?
The glue is sticky.
See the bird's pretty plume.
Sleep overcame them.
See the bird's pretty plume.
Sleep overcame them.
The brew turned brown and thickened.
Sit in the shade.
Enjoy the sunshine.
She has much pride.
Enjoy the sunshine.
She has much pride.
Collective nouns stand for a group of nouns: like team, class or staff.
The collective noun stands in for a group of countable entities. Like any other noun, a collective noun itself may or may have a plural form. One occurrence of a collective noun is singular and multiple occurrences of the collection takes the plural form. Example: a team of many players.
Samuel coaches a little league team.
He gives the players advice. (Many players)
He gives the team advice. (One team)
Teams use this field to practice. (Many teams)
He gives the players advice. (Many players)
He gives the team advice. (One team)
Teams use this field to practice. (Many teams)
The crew boarded the plane.
Which group has he joined?
This breed makes a good family pet.
Which group has he joined?
This breed makes a good family pet.
He could not see the forest for the trees.
Place the tray on top of the stack.
This chain is strong.
Place the tray on top of the stack.
This chain is strong.
Articles describe a particular noun, as in: The cat has a ball. (Ball in a general sense.) Does the ball belong to you? (Ball in a particular sense.)
The and A are called articles and often accompany nouns.
- "The" is called a definite article. We use it when referencing a specific noun. For example, not just any leaves are falling.
The leaves on the tree are falling.
- "A or An" is called an indefinite article. We use this article to describe a noun in a less specific way.
A woman sits in the window, reading.
Verbs are actions or indicate states of being.
Open HyperGrammar2 - What is a verb (in a new tab).
The pages are loose and brittle.
I open the book carefully.
Healing is within reach.
I open the book carefully.
Healing is within reach.
The dog digs.
The dog is fit.
I make my bed.
The dog is fit.
I make my bed.
He leaps over the puddle.
I make lunch.
She needs a key.
I make lunch.
She needs a key.
He will pay the man double.
They reap what they sow.
He went downtown to vote.
They reap what they sow.
He went downtown to vote.
He will kick the ball.
They rubbed their hands together.
He laughs often.
They rubbed their hands together.
He laughs often.
He billed me for the work.
Rip the hem out.
I can hem the skirt later.
Rip the hem out.
I can hem the skirt later.
He kissed his wife.
I guess the answers.
They have fun.
I guess the answers.
They have fun.
Clean this mess.
I climb these stairs everyday.
The children play in the yard.
I climb these stairs everyday.
The children play in the yard.
May I braid your hair?
The toy broke yesterday.
The children cry out.
The toy broke yesterday.
The children cry out.
May I pray for you?
The boy probed the hole with a stick.
The children try to be good.
The boy probed the hole with a stick.
The children try to be good.
Phone the doctor.
I quote him all the time.
They spoke to his mother yesterday.
I quote him all the time.
They spoke to his mother yesterday.
Splice the film there.
I spray the roses but the bugs return.
Surely he can scrape the snow off the windows.
I spray the roses but the bugs return.
Surely he can scrape the snow off the windows.
Some verbs only act upon an object noun. These "transitive" verbs require a verb object (noun) to be make the sentence idea complete. "I open." is not a complete idea. You must include the object that is being opened: I open the book; I open the door; I open myself up to new ideas.
Many verbs can be used with an object (transitive: I read the book.) or without an object (intransitive: I read often.), but other verbs are always transitive, requiring an object, as in: open, include, make or invite.
Verb tenses indicate when the action happens, as in: He walked in the past; He walks now; He will walk in the future.
Open HyperGrammar2 - Forming and using verb tenses (in a new tab). Note: A future tense always requires an helping verb and will be covered in the next section.
present
past
add "ed"
add "ed"
simple future
use "will"
use "will"
I feel.
You feel.
He feels. (She/One)
We feel. (We/They/Many)
You feel.
He feels. (She/One)
We feel. (We/They/Many)
I felt.
You felt.
She felt. (He/One)
We felt. (They/Many)
You felt.
She felt. (He/One)
We felt. (They/Many)
I will feel.
You will feel.
She will feel. (He/One)
We will feel. (They/Many)
You will feel.
She will feel. (He/One)
We will feel. (They/Many)
I feed.
You feed.
He feeds. (She/One)
We feed. (They/Many)
You feed.
He feeds. (She/One)
We feed. (They/Many)
I fed. (Irregular**)
You fed.
One fed. (He/She)
They fed. (We/Many)
You fed.
One fed. (He/She)
They fed. (We/Many)
I will feed. (in the future)
You will feed.
He will feed. (She/One)
We will feed. (They/Many)
You will feed.
He will feed. (She/One)
We will feed. (They/Many)
I make (the bed***).
You make.
He makes. (She/One)
We make. (They/Many)
You make.
He makes. (She/One)
We make. (They/Many)
I made. (Irregular**)
You made.
One made. (He/She)
They made. (We/Many)
You made.
One made. (He/She)
They made. (We/Many)
I will make. (in the future)
You will make.
He will make. (She/One)
We will make. (They/Many)
You will make.
He will make. (She/One)
We will make. (They/Many)
I vote.
You vote.
He votes. (She/One)
We vote. (They/Many)
You vote.
He votes. (She/One)
We vote. (They/Many)
I voted.
You voted.
One voted. (He/She)
They voted. (We/Many)
You voted.
One voted. (He/She)
They voted. (We/Many)
I will vote. (in the future)
You will vote.
He will vote. (She/One)
We will vote. (They/Many)
You will vote.
He will vote. (She/One)
We will vote. (They/Many)
I laugh.
You laugh.
He laughs. (She/One)
We laugh. (They/Many)
You laugh.
He laughs. (She/One)
We laugh. (They/Many)
I laughed.
You laughed.
One laughed. (He/She)
They laughed. (We/Many)
You laughed.
One laughed. (He/She)
They laughed. (We/Many)
I will laugh. (in the future)
You will laugh.
He will laugh. (She/One)
We will laugh. (They/Many)
You will laugh.
He will laugh. (She/One)
We will laugh. (They/Many)
I hem.
You hem.
He hems. (She/One)
We hem. (They/Many)
You hem.
He hems. (She/One)
We hem. (They/Many)
I hemmed.
You hemmed.
One hemmed. (He/She)
They hemmed. (We/Many)
You hemmed.
One hemmed. (He/She)
They hemmed. (We/Many)
I will hem. (in the future)
You will hem.
He will hem. (She/One)
We will hem. (They/Many)
You will hem.
He will hem. (She/One)
We will hem. (They/Many)
I have.
You have.
He has. (She/One)
We have. (They/Many)
You have.
He has. (She/One)
We have. (They/Many)
I had.
You had.
One had. (He/She)
They had. (We/Many)
You had.
One had. (He/She)
They had. (We/Many)
I will have. (in the future)
You will have.
He will have. (She/One)
We will have. (They/Many)
You will have.
He will have. (She/One)
We will have. (They/Many)
I fly.
You fly.
He flies. (She/One)
We fly. (They/Many)
You fly.
He flies. (She/One)
We fly. (They/Many)
I flew.
You flew.
One flew. (He/She)
They flew. (We/Many)
You flew.
One flew. (He/She)
They flew. (We/Many)
I will fly. (in the future)
You will fly.
He will fly. (She/One)
We will fly. (They/Many)
You will fly.
He will fly. (She/One)
We will fly. (They/Many)
I cry.
You cry.
He cries. (She/One)
We cry. (They/Many)
You cry.
He cries. (She/One)
We cry. (They/Many)
I cried.
You cried.
One cried. (He/She)
They cried. (We/Many)
You cried.
One cried. (He/She)
They cried. (We/Many)
I will cry. (in the future)
You will cry.
He will cry. (She/One)
We will cry. (They/Many)
You will cry.
He will cry. (She/One)
We will cry. (They/Many)
I write.
You write.
He writes. (She/One)
We write. (They/Many)
You write.
He writes. (She/One)
We write. (They/Many)
I wrote.
You wrote.
One wrote. (He/She)
They wrote. (We/Many)
You wrote.
One wrote. (He/She)
They wrote. (We/Many)
I will write. (in the future)
You will write.
He will write. (She/One)
We will write. (They/Many)
You will write.
He will write. (She/One)
We will write. (They/Many)
I speak.
You speak.
He speaks. (She/One)
We speak. (They/Many)
You speak.
He speaks. (She/One)
We speak. (They/Many)
I spoke.
You spoke.
One spoke. (He/She)
They spoke. (We/Many)
You spoke.
One spoke. (He/She)
They spoke. (We/Many)
I will speak. (in the future)
You will speak.
He will speak. (She/One)
We will speak. (They/Many)
You will speak.
He will speak. (She/One)
We will speak. (They/Many)
I scream.
You scream.
He screams. (She/One)
We scream. (They/Many)
You scream.
He screams. (She/One)
We scream. (They/Many)
I screamed.
You screamed.
One screamed. (He/She)
They screamed. (We/Many)
You screamed.
One screamed. (He/She)
They screamed. (We/Many)
I will scream. (in the future)
You will scream.
He will scream. (She/One)
We will scream. (They/Many)
You will scream.
He will scream. (She/One)
We will scream. (They/Many)
** Irregular verbs require special spelling for some tenses. See a list of irregular verbs provided by the HyperGrammar2.
*** Some verbs are transitive and require an object.
Compound verbs are formed by using 'to be' to show states of action, as in: He is walking.
Open HyperGrammar2 - Compound verbs (in a new tab).
present participle
use "ing" with
present tense of "to be"
use "ing" with
present tense of "to be"
past participle
use "ing" with
past tense of "to be"
use "ing" with
past tense of "to be"
future participle
use "ing" with
with simple future of "to be"
use "ing" with
with simple future of "to be"
I am feeling.
You are feeling.
He is feeling. (She/One)
We are feeling. (We/They/Many)
You are feeling.
He is feeling. (She/One)
We are feeling. (We/They/Many)
I was feeling.
You were feeling.
She was feeling. (He/One)
We were feeling. (They/Many)
You were feeling.
She was feeling. (He/One)
We were feeling. (They/Many)
I will be feeling.
You will be feeling.
She will be feeling. (He/One)
We will be feeling. (They/Many)
You will be feeling.
She will be feeling. (He/One)
We will be feeling. (They/Many)
I am making.
You are making.
He is making. (She/One)
We are making. (We/They/Many)
You are making.
He is making. (She/One)
We are making. (We/They/Many)
I was making.
You were making.
She was making. (He/One)
We were making. (They/Many)
You were making.
She was making. (He/One)
We were making. (They/Many)
I will be making.
You will be making.
She will be making. (He/One)
We will be making. (They/Many)
You will be making.
She will be making. (He/One)
We will be making. (They/Many)
I am feeding.
You are feeding.
He is feedings. (She/One)
We are feeding. (We/They/Many)
You are feeding.
He is feedings. (She/One)
We are feeding. (We/They/Many)
I was feeding.
You were feeding.
She was feeding. (He/One)
We were feeding. (They/Many)
You were feeding.
She was feeding. (He/One)
We were feeding. (They/Many)
I will be feeding.
You will be feeding.
She will be feeding. (He/One)
We will be feeding. (They/Many)
You will be feeding.
She will be feeding. (He/One)
We will be feeding. (They/Many)
I am voting.
You are voting.
He is voting. (She/One)
We are voting. (We/They/Many)
You are voting.
He is voting. (She/One)
We are voting. (We/They/Many)
I was voting.
You were voting.
She was voting. (He/One)
We were voting. (They/Many)
You were voting.
She was voting. (He/One)
We were voting. (They/Many)
I will be voting.
You will be voting.
She will be voting. (He/One)
We will be voting. (They/Many)
You will be voting.
She will be voting. (He/One)
We will be voting. (They/Many)
I am laughing.
You are laughing.
He is laughing. (She/One)
We are laughing. (We/They/Many)
You are laughing.
He is laughing. (She/One)
We are laughing. (We/They/Many)
I was laughing.
You were laughing.
She was laughing. (He/One)
We were laughing. (They/Many)
You were laughing.
She was laughing. (He/One)
We were laughing. (They/Many)
I will be laughing.
You will be laughing.
She will be laughing. (He/One)
We will be laughing. (They/Many)
You will be laughing.
She will be laughing. (He/One)
We will be laughing. (They/Many)
I am hemming.
You are hemming.
He is hemming. (She/One)
We are hemming. (We/They/Many)
You are hemming.
He is hemming. (She/One)
We are hemming. (We/They/Many)
I was hemming.
You were hemming.
She was hemming. (He/One)
We were hemming. (They/Many)
You were hemming.
She was hemming. (He/One)
We were hemming. (They/Many)
I will be hemming.
You will be hemming.
She will be hemming. (He/One)
We will be hemming. (They/Many)
You will be hemming.
She will be hemming. (He/One)
We will be hemming. (They/Many)
I am having.
You are having.
He is having. (She/One)
We are having. (We/They/Many)
You are having.
He is having. (She/One)
We are having. (We/They/Many)
I was having.
You were having.
She was having. (He/One)
We were having. (They/Many)
You were having.
She was having. (He/One)
We were having. (They/Many)
I will be having.
You will be having.
She will be having. (He/One)
We will be having. (They/Many)
You will be having.
She will be having. (He/One)
We will be having. (They/Many)
I am flying.
You are flying.
He is flying. (She/One)
We are flying. (We/They/Many)
You are flying.
He is flying. (She/One)
We are flying. (We/They/Many)
I was flying.
You were flying.
She was flying. (He/One)
We were flying. (They/Many)
You were flying.
She was flying. (He/One)
We were flying. (They/Many)
I will be flying.
You will be flying.
She will be flying. (He/One)
We will be flying. (They/Many)
You will be flying.
She will be flying. (He/One)
We will be flying. (They/Many)
I am crying.
You are crying.
He is crying. (She/One)
We are crying. (We/They/Many)
You are crying.
He is crying. (She/One)
We are crying. (We/They/Many)
I was crying.
You were crying.
She was crying. (He/One)
We were crying. (They/Many)
You were crying.
She was crying. (He/One)
We were crying. (They/Many)
I will be crying.
You will be crying.
She will be crying. (He/One)
We will be crying. (They/Many)
You will be crying.
She will be crying. (He/One)
We will be crying. (They/Many)
I am writing.
You are writing.
He is writing. (She/One)
We are writing. (We/They/Many)
You are writing.
He is writing. (She/One)
We are writing. (We/They/Many)
I was writing.
You were writing.
She was writing. (He/One)
We were writing. (They/Many)
You were writing.
She was writing. (He/One)
We were writing. (They/Many)
I will be writing.
You will be writing.
She will be writing. (He/One)
We will be writing. (They/Many)
You will be writing.
She will be writing. (He/One)
We will be writing. (They/Many)
I am speaking.
You are speaking.
He is speaking. (She/One)
We are speaking. (We/They/Many)
You are speaking.
He is speaking. (She/One)
We are speaking. (We/They/Many)
I was speaking.
You were speaking.
She was speaking. (He/One)
We were speaking. (They/Many)
You were speaking.
She was speaking. (He/One)
We were speaking. (They/Many)
I will be speaking.
You will be speaking.
She will be speaking. (He/One)
We will be speaking. (They/Many)
You will be speaking.
She will be speaking. (He/One)
We will be speaking. (They/Many)
I am screaming.
You are screaming.
He is screaming. (She/One)
We are screaming. (We/They/Many)
You are screaming.
He is screaming. (She/One)
We are screaming. (We/They/Many)
I was screaming.
You were screaming.
She was screaming. (He/One)
We were screaming. (They/Many)
You were screaming.
She was screaming. (He/One)
We were screaming. (They/Many)
I will be screaming.
You will be screaming.
She will be screaming. (He/One)
We will be screaming. (They/Many)
You will be screaming.
She will be screaming. (He/One)
We will be screaming. (They/Many)
Using the present perfect tense.
Use the present perfect tense to connect a past action with the present state.
- Simple Past: I already spoke to him about it. (I did it.)
- Past Participle: I was speaking to him just yesterday, but we were interrupted. (I was doing it.)
- Present Perfect: I have spoken to him several times about it. (Currently, I have done it.)
Simple past
Past participle
use "ing" with
past tense of "to be"
use "ing" with
past tense of "to be"
Past Perfect
use "ed" with
simple present of "to have"
use "ed" with
simple present of "to have"
I felt.
You felt.
He felt. (She/One)
We felt. (We/They/Many)
You felt.
He felt. (She/One)
We felt. (We/They/Many)
I was feeling.
You were feeling.
She was feeling. (He/One)
We were feeling. (They/Many)
You were feeling.
She was feeling. (He/One)
We were feeling. (They/Many)
I have felt.
You have felt.
She has felt. (He/One)
We have felt. (They/Many)
You have felt.
She has felt. (He/One)
We have felt. (They/Many)
I spoke.
You spoke.
He spoke. (She/One)
We spoke. (We/They/Many)
You spoke.
He spoke. (She/One)
We spoke. (We/They/Many)
I was speaking.
You were speaking.
She was speaking. (He/One)
We were speaking. (They/Many)
You were speaking.
She was speaking. (He/One)
We were speaking. (They/Many)
I have spoken.
You have spoken.
She has spoken. (He/One)
We have spoken. (They/Many)
You have spoken.
She has spoken. (He/One)
We have spoken. (They/Many)
Linking verbs link the subject to other states, as in: He is wet; He seems sad.
Open HyperGrammar2 - Linking verbs (in a new tab)."Linking verbs are either verbs of sensation (feel, look, smell, sound, taste) or verbs of existence (appear, be, become, continue, grow, prove, remain, seem)." A linking verb links the subject to the subject's state. A reasonable test to determine if a verb is being used as a linking verb, is to substitute it with the verb 'to be' ask if the sentence still makes sense. For example:
- The soup tasted good. (The soup is good. Yes - linking.)
- He tasted the soup. (He is the soup. No - not linking.)
I feel calm and relaxed.
I grow stronger everyday.
Everything is fine.
I grow stronger everyday.
Everything is fine.
The dog is fun.
The gel felt cold.
Dad keeps fit.
The gel felt cold.
Dad keeps fit.
The code looks complete.
The kale tasted bitter.
The night was young.
The kale tasted bitter.
The night was young.
His shirt looks soaked.
His behaviour seems rude.
The tide is low.
His behaviour seems rude.
The tide is low.
The fabric became stiff.
His team proved tough.
The web is sticky.
His team proved tough.
The web is sticky.
The pup became excited.
The pup grew tired.
The bull appeared ready to charge.
The pup grew tired.
The bull appeared ready to charge.
The bus has left.
The tux is fitted.
The engine became too hot.
The tux is fitted.
The engine became too hot.
The flame burns bright.
The blade is sharp.
The clay became too hard.
The blade is sharp.
The clay became too hard.
Our group grows thin.
The grapes became dry.
The drone appears broken.
The grapes became dry.
The drone appears broken.
The sky is blue.
The troll became angry.
The chain appears broken.
The troll became angry.
The chain appears broken.
The moon is full.
The slope became too steep to climb.
The spine appears curved.
The slope became too steep to climb.
The spine appears curved.
The spruce grows tall.
The streets became too congested.
His stride seems uneven.
The streets became too congested.
His stride seems uneven.
The Infinitive form of verbs can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
I plan to go later. (adverb)
The plan to go was canceled. (adjective)
To go seems wrong. (noun)
The plan to go was canceled. (adjective)
To go seems wrong. (noun)
To feed the dog is a chore. (noun phrase)
I plan to feed the dog later. (adverb phrase)
The plan to feed the dog unraveled. (adjective phrase)
I plan to feed the dog later. (adverb phrase)
The plan to feed the dog unraveled. (adjective phrase)
To leap before looking is foolish. (noun phrase)
I need to make the deadline. (adverb phrase)
The plan to make the deadline failed. (adjective phrase)
I need to make the deadline. (adverb phrase)
The plan to make the deadline failed. (adjective phrase)
To sow is to reap. (noun phrase)
I need to soak the pan. (adverb phrase)
A plan to vote early was made. (adjective phrase)
I need to soak the pan. (adverb phrase)
A plan to vote early was made. (adjective phrase)
To beg seems wrong. (noun phrase)
I need to rub the sticks together. (adverb phrase)
A plan to kick him out failed. (adjective phrase)
I need to rub the sticks together. (adverb phrase)
A plan to kick him out failed. (adjective phrase)
To bomb the place seems justified but I know that's wrong. (noun phrase)
I need to mop the hall daily. (adverb phrase)
The project to map the island was cancelled. (adjective phrase)
I need to mop the hall daily. (adverb phrase)
The project to map the island was cancelled. (adjective phrase)
To net the fox is dangerous. (noun phrase)
I need to fix my car. (adverb phrase)
The schedule to fix the buses was filed in the bottom drawer. (adjective phrase)
I need to fix my car. (adverb phrase)
The schedule to fix the buses was filed in the bottom drawer. (adjective phrase)
To fly there is the best choice. (noun phrase)
I need to flee this place. (adverb phrase)
The attempt to play him failed. (adjective phrase)
I need to flee this place. (adverb phrase)
The attempt to play him failed. (adjective phrase)
To dream is to have hope. (noun phrase)
I dare to dream everyday. (adverb phrase)
The attempt to brew some backfired. (adjective phrase)
I dare to dream everyday. (adverb phrase)
The attempt to brew some backfired. (adjective phrase)
To try again seems futile. (noun phrase)
I dare to pray for rain. (adverb phrase)
The attempt to write an account proved difficult. (adjective phrase)
I dare to pray for rain. (adverb phrase)
The attempt to write an account proved difficult. (adjective phrase)
To speak to him at this late stage is crazy. (noun phrase)
I asked to speak at the event. (adverb phrase)
The instructions to make the stew were hard to follow. (adjective phrase)
I asked to speak at the event. (adverb phrase)
The instructions to make the stew were hard to follow. (adjective phrase)
To stride always forward is his motto. (noun phrase)
He needs to spray it again. (adverb phrase)
The instructions to screw in the light bulb were missing. (adjective phrase)
He needs to spray it again. (adverb phrase)
The instructions to screw in the light bulb were missing. (adjective phrase)
Verb moods include: indicative (He hits.); imperative (Hit it.); inquisitive (Does he hit?); and negative (He does not hit.).
Open HyperGrammar2 - Using verb mood.See examples of verb moods below.
Embrace the rhythm of life.
My positive thoughts guide me.
Do you find peace in solitude as I do?
Everyone can let go of fear.
Can he forgive himself?
She will not give up her dreams.
Do not go willingly into that darkness.
My positive thoughts guide me.
Do you find peace in solitude as I do?
Everyone can let go of fear.
Can he forgive himself?
She will not give up her dreams.
Do not go willingly into that darkness.
The dog digs a hole.
Dig a hole, please.
Does the dog dig a hole?
Did the dog dig that hole?
A dog can dig holes.
Dogs do not dig many holes.
My dog may not dig holes.
Dig a hole, please.
Does the dog dig a hole?
Did the dog dig that hole?
A dog can dig holes.
Dogs do not dig many holes.
My dog may not dig holes.
The hay is drying.
Don't joke about it.
Turn the lights down low.
Did the dog leap over the fence?
They can make trouble.
The jeep did not come this way.
Go fly a kite.
Don't joke about it.
Turn the lights down low.
Did the dog leap over the fence?
They can make trouble.
The jeep did not come this way.
Go fly a kite.
The peat dried out in the sunlight.
Don't be so rude.
Gather the seeds.
Did the team win?
They can vote tomorrow.
The wages did not cover expenses.
I did not soak the pan.
Don't be so rude.
Gather the seeds.
Did the team win?
They can vote tomorrow.
The wages did not cover expenses.
I did not soak the pan.
The cab came quickly.
Don't call a cab.
Bag the groceries.
Did Dad feed the dog?
They can laugh loud.
The duck did not return this spring.
Who can kick the ball?
Don't call a cab.
Bag the groceries.
Did Dad feed the dog?
They can laugh loud.
The duck did not return this spring.
Who can kick the ball?
The bull charged the man.
Don't go to the gym today.
Please hem my doll's dress.
Did the bell ring?
The pup can shake a paw.
I did not rip this map.
To whom should I give the bill?
Don't go to the gym today.
Please hem my doll's dress.
Did the bell ring?
The pup can shake a paw.
I did not rip this map.
To whom should I give the bill?
The cat purred loudly.
Don't close the door.
Please fix my car.
Did the bus come?
The dove can fly straight.
I did not give him a kiss.
Who rides the bus?
Don't close the door.
Please fix my car.
Did the bus come?
The dove can fly straight.
I did not give him a kiss.
Who rides the bus?
The river flows swiftly.
Don't climb that tree.
Blow out the candles.
Did you fly here?
The man can glue it on.
I did not play the trumpet that night.
No one has a clue what happened.
Don't climb that tree.
Blow out the candles.
Did you fly here?
The man can glue it on.
I did not play the trumpet that night.
No one has a clue what happened.
The ship rocked to and fro.
Why do the branches droop?
Dream until your dreams come true.
Did you brew it yourself?
No one knew why the drapes were frayed.
The boy can cry loudly.
I did not fry it.
Why do the branches droop?
Dream until your dreams come true.
Did you brew it yourself?
No one knew why the drapes were frayed.
The boy can cry loudly.
I did not fry it.
The tree grows swiftly.
Don't write that down.
Show me your shoes.
Did he try hard?
The girl can skate well.
I did not chain the dog.
Nobody proved it.
Don't write that down.
Show me your shoes.
Did he try hard?
The girl can skate well.
I did not chain the dog.
Nobody proved it.
The girls swoon whenever he makes an appearance.
Don't quote me on that.
Sweep the floor before you go.
Did he win a trophy?
That man can phone the police.
I did not swipe my card.
Everyone spoke at once.
Don't quote me on that.
Sweep the floor before you go.
Did he win a trophy?
That man can phone the police.
I did not swipe my card.
Everyone spoke at once.
It started to shriek and I dropped it.
He is not so spry as he once was.
Scape the snow from the roof of the shed.
Did you scroll down to the bottom?
That cat is a stray.
Who screamed?
Her things were strewed about the room.
He is not so spry as he once was.
Scape the snow from the roof of the shed.
Did you scroll down to the bottom?
That cat is a stray.
Who screamed?
Her things were strewed about the room.
Pronouns refer to nouns already identified, as in: Mother is coming. She has your lunch.
A pronoun is a substitute for a noun, the antecedent, referenced in a previous sentence or clause. Some pronouns that substitute for a subject noun are I, we, he, she, it, and they.
Anna reads the book as she drinks a coffee.
The leaves are turning orange. They fall from the trees.
The leaves are turning orange. They fall from the trees.
Some pronouns describe a noun. In this case, the pronoun may be called a determiner or adjective. Pronouns used as adjectives are its, his, her, our, or my.
Anna sits on my living room floor.
She reads her book as she drinks coffee.
She reads her book as she drinks coffee.
Personal Pronouns are I, me, you, she, he, her, him, it, we, us, they, and them.
Anna and I argue all the time. We enjoy sporting with words.
Anna and Sam often argue. They can not agree on anything.
It is us or them.
Anna and Sam often argue. They can not agree on anything.
It is us or them.
Give him a cell phone.
We live in that city.
You must be very fit.
We live in that city.
You must be very fit.
It is new to us.
I mow it in late summer.
Give them the keys.
I mow it in late summer.
Give them the keys.
You need us.
I did not make the team
Give him a wide berth.
I did not make the team
Give him a wide berth.
You rubbed him the wrong way.
I did not feed the dog.
Give her the bag of groceries.
I did not feed the dog.
Give her the bag of groceries.
He had some fun with him.
We followed the map and arrived on time.
Mop it again.
We followed the map and arrived on time.
Mop it again.
She fit the description.
They used resin to seal it.
Her cat is missing.
They used resin to seal it.
Her cat is missing.
We slow the line down.
You should play with them.
She pleads with us.
You should play with them.
She pleads with us.
I tried my best.
His shoe fell off.
They made wreaths of ivy.
His shoe fell off.
They made wreaths of ivy.
I have a dream.
His drone is in my car.
She braids my hair.
His drone is in my car.
She braids my hair.
We have much at stake.
They sway in the wind.
She acts like a queen.
They sway in the wind.
She acts like a queen.
We take such great strides.
They hang about in the streets at night.
She is nothing but an old shrew.
They hang about in the streets at night.
She is nothing but an old shrew.
Possessive Pronouns are my, mine, his, hers, its, your, yours, our, ours, their, and theirs.
Anna reads my message, and I read hers.
It is your turn to write.
It is your turn to write.
Is this your dog?
His job keeps him very busy.
A cow chews its cud.
His job keeps him very busy.
A cow chews its cud.
His key broke in the lock.
My home is over there.
This little light of mine shines on.
My home is over there.
This little light of mine shines on.
Her hair was a funky shade of puce.
My soup is cold.
It is her rope, not yours.
My soup is cold.
It is her rope, not yours.
My dad will laugh when he hears.
Your duck is in my pool again.
Her laugh can stop traffic.
Your duck is in my pool again.
Her laugh can stop traffic.
My doll can say 'Momma'.
This is my new pup Chase.
His ball landed in my garden.
This is my new pup Chase.
His ball landed in my garden.
My hut fell down.
This is her cat.
His fax finally printed.
This is her cat.
His fax finally printed.
Your hand is bleeding.
Its plight was obvious.
Sharpen his blade carefully.
Its plight was obvious.
Sharpen his blade carefully.
Your crew is well trained.
Its broken wing drooped.
Join his group if you wish.
Its broken wing drooped.
Join his group if you wish.
My cheeks hurt from laughing.
Its branches are strong.
Their pride is scary.
Its branches are strong.
Their pride is scary.
Did you see his trophy?
No one can match his speed.
Your room is a pig sty.
No one can match his speed.
Your room is a pig sty.
Intensive or Reflective Pronouns are myself, herself, himself, ourselves, yourself, yourselves, and themselves.
Anna herself wrote the book.
I can't keep myself away from the window.
I can't keep myself away from the window.
I planted the seeds myself.
We made the ropes ourselves.
We made the ropes ourselves.
I saw he kick it myself.
We should toughen ourselves up.
We should toughen ourselves up.
He defused the bomb himself.
She manages the gym herself.
She manages the gym herself.
He plays jazz himself.
He cleaned the room himself.
He brewed it himself.
The drone flies itself.
The drone flies itself.
He proved it himself.
She wrote the poem herself.
She wrote the poem herself.
Are you quite yourself today?
He witnessed the quake himself.
He witnessed the quake himself.
See for yourself what the scroll says?
She would scream herself if it happened right in front of her.
She would scream herself if it happened right in front of her.
Relative Pronouns are who, whom, whose, which, and that.
Who owns this dog?
To whom does it belong?
Whose turn is it?
To whom does it belong?
Whose turn is it?
Who wrote this code?
To whom does the kite belong?
Whose jeep is it?
To whom does the kite belong?
Whose jeep is it?
Which team won?
To whom should I give this soup?
Who ordered the soup?
To whom should I give this soup?
Who ordered the soup?
Which rib broke?
To whom should I give this bag?
Who called a cab?
To whom should I give this bag?
Who called a cab?
Which map is ripped?
To whom should I give this doll?
Who will pay these bills?
To whom should I give this doll?
Who will pay these bills?
Which tux did he wear?
To whom should I give this pass?
Who is his boss?
To whom should I give this pass?
Who is his boss?
Which clay works best?
Whose sleigh is it?
Who flees in such weather?
Whose sleigh is it?
Who flees in such weather?
That brew is tasty.
Whose group did you join?
Which drape needs hemming?
Whose group did you join?
Which drape needs hemming?
See that probe in the sky.
Whose sheet needs mending?
Which shoe fits?
Whose sheet needs mending?
Which shoe fits?
Who spoke at the ceremony?
Whose phone is ringing?
Which phase of the moon is next?
Whose phone is ringing?
Which phase of the moon is next?
Who won the shopping spree?
Whose spleen was removed?
Which screw fits?
Whose spleen was removed?
Which screw fits?
Demonstrative Pronouns are this, that, these, and those.
This is the book Anna wrote.
These are the days of our lives.
This is the house that Jack built.
These are the days of our lives.
This is the house that Jack built.
This is the hole the dog dug.
These bugs are bad.
Spit out that gum.
These bugs are bad.
Spit out that gum.
This light needs to be replaced.
That joke was in bad taste.
Pass me that key.
That joke was in bad taste.
Pass me that key.
This vine grew from seeds planted in spring.
That tape is not sticky.
Mount the vane on that pole.
That tape is not sticky.
Mount the vane on that pole.
This duck lives here.
Dad gave me that rock.
This lid will fit.
Dad gave me that rock.
This lid will fit.
This is the pup who chewed your shoes.
I made this doll.
This bull is aggressive.
I made this doll.
This bull is aggressive.
This bus goes downtown.
He sent this fax yesterday.
This net is torn.
He sent this fax yesterday.
This net is torn.
This sly fox got in.
Who is responsible for this plight?
Try this glue.
Who is responsible for this plight?
Try this glue.
Those nasty crows are back.
This crew is in tip top shape.
That was some dream you had.
This crew is in tip top shape.
That was some dream you had.
Those nasty trolls are back.
Put down that skate.
That tree is diseased.
Put down that skate.
That tree is diseased.
Those spoons are silver.
I thought he outgrew that phase.
That quote is perfect.
I thought he outgrew that phase.
That quote is perfect.
Those scrolls are ancient.
I don't walk down that street.
That spruce blocks my view.
I don't walk down that street.
That spruce blocks my view.
Reciprocal Pronouns are each other, and one another.
Anna and Sam write to each other often.
Let us be kind to one another.
Let us be kind to one another.
Indefinite Pronouns are general, for example: all, some, everything, or many.
Indefinite Pronouns are all, another, any, anybody, anyone, anything, both, each, either everybody, everyone, everything, few, many, neither, nobody, none, no one, nothing, one, several, some, somebody, someone, and something.
Somebody say something!
Everyone watched the game last night.
It is all or nothing.
Everyone watched the game last night.
It is all or nothing.
Everyone on the team took home a trophy.
No one was safe.
Neither pan came clean even after soaking them.
No one was safe.
Neither pan came clean even after soaking them.
Everyone pleaded with him to stop.
No one has a clue what happened.
Everybody is slow at first.
No one has a clue what happened.
Everybody is slow at first.
Everyone left the group.
Nobody is truly free.
None of the crates broke.
Nobody is truly free.
None of the crates broke.
Adjectives describe nouns: The frightened man ran.
A word that describes a noun is called an adjective. A group of words describing a noun is called an adjective phrase or clause. (Clauses are described in detail in the last section.) Adjectives tell us which, how many, what sort of noun.
The orange leaves are falling. What sort of leaves? Orange oak and maple leaves.
The falling leaves blow past the window. Which leaves? The falling leaves.
The leaves blowing past the window, catch the woman's eye. She stops reading and watches the dancing leaves. Which leaves? The leaves blowing past the window. The leaves dancing in the wind.
The falling leaves blow past the window. Which leaves? The falling leaves.
The leaves blowing past the window, catch the woman's eye. She stops reading and watches the dancing leaves. Which leaves? The leaves blowing past the window. The leaves dancing in the wind.
See the fat bug on the bed.
The thick fog obscured his view.
People who live in cities are always in a hurry.
The thick fog obscured his view.
People who live in cities are always in a hurry.
The night sky grew darker as the moon moved behind the clouds.
The new kite flew high in the sky.
A light plane touched down on the runway.
The new kite flew high in the sky.
A light plane touched down on the runway.
The puce dress was lined with lace and sequences.
The rude man left after some encouragement from Frank.
A wide river crossed the path.
The rude man left after some encouragement from Frank.
A wide river crossed the path.
The tough guy wants in.
Ducks have webbed feet.
She rubbed her stiff legs.
Ducks have webbed feet.
She rubbed her stiff legs.
The sales rep called again.
The darken den revealed no secrets.
She hemmed the ripped curtains.
The darken den revealed no secrets.
She hemmed the ripped curtains.
The hot coffee burned his tongue.
The fur coat is fake.
The phone emitted a loud buzzing buzzing sound.
The fur coat is fake.
The phone emitted a loud buzzing buzzing sound.
The blind man sat on a bench.
The blue sky cheered them.
The sly fox jumped over the lazy dog.
The blue sky cheered them.
The sly fox jumped over the lazy dog.
The green grapes grow in that field.
The long braid swung as she danced.
The big, black crow stared back.
The long braid swung as she danced.
The big, black crow stared back.
The blue sky cheered them.
An ivy wreath hung on the door.
The cruel chain choked him.
An ivy wreath hung on the door.
The cruel chain choked him.
Not quite enough stew was made.
Stones rolled down the steep embankment.
A major quake shook the building.
Stones rolled down the steep embankment.
A major quake shook the building.
Many stray cats gather there.
That spry old man escaped.
She uses too much hair spray.
That spry old man escaped.
She uses too much hair spray.
Adverbs describe the action: He ran quickly.
Adverbs describe the action. They are words or groups of words that tell us how the action was performed, or how often, where, when, why. Adverbs and adverb phrases describe the action/verb, not the thing acting. (Adverbs do not answer what. What is answered by objects and object phrases.)
When describing action, prepositions with objects act as adverb phrases. I must be fond of this form because we see many such phrases below, as in: in her hand; near the window; at her heart; from the tree; and past the window. These phrases answer: where, with direction. Single adverbs used in the example below are: outside (where); down (how); and silently (how).
Anna holds a cup in her hand.
She sits near the window, reading.
Leaves drift past the window silently.
She sits near the window, reading.
Leaves drift past the window silently.
I fed the dog last night.
The cab sped quickly away.
The cell phone rang insistently.
The cab sped quickly away.
The cell phone rang insistently.
The jeep speeds quickly by.
The deer leaps lightly over the ditch.
He wrote the code yesterday.
The deer leaps lightly over the ditch.
He wrote the code yesterday.
They crossed safely.
The weeds grew so quickly.
Mount the van on that pole.
The weeds grew so quickly.
Mount the van on that pole.
They jumped back.
The squirrel jumped off the branch.
He smiled stiffly.
The squirrel jumped off the branch.
He smiled stiffly.
The bell rang loudly.
The gum stuck fast.
He behaved like a bull in a china shop.
The gum stuck fast.
He behaved like a bull in a china shop.
The tux fit perfectly.
The resin set in no time.
The gauze hung loosely.
The resin set in no time.
The gauze hung loosely.
The wind blows fiercely.
They climbed quickly.
The flame glows brightly.
They climbed quickly.
The flame glows brightly.
The crate broke when it fell.
They cried out loudly.
The branches drooped limply.
They cried out loudly.
The branches drooped limply.
The tree grew quickly.
The sun shines brightly today.
Chew the food completely.
The sun shines brightly today.
Chew the food completely.
The tree swayed to and fro.
The car speeds by everyday.
He guarded his place at the table and spooned the stew down quickly.
The car speeds by everyday.
He guarded his place at the table and spooned the stew down quickly.
The blue spruce swayed to and fro.
The car speeds down the street.
He spliced the wire quickly.
The car speeds down the street.
He spliced the wire quickly.
Prepositions may describe a noun (stuff of dreams) or indicate action direction (drive by work).
Prepositions show direction in space or time or to an object. The list of prepositions are
- about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, as, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, by, concerning, despite, down, during, except, for, from, in, inside, into, like, near, next, of, off, on, onto, opposite, out, outside, over, past, plus, regarding, respecting, round, since, than, through, throughout, till, to, toward, under, underneath, unlike, until, unto, upon, with, within, and without.
Prepositions always work together with a noun to form a modifier. When the same word appears alone in a sentence, it is not acting as a preposition.
Consider the sentence: The leaves are floating gently down from the tree .
The word gently acts alone as an adverb describing how the leaves float. Similarly, the word down acts alone as an adverb describing how the leaves are floating. But the word from, is a preposition used with the noun the tree to describe the direction of the floating leaves.
Down or outside can be prepositions if used with nouns to describe direction.
- The car drives slowly down the street.
- The boy colored outside the lines.
Anna holds a cup in her hand.
She sits near the window, reading.
The book is about gardening.
Leaves are floating gently down from the tree.
They drift past the window silently.
Fond memories of autumn harvests tug at her heart.
She sits near the window, reading.
The book is about gardening.
Leaves are floating gently down from the tree.
They drift past the window silently.
Fond memories of autumn harvests tug at her heart.
Conjunctions join adverb and adjective phrases to the sentence, as in: He owned it, but not for long.
Some common conjunctions are:
After, Also, Although, And, Another, As, As if, Because, Before, Both, But, Either/or, For, If, In order to, In contrast to, In spite of, Now that, Neither/Nor, Not, but not, but also, Or, Since, So that, Such as, Than, That, Though, Unless, Until, Whatever, Whereas, Whether, When, Whenever, While, and Yet.
Coordinating conjunctions join together things of equal importance, as in: this and that.
Anna enjoys reading, gardening, and photography.
Anna enjoys reading, gardening, but not photography.
Anna enjoys reading books, traveling during winter, and still-life photography.
Anna enjoys reading, gardening, but not photography.
Anna enjoys reading books, traveling during winter, and still-life photography.
I have some good news and some bad news.
The salad contained kale, carrots, and green peppers.
I have some lace, but no jute.
The salad contained kale, carrots, and green peppers.
I have some lace, but no jute.
The rice was too sticky and they burned the veal.
The soup contained rice, carrots, and little bits of leftover veal.
The weather started out nice, but then suddenly came the rain.
The soup contained rice, carrots, and little bits of leftover veal.
The weather started out nice, but then suddenly came the rain.
Correlative Conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions joining equal things together, as in: either/or, or neither/nor.
Either Sam will come home today or he must wait until Sunday.
Anna will neither go shopping nor visiting today. She is running a fever.
Anna will neither go shopping nor visiting today. She is running a fever.
Subordinating Conjunctions join a subordinate (descriptive) clause to the sentence.
Anna catches a cold whenever she travels in winter.
Anna will travel this winter although she wants to stay home.
Anna will stay home this winter unless her boss insists (that) she travel.
Anna will travel this winter although she wants to stay home.
Anna will stay home this winter unless her boss insists (that) she travel.
Ducks fly south in the winter although this year they stayed.
The cab will come quickly if you call after 11 p.m.
The bog will be drained unless the committee stop it.
The cab will come quickly if you call after 11 p.m.
The bog will be drained unless the committee stop it.
Clauses are smaller sentences within a sentence.
A clause is a smaller sentence within a sentence. Because it is a sentence, a clause can have a subject, verb, object or descriptors. It is joined to the main sentence using a conjunction. A clause adds information to the sentence and therefore acts as an adjective or adverb. Use a conjunction to add a clause to your sentence.
Two adverb clauses were used in the paragraph above:
(because) it is a smaller sentence;
(and therefore) {it} acts as an adjective or adverb.
(because) it is a smaller sentence;
(and therefore) {it} acts as an adjective or adverb.
Every breath I take fills me with peace.
No matter what culture we are from, everyone loves music.
It's when we start working together that the real healing takes place.
No matter what culture we are from, everyone loves music.
It's when we start working together that the real healing takes place.
You can learn more about clauses in the next grammar section: Syntax.
You have reached the end of this little grammar book.
From: Translation Bureau:
"HyperGrammar2 is a self-teaching tool designed to help you improve your knowledge of English grammar, whether or not English is your mother tongue. HyperGrammar 2 has been adapted from HyperGrammar, an online tutorial developed by David Megginson, a professor with the Department of English in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ottawa."
HyperGrammar2 is listed as a tool by the Translation Bureau — "a federal institution within the Public Services and Procurement Canada portfolio. It supports the Government of Canada in its efforts to serve you (Canadians) and communicate with you in both official languages, Indigenous languages, foreign languages as well as sign languages."
I have linked to this tool because I trust the information will be formal, correct, and concise. I can not vouch that the examples will be trigger-free, but they may seem so.
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