English Grammar Training
Place a word in the correct designated spot, build its meaning with other words that surround it, and connect those words with the proper links, or transitions, and you have the basics for English Grammar. To successfully learn English grammar, you need a basic comprehension of syntax, or the placement of words in a sentence; the understanding of grammatical terminology and a command of word knowledge. Each of these components is a building block for making meaningful structures.
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Parts of Speech
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Dictionaries provide the basic knowledge for all words used in English. The basic components of grammar are parts of speech and vocabulary. Parts of speech are grammatical labels that help to identify a word's usage and function. Dictionaries, in addition to providing a word's meaning, also classify each word as either a noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, adverb, conjunction, interjection or preposition. Grammar books, or on-line tutorials, provide explanations and examples of each of these terms.
Syntax
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Each word has a function in a sentence and the placement of a word determines its function. Take the word "lead." Depending on its placement, it could be a noun or verb. You derive the meaning of a word from its location and relationship to other words in a statement. In English, the most common sentence structure is subject-verb-object. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, in Japanese, for instance, the most common structure is subject-object-verb. Place words in the proper order in order for your message to be clear.
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Visual Understanding
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Diagrams often help you to understand concepts. Each sentence begins with a basic building block, a verb. Once you identify the main verb in your statement, you add words to make meaning. You determine the meaning of your statement through relationship of words. A visual representation, such as diagramming, of these words and their placement will help you understand the importance of word order.
Dependency
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When you speak, the inflection in your voice helps to deliver meaning. When you write, punctuation helps to convey meaning. For instance, if you want to express emotion when you speak, you raise your voice. When you want to show emotion in writing, you use exclamation points. When you are hesitant or reflective, then you pause. In writing, you use commas or dashes. You can clarify your message and intent with punctuation.
Transitions
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You control the power of your message not only through syntax, but also through connections between statements. You can show cause and effect, comparison and contrast, purpose, exemplification and relationships between time and place with the use of transitions. Alone, these words do not carry meaning, but they provide the glue for a message. Using transitions, such as conjunctions, enables you to formulate your message. Use transitions within and among sentences.
Repetitive Structures
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Use repetition, anaphora or parallel structures, to persuade your audience to accept your view point, follow your reasoning or emphasize a point. Train yourself to use grammar effectively by repetitive use of diction and word order in phrases and clauses. Read or listen to works such as "I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King, Jr. as an example of language control.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit young businessman writing image by Kovac from Fotolia.com Business image by morchella from Fotolia.com glasses, cup and diagram image by Victor M. from Fotolia.com
