Basic English Grammar Rules

Some of the most basic and important English grammar rules relate directly to sentence structure. These rules specify that:

• A singular subject needs a singular predicate.
• A sentence needs to express a complete thought.

Another term for a sentence is an independent clause: 

• Clauses, like any sentence, have a subject and predicate too. If a group of words does not have a subject and predicate, it is a phrase.
• If a clause can stand alone and make a complete thought, then it is independent and can be called a sentence.
• If clauses do not express a complete thought, they are called dependent clauses. An example of a dependent clause, which is not a sentence, is “when I finish my work.” A dependent clause needs an independent clause to make it whole.

Subjects and Predicates

Basic to any language is the sentence, which expresses a complete thought and consists of a subject and a predicate.

• The subject is the star of the sentence; the person, animal, or thing that is the focus of it. 
• The predicate will tell the action that the subject is taking or tell something about the subject.

Basic English Phrases

These first eight phrases can be used in many different situations.

1. Thanks so much.

This is a simple sentence you can use to thank someone.

To add detail, say:

Thanks so much + for + [noun] / [-ing verb].

For example:

Thanks so much for the birthday money.

Thanks so much for driving me home.

2. I really appreciate…

You can also use this phrase to thank someone. For example, you might say:

I really appreciate your help.

Or you can combine #1 and #2:

Thanks so much for cooking dinner. I really appreciate it.

Thanks so much. I really appreciate you cooking dinner.

3. Excuse me.

When you need to get through but there’s someone blocking your way, say “Excuse me.”

You can also say this phrase to politely get someone’s attention. For example:

Excuse me sir, you dropped your wallet.

Excuse me, do you know what time it is?

4. I’m sorry.

Use this phrase to apologize, whether for something big or small. Use “for” to give more detail. For example:

I’m sorry for being so late.

I’m sorry for the mess. I wasn’t expecting anyone today.

You can use “really” to show you’re very sorry for something:

I’m really sorry I didn’t invite you to the party.

5. What do you think?

When you want to hear someone’s opinion on a topic, use this question.

I’m not sure if we should paint the room yellow or blue. What do you think?