Word Stress Quiz

1. Can you pass me a plastic knife?

PLAS-tic plas-TIC 

2. I want to be a photographer.

PHO-to-graph-er pho-TO-graph-er 

3.Which photograph do you like best?

PHO-to-graph pho-TO-graph 

4.He was born in China.

CHI-na Chi-NA 

5. Whose computer is this?

com-PU-ter com-pu-TER 

Pronoun Reference

Faulty pronoun reference means the antecedent of your pronoun is not totally and immediately clear. There is no single rule for making pronoun reference clear in all cases. Most often a reader will try to connect the pronoun with the subject of a previous clause or sentence:

Your reader should connect your pronoun with its antecedent at once.

When Andre cut his finger, he screamed out in pain.

But not always, sometimes the reader will connect it with the closest noun:

When Andre cut his finger, it started to bleed.

In both cases the meaning is clear, and so there is no problem. Problems occur, though, when two words compete as antecedents and the meaning blurs:

Finally, he wrapped his finger in a bandage, and it stopped bleeding.

Or when the antecedent is not named explicitly:

The danger of creosote build-up has not been properly publicized by the makers of wood burning stoves. This should be looked into thoroughly.

Capitalization

Capitalization means using a capital letter (for example, A instead of a). The use of capital letters helps readers read your writing without confusion.

Always capitalize the following: 

The first word in a sentence.

• I grew up in India.
• She left a message on my phone.

Interjections

An interjection is a word that expresses some kind of emotion. It can be used as filler. Interjections do not have a grammatical function in the sentence and are not related to the other parts of the sentence. If an interjection is omitted, the sentence still makes sense. It can stand alone.

• Ouch! That hurts.
• Well, I need a break.
• Wow! What a beautiful dress!

Indefinite and Definite Articles

The words a, an, and the are special adjectives called articles.

Indefinite Articles—a, an

an—used before singular count nouns beginning with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) or vowel sound:

• an apple, an elephant, an issue, an orange

a—used before singular count nouns beginning with consonants (other than a, e, i, o, u):

• a stamp, a desk, a TV, a cup, a book

Definite Article—the

Can be used before singular and plural, count and non-count nouns 

1. Indefinite Article (a, an)

Used before singular nouns that are unspecified

Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are words that join independent clauses into one sentence. A conjunctive adverb helps you create a shorter sentence.

When you use a conjunctive adverb, put a semicolon (;) before it and a comma (,) after it. 

• We have many different sizes of this shirt; however, it comes in only one color.

Some examples of conjunctive adverbs are: accordingly, also, besides, consequently, finally, however, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, still, therefore, then, etc. 

• The due date for the final paper has passed; therefore, I could not submit mine on time

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

1. Although—means "in spite of the fact that":

• Although it was raining, I ran home.
• She showed up, although she felt sick.
• Although my mom told me to come home early, I stayed out late.

2. After—indicates "subsequently to the time when":

• Please text me after you arrive at the shopping mall.
• We were forced to stop watching TV after the electricity went out.
• I always tell my daughter that she can have dessert after she eats her dinner.

3. Before—indicates "earlier than the time that":

Coordinating Conjunctions and Correlative Conjunctions

A conjunction joins words or groups of words in a sentence.

• I ate lunch with Kate and Derma.
• Because it is rainy today, the trip is canceled.
• She didn’t press the bell, but I did.

There are three types of conjunctions: 

1. Coordinating Conjunctions
     a. Connect words, phrases, or clauses that are independent or equal
     b. and, but, or, so, for, yet, and not

2. Correlative Conjunctions 
     a. Used in pairs

Prepositions "With", "Over", and "By"

With

Used to indicate being together or being involved:

• I ordered a sandwich with a drink.
• He was with his friend when he saw me.
• She has been working with her sister at the nail shop.
• The manager will be with you shortly.

Used to indicate "having":

• I met a guy with green eyes.
• Were you the one talking with an accent?
• People with a lot of money are not always happy.

Used to indicate "using":

• I wrote a letter with the pen you gave me.

Prepositions "Of", "To", and "For"

Of

Used for belonging to, relating to, or connected with:

• The secret of this game is that you can’t ever win.
• The highlight of the show is at the end.
• The first page of the book describes the author’s profile.
• Don’t touch it. That’s the bag of my friend’s sister.
• I always dreamed of being rich and famous.

Used to indicate reference:

• I got married in the summer of 2000.
• This is a picture of my family.
• I got a discount of 10 percent on the purchase.

Used to indicate an amount or number:

Prepositions "On", "At", and "In"

A preposition is a word that links a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to some other part of the sentence.

Prepositions can be tricky for English learners. There is no definite rule or formula for choosing a preposition. In the beginning stage of learning the language, you should try to identify a preposition when reading or listening in English and recognize its usage. 

• to the office
• at the desk
• on the table
• in an hour
• about myself

A preposition is used to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object. 

Auxiliary Verbs "Can/Could" and "May/Might/Must"

Can

Used to express ability (to be able to do something):

• I can make jewelry.
• He can’t speak French.
• Can you open this jar?

Used to ask for permission:

• Can I use your bathroom?
• Can I leave now?
• Can I raise the volume?

Auxiliary Verbs "Will/Would" and "Shall/Should"

The verbs will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, and must cannot be the main (full) verbs alone. They are used as auxiliary verbs only and always need a main verb to follow. 

Will

Used to express desire, preference, choice, or consent:

Pronouns

A pronoun takes the place of a noun. 

Example story:

Mary is one of the heads of the ToJi Corporation. Mary works with Mr. James and Mr. James' son Tom. Mr. James and Mr. James' son Tom are experts in biochemistry. Mary, Mr. James, and Tom researched and invented a drug for cancer treatment. 

If the story above is written using pronouns:

Mary is one of the heads of the ToJi Corporation. She works with Mr. James and his son Tom. He and his son Tom are experts in biochemistry.They researched and invented a drug for cancer treatment. 

Personal Pronouns