Mind Your Language: ‘Studying grammar helps convey meaning clearly’

Grammar is the backbone of communication and writing. When students master these rules, the quality element is added to the skills. This helps them in getting their ideas across very confidently. According to Kuldeep Singh, PGT (English) at Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, studying English grammar rules is important for several reasons.

“First, grammar helps convey meaning clearly. It reduces the risk of misunderstandings. Second, mastery of grammar enhances both spoken and written communication. Three, proper grammar usage can enhance one’s credibility,” the educator explained.

For non-native speakers, studying grammar is essential for achieving fluency, Singh said. “It provides the foundation for constructing sentences correctly and understanding the nuances of the language. Fifth, a solid grasp of grammar helps in writing more logical, consistent and organised texts. Last, grammar provides a standardised way of using the language, which is especially important in global communication,” he shared.

Below are 12 simple rules to help students understand how English grammar works.

1.       Ensure that the subject and the verb in the sentence must also be on the same number.

2.       Articles (‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’) are important. Use ‘a’ before words that have consonant sounds, ‘an’ before words that have vowel sounds, and ‘the’ while referring to something specific or already discussed.

3.       The right use of tenses identifies at which time an action is taking place. There are three basic tenses: The present, past, and future tenses. Each is divided into simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous forms.

4.       If two or more adjectives are needed, they should appear in this order: quantity, quality, size, age, shape, colour, proper adjective, and purpose.

5.       Pronouns must agree with their antecedents as regards number, gender, and person.

6.       Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined with a conjunction.

7.       Place the adverb close to the word that it modifies. For example, “She sings beautifully,” beautifully modifies how she sings.

8.       An apostrophe is used to indicate possession. For singular nouns, add ‘s as in the dog’s bone. For plural nouns ending in s, simply add an apostrophe as in the dogs’ bone.

9.       Always capitalise the first word of a sentence as well as names, titles, and places.

10.   The prepositions at, in, on, between and with introduce relationships between nouns or pronouns with other words in the sentence.

11.   A sentence must not be a fragment.

12.   Conjunctions are linking words for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. This is used to develop complex ideas without producing run-on sentences.

“Studying English grammar rules is crucial for effective communication, enhancing writing skills, and fostering clarity and professionalism in various walks of life and especially at our workplaces,” the educator said in conclusion.