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A Concise Guide to English Grammar
Phillip Haisley
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Front Matter
Colophon
How to Cite This Book
1
Introduction to Linguistics and Grammar
1.1
What is Linguistics?
1.2
Levels of Linguistic Analysis
1.3
Language Productivity
1.4
Why Study Grammar Scientifically?
1.5
Homework: Introduction to Linguistics
1.6
Glossary
2
Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Grammar
2.1
Two Approaches to Grammar
2.2
Prescriptive Rules
2.3
Descriptive Rules
2.4
The Interplay of Both Approaches
2.5
How We Learn Language: First and Second Language Acquisition
2.6
Homework: Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Grammar
2.7
Glossary
3
Language Varieties
3.1
Dialects and Language Varieties
3.2
Speech and Discourse Communities
3.3
Language Change and Attitudes
3.4
Language and Social Power
3.5
Homework: Language Varieties
3.6
Glossary
4
Morphology and Word Structure
4.1
Morphemes: The Building Blocks
4.2
Common Morphemes by Word Class
4.3
Morpheme Boundaries
4.4
Morphemes and Writing: Strategic Word Choice
4.5
Homework: Morphology and Word Structure
4.5.1
Morpheme Identification
4.5.2
Morphemes for Economy
4.5.3
Word Building
4.5.4
Morpheme Identification in Context
4.5.5
Comparing Morphological Choices
4.6
Glossary
5
Open Classes
5.1
Parts of Speech
5.2
What Are Open Classes?
5.3
Phrases and Headwords
5.4
Nouns
5.5
Verbs
5.6
Adjectives
5.7
Adverbs
5.8
Summary: Identifying Open-Class Words
5.9
Homework: Open Classes
5.9.1
Word Class Identification
5.9.2
Phrase Identification
5.9.3
Phrase Replacement
5.9.4
Diagramming Open-Class Words
5.9.5
Word Class Transformations
5.10
Diagram Examples
5.10.1
Noun Phrase Examples
5.10.2
Verb Phrase Examples
5.10.3
Adjective Phrase Examples
5.10.4
Adverb Phrase Examples
5.11
Glossary
6
Closed Classes
6.1
Open vs. Closed Classes
6.2
Determiners
6.3
Pronouns
6.4
Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
6.5
Comparing the Three Classes
6.6
Summary: Identifying Closed-Class Words
6.7
Homework: Closed Classes
6.7.1
Determiner and Pronoun Identification
6.7.2
Prepositional Phrase Analysis
6.7.3
Sentence Completion
6.7.4
Diagramming Closed-Class Words
6.7.5
Analysis and Reflection
6.8
Diagram Examples
6.8.1
Determiner Examples
6.8.2
Pronoun Examples
6.8.3
Preposition Examples
6.8.4
Coordination Examples
6.9
Glossary
7
Introduction to Sentence Diagramming
7.1
Why Diagram Sentences?
7.2
The Basic Structure of English Sentences
7.3
Tree Diagrams: Reading and Interpreting
7.4
Heads, Modifiers, and Complements
7.5
How Structure Determines Meaning
7.6
Sentence Labeling Tables
7.7
Step-by-Step Sentence Analysis
7.7.1
Top-Down Analysis
7.7.2
Bottom-Up Analysis
7.8
Homework: Introduction to Sentence Diagramming
7.8.1
Part 1: Subject and Predicate Identification
7.8.2
Part 2: Heads and Modifiers
7.8.3
Part 3: Completing Sentence Tables
7.8.4
Part 4: Completing Diagrams and Tables
7.8.5
Part 5: Structural Ambiguity Analysis
7.9
Diagram Examples
7.9.1
Basic Sentence Structure
7.9.2
Sentences with Modifiers
7.9.3
Structural Ambiguity
7.10
Glossary
8
Basic Sentence Elements and Sentence Patterns
8.1
The Two Core Parts: Subject and Predicate
8.2
Arguments vs. Adverbials
8.3
Objects and Complements
8.4
Verb Valency
8.5
The Six Sentence Patterns
8.6
Copular and Linking Verbs: A Closer Look
8.7
Transitive Sentences: A Closer Look
8.8
Ditransitive Sentences: A Closer Look
8.9
A Systematic Approach to Pattern Identification
8.10
Common Misconceptions
8.11
Homework: Basic Sentence Elements and Sentence Patterns
8.11.1
Sentence Element Identification
8.11.2
Sentence Pattern Identification
8.11.3
Sentence Writing
8.11.4
Sentence Tables and Diagrams
8.11.5
Analysis and Reflection
8.12
Diagram Examples
8.12.1
Pattern 1: Intransitive (S-V)
8.12.2
Pattern 2: Transitive (S-V-DO)
8.12.3
Pattern 3: Ditransitive (S-V-IO-DO)
8.12.4
Pattern 4: Linking/Copular (S-V-SC)
8.12.5
Pattern 5: Complex Transitive (S-V-DO-OC)
8.13
Glossary
9
Conjunctions and Clauses
9.1
Sentence Types Overview
9.2
Clauses and Phrases
9.3
Types of Conjunctions
9.4
Conjoined Phrases
9.5
Simple Sentences
9.6
Compound Sentences
9.7
Complex Sentences
9.8
Punctuation in Compound and Complex Sentences
9.9
Common Errors: Comma Splices and Run-Ons
9.10
Writing with Clauses: Emphasis, End-Weight, and Clarity
9.11
Homework: Conjunctions and Clauses
9.11.1
Part 1: Sentence Type Identification
9.11.2
Part 2: Sentence Writing
9.11.3
Part 3: Error Correction
9.11.4
Part 4: Sentence Tables and Diagrams
9.11.5
Part 5: Emphasis, End-Weight, and Clause Revision
9.12
Diagram Examples
9.12.1
Coordination
9.12.2
Subordination
9.13
Glossary
10
Verbs Part One: Tense and Aspect
10.1
Auxiliary Verbs
10.2
Primary Auxiliary: Be
10.3
Primary Auxiliary: Have
10.4
Primary Auxiliary: Do
10.5
Tense: Locating Events in Time
10.6
Present Tense
10.7
Past Tense
10.8
Participles
10.9
Aspect: The Shape of Events
10.10
Combining Tense and Aspect
10.11
Diagramming Verb Phrases
10.12
Homework: Tense and Aspect
10.12.1
Part 1: Identification
10.12.2
Part 2: Sentence Completion
10.12.3
Part 3: Sentence Writing
10.12.4
Part 4: Diagramming Verb Phrases
10.12.5
Part 5: Contextual Analysis
10.13
Glossary
11
Verbs Part Two: Voice and Modals
11.1
Overview: Beyond Tense and Aspect
11.2
Modal Auxiliaries
11.3
Modal Meanings in Detail
11.4
Semi-Modals (Quasi-Modals)
11.5
Negation
11.6
Combining Modals with Tense and Aspect
11.7
Defining and Identifying Voice
11.8
Forming and Transforming Voice
11.9
Voice and Rhetorical Impact
11.10
Homework: Voice and Modals
11.10.1
Part 1: Voice Identification
11.10.2
Part 2: Voice Transformation
11.10.3
Part 3: Modal Meaning
11.10.4
Part 4: Diagramming Voice and Modals
11.10.5
Part 5: Analysis and Application
11.11
Diagram Examples
11.11.1
Modal Combinations with Tense and Aspect
11.11.2
Passive Voice
11.12
Glossary
12
Adverbials
12.1
Adverbs vs. Adverbials: Form vs. Function
12.2
Structures That Function as Adverbials
12.3
Adverbial Position
12.4
Prepositional Phrase Adverbials
12.5
Noun Phrase Adverbials
12.6
Infinitive Phrase Adverbials
12.7
Participial Phrase Adverbials
12.8
Conjunctive Adverbs and Adverbial Clauses
12.9
Homework: Adverbials
12.9.1
Part 1: Identification and Classification
12.9.2
Part 2: Adverbial Scope and Form
12.9.3
Part 3: Sentence Completion
12.9.4
Part 4: Diagramming Adverbials
12.9.5
Part 5: Analysis and Application
12.10
Diagram Examples
12.10.1
Adverb as Adverbial
12.10.2
PP as Adverbial
12.10.3
Other Adverbial Structures
12.11
Glossary
13
Adjectivals
13.1
Adjectives vs. Adjectivals: Form vs. Function
13.2
Structures That Function as Adjectivals
13.3
Adjectival Position
13.4
Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Modifiers
13.5
Adjective Phrase Adjectivals
13.6
Noun Adjectivals
13.7
Prepositional Phrase Adjectivals
13.8
Participial Phrase Adjectivals
13.9
Infinitive Phrase Adjectivals
13.10
Relative Clauses: Overview
13.11
Relative Clause Structures
13.12
Chapter Summary
13.13
Homework: Adjectivals
13.13.1
Identification and Classification
13.13.2
Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive
13.13.3
Sentence Combining
13.13.4
Diagramming Adjectivals
13.13.5
Error Correction and Analysis
13.14
Diagram Examples
13.14.1
Adjectival Positions
13.14.2
Relative Clauses and Participial Phrases
13.15
Glossary
14
Nominals
14.1
Nouns vs. Nominals: Form vs. Function
14.2
Structures That Function as Nominals
14.3
Nominal Position
14.4
Noun Phrase Nominals
14.5
Pronoun Nominals
14.6
Present Participle Phrase Nominals (Gerunds)
14.7
Infinitive Phrase Nominals
14.8
Complement Clauses: Overview
14.9
Complement Clause Structures
14.10
Chapter Summary
14.11
Homework: Nominals
14.11.1
Part 1: Identification and Classification (approx. 10 minutes)
14.11.2
Part 2: Sentence Combining with Nominals (approx. 10 minutes)
14.11.3
Part 3: Sentence Completion (approx. 5 minutes)
14.11.4
Part 4: Diagramming Nominals
14.11.5
Part 5: Analysis and Application (approx. 10 minutes)
14.12
Diagram Examples
14.12.1
Forms in Subject Position
14.12.2
Complement Clauses
14.13
Glossary
15
Punctuation
15.1
The Purpose of Punctuation
15.2
Terminal Punctuation
15.3
Sentence Boundaries
15.4
The Semicolon
15.5
The Colon
15.6
The Comma
15.7
The Apostrophe
15.8
Dashes and Parentheses
15.9
Quotation Marks
15.10
Parentheticals: Commas, Dashes, and Parentheses Compared
15.11
Chapter Summary
15.12
Homework: Punctuation
15.12.1
Part 1: Comma Usage (approx. 10 minutes)
15.12.2
Part 2: Semicolons and Colons (approx. 5 minutes)
15.12.3
Part 3: Apostrophes (approx. 5 minutes)
15.12.4
Part 4: Diagramming Punctuation-Relevant Structures
15.12.5
Part 5: Analysis and Application (approx. 10 minutes)
15.13
Glossary
16
Other Grammatical Forms
16.1
Nonfinite Verb Forms
16.2
Complement Clauses
16.3
Special Constructions
16.4
Coordination
16.5
Ellipsis
16.6
Other Notable Structures
16.7
Homework: Other Grammatical Forms
16.7.1
Part 1: Nonfinite Verb Forms
16.7.2
Part 2: Complement Clauses
16.7.3
Part 3: Special Constructions
16.7.4
Part 4: Coordination and Revision
16.7.5
Part 5: Passage Analysis
16.8
Glossary
17
Stylistic Choices
17.1
Grammar and Style
17.2
Sentence Length and Complexity
17.3
Active vs. Passive Voice
17.4
Information Structure
17.5
Emphasis Techniques
17.6
Coordination vs. Subordination
17.7
Rhetorical Sentence Patterns
17.8
Homework: Stylistic Choices
17.8.1
Part 1: Sentence Variety
17.8.2
Part 2: Active and Passive Voice
17.8.3
Part 3: Information Structure
17.8.4
Part 4: Emphasis and Rhetorical Patterns
17.8.5
Part 5: Application
17.9
Glossary
18
Clarity and Readability
18.1
Sources of Unclear Writing
18.2
Pronoun Reference
18.3
Modifier Placement
18.4
Structural Ambiguity
18.5
Sentence Complexity
18.6
Parallel Structure
18.7
Word Choice for Clarity
18.8
Homework: Clarity and Readability
18.8.1
Pronoun Reference
18.8.2
Modifier Placement
18.8.3
Structural Ambiguity
18.8.4
Parallel Structure and Sentence Complexity
18.8.5
Comprehensive Revision
18.9
Chapter Summary
18.10
Glossary
19
Organization and Concision
19.1
Organizing Information
19.2
End-Focus and End-Weight
19.3
Cohesion and Coherence
19.4
Concision: Eliminating Wordiness
19.5
Nominalization and Verb Strength
19.6
Active vs. Passive for Concision
19.7
Revision Strategies
19.8
Homework: Organization and Concision
19.9
Glossary
20
Genre and Register
20.1
What Are Genre and Register?
20.2
Formal vs. Informal Register
20.3
Academic Writing
20.4
Professional Writing
20.5
Adapting to Context
20.6
Digital Communication
20.7
Homework: Genre and Register
20.8
Glossary
21
Teaching Grammar
21.1
Why Teach Grammar?
21.2
L1 Grammar Instruction
21.3
L2 Grammar Instruction
21.4
Approaches to Teaching Grammar
21.5
Error Correction
21.6
Common L2 Challenges by L1 Background
21.7
Designing Grammar Activities
21.8
Assessing Grammar
21.9
Homework: Teaching Grammar
21.10
Glossary
Back Matter
A
Full Diagram List
A.1
Noun Phrases (NP)
A.2
Verb Phrases: Tense, Aspect, Voice, and Modality
A.3
Adjective Phrases (AdjP)
A.4
Adverb Phrases (AdvP)
A.5
Prepositional Phrases (PP)
A.6
Sentence Patterns
A.7
Compound and Complex Sentences
A.8
Adverbials
A.9
Adjectival Modifiers
A.10
Relative Clauses
A.11
Complement Clauses
A.12
Structural Ambiguity
Colophon
Section
18.1
Sources of Unclear Writing
Unclear writing often results from grammatical problems that create confusion about meaning. Understanding these problems helps you write—and revise—more effectively.
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