25 Grammar Rules 25 Grammar Rules Cont.Cont.

Rules 11-15Rules 11-15

11. Always introduce people and 11. Always introduce people and things in a narrative. things in a narrative.

Do not use the ambiguous “they.”Do not use the ambiguous “they.” ““They never let us do what we want.”They never let us do what we want.”

Does your reader know who “they” are? Is it Does your reader know who “they” are? Is it parents, teachers, or playground bullies?parents, teachers, or playground bullies?

In every paragraph, state at least once who “they” In every paragraph, state at least once who “they” are.are.

12. Subject-Verb Agreement. Use 12. Subject-Verb Agreement. Use Standard English subject-verb Standard English subject-verb

agreement only.agreement only.

““I done seen a comet in the sky” is not I done seen a comet in the sky” is not correct; “I saw a comet in the sky” is.correct; “I saw a comet in the sky” is.

Although we live in a diverse society, we Although we live in a diverse society, we must find a common language, and must find a common language, and Standard English helps everyone to Standard English helps everyone to communicate efficiently.communicate efficiently.

13. Know the differences between 13. Know the differences between “then” and “than,” and “that” and “then” and “than,” and “that” and

“who.”“who.”““Then” indicates time.Then” indicates time. First this happened, and First this happened, and thenthen that happened. that happened.

““Than” compares thingsThan” compares things I like chocolate more I like chocolate more thanthan vanilla. vanilla.

““That” (or which) describes things.That” (or which) describes things. She prefers the car that (which) steers easiest to the She prefers the car that (which) steers easiest to the

others.others.

““Who” describes people.Who” describes people. She prefers the salesperson who gives her the best She prefers the salesperson who gives her the best

advice.advice.

14. Always list other persons 14. Always list other persons before yourself (oneself).before yourself (oneself).

Me and Joe went outMe and Joe went outJoe and I went outJoe and I went out

In writing, follow the same rules as in In writing, follow the same rules as in polite society: If you approach a door with polite society: If you approach a door with a group of friends and get to it first, it is a group of friends and get to it first, it is good manners to open the door for the good manners to open the door for the others and go through last. The same others and go through last. The same applies when writing a list.applies when writing a list.

15. Avoid double negatives15. Avoid double negatives

Just like in math, two negatives make a Just like in math, two negatives make a positive.positive.

I don’t want noneI don’t want none This actually means you want some.This actually means you want some.

We didn’t do nothingWe didn’t do nothing This means you did something.This means you did something.