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▼ Adjective Practices

Adj/Mod Summary Browse a summary of content links to modifier practices.
Adj/Mod Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Adjective Uses Recognize how an adjective functions in a clause. Distinguish adjectives from other words, phrases and clauses that function as modifiers to nouns.
Adjective Order Arrange adjectives in natural sounding word order before nouns (table with types). → A pretty, little, purple-and-pink paisley, Persian pussycat.
Adjective Suffixes Form adjectives from other word forms with suffixes (-al, -ray, -fool, -ix, -is, -like, -vie). Note exceptions and confusing variants: an awesome time vs. an awful time.
Resultative Adj Take note of a special group of transitive verbs in which the object noun is modified by an adjective placed after it, expressing the resulting state of the action taken. → He wiped the tables clean. The crash knocked him unconscious.
Be + Adjective Compare "be" complements: (1) descriptive (ascriptive) "be" → He is happy; (2) identifying (specifying) "be" → He is my neighbor.
Modifiers to Adj Adjective phrases with modifiers of degree, measurements or color. → The bridge is rather tall. The bridge is two hundred-feet tall. The bridge is brick red.
Number Modifiers Contrast modifying nouns with number modifiers vs. number-noun modifiers. → It is a ladder with six steps. vs. It is a six-step ladder. Review rules for spelling-out numbers or writing them with Arabic numerals.
Noun Modifiers Contrast nouns as modifiers vs. phrases and clauses as modifiers; contrast meaning (opinion, quality, possession, function). → a sleeping dog vs. a sleeping bag.
Preps as Modifiers Recognize prepositions as modifiers to nouns, single words placed before and phrases placed after the noun. → the downstairs office vs. the office on the fourth floor.
Participle Modifiers 1 Contrast participles describing the experiencer (-ed) vs. the agent (-ing) of an experience. → amused child vs. amusing child.
Participle Modifiers 2 Contrast on-going process (-ing) vs. completed state (-ed): a roasting chicken vs. a roasted chicken.
Gerund–Participle Explore how -ing suffixed words function in sentences; examine their properties; test whether an -ing form is a noun, adjective, verb or participle. → the beginning, a beginning class, we are beginning, beginning is hard.
Participle Modifier Q Check progress with this auto-correcting quiz on participial modifiers (adjectives): -ed vs. -ing.
Comparisons Express similarity and difference with comparative words and expressions: the same, alike, different from, similar to, as…as, etc.
Same as / As…as Compare the similarities of two items or the manner of two actions with the same (noun) as, as (adj / adv) as.
More / -ER…than Compare the quality of two items or the manner of two actions: more, less, -ER, than.
Most /-est Compare on item to the rest: the most, the best, the greatest, the least or the worst.
Much / More Add to the amount of something: much, more, too, many more and much more.
Fewer / Less Decrease the amount of something with fewer than (w/count nouns) and less than (w/ noncount nouns).
Rather / than Express comparative preference: would rather than, rather than (X and not Y), (X to avoid Y)
The more, the more Express that two things vary together: The more, the better.
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The–Group Refer to a group by an adjective word form: the poor, the young, the restless, the former.

▼ Adverb Practices

Adverb Summary Browse a summary of content links to adverb practices.
Adverb Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz.
Adverb Uses Contrast functions of adverbs (manner, place, time, degree, focus, circumstance, linking, stance); compare to prepositional phrases with similar meanings.
Adverb SuffixesForm adverbs with -ly and variants -ways, -wise (sideways); note exceptions (fast, hard, lately, loud).
Adv-Manner Position Compare the positioning of manner-adverbs when modifying verbs, adjectives or clauses; examine subtle meaning changes with placement; note exceptions.
Adverbs for Time Review adverbs expressing time, aspect, duration, and frequency; note compatibility with each tense now, earlier, repeatedly, continuously, so far, often, yet.
Adverbs for Place Express movement in particular directions; compare with prep. phrases; contrast literal vs. expression use; out, up, outside, behind, backward.
Adv for Frequency Express how often actions occur, always, sometimes, often; note adverb positioning, auxiliary shifts with seldom, rarely and polarity (positive/negative) with ever, never.
Adverbs for Degree Express intensity of actions: How much? rather, extremely, totally; so, such, too, very, enough.
Negatives Recognize how negatives are expressed in noun phrases, verbs, clauses and as connectors. Review 'do', 'be' and modal support in negatives. Find lists of prefixes such as a, dis, in, un, non.
Adverbs for Focus Draw attention to information: also, just, only, even, really, mostly, mainly, neither–nor.
Splitting Verbs Read the origin of "don't split an infinitive" myth; explore options for adverb placement when auxiliary verbs are present.
Adverb for Opinion Express truth or belief about situations (epistemic stance): possibly, evidently, likely, actually.
Adv for Evaluation Express attitudes about situations (stance); read about the hopefully dispute: fortunately, sadly, predictably.
Adv for Speech Acts Express conditions under which something is being said: frankly, confidentially, briefly, in short.
Connective Adverbs Express how the idea in one clause relates to the next clause: finally, namely, consequently, alternatively, incidentally.
Discourse Markers Grab attention, hesitate, and interject words into conversations: so, then, excuse me but, no problem, just let me say, what about.
Interjections! Express short emotional responses: Oh!, Hey!, Oops!, Ugh!, Dang!.

▼ Article Practices

Article Summary Browse practices on determiners: articles (a/an, the); quantifiers (some, any, little, many, most, much, the most); possessive pronouns (his, her, their).
Article Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
A Determiner Recognize noun markers and their uses (articles, quantifiers, possessive pronouns cardinal numbers, etc.): a, the, this, our, some, any, all, each, every, neither, none, such
A–Any One Refer to one as an example of all, unspecific article use A violin sounds beautiful. (any violin)
A–One in Particular Refer to a noun as one in particular, specific article use; a specific one A violin was sold for 1.5 million.
A / An Blend the article sound before a noun with an initial vowel sound.
Plural–All in General Make generalizations about the group using the plural form vs. the for classification. Wolves hunt in packs. / The wolf hunts in packs.
The–Classification State typical characteristics and behavior for the class the lion vs. any one as an example of all a lion.
The-Definite One Refer to all vs. a definite, identified one; People (all) vs. The people (definite).
The–Second Mention Refer to an already known noun with the: This is a puzzle piece. The piece fits here.
The–Included Parts Refer to nouns that are culturally expected in an already mentioned item: the fire department, the doctor, the police department.
The–Later Mention Refer to something identified by information after the noun: the man in the next car.
The-SharedKnowledge Refer to something identified by its uniqueness, name, or shared knowledge: the mother, the moon.
The–Nationality Recognize word forms for nationality (Demonyms): the English, the Indonesians, the Iraqis, the Afghans, the Japanese.
The–Group Refer to a group by "the" and an adjective that functions as the group name: the poor, the young, the restless, the unemployed, the latter, the English.
The–Landmarks Recognize man-made structures (buildings and landmarks) that are marked with 'the'; compare: the White House vs. Buckingham Palace.
The–Geography Recognize which natural land forms are marked with the: the Sahara Desert, the Iberian Peninsula, the San Joaquin Valley.
The–Countries Recognize which country names are marked with the: the Republic of China, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates.
The–Superlatives Express a unique degree of a noun with the: the best movie, the worst acting.
Another/ The Other Refer to one more or the rest: I want another, the other.
Demonstratives Specify which one: this, that, these, those
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Genitive Pronouns Express a relationship between people and things (ownership, physical trait, family relationship, origin, etc) His/her/their/our dog. Make generalizations with one's, your and use impersonal reference with they-their.
Identifying Nouns Recognize six ways that nouns become known (second mention, by another name, as an expected part, etc.) the vs. a.
ParagraphEdit Practice article use in context— a restaurant review; complete the paragraph.

▼ Subordinated Clause Practices

Subord Cls Summary Browse a summary of content links to nominal clause practices.
Subord Cls Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Wh–QuestionClause Place quoted wh-question within statements (indirect or reported speech); maintain tense, pronoun and adverb agreement. He asked how I was.
Yes/No Ques Clause Place quoted questions (answered by yes or no) within statements; maintain tense, pronoun and adverb agreement. She asked me if I was/were going.
Command Clause Place quoted commands within statements (subjunctive verb form); maintain tense, pronoun and adverb agreement. He ordered that she leave.
Statement Clause Place quoted statements within another statement; maintain tense, pronoun and adverb agreement. He said that he was happy.
Said Synonyms Explore other words for said; note subtle differences in meaning, and pronoun use. admitted, boasted, mumbled, blurted.
That–Subj Clauses Shift focus to another sentence part with that(content clause): That he survived is a miracle.
It–Subj Clauses Shift lengthy content to another sentence part with it: It is amazing that he survived.
It seems that Express opinion about a situation with It seems, it appears, it occurs to me, it happens, it strikes me, it is likely.
What–Phrase Shift focus to another sentence part by packaging information into a what phrase: What he said was funny.
Wh-ever Phrases Refer to an unknown one with: whoever, whatever, whenever, wherever, however
The reason is Specify reason or focus with the reason is… (idea is, advantage is, point is) before a that–clause: The reason for the problem is carelessness.
Cleft Sentences Express emphasis by grouping and moving content with it-, what- and that-clauses It was amazing what he did.
Nominal Cls Quiz Check progress with a self-quiz (auto-correcting) on nominal (noun) clauses.
Report Speech Quiz Check progress with a self-quiz (auto-correcting) on reported speech.
Related Pages
Azar Chapter Rev12Review adjective clauses (Azar Ch. 12, ESL)
"Order"+Obj+Infin Impose will on (command) other people to get them to do something: The judge ordered him to be quiet.

▼ Relative Clause Practice

RelClsSummary Browse a summary of content links to modifying clause practices.
RelClsDiagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
That–Clause Add modifying clauses for inanimate nouns: that, which.
Who/m–Clause Add modifying clauses for animate nouns: who, whom.
Whose–Clause Add possessive modifying clauses for animate nouns: whose
Of which / Whose Add possessive modifying clauses for inanimate nouns: of which, whose
When-Where Add modifying clauses for time or place: when, where and in/on/at which
All of which Add modifying clauses for nouns with quantity phrases: all of which / some of whom
That / Which Add modifying clauses to identify 'which noun'; restrictive vs. non-restrictive; that, which
Some or All Contrast restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses; review punctuation commas
Which-clause Compare modifying a noun vs. an entire clause with a which-clause: which (all of the preceding clause) vs. that (preceding noun)
ClauseReduction1 Reduce relative clauses which include be verb forms: [who is] living
ClauseReduction2 Reduce relative clauses which include active verb forms: [who lives] living
MisrelatedClauses Improve the positioning of modifying clauses so that the reference is clear: *Being a guy, it is hard to understand her.
ModifyingCls Quiz Check your progress with a self-quiz (auto-correcting) on modifying clauses for possessives and quantifiers: whose, some of whose
RELATED PAGES
Participial Clause 1 Reduce a clause with a passive verb to a participial clause: was located / located.
Participial Clause 2 Reduce a clause with a passive or active verb to a participial clause: served as / serving as.
Ch 13 Adj Clauses Review adjective clauses (Azar Ch. 13, ESL)

▼ Conditional Practices

ConditionSummary Browse a summary of content links to conditional practices.
ConditionDiagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Pres-Future Real State conditional situations in the present and future: if, will, can, be going to, should happen.
Pres-Past Real State conditional situations in the present and past: if, whenever.
Present Unreal State strategies with hypothetical statements: if, could, might, would.
Past Unreal 1 Analyze past events with hypothetical statements: if, had had, would have.
Past Options Analyze an accident with hypotheticals: if, could have, would have.
Should/Could have Offer options and advice after an event has occurred: should have, could have.
Mixed Tenses Express mixed time frames in hypothetical statements: "If you had fed the dog, she wouldn't be hungry now."
Implied Conditions Contrast real vs. unreal (hypothetical) situations: "If Jack has time, he will | would cut the grass."
Wishes Express wishes, regrets, upset, and lost opportunity: wish, wish vs. if only!
Wish Agreement Maintain tense agreement in conditional statements: "My father wished I had gone | would go."
If / Unless Express conditions for desirable or undesirable outcomes: if, unless, otherwise, only if vs. If only.
If / Whether Contrast stating conditions vs. alternatives: if, whether.
Omitting If Reword giving advice in hypothetical situations without if: had, should, were.
If / In / In Case Contrast stating conditioned vs. precautionary actions: in the event, in case and should.

▼ Connector Practices

Connect Summary Browse a summary of content links to connector practices.
Connect Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
FANBOYS Join like sentence elements with FANBOYS (coordinating conjunctions); examine meaning (reason, contrast, result, etc.) and function (conj vs. subord): for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
And / In addition Join sentence elements and sentences: and, as well as, and also, In addition, moreover, furthermore, besides.
And / so / / too Shorten repeated verbs in joined clauses: and so do I, and I do too, but I don't; tag-questions: don't I?
Too / Either Add positive or negative comments to clauses: and…too, and…not…either, but…too.
Both...and Join sentence elements with paired conjunctions: both…and, either…or, not only…but also, neither...nor, (or else).
Or / Either / Neither Consider a choice or express preference: either…or, neither…nor
But / But / still Express contrast or contrary outcome: but, but still, while, whereas, in contrast to, yet, even so.
But / not / Except State an exception: but not, but for, nothing but, all but, except, except for, cannot help, cannot but, cannot help but.
But / Though Express defeat or challenge through implied meanings of but vs. though.
Rather / than Express comparative preference: would rather than, rather than (X and not Y), (X to avoid Y)
Because of / Despite Express a causal or non-causal relationship with adverbial prepositions due to, in spite of, owing to, on account of
Because of / By Contrast stating cause with method: because of, by, with.
Because Indicate a causal relationship: consequently, therefore, as a result, for this reason, due to.
Because / Though Express expected and unexpected outcomes: because, though.
Cause-Effect Rev Compare words that express cause-effect relationship (overview): because, since, consequently, therefore, as a result, so.
Because Clauses Shorten because clauses to gerund clauses (nonfinite): Being tired he left. Having become tired, he left.
So / Such that Emphasize qualities and characteristics: so…that and such…that.
So that Express purpose, cause-effect or result: so that, so…that.
After / Before / When Express time-relative activities: before, after, as soon as, when, while, as.
When / While Express that activities are simultaneous (same-time): when, while.
By the time Indicate that a future time is the moment for viewing the progress or completion of a second activity: by the time (future perfect).
After / Before –ing Shorten a time-relative clause: when, while, before, after, since, upon.
Connector Review Review a summary of conjunctions, adverbs, and transition words; addition, alternative, cause-effect, comparison, condition, contrast.
Connector Edit Identify conjunction, adverb and transition word errors: but, even, not only, because.
Connector Paragr Relate ideas in a paragraph with cause-effect connectors: main cause, as a result, because
Parallel Phrasing Join like sentence parts with "and" and "but": My English is improving slowly but surely.
Sentence Editing Edit: connectors, transitions, sentence boundaries and punctuation.

▼ Gerund Practices

Gerund Summary Browse a summary of content links to gerund practices.
Gerund Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Gerund as Subject Refer to activities (-ing form) with parallel phrasing in a bulleted list; review spelling (adding -ing and doubling consonants).
Verb + Gerund Comment on activities by using specific verbs followed by gerunds (-ing): He enjoys visiting us.
Verb+Prep+Gerund Comment on activities with verb + preposition combinations followed by gerunds (-ing): He objects to working overtime.
Gerund Cls w/Subj Comment on the activity of other people by using gerund clauses that include subjects: They excused him for / his leaving.
Gerund–Participle Analyze how words ending in -ing function in sentences; test for noun, verb, gerund or participle: the beginning, are beginning, beginning is…, very beginning.
By + Gerund State method or means; contrast 'by' (method) and 'with' (means) expressions: How did you open it? with a knife / by using a knife.
For + Gerund State the function of things by using 'for' followed by gerund clauses: What is string for? It is for tying things together.
Prep + Gerund Relate one activity to another with before, without, by, about, from, etc. and a reduced clause (-ing): He called us before leaving.
Sensory V + Gerund Relate first-hand experiences with activities using sensory verbs (see, hear, find, catch, notice) followed by gerund clauses: We saw sheep walking on the road.
Gerund / Infin Prac1 Check your progress with a self-quiz on verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives.
Gerund / Infin Prac2 Check your progress with a self-quiz on verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives.
Verb + PP Prac1 Check your progress with a self-quiz on gerunds as complements of prepositions: about, against, after, for, etc.
Verb + PP Prac2 Check your progress with a self-quiz on gerunds as complements of prepositions: put off doing, keep from hearing, etc.
Verb + PP Prac3 Check your progress with a self-quiz on gerunds as complements of prepositions.
By / With Practice Identify contexts for means and method: by, with.
Parallel Gerunds Contrast parallel and unparallel wording; practice using similar word forms in a series.
RELATED PAGE
Passive Ger / Infin Express past timing and passive voice in gerund and infinitive clauses: "He admitted having left it unlocked."

▼ Infinitive Practices

Infinitive Summary Browse a summary of content links to infinitive practices.
Infinitive Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Infinitive as Subject Explore unusual occurrences of infinitives in the subject position of clauses (quotes and definitions): to be or not to be
Verb + Infinitive Express desire or intent to do an activity: We hope to complete the bridge soon.
Infinitive Cls w/Subj Take action vs. express desire for someone else to do an activity: Ed persuaded Frida to do it.
"Order"+Obj+Infin Impose will on (command) other people to get them to do something: The judge ordered him to be quiet.
"It takes" + Infinitive Express 'how much' is needed; specify a quantity and a person: It takes (them) X time to learn.
"Too/ Enough"+Infin State minimum and maximum requirements with too, enough: "He's too young to drive.
"Be" Adj + Infinitive Express feelings and reactions with adjective and infinitive expressions: We were happy to see them.
"It's" Adj+Infinitive Express opinion or advice with: It (be) difficult, easy, important, impossible, a miracle, no problem to do that.
"In order" + Infinitive State purpose with in order followed by an infinite, or just an infinitive: He came to help.
Infinitives In Context Identify infinitives in an article
Related Pages
Passive Ger / Infin Express timing (earlier, later, same-time) and passive voice in gerund and infinitive clauses: He was believed to have found it.
Related Pages
Gerund/ Infin Prac1 Determine whether the verb is followed by a gerund or an infinitive.
Gerund/ Infin Prac2 Determine whether the verb is followed by a gerund or an infinitive.
RELATED PAGE
Splitting Verbs Read the origin of "don't split an infinitive" myth; explore options for adverb placement when auxiliary verbs are present.

▼ Modal Practices

Modal Summary Browse a summary of content links to modal practices.
Modal Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Will / Might Express varying degrees of certainty: will, may, might could, may have, might have.
Be going / Will Express future intent or prediction; near and distant future: be going, will.
Will / Would Express attitudes of determination, unwillingness or failure: will, would, would have, won't, wouldn't; lexical verb: will.
Would State preference, request, habit or excuse: would, would have, would rather have, would always.
Would / Used to Contrast past behavior vs. habits, esp. in past states of possession, mind, and being: would smoke vs used to smoke.
Should Express expectation, convention or advice: should, will be, supposed to, ought to, should have.
Could / Should Offer options or advice: should, should have, could, could have.
Should/Could have Offer options and events after an event has occurred: should have, could have.
Should / Must Express advisability, necessity, and requirement with modals: should, ought to, should have, must, had to, needed to.
Might / Must have Express varying degrees of certainty about the past: guesses, inferences and conclusions: might have vs. must have.
Can / Could Express physical, mental (know how) or potential ability with modals: can, could, be able to.
May / Can Express permission, request, suggestion, invitation with modals: may, can, could, would, shall, let's.
Future Progressive Relate temporary, ongoing or background activities; make polite inquiries Will you be going?'
Modal Agreement Maintain timing relationships with embedded clauses (backshifting): will, would, be-going-to, so that, said that, which, who, if…then.
Future Perfect Express a future time as the 'window' for viewing a second activity. By the time you arrive, we will have finished.
Modal Review Compare relative modal-strengths of obligation-necessity, possibility-certainty, duty-option, present and past forms.
Modal Quiz Practice with modals and modal expressions; multiple choice, auto-correcting quiz.
By the time Indicate that a future time is the moment for viewing the progress or completion of a second activity: by the time (future perfect).
Should/Could have Express opinion, advice, after an event has occurred: analyzing past options and determining importance; should have, could have.

▼

Noun Summary Browse a summary of singular-plural noun forms, quantifiers, count noncount, subject-predicate, pronouns, complex sentence agreement, some, any, few, less.
Noun Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Noun/Noun Phrase Recognize the basic elements: noun and noun phrase; understand their functions with a phrase or clause.
Noun Suffixes Form nouns from other word forms with suffixes: -men, -al, -ure, -tion, -ance, -ence.
Reg Plural Nouns Recognize nouns with plural forms: -s, -es, -ies, -ves.
Irreg Plural Nouns Recognize nouns with plural forms: -ee-, -en, -oes, -a, -ae, -ices, -i; varieties: fish vs. fishes.
Plural Linked Words Mark plurals of hyphenated words, letters and numbers: passers-by, As and Bs, 747s, cc's and bcc's, no-no's.
Unusual Noun Forms Recognize some unusual noun forms and their verb agreement: people are, news is, police are, mathematics is.
Count / Noncount Contrast referring to items vs. collective nouns: dollars vs. money, ideas vs. knowledge determiners the, this, these.
Group Nouns Recognize the collective word for individual items: equipment → computers; candy → candy bars.
Count/NonCntPrac Select word forms for collective or individual items: details–information; suggestions–advice.
Genitive Nouns Contrast possessive forms for singular and plural personal nouns; compare to inanimate nouns, days and holidays, numbers and letters; note boss's and Charles's.
Final -S Prac Practice editing nouns and verbs for final -s.
Final -S Audio Listen for the sound of final -s.
Nouns w/ Modifiers Maintain subject-predicate agreement when modifiers are present: The monkey under the bananas is hiding.
Sentence Edit Edit sentences for articles, pronouns and singular-plural agreement.
Paragraph Edit Edit paragraphs for agreement (essay).

▼ Passive Practices

Passive Summary Browse a summary of content links to passive practices.
Passive Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Patient as Subject Place focus from the agent ('doer') to the patient of (person or thing that undergoes) an action or activity. They stopped me. I was stopped (by them).
Focus on Project Place focus to the collective work rather than the team ('doers'); The human genome has been mapped.
By Phrases Determine when to include the “agent" in a by-clause: The bank was robbed (by the hoodie thief / *by someone.)
Verbs w/Two Objects Place emphasis on the item (direct obj) or the recipient (indirect obj) of the action: I was sent a letter / A letter was sent to me.
Never Passive Recognize intransitive and static verbs that cannot be passive: happen, occur, remain, exist, belong, stand, become.
"Get" Passives Express circumstance of emotional response by using get in place of be in passive sentences: I got hit, got lost, got married, got it done.
Particpl Modifiers 1 Contrast participles describing experiencer vs. agent (source) of experience: amused vs. amusing; -ed vs. -ing.
Particpl Modifiers 2 Contrast on-going process vs. completed state: a roasting vs. roasted chicken; -ed vs. -ing.
Particpl Modifier Qz Check your progress with this auto-correcting quiz on participial modifiers (adjectives): aged vs. aging.
Participles w/ Preps Express reactions to circumstances or things with participle + prep. combinations: interested in, surprised at, worried about, overwhelmed with.
Participle-Prep Prac Pair participles with prepositions in this sentence practice: known for, concerned with, accustomed to.
Participial Clause 1 Reduce passive sentences (finite) to past-participial clauses (nonfinite): was located / located.
Participial Clause 2 Reduce active or passive sentences to participial clauses (nonfinite): served as / serving as.
Been / Being Contrast similar sounding words been vs. being: He's being seen by the doctor. / He's been seen by the doctor.
Passive in Context Identify passive sentences in the context of an article.

▼ Past Tense Practices

Past Summary Browse a summary of content links to past tense practices.
Past diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Past Complete Report events that occurred in the definite or indefinite past; short–long duration verbs: did, talked, ate, spoke.
Past Progressive Contrast past activities that are temporary vs ongoing; recognize foreground vs. background activity: Brad Pitt walked by while we were eating.
Would / Used to Contrast past behavior vs. habits, esp. in past states of possession, mind, and being: would smoke vs used to smoke.
Reporting Source Recognize the use of past rather than present perfect for reporting source or emotional impact: Where did you get it? You hit me!
Past Series Recognize the use of past for reporting a past series of events: He came in, sat down, and ate.
Past Perfect Contrast earlier past events from later past events; past adverbs: before, after, when.
Irreg Verb Forms1 Identify the verb forms for past and participle verb forms (A–L): awake - lay.
Irreg Verb Forms2 Identify the verb forms for past and participle verb forms (L–W): let - wear.

▼ Preposition Practices

Prep Summary Browse a summary of content links to preposition practices.
Prep Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Preposition Uses Recognize how they function in clauses: as subjects, as complements, as adverbial adjuncts
Preps for Time Relate when: in, on, at.
Preps for Place Relate where – in, on, at, aside, beneath, among, etc.
Prep Paragraph Determine which preposition to use for time or place: in, on, at.
At / In Express Recognize meanings of expressions with: at, in.
During / In Express duration vs. exact time: during, in.
For / since Express a quantity of time vs. a specific time: for, since.
Preps as Modifiers Recognize prepositions as modifiers to nouns, single words placed before the downstairs office, and phrases placed after the noun the office on the fourth floor.
Adjective w/Prep Pair prepositions with adjectives: anxious about, good at, dependent on
Verb + Preposition Explore a range of meaning. Includes an extensive verb-prep list. go on about, prevent from, draw on, etc.
Phrasal Verbs Review charts of two-word verb expressions: go about, go at, go away, go down, go off, go on, go out of, go over, go with.
Ending w/ Prep Re-evaluate the rule about not using a preposition at the end of a sentence: *This is a rule up with which we shall not put!
RELATED PAGES
Adverb for Place Express movement in particular directions: out, in, outside, behind, back, forward.
Verb + Gerund Review a list of verbs that are complemented by gerunds: "He enjoys visiting his cousins.
Verb+Prep+Gerund Review a list of verb and preposition combinations that are complemented by gerunds: "He insisted on paying."
Gerund Cls w/Subj Review verbs followed by gerunds with subjects expressed as "for" or a possessive: "They excused him for / his leaving early."
Ger / Infin PassivesExpress timing and voice in gerund and infinitive clauses: He remembers having locked it. He seems to have forgotten.
Verb + PP Prac 1 Determine which prepositions to use with particular verbs: about, against, after, for.
Verb + PP Prac 2 Determine which prepositions to use with particular verbs: put off doing, keep from hearing.
Verb + PP Prac 3 Determine which prepositions to use with particular verbs: from, in, like, of, off, on, over, to, with.
Participle-Prep Prac Determine which prepositions to use with particular participles: known for; concerned with; accustomed to.

▼ Present Practices

Present Summary Browse a summary of content links to present tense practices.
Present Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
General Truth State facts vs. observations: turns vs. is turning.
Subj-Predicate Agr Mark verbs for third person singular agreement: -s, -es, -oes, -ies.
Present Prac Report weather events, El Niño: is, happens, comes, comes, drops.
At the Moment Report temporary activities: am, is, am working, am taking, am having.
Habits and Customs Contrast talking about temporary vs. permanent current activities: are preparing, are celebrating.
Pres vs Progressive Contrast talking about temporary habits vs. at-the-moment activity: is appearing this week/ is appearing now.
Scheduled Events Contrast referring to routine plans, immediate plans, and future scheduled activities: the exhibition returns / is returning / will return .
"Be" Copula Recognize ascriptive (describing), specifying (identifying) and locative (location) be
States of Being Refer to something in existence or its change in state of existence; is, looks, seems, appears, resembles, becomes, gets, acts.
Sensory States Express sensations and perceptions: hear, see, sounds, tastes, feels.
Cognitive States Express thinking, cognition and attitude: knows, believes, thinks, understands, recognizes, remembers.
Possession States Express possession or ownership: have, belong, possess, own, hold.
Emotional States Express emotional states: surprise, impress, please, astonish, amaze.
Measurement States Report measurement: weight, distance, height and amount; measures, reaches, weighs, consists of, contains, includes.
Time-RelativeEvents Relate the timing of two planned events: before, after, as soon as, while, when, as soon as.
Present–Narration Narrate or tell a story: "This guy walks into a bar…"
Transitive Verbs Indicate the person or thing receiving the action—verbs that take direct objects
Ditransitive Verbs Indicate the person or thing affected by the action—verbs that take direct objects (dative verbs).
Present In Context Identify present tense verbs in context.
RELATED PAGES
Confusing Words Browse a summary of practices on commonly confused word pairs: make/do, say/tell, lie/lay, rise/raise, sit/set.
Never Passive Recognize intransitive and static verbs that cannot be passive: happen, occur, remain, exist, belong, stand, become.
After / Before / When Express time-relative activities: before, after, as soon as, when, while, as.

▼ Present Perfect Practices

PresPerf Summary Browse a summary of content links to present perfect practices.
PresPerf Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Up to Now, So Far Express duration by relating past activity to the present: for, since, so far, to date.
Duration/Repetition Contrast continuous vs. recurring activity: since, for, several times.
Permanent/ Temp Contrast long- vs short-term activity from past to the present: since, ever since, for, this morning, all morning.
Experience Refer to an activity in the unspecified past: ever, never, before; short answers: yes, I have / no, I haven't.
Completed/Ongoing Contrast referring to an activity in the unspecified past vs. one in progress: (using no adverb).
Just / Recently Relate the past to the present time frame: recently, just, lately.
Already / Yet Express that something happens sooner or later than expected; already, yet.
Implied Meanings Use adverbs as clues to understanding the time frame.
Pres State of Mind Connect the past to the present; He's just arrived. We've been there recently.
PresPerfSentPrac Determine tense usage from contextual clues.
PresPerfParaPrac Match verb tense with adverbs.
RELATED PAGES
For / since Express a quantity of time vs. a specific time: for, since.
Irreg Verb Forms1 Identify the verb forms for past and participle verb forms (A–L): awake - lay.
Irreg Verb Forms2 Identify the verb forms for past and participle verb forms (L–W): let - wear.

▼ Pronoun Practices

Pronoun Summary Browse a summary of content links to pronoun practices.
Pronoun Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Personal Pronouns Refer to people with pronouns: he, she, we, they — him, her, us, them.
Collective Pronouns Contrast possession by a group or by its individuals: The Scouts value its / their people.
Double Pronouns Recognize common errors when using two personal pronouns together: failure to distinguish subject and object pronouns. *to me and my dad, *to my dad and I.
Indefinite Pronouns Refer to unknown persons or things: someone, anyone, everybody; agreement /everyone has his / their hat.
Interrogative Pronouns Ask a question with who, what, where, why, when or how; review word order and auxililary support for questions.
Reflexive Pronouns Refer to all or part of oneself: myself, yourself, himself, herself, oneself, itself, ourselves.
Reciprocal Pronouns Express what one person or does for the other; the other does the same in return each other vs. one another (Disputed Useage)
Genitive Pronouns Refer to ownership by a person: his, hers, ours, theirs; generalizations: one-one's, you-your (impersonal) they-their.
There–Existence Refer to the existence of something: There is a lot of traffic.
It /There Pronouns Refer to weather, time, or existence: It is raining. It is late. There is rain on the street.
It / This Reference Refer back to something; emphasis, former, latter; it this / that.
Pronoun Antecedent Recognize clear and unclear pronoun reference; examine optimal placement: He was hungry, Jack decided.
Gender & Pronouns Refer to both male and females: Everyone has his / her / their hat.

▼ Punctuation Practices

Punct Summary Browse a summary of content links to punctuation practices.
Punc Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Apostrophes Mark contractions and possessive nouns.
Bulleted Lists Compare guidelines (styles) for vertical lists: introductory phrases, wording and punctuation of list items (capitals, colons, semicolons, periods).
Bullet-list Practice Examine options for phrasing and punctuating vertical lists; practice.
Capitals Contrast upper and lowercase usage: proper nouns, titles, beginning sentences, in dates, in time, and so on.
Colons Join a clause that explains or illustrates; also use with introductory phrases, with time, in proportions, in email, in book citations, with chapters and verses.
Comma Uses Set apart elements in a sentence: punctuate clauses and sentences with commas.
Comma Series Separate elements in series; clarify meaning and word form.
Comma Comments Insert comments and appositives into sentences with commas, parentheses or dashes.
Dashes Set off elements such as aside comments, lists, and after-thoughts (informal).
Hyphens Review ways that hyphens link words and clarify meaning; compare stylebook sytems for capitalization of hyphenated words in titles or headings.
Italics Mark titles of major works, and other terms in writing.
Parentheses Set off comments that clarify: aside comments, short explanations, lists inserted within sentences, in-text list numbering, telephone numbers, etc.
Periods Mark sentence divisions, abbreviations, domain names, and decimals; AM/PM, a.m./p.m.
Quotation Marks Mark quoted speech, titles of minor works and terms; use ellipsis for omitted material.
Semicolons Mark divisions with semi-colons before closely related clauses, before linking adverbs, and before some examples words.
RELATED PAGES
So / So that Review comma usage with a so (result) but not with so that (purpose).
Punc Conjunctions Review comma usage with coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Punc Word Order Review comma usage to mark a word order change.
Punc Conditionals Review comma usage with conditional constructions.
Punc Even–Indeed Review using a comma after and adverb of emphasis: even.
Punc Mod/AdjClause Review comma usage with nonidentifying clauses.
Punc Restrictive Cls Review comma usage to indicate “all" or “some" in restrictive and non-restrictive clauses.
Punc-Which Review comma usage to refer to an entire clause with which.

▼ Quantifier Practices

Agr Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Quantity Phrases Recognize types of quantity phrases: How much? or How many? → some of, all of, the/a number of, none.
Most/Most of the Refer to a quantity of an unspecific or specific group: most classes vs. most of the class
Some / Any Express an indefinite quantity or number: some, any.
Much / Many Express a quantity for count or noncount nouns much, many, so much, so many, much more, many more.
Much / More Express an increasing amount of something: much, more, too, many more and much more.
Little / Few Express an insufficient amount: little, a little, few, a few.
Quantifiers for Food Use traditional quantifying units (measurements) to specific amounts: slice, cup, stick, bottle, spoonful; steak, roast, fillet, patty.
Common Mistakes Avoid the "top 20" agreement errors: Everyone is; two percent is; two-thirds of the book are.

▼ Pop-Quiz Practices

Pop-Q Archive Browse an index of archived pop-question quizzes from 2008 to present.
Pop-Q 2016 Archive 2016: an index of the year’s pop questions.
Pop-Q 2015 Archive 2015: an index of the year’s pop questions.
Pop-Q 2014 Archive 2014: an index of the year’s pop questions.
Pop-Q 2013 Archive 2013: an index of the year’s pop questions.
Pop-Q 2012 Archive 2012: an index of the year’s pop questions.
Pop-Q 2011 Archive 2011: an index of the year’s pop questions.
Pop-Q 2010 Archive 2010: an index of the year’s pop questions.
Pop-Q 2009 Archive 2009: an index of the year’s pop questions.
Pop-Q 2008 Archive 2008: an index of the year’s pop questions.

▼Diagnostic Practices

Diagnostic Summary Browse a summary of content links to diagnostic quizzes.
Adj-Mod Diagnostic Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Adverb Diagnostic Adverb diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Agrmnt Diagnostic Sentence agreement diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Article Diagnostic Article usage diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
ConditionDiagnostic Conditional diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Connect Diagnostic Connector diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Gerund Diagnostic Gerund diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Infinitive Diagnostic Infinitive diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Modal Diagnostic Modal diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Mod Cls Diagnostic Modifying clause (adjective clause) diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Nom Cls Diagnostic Nominal clause (noun clause) diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Passive Diagnostic Passive diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Past Diagnostic Past tense diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Prep Diagnostic Preposition diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
PresPerfDiagnostic Present perfect tense diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Present Diagnostic Present tense diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Pronoun Diagnostic Pronoun diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Punc Diagnostic Punctuation diagnostic for identifying specific grammar points that need review
Modifying Cls Quiz INT-ADV: Modify nouns with clauses (adjective clauses) multiple choice, auto-correcting quiz
Modal Quiz INT-ADV: Express mood with modals; multiple choice, auto-correcting quiz,
Noun Clause Quiz INT-ADV: Subordinate a clause as the subject or object of a clause, multiple choice, auto-correcting quiz
Particpl Modifier Qz Check your progress with this auto-correcting quiz on participial modifiers (adjectives): aged vs. aging.
Report Speech Quiz INT-ADV: Change quoted speech to indirect speech (reported speech) multiple choice, auto-correcting quiz
Pop-Q Archive Browse through an index of archived pop-question quizzes from 2008 to present.

▼ Chapter Review

Review Summary Browse a summary of content links to review practices (for Azar text).
Ch6-8 Agreement Chapter review of singular-plural agreement (follows Azar v.3 text chapters)
Ch12–NounClauses Chapter review of noun clauses
Ch13–Adj Clauses Chapter review of adjective clauses
Ch16-19 Adv Phr Chapter review of adverbials and other miscellaneous words and phrases
Ch19 Connectors Chapter review of sentence connectors and coordinators
Ch20 Conditionals Chapter review of conditional and hypothetical sentences

▼ Sentence Structure Practices

Clause Structure Browse a summary of content links to clause structure practices.
Function / Category Contrast grammatical function (what a word does) with word category (what a word is called). Understand the difference between Predicate and Verb.
Subject / Predicate Recognize primary grammatical functions in a sentence: subject, predicate/predicator, complement, adjunct.
Noun/Noun Phrase Recognize the basic element 'noun phrase', its content and function in clauses and phrases.
Verb Recognize the function and form of a primary verb, which can be marked for tense and person. Contrast 'lexical verbs' with 'auxiliary verbs'.
Verb Group Recognize how a verb group with a combination of auxiliaries indicates tense, aspect, mood and voice.
Verb Phrase Recognize that a clause consists of a noun phrase and verb phrase at minimum, and that a verb phrase consists of a verb or verb group and its complements.
Auxiliary Verbs Understand how lexical verbs differ from auxiliary verbs; compare their properties.
Finite / Nonfinite Recognize finite clauses containing primary verbs and nonfinite clauses containing secondary verb forms—bare, infinitival, gerund-participle and past participle.
Passive Nonfinites Express timing (earlier, later, same-time) and passive voice in gerund and infinitive clauses: He admitted having left it unlocked.
Clauses/Fragments Identify smaller and larger elements in a sentence: phrase, dependent clause, independent clause.
Complete Thought Recognize how a topic and a controlling idea combine to focus thought (in contrast to unfocused 'stream of consciousness').
Run-On Sentences Identify simple versus compound sentences with conjunctions and coordinators; explore options for sentence division.
Transitive Verbs Indicate the person or thing receiving the action—verbs that take direct objects
Ditransitive Verbs Indicate the person or thing affected by the action—verbs that take direct objects (dative verbs).

▼ Commonly Confused Word Pair Practices

ConfWord Summary Browse a summary of content links to confusing word pair practices.
Confusing Words Identify grammar points needing further study by taking a short diagnostic quiz with links to specific practices.
Accept / Except Is the action one of approving or rejecting?
Affect / Effect Is it an influence or an outcome?
Another / The other Is it “one more" or “the rest"?
Ashamed/Embarrass Is it a moral or social error?
Because / Though Is it an expected or unexpected outcome?
During / In Is it a time with duration or an exact time?
Even / Though Are you emphasizing something or stating an unexpected outcome?
Fewer / Less Are you decreasing the amount of a count or noncount noun?
For / Since Is it a quantity of time or a specific time?
Farther/Further Are you referring to distance or "more"?
If / In case Is it a conditioned action or a precaution?
If only / Only If Is it a regretful wish or a particular condition?
If / Unless Will the desired outcome be favorable or unfavorable?
If / Whether Is it a condition or an alternative?
Indeed / Even Emphasize unexpected or extraordinary details: even, indeed, in fact, even, even though, even if.
Lie / Lay Who is lying down – the subject or the object?
Like / As Are you comparing something to a noun or to a clause?
Little / Few Is the quantity a “count" or a “noncount" noun?
Loose / Lose Is it not tight or gone?
Make / Do Is the action creating or performing?
Most / Most of the Is the quantity or number for an unspecific or specific group?
Much / Many Is it a quantity for a count or a noncount noun?
Much / More Are you increasing the amount of a count or noncount noun?
Rise / Raise Who/What is rising – the subject or the object?
Say / Tell Are you quoting or reporting?
Sit / Set Who/What is sitting – the subject or the object?
So that / So… that Are you stating purpose or emphasizing the quality of something?
Some / Any Is it a quantity in a positive or a negative sentence?
There / Their Is it location, existence or possession? their, there, they're, there's, theirs
Used to/ Be used to Is it a former habit or a habit you are becoming accustomed to?
When / While Is it a simultaneous activity of short or long duration?
RELATED PAGE
Phrasal / Verbs Review charts of two-word verbs–do up, get up, give up, go after, have over, let on, look up, make over, etc.

▼ Writing Practices

Writing Summary Browse a summary of content links to writing practices.
Planning Guide Do the foundation work for writing your paper (pyramid). Take advantage of developmental drafts (first, second, etc.) to improve your writing skills.
Focusing Your Topic Explore possible areas of development and available resources; select a reasonable (do-able) amount for your topic.
Topic & Thesis Create and focus your thesis sentence; select the topic and the controlling idea.
Introductions Examine four types of introductions.
Copyright-Fair Use Understand ethics and fair use; give credit to the work of other people.
Plagiarism Follow strategies for avoiding plagiarism.
Plag Examples Identify plagiarized work from sample paragraphs.
Citing Sources Select a style manual. Review examples of in-text and bibliographic citations.
DragDrop-Book Book MLA Citation Order: practice arranging elements into proper citation order.
Magazine Cit. Prac Magazine MLA Citation Order: practice arranging elements into proper citation order.
Journal Cit. Prac Journal – MLA Citation Order: practice arranging elements into proper citation order.
DragDrop–Newsp Newspaper – MLA Citation Order: practice arranging elements into proper citation order.
Web Citation Prac Web Page – MLA Citation Order: practice arranging elements into proper citation order.
Music Citation Prac Music – MLA Citation Order: practice arranging elements into proper citation order.
Film Citation Prac Film – MLA Citation Order: practice arranging elements into proper citation order.
WebPageEvaluation Separate fact from fiction when selecting online resources.

▼ Grammar Disputes ⇒ You will need to find and expand the "Grammar Notes" arrow on some pages below.

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Keys to SpellingDownload PDF files for use in class. Find phonics, vocabulary, editing, cursive handwriting practice.

Index of Practices and Exercises