The semicolon is one punctuation mark that could really help show your skills and consequently improve your score, especially in the writing module of the IELTS.
Use a semicolon (;)
1) in between two closely related sentences
Example: Ronnie has five cars; three of them are Subarus.
2) before conjunctive adverbs such as: however, also, besides, indeed, otherwise, therefore, in fact, meanwhile, in addition, consequently, nevertheless, next, still, finally, earlier, naturally, and certainly
Example: There were lots of clothes to choose from; however, she was not in the mood for shopping.
3) in between clauses or phrases that contain many commas
Example: Paolo likes a Mercedez Benz, a BMW, and an Audi; Jon likes a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza, and a Ford Focus; and Alma likes a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and a Honda Pilot.
Here's Paige Carrera also teaching us something about semicolons.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliott for her book book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997 and to Paige Carrera
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
April 27, 2010
April 21, 2010
14 Tips When Using Commas
The comma is a punctuation mark that's frequently used. Take note of the following tips as they will be useful for the writing module of the IELTS.
A comma is used:
1) between a list of words
Example: North, South, East and West.
2) before a conjunction
Example: I went to school, but I was late.
3) to indicate contrast
Example: The cat was brown, not gray, and it was big.
4) in instances where a phrase could be separated with brackets
The car, which I drove, is really fast.
5) in instances where a phrase adds related information.
Example: Doris, the owner of the shop, is easy to approach.
6) in instances where the main clause of the sentence is dependent on the clause before it.
Example: Though I woke up early, I still got caught in traffic.
7) in introductory phrases.
Example: As a rule, only registered members could use the facilities.
8) when there are conjunctive verbs.
Example: Furthermore, he possesses the necessary skills for the task.
9) in instances where you use "for example"(e.g.), "that is" (i.e.), etc.
Example: I'm going to the place where I work best, i.e., the coffee shop.
10) in instances where a pause is required
Example: Whatever happens, just stay calm.
11) to avoid confusion
Example: To Paolo, Jenny gave her last candy.
12) when you address someone by name
Example: So, Genevieve, I'm taking you to the movies.
13) when you quote a direct speech
Example: Then he said, "Please Sir, May I have some more?"
14)when indicating the omission of a word or phrase
Example: Put too much water and the mixture will be weak, [put] too little and it will be strong.
Here's a video by Paige Carrera further discussing how to properly use commas.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot for her book Painless Grammar and to Paige Carrerra
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
A comma is used:
1) between a list of words
Example: North, South, East and West.
2) before a conjunction
Example: I went to school, but I was late.
3) to indicate contrast
Example: The cat was brown, not gray, and it was big.
4) in instances where a phrase could be separated with brackets
The car, which I drove, is really fast.
5) in instances where a phrase adds related information.
Example: Doris, the owner of the shop, is easy to approach.
6) in instances where the main clause of the sentence is dependent on the clause before it.
Example: Though I woke up early, I still got caught in traffic.
7) in introductory phrases.
Example: As a rule, only registered members could use the facilities.
8) when there are conjunctive verbs.
Example: Furthermore, he possesses the necessary skills for the task.
9) in instances where you use "for example"(e.g.), "that is" (i.e.), etc.
Example: I'm going to the place where I work best, i.e., the coffee shop.
10) in instances where a pause is required
Example: Whatever happens, just stay calm.
11) to avoid confusion
Example: To Paolo, Jenny gave her last candy.
12) when you address someone by name
Example: So, Genevieve, I'm taking you to the movies.
13) when you quote a direct speech
Example: Then he said, "Please Sir, May I have some more?"
14)when indicating the omission of a word or phrase
Example: Put too much water and the mixture will be weak, [put] too little and it will be strong.
Here's a video by Paige Carrera further discussing how to properly use commas.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot for her book Painless Grammar and to Paige Carrerra
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
April 12, 2010
10 Ways to use Colons
Use a colon (:)
1) When we give an example
Example:
There's only one book for me: Twilight.
2) When we are about to mention a list
Example:
You need to bring the following: pencil, eraser, ballpen, and paper.
EXCEPTIONS:
- A colon is NOT used if a verb comes before the list.
Example:
The requirements are pencils, erasers, ballpens, and paper.
- A colon is NOT also used if a preposition comes before the list.
Example:
I want to go to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
3) Before subtitles of books, articles, chapters, etc.
Example:
The name of the computer game she likes to play is Sims 2: Double Deluxe.
4) When you express time
Example:
It's 8:00 a.m.
5) In the greeting part of a formal letter or business letter
Example:
Dear Mr. Juan:
6) In literary references between volume and page or between chapter and verse
Example:
Genesis 1:1
7) When it comes to ratios
Example:
The wheel cleaner was diluted 3:1.
8) To indicate dialogue
Example:
Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz: Then no one can stop the wrath of Dr Heinz Doofenshmirtz!
Vanessa: Doctor? Since when are you a doctor?
Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz: [Shows her his certificate] They don't just give these to anybody, you know.
Vanessa: [Looks at certificate's price tag] Anybody with $15, they do...
Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz: [Snatches certificate from her] OK, that's enough looking.
9) Before a long, formal quotation
Example:
John Lennon once said: "Song writing is about getting the demon out of me. It's like being possessed. You try to go to sleep, but the song won't let you. So you have to get up and make it into something, and then you're allowed to sleep. It's always in the middle of the night, or you're half-awake or tired, when your critical faculties are switched off. So letting go is what the whole game is."
10) After words like caution, wanted, or note
Example:
Wanted: Dishwasher
Here's a video from eHow also discussing when to use a colon.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar and to EHow
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
1) When we give an example
Example:
There's only one book for me: Twilight.
2) When we are about to mention a list
Example:
You need to bring the following: pencil, eraser, ballpen, and paper.
EXCEPTIONS:
- A colon is NOT used if a verb comes before the list.
Example:
The requirements are pencils, erasers, ballpens, and paper.
- A colon is NOT also used if a preposition comes before the list.
Example:
I want to go to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
3) Before subtitles of books, articles, chapters, etc.
Example:
The name of the computer game she likes to play is Sims 2: Double Deluxe.
4) When you express time
Example:
It's 8:00 a.m.
5) In the greeting part of a formal letter or business letter
Example:
Dear Mr. Juan:
6) In literary references between volume and page or between chapter and verse
Example:
Genesis 1:1
7) When it comes to ratios
Example:
The wheel cleaner was diluted 3:1.
8) To indicate dialogue
Example:
Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz: Then no one can stop the wrath of Dr Heinz Doofenshmirtz!
Vanessa: Doctor? Since when are you a doctor?
Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz: [Shows her his certificate] They don't just give these to anybody, you know.
Vanessa: [Looks at certificate's price tag] Anybody with $15, they do...
Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz: [Snatches certificate from her] OK, that's enough looking.
9) Before a long, formal quotation
Example:
John Lennon once said: "Song writing is about getting the demon out of me. It's like being possessed. You try to go to sleep, but the song won't let you. So you have to get up and make it into something, and then you're allowed to sleep. It's always in the middle of the night, or you're half-awake or tired, when your critical faculties are switched off. So letting go is what the whole game is."
10) After words like caution, wanted, or note
Example:
Wanted: Dishwasher
Here's a video from eHow also discussing when to use a colon.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar and to EHow
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
April 10, 2010
When to Use Exclamation Points
Exclamation points are used at the end of vigorously energetic or forceful sentences, such as those expressing:
1) Delight
Example: The food here tastes great!
2) Urgency
Example: Be careful!
3) Anger
Example: Back off!
4) Surprise
Example: That's incredible!
5) Distress
Example: Oh no! They're here!
6) Excitement
Example: I have an IPad!
7) Intensity
Example: I like you! I really do!
8) Loud noises:
Example: Zap! Ka-Blam!
9) Strong Commands
Example: Stand down!
While exclamation points could be used as a tool for expression, please remember though that they are not recommended to be used in your IELTS writing module.
Here's a video by Paige Carrera discussing when an exclamation point could be used.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar and to Paige Carrerra
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
1) Delight
Example: The food here tastes great!
2) Urgency
Example: Be careful!
3) Anger
Example: Back off!
4) Surprise
Example: That's incredible!
5) Distress
Example: Oh no! They're here!
6) Excitement
Example: I have an IPad!
7) Intensity
Example: I like you! I really do!
8) Loud noises:
Example: Zap! Ka-Blam!
9) Strong Commands
Example: Stand down!
While exclamation points could be used as a tool for expression, please remember though that they are not recommended to be used in your IELTS writing module.
Here's a video by Paige Carrera discussing when an exclamation point could be used.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar and to Paige Carrerra
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
April 9, 2010
3 Ways of Using Question Marks
When do we use question marks?
1) When you end a sentence that asks a question. That's it, right? Not quite.
There are two more...
2) When you want to express uncertainty or doubt.
Example: Mr. Yuri's feeding program started from 1959 (?) to 1999.
3) Optionally, when you make a polite request.
Example: Would you please hand me the remote? (Note: "Would you please hand me the remote." would be correct too.)
Here's a video by Paige Carrera discussing when a question mark could be used.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot for her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997 and to Paige Carrera
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
1) When you end a sentence that asks a question. That's it, right? Not quite.
There are two more...
2) When you want to express uncertainty or doubt.
Example: Mr. Yuri's feeding program started from 1959 (?) to 1999.
3) Optionally, when you make a polite request.
Example: Would you please hand me the remote? (Note: "Would you please hand me the remote." would be correct too.)
Here's a video by Paige Carrera discussing when a question mark could be used.
Cheers!
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot for her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997 and to Paige Carrera
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
April 6, 2010
4 Ways of Using Periods
We're now going to tackle punctuation rules. Take advantage of these rules for it will help you get high marks especially in the IELTS writing module.
So, when do you use a period?
1) You use a period when ending a complete sentence.
Example: This is a familiar way of using a period.
2) You use a period when it comes to money and percentages. The period in this case is known as a decimal point.
Examples: P2.50 or 99.9%
3) You use a period after initials in people's names.
Example: I read a book written by J.K. Rowling.
4) You use a period when dealing with some abbreviations. Here, consulting your dictionary helps, unless you're sure about a particular abbreviation.
Examples: Jan. (January), Mon. (Monday), Sen. (Senator), lb. (pound), R.P. (Republic of the Philippines), Inc. (Incorporated), etc.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
So, when do you use a period?
1) You use a period when ending a complete sentence.
Example: This is a familiar way of using a period.
2) You use a period when it comes to money and percentages. The period in this case is known as a decimal point.
Examples: P2.50 or 99.9%
3) You use a period after initials in people's names.
Example: I read a book written by J.K. Rowling.
4) You use a period when dealing with some abbreviations. Here, consulting your dictionary helps, unless you're sure about a particular abbreviation.
Examples: Jan. (January), Mon. (Monday), Sen. (Senator), lb. (pound), R.P. (Republic of the Philippines), Inc. (Incorporated), etc.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Other punctuation marks:
Periods
Question Marks
Exclamation Points
Colons
Commas
Semi-colons
Parentheses, Brackets, or Dashes
April 5, 2010
5 Sentence Tips for the IELTS
1) A sentence consists of a group of words, one of which must be a verb. The verb is the action or doing word. The person or thing doing the action is the subject of the sentence. The subject is either a noun or a pronoun. A complete sentence must therefore have a subject and a verb.
2) Complete sentences are also called independent clauses. They are independent because they do not need anything else in order to be a sentence. Dependent clauses, on the other hand, are not complete sentences. They depend on something else to make complete sentences.
3) The difference between a clause and a phrase is that the former has a subject and a verb, while the latter either doesn't have a subject or doesn't have a verb.
4) In the IELTS, be careful of incomplete or fragmented sentences. There are only three instances when fragments could be used.
Cheers!
Next are punctuation tips, starting with those relating to the use of a period.
2) Complete sentences are also called independent clauses. They are independent because they do not need anything else in order to be a sentence. Dependent clauses, on the other hand, are not complete sentences. They depend on something else to make complete sentences.
3) The difference between a clause and a phrase is that the former has a subject and a verb, while the latter either doesn't have a subject or doesn't have a verb.
4) In the IELTS, be careful of incomplete or fragmented sentences. There are only three instances when fragments could be used.
a) Fragments are sometimes used effectively for emphasis.5) Also in the IELTS, make use of compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences if you want high marks.
Example: Jenny thought she heard some birds outside the living room window. She carefully walked to the window and opened it. Yes! She was right.
b) Fragments are also fine if you're writing informal dialogue because fragments are, in fact, a common part of everyday speech.
Example:
Joshua asked, "Bacon for you? I have some I don't want."
"Sure." Andrei replied.
c) Fragments could be used with some exclamations and interjections.
Example:
"Oh, no!" I left my bag!
Cheers!
Next are punctuation tips, starting with those relating to the use of a period.
March 28, 2010
3 Interjection Tips
Here are some tips with regard to interjections
1) Interjections are words that:
2) If the interjection expresses a really strong feeling, it ends with an exclamation point.
Example: Ouch! That hurts!
3) If however the feeling is not that strong, it is set apart from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Example: Ouch, that hurts.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Sentence tips for the IELTS are next.
1) Interjections are words that:
- express a feeling. Examples: wow, ouch, darn
- say yes or no. Examples: yes, no, yep, nope
- call attention: hey, yo
- indicate a pause: well, hmmm, ah
2) If the interjection expresses a really strong feeling, it ends with an exclamation point.
Example: Ouch! That hurts!
3) If however the feeling is not that strong, it is set apart from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Example: Ouch, that hurts.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Sentence tips for the IELTS are next.
March 25, 2010
4 Preposition Tips
Some tips with regard to prepositions.
1) A preposition is a word that shows how a noun or a pronoun relates to another part of a sentence.
2) Prepositions make a big difference to the meaning expressed in a sentence.
Examples:
Dino is walking toward the house.
Dino is walking away from the house.
Dino is walking inside the house.
3) If your sentence still sounds weird despite your attempts to avoid ending your sentence with a preposition, then you may end your sentence with one.
Examples:
A parish priest is someone to whom many people upwardly look. (SOUNDS WEIRD)
A parish priest is someone most people look up to. (SOUNDS BETTER)
4) Finally, in order to avoid having a wordy sentence, never use lots of prepositional phrases.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Interjection pointers are next.
1) A preposition is a word that shows how a noun or a pronoun relates to another part of a sentence.
2) Prepositions make a big difference to the meaning expressed in a sentence.
Examples:
Dino is walking toward the house.
Dino is walking away from the house.
Dino is walking inside the house.
3) If your sentence still sounds weird despite your attempts to avoid ending your sentence with a preposition, then you may end your sentence with one.
Examples:
A parish priest is someone to whom many people upwardly look. (SOUNDS WEIRD)
A parish priest is someone most people look up to. (SOUNDS BETTER)
4) Finally, in order to avoid having a wordy sentence, never use lots of prepositional phrases.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Interjection pointers are next.
March 24, 2010
Conjunction - What's Your Function?
Here are some tips about Conjunctions.
1) A conjunction is a word that joins words or groups of words.
2) Some examples of conjunctions: and, but, yet, for, so, or, because.
3) As a general rule, avoid starting a sentence with a conjunction.
Exception: You may start a sentence with a conjunction to create effective emphasis and provided that you don't do it often.
Example: Alma guessed that Jon was the person who knocked at the door. And she was right!
4) Also, as a general rule, avoid using a comma every time you see a conjunction.
Exception: You could use a comma before a conjunction that introduces an independent clause.
Example: Paolo went to park, and Lougene went to the mall.
5) Finally, don't overuse the conjunctions "and" and "so" in a sentence or paragraph.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Preposition tips are next.
1) A conjunction is a word that joins words or groups of words.
2) Some examples of conjunctions: and, but, yet, for, so, or, because.
3) As a general rule, avoid starting a sentence with a conjunction.
Exception: You may start a sentence with a conjunction to create effective emphasis and provided that you don't do it often.
Example: Alma guessed that Jon was the person who knocked at the door. And she was right!
4) Also, as a general rule, avoid using a comma every time you see a conjunction.
Exception: You could use a comma before a conjunction that introduces an independent clause.
Example: Paolo went to park, and Lougene went to the mall.
5) Finally, don't overuse the conjunctions "and" and "so" in a sentence or paragraph.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Preposition tips are next.
March 22, 2010
8 Adverb and Adjective Pointers
1. Many adverbs are formed by adding "-ly" to the adjective.
Examples: slowly, mildly, quietly
2. Some words can either be adjectives or adverbs depending on the manner they are used.
Example: "high"
3. Some adverbs have two (2) forms: one which has "-ly" added to it, and the other without the "-ly". The two 2 forms have different meanings.
Example: "late"
4. Some adverbs don't even have a "-ly" form.
Examples: long, fast, early
5. Some adjectives have "-ly" added to it.
Examples: hourly, lovely, early
6. Adverbs are used with action verbs; adjectives are used with linking verbs.
Examples:
7. With regard to adjectives that compare:
a. Just add "-er" and "est" for some short adjectives
Example: big, bigger, biggest
b. Use "more" and "most" or "less" and "least" when it comes to some longer adjectives and adverbs.
Example:
c. Note the irregular adverb and adjectives.
Examples:
d. Some adjectives are already superlative.
Examples: first, only, perfect
8. Where you place the adverb affects the meaning of the sentence.
Examples:
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Conjunction tips are next.
Examples: slowly, mildly, quietly
2. Some words can either be adjectives or adverbs depending on the manner they are used.
Example: "high"
- The cat climbed up a high tree. ("high" used as an adjective)
- The bird flew high in the sky. ("high" used as an adverb)
3. Some adverbs have two (2) forms: one which has "-ly" added to it, and the other without the "-ly". The two 2 forms have different meanings.
Example: "late"
- He arrived late.
- Lately, he couldn't seem to be on time for anything.
4. Some adverbs don't even have a "-ly" form.
Examples: long, fast, early
5. Some adjectives have "-ly" added to it.
Examples: hourly, lovely, early
6. Adverbs are used with action verbs; adjectives are used with linking verbs.
Examples:
- He speaks clearly. ("speaks" is an action verb)
- Angel and Bea are hungry ("are" is a linking verb)
7. With regard to adjectives that compare:
a. Just add "-er" and "est" for some short adjectives
Example: big, bigger, biggest
b. Use "more" and "most" or "less" and "least" when it comes to some longer adjectives and adverbs.
Example:
- beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful
- skillful, less skillful, least skillful
c. Note the irregular adverb and adjectives.
Examples:
- badly, worse, worst
- bad, worse, worst
d. Some adjectives are already superlative.
Examples: first, only, perfect
8. Where you place the adverb affects the meaning of the sentence.
Examples:
- We only rode the cab.
- We rode only the cab.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Conjunction tips are next.
March 19, 2010
6 Verb Pointers
Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to verbs.
Well, for a review, a verb is a word that shows action or a state of being.
Now that we're reminded of what a verb is, here are the tips:
1) Be consistent with tenses.
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Adverb and Adjective Pointers are next.
Well, for a review, a verb is a word that shows action or a state of being.
- action: sing, dance, hop
- state of being: feel, seem, appear
Now that we're reminded of what a verb is, here are the tips:
1) Be consistent with tenses.
Examples:2) With regard to infinitives (a verb with the word "to" ahead of it), remember not to put lots of words between the "to" and the verb, otherwise you risk confusing your reader.
- Paolo stood up and drops his sandwich. (WRONG: stood - past tense; drops - present tense)
- Paolo stood up and dropped his sandwich. (CORRECT: stood - past tense; dropped - past tense)
Examples:3) Use the active voice most of the time. You could use the passive voice when:
- Genevieve wants to quickly and rapidly, without loss of precious and valuable time, finish the race. (CONFUSING)
- Genevieve wants to quickly and rapidly finish the race without loss of precious and valuable time. (BETTER)
- the doer of the action is not important or is not known4) Gerunds (verbs ending in "ing") are usually used with possessive nouns or pronouns.
- Example: Classes are cancelled today! (Students don't usually bother to know who made the announcement.)
- you want to be polite
- Example: Your request was not granted. (Instead of saying, "We did not grant your request.")
- emphasis should be given on the thing being talked about
- Example: A check will be given to the winner of the Megalotto. (Instead of saying, "The winner will receive the check.")
- writing in an impersonal, scientific manner
- Example: The test samples were organized into three groups. (Instead of saying, "My classmate and I organized the test samples into three groups.)
5) Use the subjunctive mood in "what if" or "if only" sentences, or for suggestions, commands, urgency, and recommendations.
- Example: Bea likes my eating spicy food. ("Bea likes me eating spicy food." is not correct).
Examples:6) Be careful of irregular verbs. While some follow a pattern, others do not.
- If Angel were to win the Lotto, what do you think she would buy?
- I humbly suggest that we take the second option immediately.
Examples of those that follow a pattern:There are many other similarly situated irregular verbs, That's why we have to be careful of these things in the IELTS.
- blow - blew - blown
- grow - grew - grown
Examples of those that don't follow a pattern:
- drink - drank - drunk
- sink - sank - sunk
- BUT for "think"... it's not "think" - "thank" - "thunk"; it's rather think - thought - thought
Attribution to Rebecca Elliot and her book Painless Grammar (c) 2006, 1997
Adverb and Adjective Pointers are next.
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