Suffixes are always added to the end of a word. We use them all the time to change a word’s meaning. Suffix categories are different than prefix categories. The four categories are: noun suffixes, adjective suffixes, verb suffixes, and adverb suffixes. Noun Suffixes Noun suffixes create a noun from a different part of speech. Generally speaking, nouns fall into these categories: person, place, or thing. Teach is a verb. Add the suffix /er/ and you have a person, a teacher. Bake is a verb. Add the suffix /ery/ and now you have a place, a bakery. Create is a verb. Add the suffix /tion/ and creation is a thing that…
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SPaG
SPaG is writer shorthand for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. It is the most basic level of revision. Most word programs have built in spell and grammar checks. They may even alert you to punctuation errors such as not using a question mark where you need one. Spelling Let’s look at spelling first. You may think spellcheck is your friend. Beware! Unfortunately your computer cannot distinguish between rode and road; sink and synch; or weight and wait. It is your job to proofread for meaning. The English language has hundreds of homophones, words that sound alike but are spelled differently. If you’re unsure of proper spelling look it up! Some homophones…
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How to use Apostrophes
Apostrophes have two main functions. They are used to show a relationship where one thing belongs to another. They are also used in contractions when two words are pushed together and a letter or two are left out. Apostrophes and Possessives Do you ever wonder why some non-native speakers have such a colorful way of expressing themselves? English speakers are a lazy lot. If there is a way to shorten something, we’ll do it. Instead of saying, The book that belongs to Mary is on the table, English speakers say, Mary’s book is on the table. The apostrophe s is shorthand for belongs to. Let’s try another one. After school…
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Subject Verb Agreement
What is subject verb agreement? It’s when you use the correct form of the verb. Simply put, singular nouns take a singular verb. Plural nouns take a plural verb. Most of us unconsciously choose the correct verb form. For instance we say, Mary needs a ride. But if we are talking about more than one person we would say, Alex and Jordan need a ride. See the difference? Things get tricky when using indefinite pronouns and collective nouns. Indefinite Pronouns and subject verb agreement Subject verb agreement with indefinite pronouns can be a challenge. An indefinite pronoun is one that does not refer to a particular person, amount, or thing.…
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Sentence Basics
Three Kinds of Sentences A complete sentence is writing’s basic building block. Remember when Goldilocks broke into the three bears’ house and ate their porridge? One bowl was too hot. One bowl was too cold. And one bowl was just right. Sentences are like that. Fragments are too short. Run-on sentences are too long. Complete sentences are just right. What is a Complete Sentence? A complete sentence has a subject, a verb, expresses a complete thought, and has proper punctuation. It can be as simple as Alex sings, or as complex as Alex sings loud enough to drown out the fist fight in the next room. In both cases,…
