Oxford Online English: Key Grammar Rule

Introduction

• Welcome by Daniel from Oxford Online English.
• Aim: Learn an essential grammar rule to improve English, especially in writing.
• Check out the Oxford Online English website for more resources and a level test.

Fundamental Grammar Tip

• Rule: Every sentence should have a subject and a main verb.
• Unless it's an imperative sentence (command), a subject is necessary.
• Each clause should have only one subject and one main verb.
• Common student mistakes, especially in writing, often involve omitting these elements.

Sentence Structure Basics

• The subject should be a noun or noun phrase (e.g., "they," "everybody," "my maths teacher from high school").
• The main verb follows the subject.
• Possible structures:
  • Simple sentence: "They have a nice house."
  • Longer complements: "My maths teacher from high school was good at explaining complicated things."

Common Mistakes and Corrections

• Mistake 1: Missing main verb.
  • Example correction: Add a verb after modal verbs like "will."
• Mistake 2: Two subjects in a clause.
  • Correction: Remove one subject and adjust the sentence.
• Mistake 3: Missing subject.
  • Correction: Add a subject to clarify the meaning.
• Mistake 4: Fragment with extra subjects and verbs.
  • Correction: Split into separate sentences or use punctuation like a semicolon.
• Mistake 5: Multiple unclear subjects and verbs.
  • Correction: Clarify the sentence to match the intended meaning.

Expanding the Basic Rule

• Subjects and verbs can be phrases, leading to complex sentences.
• Example: "Everybody who was at the meeting agreed to change the office dress code."
• Keep track of the structure even if phrases are long.

Empty Subjects: Use of "It" and "There"

• Sometimes needed for sentence structure, not meaning.
• Use "it":
  • For weather, time, distances, situations.
  • Examples: "It’s six thirty," "It’s sunny."
• Use "there":
  • To indicate existence.
  • Examples: "There’s some salad in the fridge."

Subject-Verb Order

• Generally, the subject precedes the main verb.
• Positive sentences: Auxiliary verbs usually stick with the main verb.
• Question Exception: Main or auxiliary verbs come before the subject.
  • Examples: "Are you ready?", "Can you help me?"

Key Takeaways

1. Ensure each clause has a subject and main verb without redundancies.
2. Longer phrases can complicate structure; keep subject and main verb clear.
3. Understand main vs. auxiliary verbs; auxiliary needs a main verb.
4. Familiarize with cases where auxiliary comes before the subject.

Conclusion

• Following these guidelines leads to clearer, better-organized, and more accurate writing.
• Audience encouraged to share tips for grammar improvement.