Part 6: Identifying Grammar Errors

Grammar: Word Order

There are basically two types of languages. In one type most words are inflected or changed to indicate the meaning in the sentence. In languages such as Latin, word order does not matter. However, in English, by changing the order of the words we can change the meaning or make our meaning unclear or even humorous.

• There are several points to consider when looking at sentence order. The first learned basic structure is still important:

  Subject	Verb	Object	Subject	Verb	Object
  The man	bit	the dog.	The dog	bit	the man.

  Obviously, the two sentences convey a drastically different meaning. In the first, we might picture a crazy person, or might think the dog was a hot dog. Perhaps we might laugh at the mistake and understand the true meaning. However, it is important to be aware of proper order.

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  Of course, there are times when we do reverse the order, often for dramatic reasons like the example on the previous handout.

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  Also, be sure too review the information on Pronoun antecedent agreement. (See the previous handout on Relative pronouns.)

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  Adverbs are often used in different locations. While they are commonly used after verbs, they can also be used before adjectives and can even be used at the beginning of a sentence, linking it to a previous sentence:

  • The class had a major test Friday. Afterwards, we all went out for a drink.

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  Also, adverbs may be found in some sentences at the beginning, middle or end. Often two or all three places make sense:

  • Never have I seen such a difficult test.
  • I have never seen such a difficult test.

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  Adjectives usually follow a specific order. We usually start with quantity, then a visual description followed by a material description.

Quantity (with counter if necessary)	Description, size, condition, etc.	Color, style, etc.	Manufacturer or source	Contents or substance	Application, use, etc.	The described noun
One	itsy-bitsy, teeny-weenie	yellow, polka dot	.	.	.	bikini
500 grams	farm fresh	.	American	organic	roasting	chicken
1/2 ounce	14K	rose	South African	.	.	gold

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But, of all the handouts we have studied in this section, in this one I have to say that it is best to fly by the seat of your pants. There are many rules, but often you get a feeling for what is right - or just sounds better. Again, extensive reading and extensive listening can help more than memorizing many rules.

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A/B/C/D

See notes for information on navigating, links, copyright (my own as well as any possible inadvertant infringement on my part) and photo usage, etc.

TOEIC is the registered trademark of Educational Testing Service.

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Fly by the seat of your pants comes from the aviation world. It means to do something by instinct, going on feel and not based on rules or instruments. Return

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