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Hidden Grammar Rules in English Most of us use the English language on a daily basis without even realizing that it follows a complex set of hidden grammar rules. From sentence structures to verb tense usage, English has a variety of unique characteristics that make it a challenging language for non-native speakers to master. In this article, we will explore some of the lesser-known grammar rules that even native speakers may be unaware of.
1. The Oxford comma: The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is used in lists of three or more items. It is placed after the second-to-last item in the list before 'and' or 'or'. For example, in the sentence "I will have coffee, tea, and orange juice," the Oxford comma is the one after 'tea'. Although its use can be debated, it can help avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in writing.
2. The subjunctive mood: The subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, or suggestions. It is often indicated by the use of the word 'if' and the verb 'were' instead of 'was'. For example, instead of saying "If I was rich, I would travel the world”, it should be “If I were rich, I would travel the world.” This use of the verb 'were' applies to all persons and is not affected by the subject of the sentence.
3. The gerund vs. the participle: The gerund and participle may look similar, but they have different functions. A gerund is a verb form ending in '-ing' that acts as a noun, whereas a participle is a verb form ending in '-ing' or '-ed' that acts as an adjective or forms part of a continuous tense. For example, in the sentence "Watching TV is my favorite hobby", 'watching' is a gerund, while in the sentence "The barking dog woke me up," 'barking' is a present participle.
4. The conditional tense: The conditional tense is used to talk about hypothetical situations and their consequences. It is formed by using 'if' and the base form of the verb ('would', 'could', 'should', 'might', etc.). For example, in the sentence "If I had more time, I would finish my book," the conditional tense is the use of 'would' after 'I had more time'.
5. The reflexive pronoun: The reflexive pronoun is used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same. It is formed by adding '-self' or '-selves' to the usual personal pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, themselves). For example, "I hurt myself" or "He cut himself." It is important to distinguish between the use of reflexive pronouns for emphasis and their use as a grammatically correct sentence structure. In conclusion, English grammar is much more complex than it may seem at first glance. These hidden grammar rules add an extra layer of complexity that can be difficult to master, even for native speakers. By being aware of these less well-known grammar rules, we can become more proficient in expressing ourselves clearly and effectively in writing and speech.