The Secret to Using Demonstrative Pronouns
When using the demonstrative pronouns THIS, THAT, THESE, and THOSE, there’s a common mistake that easy to correct. Simply make sure your pronouns point clearly to their antecedents.
Category: Handy Tricks
Do Prepositions Have Their Own Acronym?
In a virtual classroom visit, Thomas shows how making up your own acronym for the four kinds of prepositions can help you remember them.
How to use “myself” correctly in a sentence
Thomas explores a common mistake in using the compound personal pronoun myself and shows an easy way to correct it.
Is HERE an adverb in “Here it is”?
Keri M. writes, “Could you confirm whether HERE or THERE are adverbs in these sentences: “Here it is” or “It is here”? Here’s some guidance from Thomas on expletives in English Grammar.
SAT Tips and Tricks: One of the Students IS or ARE Studying?
Here’s a handy tip for choosing between “One of the students IS studying” vs “One of the students ARE studying.” Now you’ll never get confused!
When to use IS or ARE with prepositional phrases?
Mark K. asks, “When to use IS or ARE with prepositional phrases?” Here’s some guidance from Thomas about prepositions and verb agreement.
Do gerunds always end in ING?
Zion asks, “If gerunds end in ING, is ‘singing’ in ‘My mother is singing’ a gerund?” Here’s some guidance from Thomas about gerunds and participles. Take a listen!
A Trick for Listening Actively and Deeply
Thomas shares a surprisingly potent tip for paying attention to a lecture or speech. It has to do with anticipation.
How To Overcome A Fear Of Writing Assignments or Stories
Dot S. asks, “Do you have any tips for overcoming a fear of writing?” Here Thomas shares a few tips that can be used for writing stories and even assignments.
The Two Parts of Every Sentence
One of the keys to understanding the structure of a sentence is identifying subjects and predicates. But what are these things in the first place?
How to teach have gone vs have went?
Leamon M. from New Orleans asks, “Can I use a plural and a singular together to express an understanding?” Here Thomas explores subject verb agreement, pronoun antecedent agreement, and using the singular and plural together.
What is the Difference between Avocation and Vocation?
Jorge R. from Sacramento asks, “What is the difference between avocation and vocation?” Here’s a simple way to remember that an avocation is a hobby, while a vocation is a calling.
What is the Difference between All Ready and Already?
Lucretia D. from Milwaukee asks, “What is the difference between all ready and already?” Here’s a handy way to remember the difference!
Adopt Vs Adapt Vs Adept
Hakkim A. asks, “What is a simple way keep from getting adopt and adapt confused?” Here Thomas explores adopt vs adapt vs adept, with three simple ways to remember the difference.
What Are Tenses In English Grammar?
Emory B. asks, “What are tenses in English grammar?” Here’s a surprising answer from Thomas and some creative writing activities for exploring tenses in English.
How do we develop writing skills in young people?
Komal V. asks, “How do we develop writing skills in young people?” Here Thomas explores 3 ways to make writing more playful and fun writing activities for kids.