Introduction to Subjects and Predicates
In this free excerpt from The Basic Cozy Grammar Course, Marie uses simple, visual, and memorable examples to answer the question, “What are subjects and predicates?”
Category: Sentences
How to Make Sentences More Interesting
One of the reasons Marie wanted to make The Basic Cozy Grammar Course was to show how grammar—the technique of speaking and writing—can enhance creativity. We wanted to start the New Year by sharing an excerpt from The Basic Cozy Grammar Course in which Marie shows how knowledge of grammar can help make our sentences more interesting.
What is a Whiz Deletion?
What in the world is a whiz deletion? A way of deleting wizards? Actually, it names something we do all the time in English. Take a peek!
How to find the complement of a copula verb
Thomas shares a trick for finding the subjective complement of copula verbs such as is, are, and am. Simply answer the question WHAT.
A Simple Way to Find an Objective Complement
Thomas shares a simple but powerful trick for identifying objective complements. All you have to do is to ask the question what—twice.
The Beauty of Beginnings
Cozy Grammar recently offered a workshop on three misunderstandings about how we can begin a sentence. Take a peek!
Can You Begin a Sentence with the Word Because?
Jose asks, “It is okay to begin a sentence with the word ‘because?'” Yes! Here’s an explanation from Thomas. Take a peek!
How to Cultivate a Love of Poetry
Aileen S. asks, “Do you have any advice for cultivating a love of poetry?” Here are some helpful suggestions from Thomas. Take a peek!
If a sentence has 2 parts, can it have more than 2 commas?
During a virtual classroom visit, Thomas answered a question about whether a main subject can have more than one word.
How Many Commas Till You Have a Run-On Sentence?
During a virtual classroom visit, Thomas answered a question about how many commas you can have in a sentence before it becomes a run-on sentence.
What is a Main Subject and a Main Predicate?
As the leaves start to turn our thoughts often turn to the coziness of a fire and the warmth of our homes. It’s a great time for getting back to basics. This month we wanted to share how getting back to grammatical basics and understanding main subjects and main predicates can help us in our storytelling.
Should we say “It is I” or “It is me”?
A student recently asked whether it is correct to say “it’s me” or “it’s I.” As Thomas explains, both are right but for different reasons.
Problems with Subject Verb Agreement
George S. asks, “How do I figure out which verb to use in a sentence like this: This is one of those situations that drive or drives me crazy?” Here is the secret to tricky SAT and TOEFL questions on verb agreement.
How to remember what a compound sentence is
Here’s a simple but powerful way to remember what a compound sentence is. Take a peek at this video from Thomas.
Can you end a sentence with a preposition?
Sometimes people teach that you can’t end a sentence with a preposition in English, but as Thomas explains, this simply isn’t true. Here’s why!
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?