Even though and although, like despite, in spite of, and albeit, convey contrasting ideas or situations. To use even though and although correctly, we need to add a clause immediately following. A clause always has a subject and a verb. like this: 1. Even though he was tired, he did the dishes. 2. Although… Read more »
Here are some examples of how to use DESPITE and IN SPITE OF. . 1. They continued to work despite their exhaustion. 2. He supported the President’s policy in spite of strong opposition. 3. Despite being told not to take a taxi, he did. 4. In spite of the constant rattling of the trains outside… Read more »
To commemorate National Punctuation Day, here are a few basic rules to live by when you write.1. Don’t use a comma between two independent clauses. You can either end the first sentence with a period or a semicolon if the two sentences have a clear connection.a. They love the beach. Surfing is their main hobby…. Read more »
In this fifth and final post of this GrammarReminder series on reported speech, we’ll look at a conversation between two people and see how both of them report what the other said. For a quick review on how to shift tenses, check out part 1 of this series. . the conversation: Tom: Hi Sue. How’s your new job going? Sue: It’s going really well. There’s a lot to… Read more »
There are a couple of things to remember about using albeit (a conjunction): first, its meaning is similar to even though, although, despite, in spite of, and but, which means it conveys contrasting ideas; second, it’s followed by an adjective, an adverb, or a prepositional phrase; third, it’s usually followed by a negative idea. like this:… Read more »
In this fourth installment of our GrammarReminder series on reported speech, let’s look at how to report questions. There are two main things to remember: first, follow the rules of reported speech outlined in our Sept. 8 post; second, follow the rules of embedding questions–use the question words in information questions, use if or whether… Read more »
Before you look at this lesson, make sure you’ve checked out part 1 and part 2 of this GrammarReminder series to review the rules and see the first set of examples. In this lesson, take note of how the past perfect tense doesn’t change when you report what someone said. Also notice how can becomes… Read more »
If you haven’t yet, please check out part 1 of this GrammarReminder series for a quick introduction to reported speech. In part 2, we’re going to look at some examples of reporting someone’s speech. Take note of how the present tense becomes past tense, the past tense becomes past perfect, the present perfect becomes past… Read more »
Use the past tense after “It’s time someone …,” “It’s high time someone …” or “It’s about time someone …” These expressions mean “the time is now” or “you should do it now.” like this:1. You should come to Miami for spring break. It’s high time you came to visit us.2. He’s currently checking out… Read more »
Alright, everyone. We’re starting a GrammarReminder series on how to report what someone said or wrote. This is called reported speech or indirect speech. Using this grammar point correctly in your writing and speaking shows that your English is at an advanced level. So let’s practice! First, make sure you have a good grasp of the verb… Read more »
