English Grammar Review

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Determiners: `some` and `any`

`some` in Positive Sentences

We generally use `some` (and its compounds like `somebody`, `something`) in positive statements to refer to an indefinite quantity or number.

Examples:

We bought some flowers.
He has some work to do.

`any` in Negative Sentences

We use `any` (and its compounds like `anybody`, `anything`) in negative statements.

Examples:

We didn't buy any flowers.
She went out without any money.

`some` and `any` in Questions

Use `some` when offering or requesting something, or when you expect a 'yes' answer.
Use `any` in most general questions, when you don't know if the thing exists.

Special Uses of `any`

With `if` clauses: Let me know if you need anything.
Meaning "it doesn't matter which": You can take any bus.

Some/Any: Comprehension Check

1. I was too tired to do ___ work.

Correct! `any` is used in negative contexts.

Not quite. "Too tired to do" implies a negative context.

2. Can I have ___ more coffee, please?

Excellent! `some` is used for requests.

Try again. This is a request for something.

3. You can choose ___ color you like, it doesn't matter.

Perfect! `any` is used to mean "it doesn't matter which".

Think again. The key phrase is "it doesn't matter".

Determiners: `no`

Use `no` directly before a noun. It creates a negative sentence with a positive verb.

Example:

There was no bus. (Instead of: There wasn't a bus.)

Pronoun: `none`

Use `none` alone (without a noun) or as `none of...` to refer to zero quantity.

Example:

"How much money do you have?" "None."

Comparing `no`, `none`, and `any`

Notice the different sentence structures.

With `no`: I have no luggage.
With `any`: I don't have any luggage.
With `none`: "How much luggage?" "None."

No/None: Comprehension Check

1. We had to walk home because there were ___ taxis.

Correct! `no` comes before the noun 'taxis'.

Not quite. The verb 'were' is positive, so we need `no` before the noun.

2. "How many mistakes did you make?" "___, it was perfect!"

Yes! `none` is a pronoun that stands on its own.

Incorrect. The answer needs to be a pronoun that can stand alone.

3. I've looked everywhere for my keys, but I can't find them ___.

Right! `anywhere` is used with the negative verb "can't find".

Think again. The sentence already has a negative ("can't"), so we need a form of `any`.

Possessive Adjectives vs. Pronouns

Adjectives (`my`, `her`) go before a noun. Pronouns (`mine`, `hers`) stand alone.

This is her book. This book is hers.

Structure: `a friend of mine`

This structure means "one of my friends". We use a possessive pronoun (`mine`, `yours`, `his`, `hers`, etc.) after `of`.

A friend of mine is getting married. (NOT a friend of me)

Using `own`

We use `own` to emphasize that something belongs to someone, or that they do an action themselves.

I want my own room.

`on my own` vs. `by myself`

Both phrases mean "alone".

I like living on my own. / I like living by myself.

Reflexive Pronouns

These pronouns (`myself`, `yourself`, `himself`, etc.) refer back to the subject of the sentence.

He hurt himself.

Possessives: Comprehension Check

1. Is this cup ___ or his?

Correct! `yours` is a possessive pronoun and can stand alone.

Incorrect. `your` is a possessive adjective and needs a noun after it. `you` is a subject/object pronoun.

2. I met a cousin of ___ at the party.

Perfect! The structure "a cousin of" requires a possessive pronoun like `theirs`.

Not quite. Remember the "a friend of mine" structure.

3. The children entertained ___ with games.

Correct! The subject (children) and object are the same, so we use a reflexive pronoun.

Think again. Who did the children entertain? We need a reflexive pronoun here.

Punctuation: The Basics

Punctuation helps us understand sentences by showing pauses and giving sentences meaning.

. ends a statement. ? ends a question. ! shows strong feeling.

Punctuation: The Comma (,)

The comma is a versatile punctuation mark with several important uses:

Separating items in a list:
She speaks English, Thai, and Spanish.
Before a conjunction joining independent clauses: Use a comma before a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that connects two complete sentences.
He wanted to play outside, but it was raining.
After an introductory phrase or clause:
After finishing his homework, he watched a movie.

Punctuation: Quotes & Semicolons

Quotation Marks (" "): These are used to show the exact words someone said or wrote (a direct quote).
She asked, "What time is it?"
Semicolon (;): This punctuation is stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. It has two main uses:
- To join two closely related independent clauses (complete sentences).
  The sun was setting; the sky turned a brilliant orange.
- To separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.
  The team included: Sarah, the captain; David, the strategist; and Maria, the lead programmer.

Punctuation: Comprehension Check

1. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

Yes! An exclamation mark shows strong feeling.

Incorrect. The sentence expresses excitement or strong feeling.

2. I went to the store and bought apples___ bananas___ and cherries.

That's right! Commas are used to separate items in a list.

Not quite. What punctuation mark do we use to separate items in a list?

3. She said ___ "I'll be there soon."

Correct! A comma is used to introduce a direct quote.

Try again. We need a punctuation mark to separate the speaker from the quote.

4. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

Correct! A semicolon can join two closely related independent clauses.

Incorrect. A comma alone cannot join two independent clauses (this is a comma splice). A semicolon is the correct choice here.

5. I wanted to leave ___ but I was having too much fun.

Correct! Use a comma before a conjunction like 'but' that joins two complete sentences.

Not quite. We need a comma here because two complete sentences are being joined by the conjunction 'but'.

End of Review

Good luck with your studies!

M6 Grammar Review

Jacob M