English cheat sheet

Clause structure

A complete declarative clause generally contains a subject and a finite verb. Objects and complements depend on the verb.

The student explains the result.

Tense and aspect

Tense locates a situation in time; aspect describes how it is viewed, such as ongoing or connected to a later time.

I studied. / I am studying. / I have studied.

Articles

Use a/an for an indefinite singular count noun and the when the referent is identifiable in context.

a result → the result we discussed

Agreement

A finite present-tense verb normally agrees with its subject. An intervening plural noun does not change the head subject.

The box of cards is on the table.

Claim, evidence and explanation

A claim states your interpretation. Evidence supplies relevant details; explanation shows how those details support the claim. A quotation or example cannot do the reasoning on its own.

After an example, explain the particular word, feature or relationship that matters to your argument.

Sentence boundaries

An independent clause can stand as a sentence. Joining two independent clauses with only a comma creates a comma splice in standard formal writing.

The experiment ended; the team checked the results. A full stop or an appropriate conjunction can also work.

Active and passive voice

In an active clause, the subject typically performs the action. In a passive clause, the affected participant becomes the subject; the agent can be expressed or omitted.

The team analysed the sample. → The sample was analysed by the team.

Audience and register

Vocabulary, tone, detail and structure should suit your purpose and audience. Formality is a choice among appropriate alternatives, not a requirement to use the longest words.

A scientific method section and a message to a friend organise information differently.

Worked example: language analysis

In the original sentence “The door slammed behind her”, slammed suggests a forceful, abrupt action. An analysis should connect that specific verb to a plausible effect in the passage.

Avoid claiming that a single word makes every reader feel exactly the same emotion.

Common mistake: every noun takes a or an

A/an normally introduces a singular count noun. Many mass nouns need a different construction when you want to count an item.

a piece of information, not “an information”; two suggestions, not “two advices” in standard usage.

Check your understanding

Repair this comma splice: The rain stopped, we left.

For example: “The rain stopped, so we left.” A full stop or semicolon can also join the ideas appropriately.

Curriculum connections

Sources