We consider grammar to be tricky if it trips up multiple kids on a regular basis. We consider it to be important to help kids master these tricky bits because they form a solid foundation for solid writing, punctuation, and communication. Just what are these tricksters?
Tricky Grammar
We find confusion about these points of grammar all the time!
- Nouns: It sounds simple to tell them to just capitalize the proper nouns. But, they need to recognize the proper nouns before they can do that. And while we’re at it, what makes a noun an abstract noun? For that matter, what makes a noun not an abstract noun?
- Linking verbs: What is the verb in “Sally is unhappy?” It isn’t Sally. It isn’t unhappy. It must be is. But, how does Sally is? Enter the state of being, linking verb, to be.
- Transitions: They know you can join “stuff,” but which transition goes with which stuff? And with so many transition words, how do they decide which is best?
- Possessive pronouns: What about the apostrophe?
- Prepositions: How do they recognize one of these tricky indicators of relative time and position? Why do they matter?
Resources
We find that Grammar Girl’s The Ultimate Writing Guide for Students by Mignon Fogarty lays it all out and does an excellent job if you’re curious and want to tackle it on your own. If you get stuck, let us know via our Contact Form.