They may look alike at first glance, but hyphens (‐), en dashes (–), and em dashes (—) each serve a different purpose in English writing. Used correctly, they help clarify structure, meaning, and tone. Used interchangeably, they can confuse readers or disrupt the flow of your writing. This article explains what makes each punctuation mark […]
Hyphen vs. Dash: Clear Guide to En Dash, Em Dash, and Hyphen Rules Read More »
Quotation marks are small punctuation marks, but they do a big job in writing. Whether you’re sharing someone’s exact words, referring to a title, or showing irony, quotation marks help readers understand what’s being highlighted or referenced. Using them incorrectly, though, can cause confusion or even change the meaning of a sentence. Should the period
Quotation Marks in English Grammar: Rules, Uses, and Examples Read More »
The way a sentence ends is just as important as how it begins. A period, exclamation mark, or question mark not only signals the end of a thought, but it also tells the reader how to interpret it. Each of these punctuation marks has a specific role. A period shows that the sentence is complete
Periods, Exclamation Marks, and Question Marks: End Punctuation Rules Read More »
The comma is one of the most common—and commonly misused—punctuation marks in English. It may look small, but it plays a big role in sentence clarity. A well-placed comma helps separate ideas, avoid confusion, and guide the reader smoothly through your writing. Take this sentence, for example: Let’s eat, Riya.Let’s eat Riya. One tiny comma
Comma Rules in English Grammar: A Clear Guide for Learners Read More »
Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. It’s a basic grammar rule, but one that often causes confusion, especially in longer or more complex sentences. Getting subject-verb
Subject-Verb Agreement in English Grammar: Rules and Examples Read More »
Yes, you can start a sentence with because—as long as the sentence is complete. This word is a subordinating conjunction, which means it connects a dependent clause to a main (independent) clause. Problems only arise when the thought is left unfinished. The idea that you should never begin a sentence with because is a common
Can You Start a Sentence with Because? (Grammar Guide) Read More »
Yes, you can start a sentence with can. It’s a modal verb commonly used to form questions or to express ability, possibility, or permission. In English grammar, sentences that begin with can are often interrogative, especially when asking questions politely or formally. Understanding how can works at the beginning of a sentence will help you
Can You Start a Sentence with Can? (Grammar Guide) Read More »
Yes, you can start a sentence with yet. It’s often used as a conjunction to show contrast—similar to but. When used correctly, starting a sentence with yet can help emphasize a surprising or unexpected result. Although some learners are taught to avoid beginning sentences with conjunctions like yet, it’s grammatically acceptable and commonly seen in
Can You Start a Sentence with Yet? (Grammar Guide) Read More »
You’ve likely seen it in conversations, articles, or even interviews—sentences that begin with so. But is it grammatically correct? Yes, it is. When used properly, so can start a sentence to show the cause, result, or continuation of thought. Although it’s often considered informal, starting with so is acceptable in many types of writing. The
Can You Start a Sentence with So? (Grammar Guide) Read More »
Many learners are told not to begin a sentence with and, especially in school writing. But this advice isn’t a strict rule—it’s more of a stylistic guideline. In modern English, starting a sentence with and is acceptable when used with care. Writers often use and to connect closely related ideas, continue a thought, or add
Can You Start a Sentence with And? (Grammar Guide) Read More »
Yes, you can start a sentence with although. It’s a subordinating conjunction used to introduce contrast or show that something happened despite a certain condition. When used at the beginning, although should be followed by a dependent clause, and that clause must be connected to a main (independent) clause to form a complete sentence. Many
Can You Start a Sentence with Although? (Grammar Guide) Read More »
Yes, you can start a sentence with or, but it should be done with care. Or is typically used to show an alternative, a choice, or a contrast. When placed at the beginning of a sentence, it usually continues an idea from the previous one or offers another possibility. While it’s more common in informal
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