YUNOVA · English Grammar
Module 12: Precision and style
Advanced use of articles
Key points
- Use a/an for one non-specific thing and the for something specific or already known.
- No article is used with general plural or uncountable nouns: Water is essential.
- Unique things and superlatives take the: the sun, the best answer.
Common phrasal verbs
Key points
- A phrasal verb is a verb plus a particle with a new meaning, such as give up.
- Some phrasal verbs are separable: turn the light off or turn off the light.
- Learn phrasal verbs in example sentences, not as isolated words.
Parallel structure and dangling modifiers
Key points
- Parallel structure keeps listed items in the same grammatical form.
- A dangling modifier has no clear word in the sentence to describe.
- Fix it by naming the doer right after the modifier.
Formal and informal register
Key points
- Formal register avoids contractions, slang and very casual phrases.
- Informal register suits friends and casual messages.
- Match your register to the reader and the situation.