TOOLKIT CONTENTS
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Sentence basics
1. Is this a sentence? The basic structure of an English sentence
2. Should I start a new sentence? Common errors with sentence structure
Verbs
1. Is the tense correct? Verb tenses and their uses in academic writing
2. Agree with or agree on-is this the right preposition? Verbs followed by prepositions
Nouns
1. How many are there? Singular, plural and uncountable nouns
2. A/an, the or no article? Choosing the right article
Punctuation
Academic Style
1. Not using I: Passive and active voice in academic writing
2. Expressing opinions: Tentativeness and certainty
Proof Reading for Grammar Activity
If you prefer to consult the Proof Reading for Grammar Guide in a printable format, use the links below:
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English Grammar in Use-With Interactive E-Book by
The world's best-selling grammar series for learners of English. English Grammar in Use Fourth edition is an updated version of the world's best-selling grammar title. It has a fresh, appealing new design and clear layout, with revised and updated examples, but retains all the key features of clarity and accessibility that have made the book so popular around the world. This edition includes an eBook which has the same grammar explanations and exercises found in the printed book, plus other great features. You can listen to all of the example sentences from the book, record your answers to exercises, highlight text, bookmark pages and add your own personal notes.
WANT TO KNOW MORE about the Passive and Active Voice?
Detailed explanations, examples and a downloadable poster, Purdue OWL
Practical activity Language and Learning Online (Monash University)
Explanation and short quiz (University of Hull)
In most academic work you will be expected to use a neutral, impersonal style of writing. This usually means that you will avoid using ‘I’ (unless you are writing reflectively about your own experiences).
In normal (active) sentences, the subject does something.
*The previous example sounds a little strange. More likely:
The passive is constructed by using
(1) the auxiliary verb ‘be’ and
(2) the -ed form of the verb (also known as the -ed participle)
(1) The form of be will vary according to the tense needed in the sentence, for example:
(2) For most verbs, the -ed participle is formed by simply adding -ed:
However, for a small number of verbs, this will be a slightly different form:
Use a dictionary to check if unsure.
It is also possible to use an active and impersonal voice in your work. Using the active voice can be more direct and easier to understand. Look at the differences between the examples below:
While all of these sentences make grammatical sense, the third example is clear, direct and written in an impersonal style.
To download a PDF copy of the Neutral writing checklist, click the link below.
