What Is a Gerund? A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun within a sentence. Even though a gerund begins as a verb, it no longer shows action—instead, it names an activity, idea, or experience. This means a gerund can take on the same roles as any other…
Predicate nouns are one of those grammar elements that sound complicated but are actually pretty simple once you see how they work. In this lesson, we’ll explore what predicate nouns are, how to find them in sentences, and how they differ from predicate adjectives. Then, we’ll practice identifying and using them correctly. Grammar Notes: Predicate…
Direct and Indirect Objects What is a Direct Object?A direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb. It answers the question “what?” or “whom?” after the verb. Example: She kicked the ball.→ “The ball” is the direct object (it receives the action “kicked”). What is an Indirect Object?An indirect…
Imperative and interrogative verbs help shape two of the most common sentence types we use every day: giving commands and asking questions. Understanding the difference between them strengthens both writing and communication skills. Imperative verbs tell someone what to do, while interrogative verbs guide us in forming clear, effective questions. In this lesson, students will…
What Are Linking Verbs? Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to additional information about that subject. Instead of showing action, they link the subject to a state of being or description. 🔹 Common Linking Verbs: Forms of to be: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been Seem, become, appear, feel, look, sound,…
The simple past tense is one of the most useful and commonly used verb tenses in English. It allows us to talk about actions, events, or situations that began and ended in the past. Whether describing what you did yesterday, telling a story, or recalling an experience, the simple past helps make your communication clear…
Simple Present Tense Lesson The simple present tense is one of the most commonly used verb tenses in English—and one of the first that every writer and speaker should master. It’s used to describe habits, routines, facts, and universal truths—anything that happens regularly or is always true. Understanding how to form and use the simple…
Grammar Notes: Rules of the Verb “To Be” The verb “to be” shows a state of being or existence. It changes form depending on the subject and the tense. ✅ Present Simple Forms Subject Form Example I am I am a teacher. You are You are my friend. He / She / It is She…
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to create balance and rhythm in writing. They connect equal parts of a sentence, helping writers emphasize relationships between ideas in a smooth, coordinated way. Common pairs like either/or, both/and, and not only/but also bring clarity and variety to sentence structure. In this lesson, students will explore how to use…
Subordinating conjunctions are the secret ingredient that make writing more sophisticated and connected. They link ideas so readers can see how one thought depends on another—showing cause, time, condition, or contrast. Without them, writing can feel flat or disconnected. In this lesson, students will learn how to use subordinating conjunctions to create complex sentences that…