Run-on sentences are one of those grammar issues that sneak into student writing when ideas are flowing faster than punctuation. Students often know what they want to say, but their sentences forget to stop. The result? Writing that feels rushed, confusing, or overwhelming to read. The good news: run-on sentences are easy to fix once…
Once students understand compound sentences and complex sentences, it’s time to level up. Enter the compound-complex sentence — the multitasker of the grammar world. A compound-complex sentence combines coordination and subordination, which sounds intimidating but is actually very logical. In this lesson, I walk students through the structure step by step, practice together, and then…
At some point, students realize that short, simple sentences can only take their writing so far. If everything sounds choppy or underdeveloped, it’s usually because they haven’t mastered complex sentences yet. Complex sentences allow writers to explain why, when, because, and although ideas happen. They help students move from basic statements to more thoughtful, connected…
At some point, every student starts writing sentences that feel… stuck. Choppy. Short. Like they’re afraid to talk to each other. That’s usually the moment I introduce compound sentences. Compound sentences help students connect ideas that belong together — without creating run-ons or comma disasters. Once students understand how they work, their writing immediately becomes…
Independent and dependent clauses are one of those grammar topics that quietly shape everything students write—yet they’re often misunderstood. Once students grasp the difference, sentence structure suddenly makes sense: fragments disappear, commas become purposeful, and writing flows more clearly. In this lesson, I break independent and dependent clauses down in a way that’s simple, practical,…
Adverbial phrases are one of those grammar concepts students already use constantly—they just don’t know the name yet. When students write phrases like in the morning, with great care, or after the game, they’re already working with adverbial phrases. This lesson helps students recognize, understand, and confidently use adverbial phrases to make their writing clearer…
Predicate adjectives sound fancy, but students usually understand them quickly once they see how they work. These adjectives don’t sit next to the noun like most adjectives do. Instead, they appear after a linking verb and describe the subject from the other side of the sentence. Once students learn to spot linking verbs, predicate adjectives…
Participles are one of those grammar concepts students use all the time without realizing it. They show up in descriptions, actions, and sentence variety — especially when students are trying to make their writing sound more vivid. In this lesson, I break participles down into clear, manageable rules, show students how they actually function in…
Prepositional phrases are one of those grammar concepts students use all the time — without realizing it. They quietly add detail, description, and clarity to sentences by telling us where, when, how, or which one. In this lesson, I break prepositional phrases down into simple parts, show students how to spot them quickly, and give…
Some grammar rules feel like they belong in a dusty museum. But active vs. passive voice is not one of them—it’s a powerhouse tool for clarity, confidence, and strong writing. Today’s lesson helps students understand the difference between who is acting and who is being acted upon, and why that distinction matters for effective communication….