Onomatopoeia Words: Sound Words
There are some basic types of words present in many of the world’s languages. An intermediate to advanced student of the English language is likely familiar with some of the basic types already. One common type of word is known in English as a “noun” and another kind is known as a “verb.” There is another type of word that is common to many world languages, which students of the English language may find entertaining to learn. The type of word is known as onomatopoeia and is usually a word that actually sounds like what the word represents. Onomatopoeia is a long English word to describe something surprisingly fun and easy for students to understand. A comic book is a common place where a lot of onomatopoeia can easily be found. The word “boom” is one such example. The word can be used both as a noun and as a verb to describe some kind of explosion taking place. Here are some more onomatopoeia words that are relatively common in English writing and conversation.
Zip / Zipper
The word “zip” is commonly used as a verb to refer to the action of zipping a common type of fastener known as a “zipper.” For instance, “He zipped the zipper on his jacket.” The word can also be used to describe fast movement. “The bird zipped past the turtles.”
Splash
The word “splash” is used to describe some of a liquid flying into the air from a larger area of liquid. The word can be used as a noun or a verb. Here is an example: “The puppy made a big splash when it jumped in the pool. A lot of water splashed into the air.”
Clap
The word “clap” you may already know and it is another common onomatopoeia word that sounds like what it describes. When people put their hands together quickly it makes a “clap” sound. When people repeat the sound many times it is called “clapping.” The word can also be used to describe other sounds, such as a loud and quick sound that may be heard when there is lightning in the sky. This is known as a “thunder clap.”
Meow
The word “meow” is one of the many onomatopoeia words that are used to describe the sounds that animals make. The word can be used as a noun or a verb. For instance, “The cat meowed. It was a quiet meow.”
Click
The word “click” is one of the many onomatopoeia words that are used to describe mechanical sounds. “Click” is a rather common word used in modern computing. A person using a computer “clicks” a button on a mouse. The word can be used to describe any action where there is a quick and relatively quiet sound of metal or plastic. Again, “click” can be used as both a noun and a verb. For instance, “I clicked the mouse. It was just one click.”
There are many more fun onomatopoeia words to learn, and hopefully this article has introduced some of the common types.
Showing posts with label Grammar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grammar. Show all posts
Sunday, 13 November 2011
English Grammar Components
English Grammar Components
When you’re learning the English language, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to all the different grammar components. There are so many variables that affect the choice of words, even in everyday conversations. In order to get the most from your English lessons, you’ll need to understand all the different grammatical elements that are used. The following is a listing of some of the most commonly used English grammar components and what each one means.
Pronouns: Personal pronouns will often take the place of a person’s name. There are four different cases of personal pronouns: subjective, objective, genitive, and possessive. Pronouns may also have number, person, or gender attributes. Here are some examples:
Subjective: These are pronouns that are used in the subject of the sentence and include “I,” “you,” “he,” “she,” “it,” “we,” “you,” and “they.” An example of a subjective pronoun used in a sentence is, “I have a book.” In this case, “I” is the subject of the sentence and has taken the place of the speaker’s name.
Objective: These are words that are used as the object of the sentence and include “me,” “you,” “him,” “her,” “us,” “you,” and “them.” An example of an objective pronoun used in a sentence is, “Give her the book.” In this case, “her” is the object of the sentence.
Genitive: These are words that generally used to modify noun phrases. This type of pronoun is also called an “attributive possessive pronoun.” These pronouns include “my,” “your,” “his,” “her,” “our,” and “their.” An example of a possessive adjective is, “This is your book.” In this case, “your” demonstrates ownership of the book without actually giving the name of the owner.
Possessive: These pronouns occur in the object of the sentence and include “mine,” “yours,” “his,” and “hers.” An example of a possessive pronoun is, “This book is ours.” In this case, “ours” shows a more detailed point of ownership of the book.
Participles: Participles are verbs that are used as adjectives and commonly end in “–ed” or “–ing.” A participle expresses a deed or state of action. Since participles are used as verbs, they usually end up modifying nouns and pronouns. The following are two examples of participles in action:
“The crying baby woke up.”
“The burning wood smells good.”
Past participles usually end in “–en,” “-ed,” “-d,” “-t,” and “-n.”
Prepositions: These are words that are used to link one part of a sentence to another. Here’s an example: “The dog slept on the floor.” The preposition in the sentence is the word “on,” which connects the dog to the floor.
Verbs: Verbs are action words. In the sentence, “I caught the ball,” the verb is the word “caught.” Many of these verbs will be spoken, written, and read differently, depending on the choice of nouns or pronouns. If you’re ever stumped, try speaking with someone who is fluent in English. While they may not be able to tell you “why” something is wrong, they can tell you the correct way to conjugate different verb tenses.
It’s not as difficult as you may think to learn English grammar; however, it will take dedication and patience. It’s best to set aside a specific time each day to study – if not, it’s easy to become frustrated and quit.
When you’re learning the English language, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to all the different grammar components. There are so many variables that affect the choice of words, even in everyday conversations. In order to get the most from your English lessons, you’ll need to understand all the different grammatical elements that are used. The following is a listing of some of the most commonly used English grammar components and what each one means.
Pronouns: Personal pronouns will often take the place of a person’s name. There are four different cases of personal pronouns: subjective, objective, genitive, and possessive. Pronouns may also have number, person, or gender attributes. Here are some examples:
Subjective: These are pronouns that are used in the subject of the sentence and include “I,” “you,” “he,” “she,” “it,” “we,” “you,” and “they.” An example of a subjective pronoun used in a sentence is, “I have a book.” In this case, “I” is the subject of the sentence and has taken the place of the speaker’s name.
Objective: These are words that are used as the object of the sentence and include “me,” “you,” “him,” “her,” “us,” “you,” and “them.” An example of an objective pronoun used in a sentence is, “Give her the book.” In this case, “her” is the object of the sentence.
Genitive: These are words that generally used to modify noun phrases. This type of pronoun is also called an “attributive possessive pronoun.” These pronouns include “my,” “your,” “his,” “her,” “our,” and “their.” An example of a possessive adjective is, “This is your book.” In this case, “your” demonstrates ownership of the book without actually giving the name of the owner.
Possessive: These pronouns occur in the object of the sentence and include “mine,” “yours,” “his,” and “hers.” An example of a possessive pronoun is, “This book is ours.” In this case, “ours” shows a more detailed point of ownership of the book.
Participles: Participles are verbs that are used as adjectives and commonly end in “–ed” or “–ing.” A participle expresses a deed or state of action. Since participles are used as verbs, they usually end up modifying nouns and pronouns. The following are two examples of participles in action:
“The crying baby woke up.”
“The burning wood smells good.”
Past participles usually end in “–en,” “-ed,” “-d,” “-t,” and “-n.”
Prepositions: These are words that are used to link one part of a sentence to another. Here’s an example: “The dog slept on the floor.” The preposition in the sentence is the word “on,” which connects the dog to the floor.
Verbs: Verbs are action words. In the sentence, “I caught the ball,” the verb is the word “caught.” Many of these verbs will be spoken, written, and read differently, depending on the choice of nouns or pronouns. If you’re ever stumped, try speaking with someone who is fluent in English. While they may not be able to tell you “why” something is wrong, they can tell you the correct way to conjugate different verb tenses.
It’s not as difficult as you may think to learn English grammar; however, it will take dedication and patience. It’s best to set aside a specific time each day to study – if not, it’s easy to become frustrated and quit.
Common English Prefixes
Common English Prefixes
English has many interesting mechanics for an English language student to use for easier memory and understanding of English words. Many of the words in the English language are actually made of more than one part. Many of these parts are historically documented as having originated in other languages. Knowing what some of these smaller words mean can help a student understand a larger word that begins with the smaller word. The beginning of a word is known in English as a prefix. Here are some common English prefixes and an explanation of each so that you can better understand new words without a dictionary. It should be noted that a dictionary is always good to reference, even when the parts of a word are understood.
Uni
One common example is the prefix “Uni” that is used in many English words. The word is Latin for “One” and essentially is present in words representing an indivisible whole. Here are some of the words “Uni” is used in and also their meanings. “Unity” is a state of indivisible togetherness. “Unison” is singing together in perfect harmony. “Uniform” means that a form is always the same and this is why identical clothing worn by many people in an organization is called a uniform.
Act
Some prefixes are actually a commonly used English word. Here is another prefix used in many common English words. “Act” is a prefix that basically means “to do”, just as the word “Act” when it is used in a normal sentence. Here are some of the words the prefix “Act” is used in and also their meanings. An “Activity” is something to do. “Activity” can also be used when saying that something is happening or being done. “Action” is a word that means doing something. “Activation” means to enable the possibility to do.
Auto
“Auto” is a prefix that essentially means “self.” This is used as a prefix in words for things that are able to be complete by themselves. Here are some words “Auto” is used in and also their meanings. “Automatic” is a word that means something happens without anyone doing something. “Automobile” is a vehicle that moves along without needing to be pulled by a horse. “Autopilot” is a mode in which a plane can fly without a pilot. An “Autobiography” is a biography (story about a person) that is written by the person it is about. See how much easier understanding words can be when you know what the parts mean?
Bene
The prefix “Bene” is used in many English words and essentially means good or positive. Here are some of the common words using the prefix “Bene.” “Benefit” is a word meaning a positive gain or improvement. It can also be used as a word for an event raising funds for an organization, such as a charity. “Benefactor” is a person or organization that gives positive support to another person or organization. “Beneficial” is an adjective describing something that provides a good improvement.
Hopefully this introduction to some of the common prefixes of English words has helped you to better understand new English words you may find along the way.
English has many interesting mechanics for an English language student to use for easier memory and understanding of English words. Many of the words in the English language are actually made of more than one part. Many of these parts are historically documented as having originated in other languages. Knowing what some of these smaller words mean can help a student understand a larger word that begins with the smaller word. The beginning of a word is known in English as a prefix. Here are some common English prefixes and an explanation of each so that you can better understand new words without a dictionary. It should be noted that a dictionary is always good to reference, even when the parts of a word are understood.
Uni
One common example is the prefix “Uni” that is used in many English words. The word is Latin for “One” and essentially is present in words representing an indivisible whole. Here are some of the words “Uni” is used in and also their meanings. “Unity” is a state of indivisible togetherness. “Unison” is singing together in perfect harmony. “Uniform” means that a form is always the same and this is why identical clothing worn by many people in an organization is called a uniform.
Act
Some prefixes are actually a commonly used English word. Here is another prefix used in many common English words. “Act” is a prefix that basically means “to do”, just as the word “Act” when it is used in a normal sentence. Here are some of the words the prefix “Act” is used in and also their meanings. An “Activity” is something to do. “Activity” can also be used when saying that something is happening or being done. “Action” is a word that means doing something. “Activation” means to enable the possibility to do.
Auto
“Auto” is a prefix that essentially means “self.” This is used as a prefix in words for things that are able to be complete by themselves. Here are some words “Auto” is used in and also their meanings. “Automatic” is a word that means something happens without anyone doing something. “Automobile” is a vehicle that moves along without needing to be pulled by a horse. “Autopilot” is a mode in which a plane can fly without a pilot. An “Autobiography” is a biography (story about a person) that is written by the person it is about. See how much easier understanding words can be when you know what the parts mean?
Bene
The prefix “Bene” is used in many English words and essentially means good or positive. Here are some of the common words using the prefix “Bene.” “Benefit” is a word meaning a positive gain or improvement. It can also be used as a word for an event raising funds for an organization, such as a charity. “Benefactor” is a person or organization that gives positive support to another person or organization. “Beneficial” is an adjective describing something that provides a good improvement.
Hopefully this introduction to some of the common prefixes of English words has helped you to better understand new English words you may find along the way.
A Basic Introduction to Adverbs
A Basic Introduction to Adverbs
In the English language, adverbs are words that are used to enhance verbs and other parts of a sentence, excluding nouns. As with prepositions and pronouns, you’ll need to be careful about how you use adverbs. When used properly, they can make your sentences exciting and give them a comfortable pace. Unfortunately, when used incorrectly, they can make your sentence drag, or even appear repetitive. If you’re new to reading and writing in English, you may not be immediately aware of how adverbs affect your sentence structure. As you continue to practice, this is one area where you can look to improve or change your communication style.
Using Adverbs to Enhance Verbs
In many sentences, you’ll want to describe how an individual performed a specific action. This may include conveying how much time it took, the quality of the performance, and so on. For example, you might start out with the sentence “Bob ran to the corner”. You can use any number of adverbs to convey how Bob ran. You could say “Bob quickly ran to the corner”, or “Bob easily ran to the corner”. In the first sentence, “quickly” conveys a sense that Bob could have moved much more slowly. While you may also think that the second sentence conveys the same meaning, consider that “easily” is more likely to mean Bob ran without encountering some difficulty, even if he didn’t go quickly.
Finding Adverbs in a Sentence
There are an infinite number of words that can be used as adverbs. While it isn’t always easy to determine where adverbs are in a sentence, it’s important to try and sort out what these kinds of words are enhancing. In some cases, you can find them just before or just after a verb. You may also find adverbs by looking for words that end in “ly”. Learning to identify these words quickly will help clarify your own spoken and written English.
Avoiding Repetitious Sounds When Using Adverbs
Even though there are many kinds of adverbs in the English language, they can have similar endings. Using too many of them in a sentence or paragraph can make your sentence lag, so it’s important to use them with care. As a general rule of thumb, unless you need to convey some aspect of a verb that’s beyond an ordinary standard, it’s best not to use adverbs. However, if you want to use them to increase your expression, try to find ones that have a different ending or beginning sound.
As you might expect, every language has adverbs and rules for determining how they are used. In English, you can find them in almost any part of a sentence. In some cases, they may even be used to enhance words other than verbs. Perhaps it can be said that when trying to learn how to work with adverbs, it’s best to listen and read as much as possible in English, in order to get a feel for good quality adverb usage, rather than following stringent grammar rules.
In the English language, adverbs are words that are used to enhance verbs and other parts of a sentence, excluding nouns. As with prepositions and pronouns, you’ll need to be careful about how you use adverbs. When used properly, they can make your sentences exciting and give them a comfortable pace. Unfortunately, when used incorrectly, they can make your sentence drag, or even appear repetitive. If you’re new to reading and writing in English, you may not be immediately aware of how adverbs affect your sentence structure. As you continue to practice, this is one area where you can look to improve or change your communication style.
Using Adverbs to Enhance Verbs
In many sentences, you’ll want to describe how an individual performed a specific action. This may include conveying how much time it took, the quality of the performance, and so on. For example, you might start out with the sentence “Bob ran to the corner”. You can use any number of adverbs to convey how Bob ran. You could say “Bob quickly ran to the corner”, or “Bob easily ran to the corner”. In the first sentence, “quickly” conveys a sense that Bob could have moved much more slowly. While you may also think that the second sentence conveys the same meaning, consider that “easily” is more likely to mean Bob ran without encountering some difficulty, even if he didn’t go quickly.
Finding Adverbs in a Sentence
There are an infinite number of words that can be used as adverbs. While it isn’t always easy to determine where adverbs are in a sentence, it’s important to try and sort out what these kinds of words are enhancing. In some cases, you can find them just before or just after a verb. You may also find adverbs by looking for words that end in “ly”. Learning to identify these words quickly will help clarify your own spoken and written English.
Avoiding Repetitious Sounds When Using Adverbs
Even though there are many kinds of adverbs in the English language, they can have similar endings. Using too many of them in a sentence or paragraph can make your sentence lag, so it’s important to use them with care. As a general rule of thumb, unless you need to convey some aspect of a verb that’s beyond an ordinary standard, it’s best not to use adverbs. However, if you want to use them to increase your expression, try to find ones that have a different ending or beginning sound.
As you might expect, every language has adverbs and rules for determining how they are used. In English, you can find them in almost any part of a sentence. In some cases, they may even be used to enhance words other than verbs. Perhaps it can be said that when trying to learn how to work with adverbs, it’s best to listen and read as much as possible in English, in order to get a feel for good quality adverb usage, rather than following stringent grammar rules.
What is Grammar?
What is Grammar?
Grammar is the system of a language. People sometimes describe grammar as the "rules" of a language; but in fact no language has rules*. If we use the word "rules", we suggest that somebody created the rules first and then spoke the language, like a new game. But languages did not start like that. Languages started by people making sounds which evolved into words, phrases and sentences. No commonly-spoken language is fixed. All languages change over time. What we call "grammar" is simply a reflection of a language at a particular time.
Do we need to study grammar to learn a language? The short answer is "no". Very many people in the world speak their own, native language without having studied its grammar. Children start to speak before they even know the word "grammar". But if you are serious about learning a foreign language, the long answer is "yes, grammar can help you to learn a language more quickly and more efficiently." It's important to think of grammar as something that can help you, like a friend. When you understand the grammar (or system) of a language, you can understand many things yourself, without having to ask a teacher or look in a book.
So think of grammar as something good, something positive, something that you can use to find your way - like a signpost or a map.
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