ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: grammar learning

Raen — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:59:13 GMT

Thank you so much GG for taking the time to answer my questions, you have helped me more than you thought.

Nothing spins my head faster than English Gramar. It seems the more I look into it, the more confused I am about the language. The names for every part or function of every part in a sentence can easily overwhelm me, and my brain would stop to function normaly.:( I used to not think about grammar when communicating with others and I was comfortable. It's when I started paying attention to it and consciously applying it did I find myself struggling more in speaking/writing English. And there's a time lap now between constructing what to say in my head and actually saying it. I'm afraid I have to rethink how I learn and find out the best way for me to learn the language. But one way or the other, I'm learning on this forum.

And thanks Anonymous for the links, I will check them out. Thank you.

Raen

Re: grammar learning

Anonymous — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:56:35 GMT

Use these references for terminology:

English Glossary of Grammar Terms
http://www.usingenglish.com/glossary.html

Glossary of Grammatical Terms
http://englishplus.com/grammar/glossary.htm

Glossary of Grammatical Terms
http://www.cs.cf.ac.uk/fun/welsh/Glossary.html

Glossary of linguistic terms
http://www.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/Index.htm

Re: grammar learning

Grammar Geek — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:40:37 GMT

Raen, at times like this I realize just how poorly I chose my nickname here.

What goes from one person to the other is the DIRECT object. The $50.

The person who receives the direct object is the INDIRECT object. The clerk.

I sent a letter to my sister. The letter is the DO, and my sister is the IO.

"exactly how that was done" is, I think a noun phrase serving as the object. Exactly what was done is what I'd like to know. See how it serves as the subject when you turn it around? It's a noun phrase.

I'm sorry, but someone else is going to have to address your second question. I've never seen the value in learning this stuff. I tell my 11 year old that, but then tell her she has to do her homework anyway.

Re: grammar learning

Raen — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:05:08 GMT

Ok, I think it helps.

the clerk--direct object

50--indirect object

correct?

Can I continue with more questions?

Is the underlined part of the sentence adverbial clause or adjective or something else?

"I'd like to know exactly how that was done."

"I find it incredibily easy to misinterpret others' intention when exchanging opinions over the internet."

If also any of you disagree with the placement of underlining please do say so, for I'm not sure exactly what I'm doing, I'm really a beginner in this (grammar).

Thanks

Raen

Re: grammar learning

Grammar Geek — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:21:39 GMT

Raen, if it said "She gave $50 to the clerk" would that help you?

grammar learning

Raen — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:57:10 GMT

II'd be one to admit grammar is never my strong suit but I'm always eager to learn.

I've read thoroughly the thread titled "grammar exercise" regarding noun clause/subordinate clause used as adjective, adverb, indirect object and so forth. I really had to strain my brain to understand it all and I have tons of questions to ask under the same thread but felt that it was not my place to post my questions there.

I just have a few questions to start off:

Using the example I'm giving below, could somebody identify indirect object for me? and likewise, is there such a thing as "direct object" then?

"She gave the clerk 50 dollars."

Thank you

Raen