Grammar and Usage
Master the fundamental grammar rules tested on the ParaPro Assessment
What You'll Learn
The Eight Parts of Speech
Understanding the parts of speech is fundamental to mastering grammar. Every word in English can be classified into one of eight categories based on its function in a sentence.
1. Nouns
Words that name people, places, things, or ideas.
People: teacher, student, Maria
Places: classroom, library, Texas
Things: book, pencil, computer
Ideas: freedom, education, happiness
2. Pronouns
Words that replace nouns to avoid repetition.
Personal: I, you, he, she, it, we, they
Possessive: mine, yours, his, hers, ours
Demonstrative: this, that, these, those
Relative: who, which, that, whom
3. Verbs
Words that express action or state of being.
Action: run, write, teach, learn
Linking: is, am, are, was, were, seem
Helping: have, has, had, will, would
Modal: can, could, may, might, must
4. Adjectives
Words that describe or modify nouns and pronouns.
Size: big, small, tiny, enormous
Color: red, blue, green, yellow
Quality: good, bad, excellent, poor
Number: one, few, many, several
5. Adverbs
Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Manner: quickly, slowly, carefully
Time: now, later, yesterday, soon
Place: here, there, everywhere
Degree: very, quite, extremely, too
6. Prepositions
Words that show relationships between nouns/pronouns and other words.
Location: in, on, at, under, between
Time: before, after, during, until
Direction: to, from, toward, through
Other: of, with, about, for, by
7. Conjunctions
Words that connect words, phrases, or clauses.
Coordinating: and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so
Subordinating: because, although, if, when
Correlative: either...or, neither...nor
8. Interjections
Words that express emotion or sudden feelings.
Surprise: Oh! Wow! Really!
Joy: Yay! Hooray! Yes!
Frustration: Ugh! Darn! Oops!
Greeting: Hello! Hi! Hey!
Subject-Verb Agreement
One of the most common grammar errors involves subject-verb agreement. The subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural).
Basic Rules
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs
The student writes well. (NOT: The student write well.)
2. Plural subjects take plural verbs
The students write well. (NOT: The students writes well.)
3. Compound subjects joined by "and" take plural verbs
Tom and Mary are studying. (NOT: Tom and Mary is studying.)
Tricky Cases to Watch For
Collective Nouns
Words like team, family, group, committee can be singular or plural.
The team is winning. (as one unit)
The team are arguing. (as individuals)
Indefinite Pronouns
Some are singular, some plural, some either.
Singular: everyone, someone, nobody, each
Plural: both, few, many, several
Either: all, some, most, any, none
Phrases Between Subject and Verb
Don't be confused by words between the subject and verb.
The box of crayons is on the table.
The box of crayons are on the table.
Common Grammar Mistakes
As a paraprofessional, you'll need to identify and help correct these common errors in student writing:
1. Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
I went to the store I bought milk.
I went to the store, I bought milk.
I went to the store. I bought milk.
I went to the store, and I bought milk.
2. Sentence Fragments
Because I was tired.
Running down the street.
I went to bed early because I was tired.
The dog was running down the street.
3. Pronoun Agreement Errors
Each student must bring their book.
The team won their game.
Each student must bring his or her book.
The team won its game.
4. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Walking to school, the rain started.
I saw a man with a telescope.
Walking to school, I got caught in the rain.
Using a telescope, I saw a man.
Study Tips for Grammar Success
Daily Grammar Review
Spend 15-20 minutes each day reviewing one grammar rule. Focus on understanding the rule and identifying it in real sentences.
Practice with Real Examples
Look for grammar patterns in books, newspapers, and student writing. The more you practice identifying parts of speech, the easier it becomes.
Error Detection Practice
Practice finding and correcting errors in sample sentences. This is exactly what you'll need to do on the ParaPro test and in the classroom.
Learn the "Why"
Don't just memorize rules - understand why they exist. This helps you explain grammar concepts to students and remember the rules better.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Every word fits into one of eight parts of speech based on its function
- ✓ Subjects and verbs must agree in number (singular/plural)
- ✓ Watch for run-ons, fragments, and modifier errors in student writing
- ✓ Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender
- ✓ Practice daily to build grammar skills and confidence
Related Lessons
Ready for Writing Mechanics?
Now learn about punctuation, capitalization, and spelling rules.
