Punctuation and Grammar: The English Language for Natives from Udemy

This English Language course, aimed at natives, includes the following:

Downloadable lectures (via the Udemy App) on grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric (British teacher, 20 years' experience)
Advanced lectures on how to identify and use determiners, nouns, verbs, conjunctions, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, commas, colons, semicolons, apostrophes, hyphens, and rhetorical devices
196-page ebook that contains supplementary exercises on the above-mentioned themes. The ebook uses excerpts from Frankenstein (Mary Shelley), 1984 (George Orwell), Animal Farm (George Orwell), and Lord of the Flies (William Golding) to test your understanding of the role that phrases, clauses, and parts of speech play in punctuation and rhetoric.
An analysis of the punctuation guidelines for academic English and for literature
An analysis of the range of phrases and clauses that all writers use, including absolute phrases, participle phrases, appositives, gerund phrases, to-plus-infinitive phrases, adjectival phrases, adverbial phrases, subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and main clauses.
An analysis of a variety of literary devices that writers use, including alliteration, assonance, oxymoron, anaphora, epistrophe, anadiplosis, chiasmus, antimetabole, epanalepsis, mesodiplosis, and many more.
All questions answered promptly (within 24 hours) in the Q and A section
Lifetime membership (more lessons and resources added every month)

By the end of the course, you will be able to identify and explain the wide variety of phrases, clauses, and literary devices found in literature. Armed with a precise understanding of sentence structure, you will develop not only a keen appreciation of the skill required to compose a work of fiction, but also a deep understanding of how to use the very same skills in your own written work.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to identify and use the parts of speech confidently and correctly
How to identify and use the different types of phrase and clause
How to identify and employ different rhetorical devices, not only in your writing, but also in your speech

How to enhance and expand both your grammar and your vocabulary
How to express yourself with more variety, clarity, and originality

How to identify and use the parts of speech confidently and correctly
How to identify and use the different types of phrase and clause
How to identify and employ different rhetorical devices, not only in your writing, but also in your speech
How to enhance and expand both your grammar and your vocabulary
How to express yourself with more variety, clarity, and originality

Syllabus

Students will understand how the course works

How to use this course

How to identify and use determiners and pronouns

Determiners and Countability

Please choose the correct answer:

Please identify the parts of speech from the sentence from 1984 (George Orwell):

Please identify the function of each word:

Please choose the answer that would be best for 'academic English':

Please find the finite verbs and their corresponding subjects (doers) in the following sentences:

Please punctuate the following sentences:

Please answer the following questions:

Please choose the correct answer

Please identify the parts of speech in this exert from 1984:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores advanced grammar and punctuation concepts, which are useful for professional writers and editors seeking to refine their skills

Includes a 196-page ebook with excerpts from classic literature, providing practical exercises to reinforce understanding of grammar and rhetoric

Analyzes punctuation guidelines for academic English and literature, which is helpful for students and academics

Examines a wide array of literary devices, which can enhance creative writing and analytical skills

Covers GMAT sentence correction questions, which is useful for learners preparing for standardized tests

Requires familiarity with classic literature, which may pose a challenge for learners unfamiliar with the selected texts

Reviews summary

Comprehensive english grammar and punctuation deep dive

According to learners, this course offers a clear and comprehensive deep dive into English grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, specifically designed for native speakers. Students appreciate the thorough explanations and find the supplementary ebook and practice exercises to be valuable resources for reinforcing concepts. The instructor is highly praised for being responsive and helpful in the Q&A section. However, some reviewers note that the focus on literary examples and rhetorical devices might feel less practical for those primarily seeking to improve business writing skills, suggesting it may be better suited for learners with academic or literary interests. The course content can be dense at times, requiring careful attention.

Instructor provides quick and helpful support.

"The instructor is very responsive in the Q&A. Highly recommend..."

"The Q&A section is genuinely helpful; the instructor replies quickly with clear answers."

"Instructor engagement is top-notch."

"The Q&A response time is impressive."

Supplementary ebook is essential for practice.

"The explanations are incredibly clear and the exercises in the ebook are well-designed and challenging..."

"A very comprehensive course... The ebook is a fantastic resource."

"The practice exercises are essential for reinforcing the concepts."

"Solid course for improving writing. Covers all the bases. The ebook is very useful for practice."

Course explanations are detailed and clear.

"The explanations are incredibly clear and the exercises in the ebook are well-designed and challenging, using real literary examples which I loved."

"Excellent deep dive into English grammar... The instructor's explanations are thorough."

"Fantastic course! I've taken other grammar courses, but none have gone into this level of detail while remaining understandable."

"The explanations are crystal clear, even for complex topics like absolute phrases and subjunctive mood."

Course content can feel dense or fast.

"A very comprehensive course... The pace can be a bit fast at times..."

"The content is good, but it's very dense. It feels like it's geared more towards someone studying linguistics or literature..."

"The lectures are informative, although sometimes a bit dry. I appreciate the depth, but it might be overwhelming for some."

Literary focus less practical for some.

"It feels like it's geared more towards someone studying linguistics or literature rather than just needing better business writing skills. Some of the examples from classic literature are a bit complex..."

"Too much focus on literary examples and complex analysis. I just wanted to learn how to use commas correctly in emails and reports. This course is not practical for everyday business writing."

"While the content on grammar is thorough, the literary analysis and rhetorical devices feel out of place for a general grammar course... less directly applicable to my professional writing needs."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Punctuation and Grammar: The English Language for Natives with these activities:

Review Parts of Speech

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Strengthen your understanding of the fundamental building blocks of sentences before diving into more complex concepts.

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Review definitions and examples of each part of speech.
Complete online quizzes to test your knowledge.
Identify parts of speech in sample sentences.

Read 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves'

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Reinforce your understanding of punctuation rules through an engaging and entertaining read.

View The Man That Got Away on Amazon

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Read a chapter each week.
Note down key punctuation rules and examples.
Reflect on how these rules apply to your own writing.

Punctuation Exercises

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Solidify your understanding of punctuation by completing regular practice exercises.

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Find online punctuation quizzes and worksheets.
Focus on areas where you struggle.
Review the correct answers and explanations.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

The Elements of Style

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Improve your writing style and grammar by studying this essential guide.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read a section of the book each week.
Apply the principles to your own writing.
Refer to the book when you have questions about grammar or style.

Write and Punctuate a Short Story

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Apply your knowledge of grammar and punctuation by writing a short story, paying close attention to sentence structure and clarity.

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Brainstorm ideas for your story.
Write a first draft, focusing on the plot and characters.
Revise your draft, paying close attention to grammar and punctuation.
Proofread your story carefully before sharing it.

Tutor a Student

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Reinforce your understanding of grammar and punctuation by helping another student who is struggling with the material.

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Offer to tutor a classmate or friend.
Review grammar and punctuation concepts with them.
Provide feedback on their writing.

Create a Grammar Guide

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Deepen your understanding of grammar by creating a comprehensive guide that explains key concepts and rules.

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Choose a specific grammar topic to focus on.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Write clear and concise explanations.
Include examples and practice exercises.
Share your guide with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Punctuation and Grammar: The English Language for Natives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Copy Editor

A Copy Editor ensures written materials are clear, accurate, and consistent. They meticulously review text for errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style. A strong understanding of phrases, clauses, and literary devices is essential for a Copy Editor to effectively refine and polish written content. This course provides a deep dive into these elements, offering practical exercises and examples drawn from classic literature. By learning to identify and correct errors in sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar, one who wishes to become a Copy Editor can ensure that written materials meet the highest standards of quality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copy Editor

English Teacher

English Teachers educate students on the English language, literature, and composition. A thorough understanding of grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric is essential for this role, often requiring a master's or doctoral degree. This course provides specific and detailed instruction in these areas, with examples drawn from classic literature. By mastering the nuances of sentence structure, punctuation, and rhetorical devices, the English Teacher can effectively convey these concepts to their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for English Teacher

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates user manuals, how-to guides, and other documentation to help people understand complex information. A mastery of grammar and punctuation helps provide clarity. This course provides a solid foundation in English grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, with specific attention to the nuances of sentence structure and the correct usage of various parts of speech. The exercises and examples from well known books will assist the Technical Writer in clearly and concisely conveying complex information, ensuring that technical documents are both accurate and easy to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Lexicographer

Lexicographers compile and edit dictionaries. This role requires detailed knowledge of grammar, etymology, usage, and language history, often requiring an advanced degree. The in depth analysis of grammar, rhetoric, and punctuation in this course will help the Lexicographer's understanding of fine language nuances. Identifying and using the parts of speech, different types of phrases and clauses, and various rhetorical devices, ensures the Lexicographer can make informed decisions about word definitions, usage notes, and example sentences. The Lexicographer should be curious about the history and use of language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lexicographer

Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs and creates educational materials, including lesson plans, textbooks, and online courses. A Curriculum Developer must be able to convey information clearly, concisely, and accurately. This course, with its focus on grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, equips prospective Curriculum Developers with the skills necessary to create effective and engaging learning experiences. By mastering the nuances of sentence structure and rhetorical devices, the Curriculum Developer can ensure that educational materials are both informative and accessible, especially through the parts of speech analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Grant Writer

Grant Writers are responsible for crafting persuasive proposals to secure funding for organizations. The ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively is paramount. This course, with its focus on grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, equips prospective Grant Writers with the skills necessary to create compelling narratives. By mastering the nuances of sentence structure, punctuation, and rhetorical devices, particularly the analysis of literary devices, a Grant Writer can effectively communicate the organization's mission and needs, increasing the likelihood of securing funding. A Grant Writer should be able to employ the same skills as those used by the great writers.

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Editor

An Editor reviews and refines written content to ensure quality, clarity, and accuracy. The role requires a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of grammar, punctuation, and style. This course may prove useful by offering comprehensive training in these areas, alongside the analysis of literary devices. The course's emphasis on identifying and using parts of speech, phrases, and clauses, coupled with its analysis of literary excerpts, helps one wishing to become an Editor, develop the skills necessary to transform raw text into polished, professional content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Speech Writer

Speech Writers craft compelling speeches for individuals in politics, business, or other fields. This role requires exceptional writing skills, as well as an understanding of rhetoric and persuasive communication. This course provides instruction in grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, a foundation for crafting impactful speeches. By mastering the use of rhetorical devices, the Speech Writer can create speeches that are both memorable and persuasive. The examples taken from literature will teach the Speech Writer how to apply their language skills to a professional context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech Writer

Proofreader

A Proofreader is the final line of defense against errors in written materials, catching typos, grammatical mistakes, and inconsistencies before publication. A strong grasp of grammar and punctuation is crucial for this role. With its comprehensive coverage of grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, this course may assist a Proofreader by equipping you with the knowledge and skills to identify and correct errors with precision. The ebook with excerpts from classic literature will allow the Proofreader to test their understanding of how phrases, clauses, and parts of speech influence punctuation and rhetoric.

See salaries and explore the career path for Proofreader

Content Strategist

A Content Strategist plans and oversees the creation, distribution, and governance of content across various platforms. While strategy is key, a solid understanding of grammar and writing principles is also valuable. This course, with its lessons on grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, may assist a Content Strategist by providing a foundation for ensuring that all content adheres to high-quality standards. With an emphasis on identifying and employing rhetorical devices, this course will help a Content Strategist develop compelling and effective narratives. A Content Strategist benefits from understanding the art of great writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Strategist

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report news stories for various media outlets. While journalistic integrity and research skills are paramount, clear and accurate writing is also essential. This course, with its coverage of grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, may be useful to Journalists by helping ensure that their writing is both accurate and engaging. By learning to identify and use phrases, clauses, and literary devices, Journalists can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience. After all, a Journalist is also a storyteller.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Literary Agent

Literary Agents represent authors and sell their manuscripts to publishers. This is a job that requires not only business acumen, but also a deep understanding of language and literature. This course gives insight into grammar choices, sentence construction, and the wide variety of literary devices. An appreciation for such devices is critical to accurately spotting talent, and this course may provide helpful in gaining that appreciation. The Literary Agent must be able to assess the use of language and literary devices in a manuscript.

See salaries and explore the career path for Literary Agent

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage communication between an organization and the public, crafting press releases, speeches, and other written materials. Effective communication is essential for a Public Relations Specialist. This course, with its emphasis on grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, may be helpful to Public Relations Specialists by enhancing their ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive messages. An understanding of phrases and clauses, combined with the ability to employ rhetorical devices, allows Public Relations Specialists to communicate effectively with their target audience. An appreciation of fine writing can help the Public Relations Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers oversee an organization's online presence, creating and curating content for various social media platforms. While creativity and strategic thinking are important, a strong grasp of grammar and writing is also beneficial. This course, with its lessons on grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, may be useful to Social Media Managers by helping ensure that their posts are clear, concise, and error-free. The Social Media Manager can leverage an understanding of rhetorical devices to craft engaging and persuasive content. This role is suited to someone who understands how to communicate with flair.

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Librarian

Librarians manage library resources, assist patrons with research, and promote literacy. While knowledge of information science and research methods is essential, strong communication skills are also valuable. This course, with its lessons on grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric, may be valuable to Librarians by improving their ability to communicate effectively with patrons and colleagues. Effective communication is critical to assisting patrons. The course's lessons and supplementary exercises related to parts of speech, rhetoric, and punctuation may be useful to the Librarian.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Punctuation and Grammar

The English Language for Natives

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive english grammar and punctuation deep dive

Activities

Career center

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