Grammar is a subject many parents feel is boring and outdated, but we would like to change the conversation. You engage with your student grammatically every time you talk to them. Instead of considering grammar as something to dislike, what if you considered it a tool to help your student become a better writer? Join us for a lively conversation about using grammar effectively in your learning endeavors. We promise to take the sting out of the conversation.

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Show Notes

Our discussion about grammar being a key to better writing had several elements, but we want you to think of it this way: grammar is both a science and an art form—you need to know the rules in order to break them.

Diagramming sentences becomes the science of grammar, and although it is the part that frustrates many, understanding the boundaries and rules allows experimentation and play. If you think of it as a puzzle, it becomes less onerous and opens the door to your student’s writing creativity.

And when you have unlocked the secrets of grammar, we suggest you read this blog and try diagramming some of Henry James’ sentences.

Last but not least, we talked about adjective order, and a couple of parents reached out to ask us to expand on that. This is an example of knowing grammar without acknowledging that you know it. Typically adjective order is as follows:

• Number or quantity
• Quality or opinion
• Size
• Age
• Shape
• Color
• Proper adjective (often nationality, other place of origin, or material)
• Purpose or qualifier

For example, a sentence that follows the order of adjectives correctly would state:
The seven large square gray stone blocks made up the walkway.

To native English speakers, switching up the adjective order does not sound correct:
The seven square large stone gray blocks made up the walkway.

Knowing this is necessary when going deeper into grammar studies, such as when to use commas as part of a series.

This content comes from the fifth level of Analytical Grammar.

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