Journal

Grammar lessons from my academic writing

3 min read

Some grammar for dummies (like me)

I have learnt from my experience of reading (too few than I am supposed to) papers, that the secret to good writing is to expand your cache of verbs. Not to mention the correct usage of prepositions. (I can never tell if I should write secret to good writing or secret for good writing.)

that+verb Vs. verb-ing

that+verb should be used while introducing a new subject or before a new clause that requires qualifying a specific action being referred to a subject. Simply put, use that+verb to qualify an action.

Ex: She admitted that she made a mistake

verb+ing should be used when the subject is already understood.

Ex: He enjoys reading

to+verb Vs. for+verb+ing

to+verb indicates the purpose or intention of an action.

Ex: He shouldn’t have joined the army to impress people.

for+verb+ing describes the reason or function of something

Ex: HE is known for singing beautifully

that Vs. which

that should be used for restrictive clauses. A restrictive clause is something that limits the meaning of a noun.

Ex: The song that you performed right before intermission is my favorite.

which should be used for non-restrictive clauses. A non-restrictive clause simply supplies additional information to the noun.

Ex: These pairs of pants, which no longer fit me, should be given away.

should be Vs. has to

should be means less strict obligation.

  • A recommendation or best practice

  • A less strict obligation

  • Something that is advisable but not absolutely required

Ex: The room should be cleaned weekly (it’s recommended but not mandatory)

has to is more strict and is mandatory

  • A strict requirement or necessity

  • No choice in the matter

  • Mandatory action

Ex: The form has to be submitted by Friday (it’s absolutely required, no exceptions)

Must vs Should

Must must indicate a strong obligation or requirement, often with a rule or law involved.

Should indicates a recommendation, leaving room for personal choice and indicating a higher degree of permissibility.

When to Use “The” in Written Text

Use “the” when referring to something specific or previously mentioned:

  • “I bought a car. The car is red.” (specific car already mentioned)
  • “The sun rises in the east.” (unique entity everyone knows)
  • “The report you requested” (specific report identified by context)

Use “the” with superlatives and ordinals:

  • “The best option” / “The first time” / “The largest building”

Use “the” with certain geographical features:

  • Oceans, seas, rivers: “the Pacific,” “the Thames”
  • Mountain ranges: “the Alps,” “the Rockies”
  • Groups of islands: “the Bahamas”
  • BUT NOT with individual mountains, lakes, or most countries: “Mount Everest,” “Lake Michigan,” “France”

Use “the” with plural proper nouns:

  • “The United States,” “the Netherlands,” “the Beatles”

Use “the” when context makes something definite:

  • “Please close the door” (the door in this room)
  • “The government announced” (the relevant government)

DON’T use “the” with:

  • General concepts: “Music is beautiful” (not “The music is beautiful”)
  • Most singular proper nouns: “John,” “Harvard University,” “Tuesday”
  • Uncountable nouns used generally: “Water is essential” / “Information travels fast”
  • Plural nouns used generally: “Dogs are loyal” / “Students need support”

Key Principle

Use “the” when both you and your reader know which specific thing you’re talking about.