Grammar Fundamentals Archives — Funny Face Fiction

Elliptical Sentences Made Easy: Saying More with Less

by Funny Face | Feb 3, 2025 | Grammar Fundamentals

Have you ever heard a sentence that sounded complete, even though some words were missing? Sentences don’t always have to be complete in standard English. Sometimes we can leave out words if readers or listeners can easily figure out what those words would be....

Special Complications in Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences

by Funny Face | Jan 27, 2025 | Grammar Fundamentals

Sometimes, we use both coordination (joining parts with words like and or but) and subordination (using dependent clauses) in a single sentence. This can lead to a very complicated structure. All sentences, regardless of complexity, fall into the categories of complex...

Combining Clauses Smoothly: Clause Basics for Better Writing

by Funny Face | Jan 20, 2025 | Grammar Fundamentals

When we use subordinate clauses (clauses that act like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs) as complements or as modifiers—and when those modifiers can themselves be modified—we sometimes end up with very long and complicated sentences. Even so, these long sentences can be...

Making Sentences Pop: All About Independent Elements

by Funny Face | Jan 13, 2025 | Grammar Fundamentals

Have you ever read a sentence with a random “Wow!” at the beginning, or one where the speaker calls someone by name in the middle, like “Hey, Marcus, check this out!”? These little pieces of language are called independent elements because they sit apart from the main...

Mastering Modifiers of Complements and Modifiers

by Funny Face | Jan 6, 2025 | Grammar Fundamentals

We’ve discussed modifiers and complements, but they, too, can be modified. In this post, we’re going to explore modifiers, complements, and how they work together to create rich and engaging sentences. Let’s dive in! What Are Modifiers? Let’s review! Modifiers are...

Complements Explained: Building Stronger Sentences

by Funny Face | Dec 29, 2024 | Grammar Fundamentals

When we write or speak, we want our sentences to be clear and complete. One important part of making sentences clear is complements. Without them, a sentence might feel unfinished or unclear. In this blog, we’ll explore what complements are, types of complements, and...