English Grammar

English Grammar

1. Tenses and concordances

   • Past Tense: used in Methodology and Results sections (to describe what was done).
     • Present Tense: for facts, background information, and discussion/conclusions.
       • Future Tense: for predictions or future research.
         • Concordance: Subject and verb must agree in number (singular/plural). Attention must be paid to collective nouns, irregular plurals, and uncountable nouns.

2. The Article and the Noun (Adjectivation)

   • Articles: Definite (the) – refers to something specific. Indefinite (a/an) – refers to something non-specific. Ø (no article) – for generalizations or uncountable nouns.
     • Proper Nouns: usually take no article (Lake Ontario, Stephen Harper).
       • Adjectivation Rules: Adjectives come before nouns. Adverbs come before adjectives. Avoid emotional/qualifying adjectives (e.g. amazing, impressive) in scientific writing.

3. English Passives and Actives

   • Forming the Passive: be + past participle (e.g. was done).
     • When to Use: Active: when the subject performs the action (The scientist conducted the experiment). Passive: when focus is on the action/result (The experiment was conducted).
       • Why Use the Passive: To emphasize objectivity and neutrality. To remove personal bias and highlight the procedure/results.

4. Connectors: Coordination and Subordination

   • Coordination (equal ideas): and, but, or, so, yet.
     • Subordination (dependent ideas): because, although, if, when.
       • Useful Linking Words: Addition: also, moreover, in addition Contrast: however, instead, although, in contrast Conclusion: thus, therefore, finally

5. Spelling Conventions and Accuracy

   • Avoid spelling mistakes and inconsistencies (choose British or American English, not both).
     • No contractions or hyphenation errors (e.g. a priori argument).
       • Use nonbreaking spaces, consistent capitalization, and correct abbreviation use.
         • Proofread carefully, spellcheckers miss scientific terms.
           • Avoid unnecessary punctuation and abbreviations in titles or abstracts.

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