grammar

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Language & Learning June 14, 2019

Using phrasal verbs

A phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of a main verb combined with an adverb or a preposition, or both. Sometimes the meaning is really obvious but more often than not the meaning cannot be guessed by looking at the individual words. For example, look up can mean ‘look in an upward direction’ whereas give up means to ‘stop trying to do something’.

Check out English Grammar Online to learn about phrasal verbs containing up, on, turn, out, down, off, look, come, get and go. The site includes short quizzes to test understanding.

Language & Learning June 7, 2019

Using apostrophes

Many students are unsure when to use an apostrophe which often leads to overuse or avoiding it completely.
Basically, an apostrophe should be used to indicate the following:

Possession or ownership. For example – Peter’s car | my brother’s friend | in QUT’s best interest.

Leaving out letters or numbers. For example – I think she’s here | it started in July ’18 | they’re friends.

Have a look at this simple guide from Monash University which tells you everything you need to know about the correct use of apostrophes in just a few minutes.

If you’d like to delve a little deeper check out this resource from GrammarBook.com which features all sorts of helpful rules, real-world examples, and quizzes.