Traditional Grammar
If you study the form of traditional grammar, the rules of classical languages were followed considering that English did not have grammar of its own. English followed Latin grammar. Let’s start off with:
Mechanics: Proper Punctuation
Traditional grammar is characterized by proper punctuation. The basic rule of punctuation requires that each sentence conclude with a punctuation mark, whether a period, a question mark or an exclamation point. Beyond ending punctuation marks, sentences should use punctuation marks when appropriate to make the written sentence readable. Common internal punctuation marks include the comma, colon, semicolon, dash, quotations and parentheses
Style: Sentence Structure
Conventional grammatical rules mandate that a sentence contain both a subject and a predicate. A subject is a person, place, thing or idea that acts in the sentence. A predicate is the verb (active or passive) in the sentence.
Example: Aaron threw the ball
Subject= Aaron; Predicate: threw
Usage: Diction
Diction is the proper use of words. In language, there are different words and phrases for different contexts, so there is no such thing as a universally correct word or phrase. Problematically, words are arbitrary and cultural-specific, having different meanings for different people. Yet, words must convey or transmit meaning to function, and diction ensures that words work to communicate and express meaning by enforcing their rational and appropriate use.
Style: Spelling
Grammar also requires correct spelling. Generally, words must be spelled correctly according the language used. Sometimes, no equivalent of the word is available, in which case the word must be italicized or quoted, depending on the formatting style used by the writer. Homonyms, which are words that share pronunciation but not spelling, must be spelled correctly. Also, correct spelling includes proper use of uppercase and lowercase letters. Proper nouns require the first letter to be capitalized.
Mechanics: Proper Punctuation
Traditional grammar is characterized by proper punctuation. The basic rule of punctuation requires that each sentence conclude with a punctuation mark, whether a period, a question mark or an exclamation point. Beyond ending punctuation marks, sentences should use punctuation marks when appropriate to make the written sentence readable. Common internal punctuation marks include the comma, colon, semicolon, dash, quotations and parentheses
Style: Sentence Structure
Conventional grammatical rules mandate that a sentence contain both a subject and a predicate. A subject is a person, place, thing or idea that acts in the sentence. A predicate is the verb (active or passive) in the sentence.
Example: Aaron threw the ball
Subject= Aaron; Predicate: threw
Usage: Diction
Diction is the proper use of words. In language, there are different words and phrases for different contexts, so there is no such thing as a universally correct word or phrase. Problematically, words are arbitrary and cultural-specific, having different meanings for different people. Yet, words must convey or transmit meaning to function, and diction ensures that words work to communicate and express meaning by enforcing their rational and appropriate use.
Style: Spelling
Grammar also requires correct spelling. Generally, words must be spelled correctly according the language used. Sometimes, no equivalent of the word is available, in which case the word must be italicized or quoted, depending on the formatting style used by the writer. Homonyms, which are words that share pronunciation but not spelling, must be spelled correctly. Also, correct spelling includes proper use of uppercase and lowercase letters. Proper nouns require the first letter to be capitalized.