A poem on what it means to have a home
Thomas shares a verse from his new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and love, The Kural: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural, published by Beacon Press.
Author: Cozy Grammar
The high and low tides of learning
Here’s a thought nugget from Thomas on how sometimes what is hidden to us later becomes clear. Both experiences are essential to learning.
Inflection In English Language and Grammar
In the Intermediate Cozy Grammar Course, Level One, Marie and I explore a topic that may sound completely unfamiliar: inflection.
What Are Verbs of Action?
In the Basic Cozy Grammar Course, Marie and I help students explore the fundamentals of grammar: the eight parts of speech and how understanding them can enhance creativity.
How to learn to spell words in writing in English?
Mary T. from Iron Springs in Alberta, Canada, asks, “How to learn to spell words in writing English?” Here Thomas shares three simple but powerful principles.
Why haven’t recent sessions been in the writing yurt?
Liam from Meridian, Idaho, asks, “Why haven’t recent Ask Cozy Grammar sessions been in the writing yurt?” Thomas explains that they’ve been filming new videos for the Intermediate Cozy Grammar Course.
The Two Parts of Every Sentence
One of the keys to understanding the structure of a sentence is identifying subjects and predicates. But what are these things in the first place?
When do we use amount and when do we use number?
Julia C. from Walla Walla asks, “When do we use the word amount and when do we use the word number?” Here Thomas explains amount vs number by explaining count and non-count or mass nouns.
What Are the Parts of a Sentence?
In the Intermediate Cozy Grammar Course, Marie and I help students develop their ability to look at any sentence and SEE what’s going on in it grammatically. While filming one of the new videos for the course this summer, we took time to make a quick and easy guide to getting started identifying the parts of a sentence.
A Poem from Avvaiyar: “What We Know: A Handful of Dirt”
To close out this month’s Ask Cozy Grammar session, Thomas reads a poem about learning from the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar and her book “Moothurai.”
How to Memorize Verb Moods in English
Anays R. writes, “How to memorize verbs and moods, such as the conditional, imperative, indicative, interrogative, and subjunctive?” Here’s an answer from Thomas.
Should commas be used to separate days from dates?
Imran K. from Pakistan asks, “Should commas be used to separate days from dates?” Here’s a quick and easy answer from Thomas.
A Poem from Avvaiyar: “Between the King the Careful Poet”
To close out this month’s Ask Cozy Grammar session, Thomas reads a poem about the power of poetry from the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar and her book “Moothurai.”
How to Make my Child Love Spelling?
Sheena J. from Kerala, India, asks, “How to make my son love spelling?” Here’s an answer from Thomas on how important it is to center on the love.
What Ever Happened to I Shall and We Shall?
Colleen B. asks, “What happened to I SHALL and WE SHALL?” She’s referring to the distinction that was once taught between the first person use of SHALL and the second and third person use of WILL for the future tense. Here’s what Thomas has to say!
Can you help me analyze the clauses in this sentence?
Arcix from Australia asks, “Can you help me analyze the clauses in this sentence?” Here Thomas walks us through a complicated and interesting sentence.