English Grammar Guide for ESL

SPELLING AND PUNCTUATION

Description

English Spelling and Punctuation

English spelling can be difficult because many words are not written the way they sound. Over time, pronunciation has changed, but the spelling of many words has stayed the same.

Example:

  • kneel is pronounced /niːl/, but it is written with five letters.

Because English spelling is not always predictable, it is important to learn the correct spelling of common words.

Homophones

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.

You must choose the correct word when writing.

Common Homophones

Word Meaning
there a place or location
their belonging to them
they're short for they are
to a preposition
too also; more than necessary
two the number 2
its belonging to it
it's short for it is
see use your eyes
sea a large body of salt water
break stop; separate
brake part of a vehicle
no negative answer
know have knowledge
by beside; near
buy purchase
our belonging to us
are form of the verb be
hear perceive sound
here this place
one the number 1
won past tense of win

Examples

  • They're going to school.

  • I left my bag over there.

  • This is their house.

  • I want to leave.

  • I want two tickets, too.

  • It's raining.

  • The dog wagged its tail.

Punctuation

Punctuation helps make writing clear and easy to read.

1. Use a Comma Before but

Examples:

  • I wanted to go, but I was busy.

  • She studied hard, but she failed the test.

2. Use a Comma After Introductory Clauses

When a sentence begins with when, add a comma before the main sentence.

Examples:

  • When I was sixteen, I moved to Edmonton.

  • When the movie ended, we went home.

3. Do Not Usually Use a Comma Before and

When and joins words or phrases, no comma is needed.

Examples:

  • I like apples and oranges.

  • She can sing and dance.

However, a comma is often used before and when it joins two complete sentences.

Example:

  • I work at night, and she works during the day.

4. Capital Letters After Quotation Marks

Do not use a capital letter after a quotation mark unless the next word is a proper noun or begins a new sentence.

Example:

  • She said, "I am tired," and went to bed.

5. Dates

When writing a date with a month, day, and year, put a comma before the year.

Examples:

  • November 21, 1963

  • July 1, 2026

  • December 25, 2025

Remember

  • English spelling is not always phonetic.

  • Homophones sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.

  • Use a comma before but.

  • Use a comma after introductory clauses beginning with when.

  • Do not usually use a comma before and.

  • Put a comma before the year in dates: November 21, 1963.

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