A basic introduction to transformational grammar.

This post contains an introductory video, six explainer videos, and a concluding video.

 

Introductory video

Summary: Transformational grammar seems difficult, but I want to present it in a much more accessible and easily-understood way.

 

Explainer video 1: English is a subject / verb / object language

Summary: This video expains the basic word order of simple English sentences.

 

Explainer video 2: Examples of simple sentences

Summary: We can make thousands of sentences following this pattern. We can even make sentences that don't make sense!

 

Explainer video 3: Some basic variations

Summary: Variations in the third person singular form of the verb; the indefinite article; plural nouns. Preview of a basic transformation.

 

Explainer video 4: The basic transformation of simple sentences

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Summary: A step-by-step explanation of the basic transformation of simple sentences; emphasis, negatives and questions.

 

Explainer video 5: An in-depth review of basic sentence transformation

Summary: Consolidating our understanding of the basic transformation of simple sentences with the auxiliary "do".

 

Explainer video 6: Adding more elements (pronouns, adjectives adverbs...)

Summary: The series concludes with a look at the main elements that can be added to this basic pattern - replacing nounds with pronouns, modifying them with adjectives, modifying the verb, etc.

 

Conclusion: A short talk on transformational grammar in the classroom

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Explainer videos 1-6 complete

View the complete series as one video.

 

I am planning a second series, looking at other sentence structures and transformations, but it probably won't happen for a while!