How language actually works is fascinating. This course will fascinate by explaining and illustrating the basic grammatical rules of (standard written) English concerning parts of speech, phrases, clauses, sentences and sentence elements. We use the term “grammar" to mean the system of structural rules which describes how words combine with each other to form sentences. In this sense, native speakers of English already have an instinctive knowledge of its grammar. However, the study of language enables us to externalize and formalize this instinctive knowledge and thus can help us to communicate more effectively. Quite simply, if we know how English works, then we can make better use of it. In short, the study of grammar enables us to go beyond our instinctive, native-speaker knowledge, and to use English in an intelligent, informed way. Evaluation will consist of regular homework assignments, two in-class exams, and a cumulative final exam.