Grammar is one factor that stresses many new learners of any language as it can be complicated and confusing. However, proper grammar is important for gaining fluency as a small error can easily change the meaning of a sentence.
One way of building a strong foundation in the English language is by enrolling in an English course in Singapore. To get you started on the road to fluency, read on to know the 5 common English grammar rules that every new learner should know!
1. Understand adjectives and adverbs
The first thing to keep in mind is to make sure that you use adverbs and adjectives correctly. To refresh your knowledge, adjectives are used to describe, quantify, and identify people or things, while Adverbs are used to change adjectives and other adverbs.
For example:
She’s a beautiful dancer. (adjective)
She dances beautifully. (adverb)
Remember that most adverbs are created by adding -ly to an adjective, but there are few irregular adverbs. For example:
far (adjective) = far (adverb)
early (adjective) = early (adverb)
fast (adjective) = fast (adverb)
2. Familiarize the homophones
Homophones are words that are pronounced in the same way as other words but convey different meanings, which could cause confusion. For example:
you’re = your
ball = bawl
flew = flu
mail = male
pain = pane
it’s = its
here = hear
break = brake
our = hour
I = eye
There are many homophonic words in English, so keep these in mind when you’re writing and be careful in choosing the right spelling. Also, try to understand the meaning of a certain word based on the context to guide you.
3. Use the correct past form of verbs
Speaking about the past in the English language is not difficult, since every subject uses the same word to express the past, you don’t have to worry about learning other different words like in some languages. Always remember that there are irregular verbs that don’t follow the regular rule of adding -ed.
begin = began
go = went
know = knew
buy = bought
take = took
For example,
You’re late! The show began 20 minutes ago!
I took my friend to the amusement park last weekend.
Thanks for covering me up, I knew I could trust you!
4. Learn proper sentence construction
English sentences are not particularly long, so English learners don’t need to worry about writing long, complex sentences. A sentence commonly has two to three clauses in a subject + verb + object order and is linked by a conjunction. One way to make your sentences more understandable is by adding commas, as this helps readers understand when a phrase finishes and another sentence begins. The most common places recommended to put a comma are:
after some conjunctions. (Our weekend was great and the beach was wonderful. However, the food was bad.)
to separate items in a list. (My friends like camping, soccer, swimming, and guitar.)
between two separate clauses. (If the weather is nice tomorrow, we’re going to play in the field.)
5. Connect your sentences with conjunctions
If you want to connect your sentences or short phrases, you can do so by adding conjunctions! For example:
I love playing soccer. Soccer makes me happy.
Becomes:
I love playing soccer because it makes me happy.
Below are some of the most common conjunctions:
because = to add the reason
but = to express contrast
or = to introduce an alternative
and = in addition
For example:
Would you like a piece of sandwich or hamburger?
She wants to read a book but she doesn’t have the time.
I want to practice more because I want to join the national team!
Conclusion
Grammar seems difficult in the beginning stages of mastering a new language, but with the right mindset and good practice, it can be as easy as 1,2,3! If you’re looking for the best English class to help you master the language, English Explorer is the one you need!
As one of the top English language centres in Singapore, we aim to help you speak, read, listen, and write in the English language with confidence! We offer courses for both children and adults including online courses, so don’t hesitate to reach out or contact us for further information!