Grammar

Whether you are learning English, you speak it competently as a second language, or you are a native speaker, making simple mistakes in English is not only frustrating but at times it can make you look bad. Think about a work email that contains simple errors that you missed, or even going to the trouble […]

English is English, right? Yes and no. Although the standard rules of English, such as the grammar, are almost the same, there are a few different tendencies in British and American English when it comes to both grammar habits, vocabulary, and spelling It is important to say that both the British and American versions of […]

Grammar is a central aspect to any language. English is no different. Although there are hundreds of grammar points to consider when learning English, there are also those grammar points which not only form the basis of everything else that you need to learn, but are also a solid beginning to becoming an accomplished English […]

Exclamation points (or exclamation marks as they are known in some parts of the English-speaking world) are rather controversial. For many English-language purists, the exclamation point is something almost unnecessary, and something that is really only to be used in very specific circumstances. “I have to leave now. Goodbye.” The man left, and was half-way […]

In order to understand what compound sentences are, it is important to recognize the difference between a clause and a sentence. A clause is an independent idea that is comprised of a subject and a verb, with any accompanying prepositions and objects as necessary. For example: “I sing.” or “I like movies.” or “I have […]

English, like all languages, has verb tenses. But no two languages are exactly the same when it comes to the verb tenses they have, or even how they are used. The table below reveals all the major verb tenses in English (there may be other niche tenses which are only used in very specific circumstances) […]

As a non-native speaker of English (meaning that English is a second language for you, something you have learned) it is easy to make mistakes. And that’s okay. Of course it is! No one expects your English to be perfect (most native speakers cannot boast this in any case), and most of the time people […]

English may be your mother tongue, your second language, or something that you are simply trying to learn and improve because you realize that it’s the global language of business. But did you also know this language is full of interesting quirks, stories, coincidences, puzzles and much more besides? You may love it, hate it, […]

Grammar is not everyone’s cup of tea, and it’s also quite polarizing. While some may get apoplectic with rage to see a misplaced comma, others will just shrug their shoulders and not see what all the fuss is about. There are others still who are nervous about grammar: they fear that their grammar is inadequate, […]

It’s not necessary to speak English like a native speaker: these days 80% of conversations in English take place between non-natives (think a business meeting in Beijing between Chinese and German companies, for example). That said, it may be your desire to speak English at this level. Why not shoot for the stars? Although not […]