All Categories ​>​ ​English Help ​ > ​ ​Grammar

Grammar

How can I stop making mistakes with singular, plural and uncountable nouns?

First, you need to know if the noun is countable or uncountable. You can find this in a good dictionary : Next, you need to choose the right form. You can use the Grammar Course to help you. You will…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

When should I use Grammarly?

Grammarly can be a useful tool, but it depends very much on what area of grammar you are trying to work on. For example, Grammarly is very good at punctuation, it is sometimes good at subject verb ag…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

Why do I sometimes need to put a gerund (verb+ing) after the word to instead of an infinitive?

Sometimes the word to should be followed by a gerund, not an infinitive verb. This is because in combination with certain words, to is used not as an infinitive particle but as a preposition, and pre…

Updated by Tom

Is it ok to use semicolons?

It's fine to use semicolons, but it's equally important to be able to use them accurately and appropriately.

Updated by Phill Burns

Do I need an article before a percentage?

You have to identify the noun before you can decide whether or not you need to use an article. 25% of people watch more than 4 hours of TV every day. (The noun is 25%. It doesn't take an article.). N…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I improve my use of verb tenses?

Here are some IELTS Advantage resources to help you improve your use of verb tenses: Grammar course Lesson 8: Tenses English Advantage course Pre-Intermediate lessons Lesson 5: The Main Tenses Lesson…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I improve the fundamentals of sentence structure?

There are some lessons in the Grammar section of the English Advantage course that will help you understand the fundamentals of simple and complex sentence structure. Watch this video guide to show y…

Updated by Damien Burton

What are modal verbs?

This website will help you understand more about modal verbs. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/modal-verbs-and-modality

Updated

How can I improve my punctuation?

For comprehensive guidance on all punctuation issues, please see the IELTS Advantage Punctuation Guide in the Bonus section of the Grammar Course. If you do not have access to the Grammar Course and…

Updated by Tom

How can I improve my grammar in speaking?

Here is a video to advise you on how to improve your grammar in speaking. https://www.loom.com/share/6b4ae39775cf448aa6e406903d92f005 In addition to this Chris has made a bonus module for the grammar…

Updated

Why is there no article in "____ Irish weather....." ?

Many students wonder why there is no definite article before "Irish weather is normally cool and wet in October." Irish weather is specific, isn't it? Well, yes, but think about the fundamental meani…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

Should I use the proposition at or in?

Often the difference between at and in is this: at = general I'm at work (the idea that I am busy and working) I'm at the beach (I'm sunbathing, swimming, maybe leaving the sand to have a drink at a…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I review the basics of English grammar?

There are several lessons in the English Advantage course to help you with the basics of English Grammar. They are in the Grammar section and they look like this: If you don't have access to the Engl…

Updated by Damien Burton

What is the Oxford comma?

The Oxford comma is the comma that is placed after the second to last element in a list of grammatical elements, such as the one highlighted in the sentence below: Yesterday, I ate a burger, some piz…

Updated by Jason Bowman

I need to improve my grammar. Should I do more grammar exercises?

The thing about grammar exercises is that they're really good at helping you identify if you have an issue, but they're not really good at helping you improve your grammar. What you need to do now th…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I improve my use of articles?

Articles are one of the most difficult areas of grammar for many students. We have made a series of lessons in the English Advantage course to help you understand articles better. (Click here to see…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

What’s the difference between few and a few / little and a little?

A few and a little mean some. Few and little (without the indefinite article) have a negative meaning. They mean almost none and are used to say that the quantity of a thing is not as much as we woul…

Updated by Tom

How can I improve my grammar?

You can find answers here about grammar

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I improve my knowledge of conditionals?

Conditionals are easy to use and can help you demonstrate a wide range of grammar in writing and speaking. It is worth devoting some of your study time to mastering them. The Grammar Course has a les…

Updated

Where can I find help with prepositions?

Lots of students have problems with prepositions. Here is a link to a site you will find useful. You should also pay attention to prepositions when reading and listening because many prepositions sim…

Updated

How do I know what I got wrong on the exercises from the Grammar Course?

Once you have finished an exercise on the grammar course. You will be informed if you passed or failed the exercise as can be seen below: In order to find out what your mistakes were, click on "Resul…

Updated by Phill Burns

How can I improve my understanding of subject verb agreement?

There is a lesson in the Grammar Course to help you understand subject-verb agreement better. If you don't have the Grammar Course, here is a link that will help you understand the basic rules. If yo…

Updated

How can I check my grammar and vocabulary by myself?

There are a couple of things you can do to evaluate your grammar and vocabulary by yourself: 1. Be honest with yourself. Are you 100% sure you know how to use a certain word? If not, use a dictionary…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

Using reading to help with grammar

When we read, we see grammar in every line, and we can actively witness how the grammar rules we have learnt function in real English. First you need to investigate and understand the rules for the g…

Updated by Damien Burton

Which grammar book do you recommend?

We do not recommend any grammar books because they are not going to help you practice effectively or give you feedback on your performance. This is what you actually need, not a reference book. Gramm…

Updated

How can I improve my use of cohesive devices?

Cohesive devices are the words we use to link our ideas together. They should be used accurately and appropriately for formal writing and informal speaking. Cohesive Devices for Writing Appropriate f…

Updated by Matthew

I need help understanding word order.

Here's a nice resource for understanding the basics of word order.

Updated

Can I use 'they' for a singular person?

It is possible to use 'they' when referring to a singular person. Here is an example: "If a person knocks at the door late at night, I get worried because I don't know who they are." This happens bec…

Updated by Damien Burton

Powered by HelpDocs (opens in a new tab)

Powered by HelpDocs (opens in a new tab)