One of the most difficult aspects of learning any language is its grammar. English grammar is also among the most difficult frameworks out there. Compared to other languages, a small mistake in English grammar can change the meaning of the whole sentence.

Therefore, it is important to remember the essential English grammar rules. So, without further ado, let’s get into it:

Adjectives and Adverbs

Make sure you correctly employ adjectives and adverbs. Adjectives typically come before a noun and describe, identify, and quantify individuals or things. If the noun is plural, they remain the same. Adverbs typically follow the verb and are used to modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. For instance:

He is a slow walker. (adjective)

He walks slowly. (adverb)

Preferred Written English and English Speaking Course in Delhi

Pay Attention to Homophones

Even though they are spelled differently, homophones are words that sound the same when spoken but have different meanings. This can undoubtedly lead to confusion, and sadly, English contains many of these words.

For example;

• They’re – their – there 
• you’re – your  
• it’s – it’s  
• I – eye 
• here – hair – hare
• break – brake 
• flower – flour 
• our – hour

So be sure to spell things correctly when you write. As you listen, keep in mind that a word you think you understand could actually mean something else.

Use the Correct Conjugations of the Verb

Don’t forget to align the verb with the subject. He, she, and it are the main subjects you need to be cautious with because they frequently take on a different form from the other subjects. For instance:

She has two dogs. RIGHT

She have two dogs. WRONG

Although it seems like a minor error, it is unfortunately quite obvious. Therefore, it will significantly affect how accurate you sound if you can avoid it.

Additionally, keep in mind that the verb must agree with the first thing you mention when describing something using the pronouns “there is” or “are.”

Read More- Why are some people better at speaking English than writing?

Use Conjugations Properly

You can use conjunctions to connect small sentences and short phrases. For example: 

I work in XYZ. I like XYZ.

I am working in XYZ because I like it.

Some of the most common conjunctions are”

Because – to give a reason

But – to show contrast

And – to add more

So – to describe a consequence

Or – to show an alternative

Sentence formation

Sentences in written English are not that long. This means writing long sentences with complex words is not something you should think about while writing or speaking English. Usually, a sentence has two or three clauses (subject+verb+object) linked by a conjunction. 

You can add commas to make your sentences clearer and easily understandable. Here are some of the recommended ways you can use commas:

• Between two clauses
• To make separations
• After some conjunctions. 
• To add extra information in the middle of a sentence

Read More- What are Binomial Expressions: Definition with Examples

Remember the Order of Words to Form Question

In English, the question form differs from the affirmative form in structure. So be sure to either add the auxiliary “do” or remember to change the word order. In English, there are four ways to form a question:

• “To be” – Invert the subject and verb for questions that use the verb “to be.” For instance, do you attend school?
• All other verbs – add the auxiliary “do” to create questions for all other verbs. Are they employed here, for instance?
• Modal verbs: Invert the modal verb and the subject to form questions with modal verbs. Can he play the piano, for instance?
• Auxiliary verbs: Invert the auxiliary verb and the subject in sentences that use an auxiliary verb, such as “have” in the present perfect.

Use the Correct Past Forms

Speaking in English about the past is not particularly challenging. The past is expressed in every subject using the same word, so you don’t need to worry about learning six different words like in some languages. However, a lot of verbs are irregular and don’t always add a -ed. While not all of these are necessary, try to learn the most popular ones (approximately 20). For instance:

Go – went

Have – had

Make – made

Remember the Verb Tense

You won’t be familiar with all the tenses if you’re just starting to learn English. And it’s all right. Just concentrate on learning the four or five that are used the most. Attempt to be able to employ these.

• Present simple is used to describe routines and ongoing circumstances. For illustration, We reside in New York.
• Present continuous is used to describe both present circumstances and upcoming plans. I’m meeting John later, for instance.
• To describe completed past actions, use the past simple. For instance, They showed up at 3 p.m.
• To describe past events related to the present, use the present perfect tense. For instance, the reports have been completed.
• Will – used to indicate upcoming behavior. I’ll meet you, for instance, in front of the conference room.

Never Use Double Negative

There are frequently two ways to express a negative idea in English. For instance, you could state: “The room is empty.”

Nothing is present in the space. OR Nothing is present in the space.

The terms “nothing” and “anything,” while having the same meaning, are used with different types of verbs depending on their tenses.

The following words also fall under this rule:

Nobody – anyone

none — any

When discussing experience, the same is true of the word “never.” One may say:

He has never visited America. He has not ever been to the United States.

The second sentence’s use of the word “ever” changes the meaning slightly but retains the same meaning.

Conclusion

Although English grammar is somewhat challenging, once you master it, you’ll be able to speak and write more effectively. Use the appropriate verb tense, become familiar with the tenses, and avoid using double negatives at all costs are a few other essential English grammar rules to keep in mind.

If you liked this blog, you can try our Grammar practice exercises here.

The post 9 English Grammar Rules to Master appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

Let’s be real, we have all wanted to be able to speak English like a native. Some of us join expensive speaking classes and courses to learn to speak fluently while others practice at their home watching American T.V series, movies, and news channels. Nevertheless, most of us never get to speak English in a fluent manner and we start depreciating the English speaking courses for not being up to the standard. 

Most of the times, however, a few important factors are missing from our English speaking endeavour that keeps us from being able to speak like a professional. In this article, we will discuss such components and help you integrate them in your speech so you can enhance your flow, tone, and communication.

These factors are as follow:

• Sound Morphing/Connected Speech
• Discourse Marker
• Pronunciation/Intonation/Rhythm and Flow

Let’s take a look at what these factors are:

Sound Morphing

Sound morphing is the technique of cutting, mixing, and leaving out words while speaking. It could also be said to be one of the reasons why most English learners are unable to understand native speakers. Most people who are trying to learn to speak English tend to think they don’t understand native speakers because they speak very fast. While there is some truth to that notion, it is not entirely the speed of their speech but with the way they mix words together. 

Some examples of morphing include:

• What are you= whatcha/whatch-ya- What are you doing? (wha-tchya doin’?/ Wha-da-ya doin’?)
• What did you= “wha-djya”- What did you do today? (“wha-djya do-daday”)
• What do you= “wha-da-ya”- What do you think? (“wha-da-ya think?”)
• Going to= gonna
• Want to= wanna
• Got to= gotta
• Should have= shoulda
• Could have= coulda
• Would have= woulda
• Give me= gimme

Combining these words will automatically make your sentences crisper and make you sound fluent. 

Suggested Read: Here is How You Can Speak Fluent English with Confidence

Discourse Marker

Discourse markers a set of words that can be used between sentences to fill, link, connect and give space and rhythm to a spoken conversation. We all use discourse markers in our native languages. 

To elaborate further, here are two sentences: one with discourse markers and the other without them. Let’s take a look at how these linking words make all the difference in speech:

“You see, I went there and asked him to come out so we could party and all. Like, that is the only thing that I wanted. But, I guess, it wasn’t my day. Well, I have learned my lesson.”

“I went there and asked him to come out so we could party. That is the only thing that I wanted. But it wasn’t my day. I have learned my lesson.”

Both the sentences relay the same meaning but when spoken, the first one sounds human while the second one sounds robotic and practised. Nobody speaks like the second sentence is written. We all use quirks and links in our sentences to be able to relate to the listener. 

That being said, overuse of discourse markers can also show a lack of comprehension and speaking abilities. So, these connecting words should only be used in a limit. 

Suggested Read: Essential Factors to speak fluent English for non-native English speakers

Pronunciation, Rhythm, and Flow

Last but not the least, pronunciation strategies play an important role in how we speak English. Most of us focus so much on properly pronouncing a word that when we speak, we sound like robots. The first and foremost thing to understand is that your accent is not a problem. Instead of focusing on speaking like native speakers, we should focus on the rhythm of the language. English is a beat-driven language. 

• Listen to the rhythm

Rather than focusing on ways the words are pronounced and spelled, pay attention to the rhythm of the word. Listen to audiobooks, English songs, and watch English movies and focus on how the speakers follow a certain pattern when speaking. Once you have figured out the beat of the language, the words will flow naturally out of your mouth.

• Speak in chunks

Native speakers talk by mixing words together, as we already suggested. Just as we do with our native language, mixing words makes it easier to speak by reducing gaps between them. 

• Imitate native speakers

Imitating native speakers is one of the best ways to master your English speaking capabilities. Listen to native speakers and try to copy them by employing your tongue, cheeks, lips, and whole mouth.

The post Three Secrets to English Fluency That You Aren’t Taught in School appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.