Learning English grammar is not an easy task for English learners, especially for students who do not have appropriate learning methods. All learners, at any level, have questions and doubts about grammar when they are learning English. Before you start learning grammar, determine your level of English at beginner, intermediate or advanced level. Then, choose the appropriate exercise to practice and review. Here are 12 basic rules when using English grammar, I invite you to consult with Eclass to learn English fluently.

Basic English rules

When you want to write something (like an article, letter, CV, etc.) in English, you must carefully check for English errors that may arise. Common grammatical errors while writing such as spelling, prepositions, sentence structure, formation, etc. Every language has its grammar, we can learn English grammar effectively if we have a good study method. Here are 12 basic grammar rules to help you avoid basic mistakes and write better.

Rule 1: Every sentence should start with a capital letter in the first word.

In English when you start a sentence, you have to capitalize the first letter of the first word. Also, remember to capitalize even when you are starting a new paragraph.

Rule 2: Each sentence must end with a period (or) question mark (or) exclamation mark.

If you want to end a sentence, end it with a period (.), a question mark (?), or an exclamation mark (!) depending on the situation of the sentence and its usage (purpose) for each mark.

1) Period (.): Here, a period is used when a sentence completes an appropriate (meaningful) message. The symbol used is ".".

2) Question mark (?): Question mark is only used for interrogative sentences. It is used at the end of a sentence, to make a question. The symbol used to ask questions is “?”.

3) Exclamation mark (!): An exclamation mark is used when you express emotions in a sentence. The symbol used for the sentence is “!”.

Rule 3: Every sentence should have an SVO (Subject - Verb - Object).

The basic rule of grammar in English is that you must include a Subject and a Verb. Objects yes or no depending on usage.

This order only applies to affirmative sentences, not negative sentences or question marks (?) or exclamation points (!) because each sentence type can have a different order.

The subject usually plays the main role in the entire sentence. It helps you to get an idea of ​​who is performing an action, who is talking to whom, etc.

The verb is usually the action performed by the subject, and the object is usually the action performed.

Sometimes, a few sentences don't mention the subject. This sentence has a subject, and it is understood even if the subject is not displayed. For example, "Stop!" - means you have to stop (here “You” is hidden).

At the best English center in HCM, Eclass will provide more in-depth guidance on this content and provide exercises for you to practice and memorize better.

Rule 4: Subject and Verb forms are related in a sentence.

If you are using a singular Subject, then you need to use a singular Verb for the whole sentence and if you want to use a plural Subject, then you must use a plural verb.

If the subject is he/she/it, the verb that follows will be different from the subject we/they/I/you.

Rule 5: Use Either - or (or) Neither - nor Sentence Dependent when using singular nouns.

In English sentences, Either - or and Neither - nor are used when two singular nouns are joined. These two differ in usage. Also, remember that singular verbs are used for singular nouns.

Either - or:

Either - or is used when any of the two cases is true. This means this must be true or that.

Example: I want either Tea or Coffee.

Neither - nor:

Neither – nor is used when two of the cases (subject) are false. This means both are wrong.

Example: You nor I broke the vase.

Rule 6: Proper nouns must be capitalized anywhere in the sentence (including at the beginning) when used.

It is important to capitalize words that are proper nouns. This can be at the beginning, middle, and end of a sentence (in short, anywhere in the sentence).

Rule 7: Common nouns should only be capitalized at the beginning of a sentence.

When common nouns are used, you need to capitalize them at the beginning of the sentence.

Rule 8: The words its – it’s, and you’re – you are not the same.

Some words in English look the same, but they have different meanings. Now let's take some examples to understand this concept well.

Here, the main difference between its – it’s is,

Its: is an identifier of Possession and is used to say that it belongs to (holds or refers to) something.

Example: This fish is too big for its aquarium.

it’s: Here “it’s” is a shortened form of “it is” and is used to refer to things in the past.

Example: It's always raining here.

Rule 9: Use indefinite articles for countable nouns and identify with specific countable nouns & all uncountable nouns.

The indefinite articles (a/an) are used mainly for countable nouns. The definite article (the) is used for some countable nouns and most for uncountable nouns.

Rule 10: Use the article “a” for consonants and “an” for vowels.

Use the article "a" for words that sound consonant at the beginning.

Use the article “an” for words that have a vowel sound at the beginning.

When you're using a or an, focus on pronunciation instead of spelling. Some words look like consonants, but they sound like vowels. Example: “an hour”.

Rule 11: Use "'" when talking about the possessive word "Possessions".

Something that belongs to a certain person, place, thing... It has two forms, i.e. Singular and Plural.

To use the singular (-'s) and use the plural (-s ').

Example: Boy's car (singular), Boys' car (plural)

Rule 12: Active voice is preferred over a passive voice in the English language.

You should write in an active voice rather than a passive voice while writing articles, letters, etc.

In a word, an Active voice is a sentence in which the subject acts (verb). While in Passive Voice, the Verb (action) is shown first and then the Subject.

For example:

Football was played by Raju (Passive Voice)

Raju plays football (Active Voice)

Please contact the TOEFL exam preparation for effective learning solutions.