Tricky English Grammar Rules That Even Native Speakers Get Wrong
English is notoriously difficult to learn. Even native speakers struggle with the rules sometimes. If you are learning English as a second language, you may struggle with grammar.
Don't worry, you are not alone. In this blog post, I will explain the 25 most difficult English grammar rules. By the end, you'll be an expert in topics such as subject-verb agreement, correct verb tenses, and comma usage. Whether you are just starting to learn English or have been learning English for years, this blog post is for you.
Why These Grammar Rules Are Tricky
Grammar rules are often difficult because they have so many exceptions. For example, consider the rule "Don't end a sentence with a preposition." This sounds like a simple rule, but there are many situations where it's okay to end a sentence with a preposition. For instance, "Where are you going?" is a totally decent inquiry, regardless of whether it closes with a relational word.
The most ideal way to stay away from botches in syntax rules is to advance however many exemptions for the principles as could reasonably be expected. This permits you to distinguish situations where rule infringement are OK. Furthermore, in the event that you're ever uncertain, you can continuously counsel a language reference book or site.
Here are some interesting English Language Rules
1. Separating between 'they', 'their', and 'theirs'
Separating between "they", "their", and "theirs" can be precarious in the English language. Here are a few hints to assist you with remaining coordinated:
"They" is a pronoun that alludes to a gathering or things.
"Their" is a possessive pronoun that shows that something has a place in a gathering.
"Theirs" is a pronoun that shows that something has a place in a gathering.
Here are a few models:
The group is commending their success. (A group is a gathering, and success has a place with them.)
I don't know whether the shirt is theirs or our own. (The shirt could have a place with one or the other gathering.)
Did you leave your keys in the vehicle? (The keys have a place with the gathering.)
2. It's vs Its
It's versus its is quite possibly of the most widely recognized disarray in the English language. It is a constriction for it is or it has, and it is its possessive type. While understanding the idea of possessive vs is simple. constriction, it tends to be precarious to know when to utilize everyone.
Here are a few speedy tips to assist you with recalling the distinction:
- It's with punctuation, which is generally a constriction of it is or has.
- It's without punctuation is consistently the possessive type of it.
- On the off chance that you can supplant the word with it is, or it has, then you utilize it.
- On the off chance that you can supplant the word with its, utilization of the possessive structure.
Now that you know the distinction, now is the right time to try it. The following sentences contain examples of it's vs its. Can you tell which word is used in each case?
- It's important to remember the difference between its and its.
- It's been a while since I saw the owner.
- There is a mall called Pacific Place Mall downtown.
- I will paint the nursery wall today; it's my turn to pick the colour.
3. Affect vs Effect
Affect and effect is two words often confused because of their similar spelling. Affect is a verb meaning “to influence or change.” The effect is a noun meaning “the result of something.” Both words can be used as either nouns or verbs, making things even more confusing.
Here’s a tip: If you can substitute “result” for the word you’re trying to use, you want the effect. If you can substitute “influence” or “change,” you want to be affected.
Here are some examples of affect vs effect in sentences:
The storm had a major effect on the town (result).
We are seeing the effects of climate change (results).
4. Then vs Than
The English language has many quirks, and one of them is the distinction between then and than. Then is typically used as an adverb or conjunction, whereas than is used as a conjunction or preposition. This can be confusing for both native and non-native speakers.
Here's a quick breakdown of then vs. than to help you use them correctly:
- Then can be used to indicate time, sequence or result.
- Than can be used to compare two things or to introduce an exception.
Here are some examples:
- I brush my teeth and then I eat breakfast. (time)
- We went out to dinner and then to a bar. (sequence)
- I finished my work and then I went to bed. (result)
5. A lot vs Alot
It is important to use correct grammar when writing. This can be difficult, especially when dealing with similarly spelled words. One such word is "a great deal." Is it two words or one? When would it be a good idea for you to utilize it?
Here is a speedy overview of the language rules for "a ton" versus" "a ton." "A great deal" is dependably two words. This expression signifies "an enormous amount." As two separate words, "a" and "parcel" are modifiers. At the point when you set up them, they become verb modifier express. This expression permits you to change action words, things and descriptors. Models: "I have a ton of companions." "She ate a great deal of cake." "They need a huge load of cash."
6. Acknowledge versus With the exception of
These words are frequently utilized conversely, yet there is a major contrast between them. "But" signifies avoiding something. These words are frequently utilized reciprocally, however, there is a major contrast between them.
Here are some examples:
I will take all of the apples except for the one that is bruised. (I will exclude the bruised apple.)
They accepted my application to the school. (They agreed to allow me to attend the school.)
Can you please accept this package on my behalf? (Can you agree to receive this package for me?)
As you can see, these words have different meanings and uses. Be careful when you use them so that you don't confuse your readers or listeners.
7. Lie vs Lay
The verbs "lie" and "lay" are similar in meaning and form and are easily confused. Both verbs mean "to lean back", but they are used differently. "Lie" is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not require an object. "Lay" is a transitive verb, which means it takes an object.
Here are some simple rules to help you use these verbs correctly:
To lie means to recline. It does not take an object. Example:
- I'm going to lie down and take a nap.
- She likes to lie in the sun.
To lay means to put something down. It takes an object. For example:
- Can you lay the blanket down for me?
- I am going to lay my books on the table.
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Conclusion
The list of tricky English grammar rules can be overwhelming. But through studying, practising, and understanding these grammar rules, you will also find that simple English sentences are easier to conjugate.
When learning English, it is important to understand how native her speakers use the language. This article contains a lot of information. So read it carefully and take notes if necessary. Understanding these tricky grammar rules is important for improving your mastery of the mother tongue. Finally worth learning.
Finally, a comprehensive guide to some of the more complex aspects of English grammar is complete. With that in mind, be careful not to fall into these grammatical traps. Fortunately, using the right words at the right time is no longer a problem if you pay close attention.
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