English grammar can be tricky for non-native speakers. Here are 10 essential rules that will immediately improve your writing.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Singular subject = singular verb. “The report is ready.” Not “The report are ready.”
2. Article Usage (A/An/The)
Use “a” before consonant sounds, “an” before vowel sounds. Use “the” for specific things.
3. Prepositions of Time
At for specific times (at 3 PM)
In for months/years (in June)
On for days/dates (on Monday)
4. Countable vs Uncountable Nouns
“Much information” (not “many informations”). “Many books” (not “much books”).
5. Correct Tense Sequences
When talking about the past: “I realized that I had made a mistake.”
6. Active Voice Over Passive
Active: “The team completed the project.” (Stronger)
Passive: “The project was completed by the team.” (Weaker)
7. Comma Usage in Lists
Use the Oxford comma: “apples, oranges, and bananas.” (The comma before “and” is optional but recommended.)
8. Its vs It’s
Its = possessive (the company and its employees)
It’s = contraction of “it is” (it’s important)
9. Parallel Structure
Keep items in a list grammatically consistent. “I like swimming, running, and to bike” should be “I like swimming, running, and biking.”
10. Modal Verbs
Can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would. Never add “to” after modals: “I can go” not “I can to go.”
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