English Grammar Class Notes

Introduction

• Importance of grammar in learning English
• Topics covered in class: prepositions, basic grammar rules, articles, and tenses.

Prepositions

Confusion with Prepositions

• Example: "at the farmer's market" vs "in the farmer's market"
• General rule: Native speakers may understand incorrect preposition usage, but tests are strict.

At vs In

• In: Used for larger places (countries, cities, continents)
  • Examples:
    • "I was born in Europe"
    • "He was born in Italy"
• At: Used for smaller places (insignificant locations)
  • Examples:
    • "I'm at the farmer's market"
    • "I'm at the airport"

All vs All of

• All of: Used with pronouns (us, them, etc.)
  • Example: "All of us are going to Malibu next week."
• All: Used in other cases
  • Example: "All the students have to wear masks."

In vs On vs At for Time

• In: Used for general measurements
  • Examples: "I'll be there in two days."
• On: Used for specific dates
  • Examples: "I'll see you on Monday."
• At: Used for precise times
  • Examples: "I'll meet you at 12 PM."

Beside vs Besides

• Beside: Nearby
  • Example: "We were camping beside the river."
• Besides: In addition to
  • Example: "Besides my suitcases, I'm taking boxes."

Among vs Between

• Among: Used for groups (3 or more)
  • Example: "She is very popular among her classmates."
• Between: Used for two items
  • Example: "I can't decide between coffee and tea."

On vs Upon

• Interchangeable, but upon is more formal.

To vs Than

• To: Used with specific words (senior, prefer, etc.)
  • Example: "He is senior to me."
• Than: Used in comparisons
  • Example: "She is taller than I am."

In vs Into

• In: Used for location
  • Example: "He is in the classroom."
• Into: Indicates movement toward something
  • Example: "He came into my office."

For vs Since

• For: Indicates period of time
  • Example: "I've been vlogging for five years."
• Since: Marks a start date
  • Example: "I've been following Lingua Marina since 2014."

Agree with vs Agree to

• Agree with: Agreement with a person
  • Example: "I agree with you."
• Agree to: Agreement to a proposal
  • Example: "I agree to your proposal."

Grammar Resources

• A grammar book created to help with prepositions, tenses, and conditionals
• Includes visual aids and practice exercises
• Free chapter and discount available through a link provided

More Preposition Rules

• Beside vs Besides: Nearby / In addition
• Among vs Between: Groups / Two items
• In: Enclosed spaces
  • Example: "In a car, in a box"
• On: Surfaces and means of transport
  • Example: "On a bus, on a train"

Hospital Usage

• In a hospital: Indicates being a patient
• At a hospital: Indicates visiting someone or being there for a purpose

Basic Grammar

Parts of Speech

• Nouns: Objects or subjects
• Pronouns: Substitute nouns (he, she, it)
• Verbs: Express actions
• Adjectives: Describe nouns
• Adverbs: Describe actions
• Prepositions: Show relationships
• Conjunctions: Connect sentences
• Articles: A, an, the
  • A/An: Introduce something for the first time
  • The: Refer to something specific

Tenses Overview

• Present Simple: Habits, schedules, general truths
• Past Simple: Completed actions in the past
• Future Simple: Actions that will happen
• Present Progressive: Actions happening now
• Present Perfect: Past actions with present results

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding these grammar rules
• Encouragement to practice and use resources available.