Essentials of English Grammar for Learners

May 22, 2025

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Lecture Notes: English Grammar Class

Overview

  • Focus on grammar essentials:
    • Prepositions
    • Basic grammar rules
    • Articles ("a" or "the")
    • Tenses in English
  • Target audience: English learners

Prepositions

"At" vs. "In"

  • "In": Used for large areas or places
    • Examples: countries, cities, continents (e.g., "I was born in Europe").
  • "At": Used for smaller, specific places
    • Examples: markets, airports, restaurants (e.g., "I am at the farmer's market").

"All" vs. "All of"

  • "All of": Used with pronouns (e.g., "All of us are going to Malibu").
  • "All": Used with nouns (e.g., "All the students have to wear masks").

"In" vs. "On" vs. "At" (Time)

  • "In": General measurements (e.g., "I'll see you in two days").
  • "On": Specific dates (e.g., "I'll see you on Monday").
  • "At": Specific times (e.g., "The classes start at 12 PM").

Other Prepositions

  • "Beside" vs. "Besides":
    • "Beside": Nearby (e.g., "We were camping beside the river").
    • "Besides": In addition to (e.g., "Besides, we need your support").
  • "Among" vs. "Between":
    • "Among": For groups of more than two (e.g., "Popular among her classmates").
    • "Between": For two objects (e.g., "Decide between two options").
  • "On" vs. "Upon": Interchangeable, but "upon" is formal.
  • "To" vs. "Than": Used with comparative expressions (e.g., "Superior to").
  • "In" vs. "Into":
    • "In": Located inside.
    • "Into": Movement toward something.
  • "For" vs. "Since":
    • "For": Duration (e.g., "For five years").
    • "Since": Start date (e.g., "Since 2014").

Special Cases

  • "Agree with" vs. "Agree to":
    • "Agree with": Agreement with someone.
    • "Agree to": Agreement to an idea/proposal.
  • "To" vs. "For":
    • "To": Direction, time, comparison, recipient.
    • "For": Benefits, periods of time, schedule, reason, purpose.

Grammar Rules

Basic Grammar

  • Parts of Speech: Noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, article.
    • Nouns: Objects/subjects.
    • Pronouns: Substitute nouns.
    • Verbs: Actions.
    • Adjectives: Describe nouns.
    • Adverbs: Describe actions/adjectives.
  • Word Order: Subject + Verb + Object, with adverbs before verbs and adjectives before nouns.

Articles

  • "A"/"An": Used for non-specific/singular items mentioned for the first time.
    • "An": Used if the word starts with a vowel.
  • "The": Used for specific items or those mentioned previously.
  • No article: Used with plural nouns, uncountable nouns, proper nouns, languages, meals.

Tenses

Present Simple

  • Usage: Regular actions, general truths.
  • Markers: Every day, always, never, etc.

Past Simple

  • Usage: Actions completed in the past.
  • Markers: Yesterday, last week, in 1994, etc.

Future Simple

  • Usage: Future actions (not 100% certain).
  • Markers: Tomorrow, next week, soon, etc.

Present Progressive/Continuous

  • Usage: Current ongoing actions.
  • Markers: Now, at the moment, currently, etc.

Present Perfect

  • Usage: Actions with relevance to the present.
  • Markers: Ever, never, since, already, etc.

Additional Resources

  • Recommended grammar book with exercises.
  • Links to practice materials and exercise books provided.
  • Special offers and discounts available for viewers.

These notes should serve as a comprehensive guide to the key points discussed in the lecture, making it easier for students to review and study the material.

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