Everyone knows that learning a new language can be pretty intimidating. For many people, speaking a second language is enough to make them feel icky—just think about all of the embarrassing situations you’ve had where someone spoke to you in your native tongue but you couldn’t understand them.

If you want to learn English grammar, however, it doesn’t have to be so scary. The good news is that once you know the right strategies and techniques, it becomes much easier to learn English grammar than other languages. How do we know? Because not only are there tons of online classes out there for learning English grammar, but most importantly – lots of people already speak English!

So if you’re ready to take the first step towards unlocking English grammar as an intermediate or advanced learner, keep reading for our step by step guide on How to Learn English Grammar.

What is a Subject and an Object?

A subject is the noun or pronoun that is doing the verb (for example, “I am writing a paper” is a sentence with the subject "I", the writer).

An object is the thing that the verb is doing (for example, the paper is the object of “I am writing”).

How Do We Use Prepositions (in, on, of)?

Prepositions are words like “in, on, and of.” They are used in a sentence for two purposes:

1. Telling where something or someone is located, and

2. Telling what someone or something is made from or what an object does.

Here are some examples of when it would be appropriate to use a preposition:

  • I am in bed.
  • He was on the phone for hours yesterday.
  • She has a very large diamond ring on her hand.

How Do We Use Modals (can, might, must)?

Modals are statements that show the speaker’s attitude towards a particular situation. Modals are used in English to indicate things like ability, likelihood, necessity, obligation, and permission.

To learn modals in English grammar, start by looking at these examples:

  • I can speak Spanish. (Indicates my ability to speak Spanish)
  • I might have time for a drink later on this evening. (Indicates the likelihood that I will have a drink later on this evening)
  • I must be going now! (Indicates that it's a necessity for me to go now).

You need to learn how to use modals properly because they’re an important part of your language-learning experience. With a little practice, you could even use them in everyday conversations.

How Do We Use Conjunctions (and, nor, but, for)?

One of the first things you'll learn about English grammar is how to use conjunctions. You've probably seen these words before and used them in your writing or conversations, but it's possible that you only understand what they do when they're put into context. If this sounds like you, then read on!

What are conjunctions?

Conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, and clauses together. There are 3 basic types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating and correlative.

Coordinating conjunctions connect words that are equal in rank (e.g., both), while subordinating conjunctions lower the rank of one element (e.g., after) or combine two elements that have different ranks (e.g., because). The 7 coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. You can use the acronym FANBOYS to remember them. Subordinating conjunctions include words like because, if, although, since, until, and while. 

Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs and are used to join grammatically equal elements in a sentence. Common pairs include either … or, neither … nor, not only … but also, and both … and. In most cases, no comma should be used between the two elements.

Correlative conjunctions (also called "conjunctive adverbs") are words that always come in pairs. They're used to join grammatically equal elements in a sentence. 

Common pairs include "either...or", "neither … nor", "not only … but also", and "both … and". In most cases, no comma should be used between the two elements.

Here's an example:

Joe either played with his toy cars or watched TV.

This sentence has two options for Joe to choose from: he can play with his toy cars OR watch TV. There's no need for a comma between the two options because they're both grammatically equal – they're both complete sentences on their own.

Conclusion

English grammar is the rules that govern the way words are used in a sentence. It can be a formidable hurdle for new students of the language. While there are many resources available to help those starting out, it can be tough to know where to start. 

That's where AmazingTalker comes in. With several online English courses, you will be able to learn English grammar step by step, and before you realize, you have become proficient in speaking English.