Brush up your English grammar with these essential tips

English seems like a beautiful language until you are tested on it. Then, the tricky part starts by familiarizing yourself with the essentials of English grammar and composition. Moreover, learning the rules and regulations of a new language is challenging if it is not your mother tongue. Since there are endless rules involved when using English, it gets even more challenging to master it.

Like any other language, English has grammar rules you need to follow to sound accurate. These rules are applicable when utilizing any form of expression, i.e., reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Perfecting the essentials of English grammar may seem tedious at first. However, you will realize with time that if you put in the effort to understand the language, there is no stopping you from succeeding at it. 

Below, we have compiled a list of all the detailed essentials of English grammar and composition. Remember – the key is not to memorize these essential tips but to put in the effort to understand them. Only then will you indeed be called a master at the language. 

Understanding the essentials of English grammar and composition

Tip #1 Familiarize yourself with the use of capitalization 

Capitalizing words, especially nouns, may not appear as great a rule of English grammar. However, you will be surprised to learn that it is considered one of the bare essentials of English grammar by Sultan Chand. For those unaware, Sultan Chand is a master of the English language, so we are optimistic he will guide us accurately. 

Poor choice when capitalizing words can create a false impression. At the same time, if you understand the use of capitalization well, the examiner will see you as a tidy and accurate professional. 

Memorizing capitalization rules is not as crucial as understanding them first. Fundamental essentials of English grammar and composition when considering capitalization are –

• The first letter of the first word in any new sentence will always be in the title case. 
• When referring to proper nouns, you will ensure their first letter is in the title case.
• When using titles, stick to using title cases. 

Tip #2 Clear your misunderstanding regarding the use of ‘I’ and ‘me’ 

One of the most common mistakes even native English speakers make is confusion between using ‘I’ and ‘me’ in statements. Hence, if you find yourself committing mistakes when considering this particular essential of English grammar and composition, do not fret. 

One basic rule that needs to be made straightforward is understanding that ‘I’ and ‘me’ cannot be used interchangeably. This is because both words are used in entirely different grammatical contexts. For instance, you can only use ‘I’ while referring to a subject. It should be used as a pronoun. However, you can use ‘me’ in your statement when referring to someone or something else. 

The best way to avoid committing this mistake is by being clear about the subject of the statement. 

Tip #3 Avoid getting confused with the use of ‘their,’ ‘they’re,’ and ‘there’

One of the other common confusions with English grammar and composition essentials is between words, ‘there,’ ‘they’re,’ and ‘there.’ These words are entirely different from each other in the sense that one is a pronoun, one is a contraction, and the last one is an adverb. 

Below given is a clarification of what each of the words means –

• While including the word ‘their’ in a sentence, you are using it as a possessive determiner.
• When you are using ‘they’re,’ you are using it as a contraction for ‘they are.’
• If you use the word ‘there’ in a sentence, you are attempting to indicate someone or something.

Once again – while it sounds easy, it is the one place where the majority gets most confused. The key is to practice using these words in sentences when writing or talking. Make a mental note of how these words are used when reading a book or watching a movie. This is a great way to enhance your English language skills. 

Tip #4 Be sure about the subject and verb agreement

One of the essentials of English grammar and composition is to ensure that the subject and verb are always in agreement. In other words, if you wish to use a verb, you must ensure that it makes sense in the subject’s context. 

There are two possibilities when it comes to referring to a subject. It can either be in a singular form or a plural one. The verb you must choose will depend on the form you select. Simple sentences often use single clauses. However, when the sentence gets complex, for example, when you use two subjects within a single sentence, you can connect them using the word ‘and.’ 

Rules get tricker when the sentence connects the subject with another piece of detail. It is vital to remember that it doesn’t matter what supporting information is presented to you during such situations. The subject remains unchanged. 

Key takeaways

• Perfecting the essentials of English grammar may seem tedious at first. However, you will realize with time that if you put in the effort to understand the language, there is no stopping you from succeeding at it. 
• You need to understand the essentials of English grammar and composition instead of memorizing them. Once you understand the grammar rules well, there is no stopping you from becoming a master of English.
• One of the most common mistakes even native English speakers make is confusion between using ‘I’ and ‘me’ in statements. Avoid any confusion by being clear about what the rules are!
• Another word of the basic grammar rules is to ensure that the subject and verb are always in agreement. In other words, if you wish to use a verb, you must ensure that it makes sense in the subject’s context. 

FAQs

1. How do you improve the essentials of English grammar and composition?

A rigorous amount of practice in perfecting your grammar is the first step to improving the essentials of English grammar and composition. 

2. What is the difference between the use of ‘I’ and ‘me’?

You can only use ‘I’ while referring to a subject. It should be used as a pronoun. You can use ‘me’ when referring to someone or something else in your statement. 

3. What is the most basic rule of grammar?

Capitalizing first words and proper nouns is the most basic grammar rule.