When to leave words out
When we connect two coordinate clauses, words for repeated ideas can be left out in the second clause. Study the examples given below. Madhu is pretty. Madhu is intelligent. Madhu is pretty and intelligent....
Tagged: english grammar
Tenses in subordinate clauses
A subordinate clause is a dependent clause that needs to be attached to an independent or main clause. Generally speaking, when the verb in the main clause is in the past tense, the verb...
How to avoid repetition?
Repetition should be avoided because it makes your writing dull and monotonous. If you want to obtain a good band score, you should try not to use the same words and structures in successive...
Such as and as such
The phrases such as and as such have very different meanings. As such Study the examples given below. He is a doctor and because he is a doctor he should know why alcohol is...
Whose and who’s
These words are often confused by ESL students. Whose is a possessive word. It is used in questions and relative clauses. Who’s is the contraction of who is or who has. Incorrect: Who’s is...
Difference between will and shall
The distinctions between will and shall are now strictly observed only by precise speakers. Shall is becoming less common especially with the second and third person pronouns. With first person pronouns, however, shall is...
If-clauses
If-clauses are used to talk about conditions. Note that an if-clause is an example of a subordinate adverb clause. Sentences containing an if-clause are sometimes called conditional sentences. There are mainly four types of...
Prepositions before particular words and expressions
Prepositions are small words, but they are very important ones. The biggest problem most ESL students face in learning English is the inability to use prepositions correctly. Here is a list of some common...
Useful connecting words
Connecting words or conjunctions are used to connect two clauses, phrases or words together.They add variety to your paragraphs and make reading a pleasant experience.Here are some useful connecting words. When When shows time....
Mistakes with prepositions
In each of the pairs of sentences given below, one is correct and the other is wrong. Find out the correct one. 1. a) I am ill since last week. / b) I have...
