Simple Grammar Rules every learner must know

When learning English, grammar can feel complicated. But don't worry! By understanding some basic rules, you can improve your speaking and writing quickly. Here are some simple grammar rules every English learner should know.

1. Use the correct word order

In English, a basic sentence follows this order:
Subject + Verb + Object

• I (subject) like (verb) apples (object).
• She (subject) plays (verb) the piano (object).

2. Always use a subject

Every sentence in English needs a subject. Even short sentences must have one.

• ✅ She is happy.
• ❌ Is happy. (Incorrect because there is no subject.)

3. Pay attention to verb tenses

Using the correct tense helps people understand when an action happens.

• Present: I eat lunch at 12 p.m. (every day)
• Past: I ate lunch at 12 p.m. (yesterday)
• Future: I will eat lunch at 12 p.m. (tomorrow)

4. Use articles (a, an, the) correctly

Articles help specify nouns.

• Use “a” before consonant sounds: a cat, a dog, a house
• Use “an” before vowel sounds: an apple, an orange, an hour
• Use “the” for specific things: the sun, the moon, the teacher (one we already know)

5. Match the subject and verb

The verb must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural).

• She likes ice cream. (Singular)
• They like ice cream. (Plural)

6. Use capital letters correctly

Always capitalize:

• The first word of a sentence (She is my friend.)
• Names of people, places, and days (John, London, Monday)
• The word "I" (I am learning English.)

7. Use the correct prepositions

Prepositions (in, on, at, by, with) show relationships between words.

• Use “in” for large places and months: in the city, in July
• Use “on” for specific days and surfaces: on Monday, on the table
• Use “at” for exact locations and times: at school, at 5 p.m.

8. Don’t forget punctuation

Punctuation helps make sentences clear.

• Use a period (.) for statements: She is my friend.
• Use a question mark (?) for questions: Where are you from?
• Use a comma (,) for lists or pauses: I like apples, bananas, and oranges.

9. Learn common irregular verbs

Some verbs do not follow the regular "-ed" rule for past tense.

• Go → went (not “goed”)
• Eat → ate (not “eated”)
• Have → had (not “haved”)

10. Use contractions in informal English

Contractions make speech and writing sound more natural.

• I am → I’m
• You are → You’re
• They will → They’ll

Final tip

Practice using these rules in sentences. The more you use them, the easier they will become. Keep practicing, and your English will improve!

Would you like to add more examples or exercises? 😊