Basic English Grammer Note Summary
Basic English Grammar: A Simple Guide
Grammar is like the foundation of a house—without strong basics, everything else falls apart. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the key concepts.
1. Parts of Speech: The Building Blocks of Sentences
Every sentence is made up of different parts of speech:
- Nouns name people, places, things, or ideas (Kathmandu, book, happiness).
- Pronouns replace nouns so we don’t repeat them (he, she, they).
- Verbs show actions or states (run, is, think).
- Adjectives describe nouns (beautiful garden, tall building).
- Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (quickly run, very tall).
- Prepositions show relationships between words (on the table, in the room).
- Conjunctions connect words or sentences (and, but, because).
- Interjections express emotions (Wow! Oh no!).
2. Tenses: Talking About Time
Tenses tell us when something happens:
- Present Simple: Used for facts or habits (I eat rice every day).
- Present Continuous: For actions happening now (I am eating rice).
- Past Simple: Talks about completed actions (I ate rice yesterday).
- Past Continuous: Describes an ongoing past action (I was eating rice when you called).
- Future Simple: Predicts or plans something (I will eat rice tomorrow).
- Present Perfect: Refers to an action that affects the present (I have eaten rice).
3. Subject-Verb Agreement: Keeping Things in Sync
The subject and verb must match:
- Singular subject → Singular verb (The boy plays).
- Plural subject → Plural verb (The boys play).
4. Articles: A, An, The
Articles help specify things:
- A: Used before consonant sounds (a book).
- An: Used before vowel sounds (an apple).
- The: Used for specific things (the sun).
5. Prepositions: Small Words, Big Role
Prepositions help describe time, place, and direction:
- Time: at 5 PM, on Monday, in 2025.
- Place: at home, in the room, on the table.
- Direction: to school, into the room, towards the park.
6. Conjunctions: Connecting Ideas
Conjunctions help link thoughts:
- And: Adds information (I like tea and coffee).
- But: Shows contrast (I like tea, but not coffee).
- Because: Explains reasons (I stayed home because it was raining).
7. Active vs. Passive Voice: Who’s Doing the Action?
- Active: The subject performs the action (She wrote the letter).
- Passive: The subject receives the action (The letter was written by her).
8. Direct vs. Indirect Speech: Quoting vs. Reporting
- Direct Speech: She said, “I am tired.”
- Indirect Speech: She said that she was tired.
9. Modals: Expressing Ability, Necessity, and Advice
Modals add meaning to verbs:
- Can: Shows ability (I can swim).
- Could: Used for polite requests or past ability (Could you help me?).
- Must: Expresses necessity (You must study).
- Should: Gives advice (You should exercise).
10. Sentence Structure: Simple, Compound, Complex
- Simple sentence: One independent idea (She reads books).
- Compound sentence: Two independent ideas (She reads books, and he watches movies).
- Complex sentence: One main idea and one dependent idea (She reads books because she loves learning).
11. Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid
- Double negatives: ❌ I don’t need no help. ✅ I don’t need any help.
- Misplaced modifiers: ❌ She almost drove her kids every day. ✅ She drove her kids almost every day.
- Subject-verb disagreement: ❌ The list of items are on the table. ✅ The list of items is on the table.
12. Punctuation: The Traffic Signs of Writing
- Period (.): Marks the end of a sentence.
- Comma (,): Adds a pause or separates items.
- Question Mark (?): Used for questions.
- Exclamation Mark (!): Shows excitement or strong emotions.
- Quotation Marks (“ ”): Used for direct speech.
13. Synonyms & Antonyms: Expanding Your Vocabulary
- Synonyms: Words with similar meanings (happy – joyful).
- Antonyms: Words with opposite meanings (happy – sad).
14. Idioms and Phrases: Fun Expressions
Idioms add color to language:
- Break the ice = Start a conversation.
- Hit the nail on the head = Get something exactly right.
15. Practice Tips: How to Improve Your Grammar
- Solve past Loksewa English questions for exam preparation.
- Read newspapers, books, and magazines to improve vocabulary naturally.
- Write essays, letters, or journals to practice grammar and sentence structure.
Mastering grammar takes time, but with regular practice, you’ll get there!