Introduction (basic english grammar)

Grammar is the backbone of any language. Without it, our sentences can be confusing or unclear. Learning grammar helps you speak, write, and understand English more correctly and confidently. It’s not just about rules—it’s about making your message clear to others.

If you’re a beginner, grammar might seem scary at first. But don’t worry! This blog is here to make things easy for you. We’ve listed 20 simple grammar rules that every learner should know. These basics will help you build a strong foundation in English, so you can start speaking and writing with confidence.

What Is Grammar?

Grammar is the set of rules that helps us put words together in the right way so we can speak and write clearly. Just like traffic rules help cars move safely on the road, grammar rules help our words flow smoothly in a sentence.

Imagine trying to build a house without a blueprint—it would be messy and confusing. Grammar is like the blueprint for a language. It tells us where to place words, how to use them, and how they work together to make sense.

Grammar covers many parts of a sentence, such as:

• Words and their roles (like nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.)

• Tenses (past, present, future) that tell us when something happens

• Sentence structure (how we arrange words to form correct sentences)

• Punctuation (marks like commas and periods that guide how we read)

Good grammar doesn’t mean using big or complicated words—it means using the right words in the right order. Even native speakers follow grammar rules, often without realizing it, because it helps them communicate clearly.

If you’re learning English, grammar is your best friend. Once you understand the basics, everything else—like speaking, writing, and even understanding others—becomes much easier. Think of it as the tool that gives your English strength and structure.

And the best part? You don’t have to learn everything at once. Start small, practice daily, and you’ll get better step by step.

Parts of Speech Explained

To understand English grammar, you first need to know about the parts of speech. These are the building blocks of every sentence. Each word you use in a sentence plays a specific role, and that role is called its “part of speech.”

There are eight main parts of speech in English. Let’s go through them one by one with simple examples:

1. Noun – Names of people, places, things, or ideas

Nouns are naming words. They tell us what or who we are talking about.

Examples:
– Ram is my friend.
– The book is on the table.
– India is a beautiful country.

2. Pronoun – Replaces a noun

Pronouns are used instead of repeating nouns again and again.

Examples:
– She is a doctor.
– They are playing football.
– I met Ramesh. He is very kind.

3. Verb – Shows action or state of being

Verbs are doing words. They tell us what the subject is doing or what is happening.

Examples:
– He runs every morning.
– The baby is sleeping.
– I am happy.

4. Adjective – Describes a noun or pronoun

Adjectives give more information about a noun or pronoun.

Examples:
– She has long hair.
– It’s a cold day.
– He is a smart student.

5. Adverb – Describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb

Adverbs tell us how, when, where, or how much something happens.

Examples:
– He runs fast.
– She spoke softly.
– I will come tomorrow.

6. Preposition – Shows relationship or position

Prepositions show how a noun or pronoun is related to another word in the sentence.

Examples:
– The cat is under the table.
– I live in Delhi.
– He is sitting beside me.

7. Conjunction – Joins words or sentences

Conjunctions are joining words. They connect two ideas or parts of a sentence.

Examples:
– I like tea and coffee.
– He is poor, but he is honest.
– You can come with me, or stay home.

8. Interjection – Shows strong feeling or emotion

Interjections are short words that express emotions or sudden reactions.

Examples:
– Wow! That’s amazing.
– Oh no! I forgot my keys.
– Hey! Wait for me.

✨ Why Parts of Speech Matter

When you know what role each word plays, you can build better sentences. Think of it like a puzzle—each piece (or part of speech) fits in a specific place to complete the picture. If you put the pieces in the wrong spots, the sentence won’t make sense.

Learning parts of speech is the first and most important step to becoming confident in English grammar. Master these, and you’ll have a strong base to build on.

Tenses in Simple Words

Tenses are one of the most important parts of English grammar. They help us understand when something happens — in the past, present, or future.

Without tenses, we wouldn’t know if someone is talking about yesterday, today, or tomorrow. So, learning tenses is like learning how to place events in time.

Let’s break it down in a simple and easy way.

🔹 1. Present Tense – What is happening now

The present tense is used when something is happening right now or happens regularly.

✅ Examples:

– I eat lunch at 1 PM every day.
– She goes to school.
– They are playing football.
– The sun shines in the sky.

There are four types of present tense:

• Simple Present: I walk.

• Present Continuous: I am walking.

• Present Perfect: I have walked.

• Present Perfect Continuous: I have been walking.

🔹 2. Past Tense – What already happened

The past tense is used when something happened before now — maybe yesterday, last week, or a few minutes ago.

✅ Examples:

– I watched a movie yesterday.
– She was cooking dinner.
– They had finished their work.
– It rained last night.

There are four types of past tense:

• Simple Past: I walked.

• Past Continuous: I was walking.

• Past Perfect: I had walked.

• Past Perfect Continuous: I had been walking.

🔹 3. Future Tense – What will happen later

The future tense talks about things that have not happened yet but will happen later — maybe tomorrow or next year.

✅ Examples:

– I will go to the market tomorrow.
– She will be working at 5 PM.
– They will have finished the project by Friday.
– We will be traveling next week.

There are four types of future tense:

• Simple Future: I will walk.

• Future Continuous: I will be walking.

• Future Perfect: I will have walked.

• Future Perfect Continuous: I will have been walking.

💡 Tips to Remember Tenses

• Use time words like yesterday, now, tomorrow to understand which tense to use.

• Practice by writing short sentences in past, present, and future forms.

• Don’t try to memorize everything at once. Learn step-by-step.

✅ Final Thoughts

Tenses are like a time machine in English. They tell us when an action happens. Once you understand the basics of tenses, your English will sound clearer and more natural.

Practice a little every day, and soon tenses won’t feel difficult at all!

Sentence Structure Made Simple

When we speak or write in English, we use sentences to express our thoughts. But what makes a sentence correct and meaningful? That’s where sentence structure comes in.

Think of a sentence like a small building. It needs the right parts in the right order to stand strong. Once you understand sentence structure, you’ll be able to create clear and grammatically correct sentences with ease.

Let’s break it down in a simple way.

✨ What Is a Sentence?

A sentence is a group of words that gives a complete meaning. It must have at least two main parts:

1. Subject – who or what the sentence is about

2. Predicate – what the subject does or is

✅ Example:

👉 She (subject) is reading a book (predicate).
👉 The dog (subject) barked loudly (predicate).

If any of these parts is missing, the sentence feels incomplete.

🧱 Basic Sentence Structure

Here’s the most common and simple sentence pattern:

Subject + Verb + Object

Example:

– I (subject) eat (verb) apples (object).
– He plays guitar.

This is called a simple sentence.

🔄 Other Common Sentence Structures

To make your writing more interesting, you can use different types of sentence structures. Here are the four main ones:

1. Simple Sentence

Contains one subject and one verb.

Example:
– She dances well.
– Birds fly.

2. Compound Sentence

Joins two simple sentences with a conjunction (like and, but, or so).

Example:
– I like tea, and my brother likes coffee.
– He was tired, but he finished the work.

3. Complex Sentence

Has one main clause and one or more dependent clauses (which cannot stand alone).

Example:
– I went to bed after I finished my homework.
– She smiled because she was happy.

4. Compound-Complex Sentence

This is a mix of compound and complex sentences. It has at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

Example:
– I like coffee, but I’ll drink tea if there’s no coffee.
– He stayed up late, and he studied hard because he had an exam.

🔍 Word Order Matters in English

English follows a very clear word order:
Subject + Verb + Object (SVO)

Change the order, and the meaning might become confusing or completely wrong.

Example:

– Correct: She eats rice.
– Wrong: Eats rice she.

So always make sure your subject comes first, followed by the verb, then the object (if needed).

🧠 Quick Tips to Master Sentence Structure

• Start small – Practice writing short sentences first.

• Use connectors – Like “and”, “but”, “because” to join ideas.

• Check your word order – Always follow the SVO pattern.

• Read aloud – It helps you feel if the sentence sounds natural.

20 Basic English Grammar Rules Everyone Should Know

Learning grammar doesn’t have to be scary or boring. In fact, once you understand the basic rules, it becomes much easier to speak and write English with confidence. These 20 simple grammar rules will give you a strong foundation.

Let’s explore them in a clear and friendly way!

1. Every sentence must start with a capital letter.

It shows the beginning of a new thought.
Example:
✔️ My name is Riya.
❌ my name is Riya.

2. Every sentence must end with the correct punctuation.

Use a full stop (.), question mark (?) or exclamation mark (!).
Example:
✔️ I like mangoes.
✔️ Are you coming?
✔️ Wow! That’s amazing!

3. A sentence must have a subject and a verb.

The subject does the action, and the verb is the action.
Example:
✔️ He runs.
✔️ Birds fly.

4. Use correct word order – Subject + Verb + Object.

This is the most natural structure in English.
Example:
✔️ She (subject) eats (verb) apples (object).
❌ Eats apples she.

5. Use singular and plural nouns correctly.

Add -s or -es for most plurals.
Example:
✔️ One cat, two cats.
✔️ One box, two boxes.

6. Match the verb with the subject (subject-verb agreement).

If the subject is singular, use a singular verb.
Example:
✔️ She works.
✔️ They work.

7. Use the correct tense to show time.

Past, present, and future tenses tell us when something happened.
Example:
✔️ I ate (past).
✔️ I eat (present).
✔️ I will eat (future).

8. Use articles (a, an, the) properly.

“A” and “an” are used for general things. “The” is used for specific things.
Example:
✔️ I saw a dog.
✔️ He ate an apple.
✔️ The moon is bright.

9. Use proper pronouns.

Pronouns take the place of nouns.
Example:
✔️ Riya is my friend. She is kind.
✔️ This is my book. It is new.

10. Adjectives describe nouns.

They tell us more about a person, place, or thing.
Example:
✔️ It is a beautiful flower.
✔️ He is a tall boy.

11. Adverbs describe verbs.

They tell us how, when, or where something happens.
Example:
✔️ She sings beautifully.
✔️ He arrived early.

12. Use prepositions to show direction, place, or time.

Common prepositions: in, on, at, under, over, to, from.
Example:
✔️ The book is on the table.
✔️ He came from school.

13. Use conjunctions to connect words or ideas.

Common conjunctions: and, but, or, because, so.
Example:
✔️ I like tea and coffee.
✔️ He was late because of traffic.

14. Use commas to separate items in a list.

Commas help make sentences clearer.
Example:
✔️ I bought apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes.

15. Don’t forget to use question words for asking questions.

Who, what, where, when, why, and how.
Example:
✔️ What is your name?
✔️ Where do you live?

16. Use correct verb forms with helping verbs.

Helping verbs: is, am, are, was, were, have, has, had, will, etc.
Example:
✔️ She is going to school.
✔️ They have finished their work.

17. Avoid double negatives.

Two negatives in one sentence make it confusing.
Wrong: I don’t know nothing.
Correct: I don’t know anything.

18. Keep your sentences short and clear.

Don’t try to use too many words in one sentence.
Example:
✔️ I went to the market. I bought vegetables.

19. Use proper nouns with capital letters.

Names of people, places, and specific things always begin with capital letters.
Example:
✔️ I live in Delhi.
✔️ Ravi is my friend.

20. Practice makes perfect!

The more you read, write, and speak, the better your grammar will become.

Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

When learning English, it’s normal to make mistakes — we all do! But some grammar mistakes are very common, and if you understand them, you can avoid repeating them.

Let’s take a look at some of the most frequent grammar errors English learners make and how to correct them. This will help you speak and write more confidently.

1.  Using the Wrong Verb Tense

Mistake:
I go to school yesterday.
Correct:
I went to school yesterday.

Why it’s wrong: “Yesterday” means past, so the verb should be in the past tense.

2.  Mixing Up “Your” and “You’re”

Mistake:
Your welcome.
Correct:
You’re welcome.

Why it’s wrong:

• Your means something belongs to you.

• You’re means you are.

Tip: Try saying “you are” out loud. If it makes sense, use “you’re”.

3.  Forgetting Subject-Verb Agreement

Mistake:
She walk to school every day.
Correct:
She walks to school every day.

Why it’s wrong: The verb must match the subject. For “he,” “she,” or “it,” add -s in present simple tense.

4.  Using Double Negatives

Mistake:
I don’t know nothing.
Correct:
I don’t know anything.

Why it’s wrong: In English, two negatives make the sentence confusing or incorrect.

5.  Incorrect Word Order

Mistake:
Always I eat breakfast.
Correct:
I always eat breakfast.

Why it’s wrong: Adverbs like “always,” “never,” and “usually” should come after the subject in most cases.

6.  Misusing “There,” “Their,” and “They’re”

Mistake:
Their going to the park.
Correct:
They’re going to the park.

What they mean:

• There = a place (There is a cat.)

• Their = belongs to them (Their house is big.)

• They’re = they are (They’re happy.)

Tip: Learn them by practicing sentences daily.

7.  Wrong Article Usage (“a”, “an”, “the”)

Mistake:
I saw a elephant.
Correct:
I saw an elephant.

Why it’s wrong: Use “an” before words that start with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
Use “a” before consonant sounds.

8.  Missing Prepositions

Mistake:
I am going school.
Correct:
I am going to school.

Why it’s wrong: Prepositions like to, at, on, in are important. Leaving them out makes the sentence incomplete.

9.  Confusing “Then” and “Than”

Mistake:
She is taller then me.
Correct:
She is taller than me.

What they mean:

• Then = time (I ate, then I slept.)

• Than = comparison (She is taller than me.)

10.  Misusing Plurals and Singulars

Mistake:
She have two dog.
Correct:
She has two dogs.

Why it’s wrong:

• “She” uses has (not have).

• “Two” means more than one, so use the plural form (dogs).

11.  Wrong Use of “Me” and “I”

Mistake:
Me and Rohan went to the market.
Correct:
Rohan and I went to the market.

Why it’s wrong: Use “I” when it is the subject (doing the action), and “me” when it is the object.

Tip: Remove the other name and see what sounds right.
✔️ I went.  ❌Me went.

12.  Overusing “Very”

Mistake:
It’s very very cold today.
Correct:
It’s extremely cold today.

🔹 Why it’s wrong: Repeating “very” makes writing dull. Try stronger adjectives instead (like “extremely,” “freezing,” etc.).

13.  Incorrect Use of Apostrophes

Mistake:
Its raining.
Correct:
It’s raining.

🔹 What they mean:

• Its = belongs to it (The cat licked its paw.)

• It’s = it is (It’s a sunny day.)

14.  Forgetting to Capitalize Proper Nouns

Mistake:
i live in india.
Correct:
I live in India.

🔹 Why it’s wrong: Always capitalize “I” and names of people, countries, cities, and days.

15.  Too Many Sentences Without Punctuation

Mistake:
I went to school then I came home I ate lunch
Correct:
I went to school. Then, I came home. I ate lunch.

Why it’s wrong: Without punctuation, your sentence is hard to read. Break long sentences into smaller, clearer ones.

Tips to Improve Your Grammar Fast

Learning grammar doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. With the right steps, you can improve quickly and even enjoy the process! Here are some simple and powerful tips to help you speak and write better English every day.

1.  Read a Little Every Day

Reading books, articles, or even short stories helps you see grammar in action. You’ll learn how sentences are structured, how punctuation is used, and how words fit together naturally.

Try this:
Start with children’s books or simple English blogs. Gradually move to short novels or newspapers.

2.  Write Something Daily

Writing is one of the best ways to practice grammar. Keep a small diary and write a few lines daily about your day or feelings.

Example:
Today was a sunny day. I went to the market and bought fresh fruits.

3.  Listen to English

When you listen to English — through podcasts, audiobooks, or videos — you naturally absorb correct grammar and sentence structure.

Tip: Turn on English subtitles to follow along with the grammar and words being used.

4.  Ask Questions and Learn from Mistakes

Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher, friend, or even Google if you’re unsure about something. Every mistake is a chance to learn something new.

Example:
If you’re unsure about “He don’t” or “He doesn’t” — check it! (Hint: The correct one is “He doesn’t.”)

5.  Review the Basics Often

Even fluent speakers forget rules sometimes. Go over basic topics like verb tenses, parts of speech, and sentence structure regularly.

You don’t have to learn everything at once — take small steps.

6.  Use Grammar Apps or Websites

There are many free tools to help you improve your grammar. Apps like Grammarly, Duolingo, or even YouTube grammar lessons can be helpful and fun.

7.  Practice with Real Examples

Don’t just memorize rules. Use them in real life. Make your own sentences using new grammar rules you learn.

Example Rule: Subject + Verb + Object
Your sentence: I eat rice.

8.  Repeat and Revise

The more you repeat, the better you remember. Make flashcards of grammar rules, watch lessons again, or explain the rules to a friend.

Teaching someone else helps you remember better.

9.  Speak English Daily

Speaking helps you think in English and build confidence. Talk to yourself in the mirror, speak with a friend, or join a speaking club online.

10.  Be Patient — And Keep Going!

Improving grammar takes time, but every bit of effort helps. Don’t worry if you make mistakes. The important thing is that you keep learning and keep practicing.

Practice Exercises for Beginners

Learning grammar is one thing — practicing it is what makes you better! These beginner-friendly exercises will help you apply the rules you’ve learned in a fun and easy way. Grab a notebook or open a blank document and try these!

 1. Identify the Part of Speech

Instruction: Find the correct part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) for each underlined word.

Example Sentences:

1. The cat is sleeping.

2. She sings beautifully.

3. They bought a new car.

Answers:

1. Cat – Noun

2. Beautifully – Adverb

3. New – Adjective

 2. Make Sentences Using Grammar Rules

Instruction: Create simple sentences using this structure: Subject + Verb + Object

Examples:

1. I eat apples.

2. He plays cricket.

3. They watch movies.

Your Turn:

1. She ___________ a book.

2. We ___________ dinner.

3. You ___________ fast.

 3. Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Tense

Instruction: Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Example:

1. She ___ (go) to school every day. → She goes to school every day.

2. They ___ (play) football yesterday. → They played football yesterday.

Try These:

1. I ___ (be) happy today.

2. He ___ (eat) breakfast in the morning.

3. We ___ (watch) a movie last night.

 4. Spot the Grammar Mistake

Instruction: Find the error and correct the sentence.

Examples:

1. He don’t like tea. → 
   ✔ Correct: He doesn’t like tea.

2. They is going to school. → 
   ✔ Correct: They are going to school.

Try These:

1. She go to market every day.

2. We was late for class.

3. I am play cricket now.

 5. Capitalization and Punctuation Practice

Instruction: Rewrite the sentence using correct capital letters and punctuation.

Examples:

1. i like to read books → I like to read books.

2. she is my friend → She is my friend.

Try These:

1. my name is rita

2. where are you going

3. he is a good boy

 6. Make a Mini Story (5 Sentences)

Instruction: Write a short story using simple past tense and good sentence structure.

Example:
Yesterday, I woke up early. I brushed my teeth and took a shower. I ate my breakfast. Then I went to school. It was a good day.

Now You Try:
Write 5 sentences about your morning or a fun day you had.

Conclusion: Start Small, Grow Big!

Learning English grammar might feel hard at first, but it becomes easier when you take small steps every day. Whether you’re learning the parts of speech, fixing common grammar mistakes, or doing simple exercises — every effort counts.

Remember, you don’t need to be perfect, just better than yesterday. Practice regularly, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how real learning happens.

Use this guide as your starting point. Read more, write often, and keep speaking in English — even if it’s just with yourself. With time and practice, your grammar will become stronger, and so will your confidence!

Keep learning. Keep growing. You’ve got this!