5 Tricky Grammar Rules You Need to Remember

Summary

In this engaging grammar lesson, Wes from Interactive English explains five tricky grammar rules to enhance English fluency. He clarifies the distinction between 'who' and 'whom' using simple tricks, discusses spelling variations between American and British English, and introduces gender-neutral pronouns. Wes also covers irregular plural nouns, highlighting common examples, and addresses the pronunciation of silent letters. With practical tips and a friendly approach, he encourages learners to improve their skills through consistent practice, including online classes with Lingoda, making this lesson both informative and accessible for English learners.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Who vs. Whom**: Use 'who' for the subject and 'whom' for the object in sentences.
• 😀 **Memory Tip**: If you can replace the word with 'he/she,' use 'who'; if 'him/her' fits, use 'whom.'
• 😀 **Spelling Differences**: Be aware of variations between American and British English (e.g., 'color' vs. 'colour').
• 😀 **Consistency is Key**: Stick to one spelling style (American or British) throughout your writing.
• 😀 **Gender-Neutral Pronouns**: Use 'they' as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun when gender is unknown.
• 😀 **Irregular Plurals**: Some nouns have irregular plural forms (e.g., 'child' → 'children').
• 😀 **Common Plural Rules**: For nouns ending in 'f' or 'fe,' change to 'v' and add 'es' (e.g., 'leaf' → 'leaves').
• 😀 **Silent Letters**: English has many silent letters; learn specific combinations to avoid mispronunciation.
• 😀 **Pronunciation Tips**: Use subtitles while watching videos and audiobooks to improve pronunciation.
• 😀 **Practice Resources**: Explore pronunciation video lessons for commonly mispronounced words.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on helping viewers improve their English skills, specifically by discussing five tricky grammar rules.

What is the difference between 'who' and 'whom'?

'Who' is used as a subject in a sentence, while 'whom' is used as an object of a verb or preposition.

How can you determine whether to use 'who' or 'whom'?

A simple trick is to replace the unknown word with 'he/she' for 'who' or 'him/her' for 'whom'. If 'he/she' fits, use 'who'; if 'him/her' fits, use 'whom'.

What common mistake do people make when using 'who' and 'whom' in spoken English?

Many people use 'who' instead of 'whom' in spoken English, which is a common practice in the United States.

What are some differences between American and British English spelling?

Notable differences include words like 'theater' (American) vs. 'theatre' (British) and 'color' (American) vs. 'colour' (British).

What should you do if you're unsure about which spelling to use?

You can use either American or British spelling, but it's important to be consistent throughout your writing.

How should you refer to a baby when the gender is unknown?

You can refer to the baby simply as 'the baby', as there is no widely accepted gender-neutral pronoun for this context.

What is the recommended gender-neutral pronoun to use when the gender of a person is unknown?

The singular 'they' is increasingly accepted as a gender-neutral pronoun, even though it is traditionally a plural pronoun.

What are some examples of irregular plural nouns mentioned in the video?

Examples include 'child' becoming 'children', 'foot' becoming 'feet', 'wolf' becoming 'wolves', and 'leaf' becoming 'leaves'.

What is suggested to help with the pronunciation of silent letters in English?

To improve pronunciation of silent letters, it is recommended to use subtitles while watching shows, listen to audiobooks while reading, and watch specific pronunciation video lessons.