by Phil Williams | Apr 13, 2021 | Definitions, Exercises, General English, Grammar, Words
Here’s an issue that confuses native English speakers: when and where to use an apostrophe with it. This has been covered a lot online, because these two words are very commonly confused, but I still get asked about it so hope my own explanation might reach a few more...
by Phil Williams | Nov 12, 2019 | Books, Exercises, Grammar
I’m delighted to announce that my latest English learning book is almost ready for release. This is my first exercise book, building on the success of the exercises on this website and the lessons provided in The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide. And...
by Phil Williams | Jun 27, 2019 | Exercises, Grammar
Taking a break between my examples of different tenses in use, this is a good time to share another English tenses exercise. You may know I’m developing an entire book of exercises to accompany The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide; it’s taken a long...
by Phil Williams | Jan 23, 2018 | Definitions, Exercises, General English, Grammar, Prepositions
The verb “to be” can be used in descriptive clauses or as an auxiliary verb to create certain grammatical structures, such as the continuous tenses and the passive voice. This can lead to confusion when a verb or verb form follows the verb “to be” – how do you...
by Phil Williams | Dec 22, 2016 | Definitions, Exercises, General English, Vocabulary, Words
Here on ELB, I’m always fond of highlighting seasonal language, with articles and exercises that help practice English at particular times of year. In much of the English-speaking world, Christmas is one of the biggest and most universally celebrated festivals,...
by Phil Williams | Nov 10, 2016 | Exercises, Prepositions, Reading Exercise
Below are the (slightly edited) opening paragraphs of the epic, classic novel Moby-Dick, by Herman Melville. Published in 1851, this story is studied in schools as one of the Great American Novels, and its opening line, “Call me Ishmael” is one of the most famous in...