by Phil Williams | Dec 8, 2016 | Definitions, General English, Grammar
With negative questions that require a yes or no, there can sometimes be confusion in the correct way to answer. Grammatically, you may assume that a negative question answered in the affirmative should be a negative statement (i.e. “Doesn’t it look good?” – “Yes it...
by Phil Williams | Sep 1, 2016 | Brighton and Hove, Grammar, Reading Exercise
One of the things Brighton is most famous for, and a common sight in any great English seaside resort, is piers. Following on from my brief tale of Walking on the Beach, then, the subject of piers is a good topic for our next spot the mistake reading exercise. Again,...
by Phil Williams | Jul 7, 2016 | Exercises, Grammar
The following quiz was originally posted on Goodreads – it’s a quick exercise to test understanding of different tense forms. The questions are based on the 12 basic English tense forms. Complete the following sentences using the appropriate tense form. In the given...
by Phil Williams | Jun 7, 2016 | Books, Exercises, General English, Grammar, Reading Exercise
Since I published The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide, I have been working on an exercise book to accompany it, 101 English Tenses Exercises. Containing no less than 101 exercises to really drill all the rules of the tenses. I need your help, though – my...
by Phil Williams | May 26, 2016 | Definitions, Exercises, Grammar
Following on from the quick exercises for negative simple statements, this exercise will test understanding of negative simple question forms. Negative simple questions are formed by placing do, did or will before the subject and not after the subject, or by forming a...
by Phil Williams | May 12, 2016 | Definitions, Grammar, Prepositions, Vocabulary, Words
A few weeks ago I wrote an article about the differences between the words plain and plane; it’s one of many articles I have on this site exploring confusing, or easily misunderstood, words and phrases. With so much content on this site, I thought it was time I...