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Tamy Chapman, Helen Nam, and Brad Gilpin

English is a difficult language to learn because of its many obscure grammatical rules, which are fairly easy to mess up--even for native speakers. While it’s easy for non-native speakers to get overwhelmed by confusing grammar rules, in this course, we'll provide you with tips that will help you understand the rules more easily and give you lots of practice with the tricky grammar of everyday English.

Please note that the free version of this class gives you access to all of the instructional videos and handouts. The peer feedback and quizzes are only available in the paid version.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome
This is the third course in the Learn English: Intermediate Grammar specialization. Learning English can be tricky, and in this class you'll focus on some of those tricky issues. You'll get clear explanations about the difficult grammar points and practice in using them correctly.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides clear explanations about difficult grammar points and practice in using them correctly
Designed for non-native speakers who want to improve their understanding of English grammar
Covers a variety of tricky grammar points commonly misused by language learners
Offers lots of practice to help learners use nouns and articles correctly
Taught by experienced instructors who provide clear explanations and guidance

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Reviews summary

Understand tricky english grammar points

According to learners, this course offers clear explanations on tricky English grammar points like articles, gerunds, and phrasal verbs. Many found the content practical and helpful for improving their English. The handouts are great resources. However, a common point is that essential practice exercises and quizzes are only available in the paid version, which some found disappointing for the free track. There were mixed opinions on the course depth and pace, with some expecting more advanced content or finding certain sections rushed. Overall, it's seen as a solid foundation for specific grammar challenges, particularly if accessing the paid features.
Practice is vital for applying rules.
"The quizzes helped reinforce learning."
"Disappointed that all practice was behind a paywall."
"I wish more practice was available without paying."
Supplementary materials are helpful.
"The handouts are great resources."
"Provides useful handouts."
"Handouts clarify difficult points."
Tackles specific difficult areas well.
"Covered tricky points well."
"Found the gerunds and infinitives module very useful."
"Covered topics I always messed up."
"Helped me understand tricky issues."
Explains complex grammar simply.
"Excellent explanations, especially for articles."
"Clear, concise, practical."
"This course really clarified confusing grammar rules."
"Clear instruction and useful practice."
Some modules needed more detail or time.
"Expected more depth."
"Didn't feel like it covered *tricky* grammar points sufficiently."
"I felt the pace was uneven."
"Some explanations weren't as clear as others."
Quizzes and feedback require payment.
"The peer feedback and quizzes are only available in the paid version."
"Need to pay for quizzes which are essential."
"Disappointed that all practice was behind a paywall."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Tricky English Grammar with these activities:
Read 'Intermediate English Grammar' by Raymond Murphy
Gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of English grammar rules and their usage.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
  • Read through the book at a steady pace.
  • Take notes on the key grammar concepts.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Review the material regularly.
Quizlet Practice
Engage in interactive practice to enhance your understanding and retention of English grammar.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Create a Quizlet account.
  • Find or create a grammar quizlet set.
  • Study the quizlet set using flashcards, games, or other activities.
Organize a Grammar Study Group
Collaborate with fellow students to review and practice English grammar concepts.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Find a group of students who are also interested in improving their grammar skills.
  • Set up a regular meeting time and place.
  • Create a study plan that covers the grammar concepts you want to review.
  • Take turns leading the study sessions.
  • Work together to solve grammar problems and improve your understanding.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Conjugation Drills
Improve your ability to conjugate English verbs correctly by completing regular practice drills.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Identify the subject of the sentence.
  • Determine the tense of the verb.
  • Conjugate the verb according to the subject and tense.
Participate in Online English Grammar Forums
Engage in discussions with native English speakers to improve your understanding and fluency.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Find an active online English grammar forum.
  • Join the forum and create a profile.
  • Participate in discussions by asking questions, answering questions, and providing feedback.
Write Blog Posts on English Grammar
Strengthen your knowledge and understanding of English grammar by teaching it to others.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Choose a specific grammar topic or concept.
  • Research the topic thoroughly.
  • Write a blog post that explains the topic clearly and concisely.
  • Proofread your blog post and publish it.
  • Share your blog post with others and ask for feedback.
Create a Grammar Presentation
Deepen your understanding of English grammar by presenting it to others.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Choose a specific grammar topic or concept.
  • Research the topic thoroughly.
  • Create a PowerPoint presentation that explains the topic clearly and concisely.
  • Practice your presentation.
  • Deliver your presentation to your classmates, friends, or family.

Career center

Learners who complete Tricky English Grammar will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Writer
Writers create content for a variety of purposes, including informing, educating, entertaining, or persuading. They may specialize in a particular type of writing, such as fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or technical writing. This course can help writers improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing clear, concise, and effective writing. The course also covers topics such as word choice, style, and tone, which can help writers develop their voice and create a consistent brand.
Editor
Editors review, edit, and revise written material. They may work for a variety of organizations, including publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, and businesses. This course can help editors improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing polished and error-free content. The course also covers topics such as style, tone, and organization, which can help editors ensure that written material is clear, concise, and effective.
Journalist
Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for a variety of organizations, including newspapers, magazines, television, and radio stations. This course can help journalists improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing clear, concise, and accurate reporting. The course also covers topics such as research methods, interviewing techniques, and writing for different audiences.
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. They may develop and implement public relations campaigns, write press releases, and give presentations to the media. This course can help public relations specialists improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing clear, concise, and persuasive communication. The course also covers topics such as media relations, crisis communication, and social media management.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. This course can help marketing managers improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing clear, concise, and persuasive marketing materials. The course also covers topics such as market research, advertising, and public relations.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. This course can help sales managers improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing clear, concise, and persuasive sales presentations. The course also covers topics such as sales techniques, customer relationship management, and negotiation.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives provide assistance to customers by phone, email, or chat. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. This course can help customer service representatives improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for providing clear, concise, and helpful assistance to customers. The course also covers topics such as customer relations, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants provide administrative and clerical support to executives and other professionals. They may work in a variety of settings, including offices, schools, and hospitals. This course can help administrative assistants improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing clear, concise, and professional correspondence. The course also covers topics such as office management, scheduling, and presentation software.
Teacher
Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. They may specialize in a particular subject area, such as English, math, or science. This course can help teachers improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for communicating effectively with students. The course also covers topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment.
Librarian
Librarians help patrons find and access information. They may work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. This course can help librarians improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for providing clear and helpful assistance to patrons. The course also covers topics such as library science, research methods, and information literacy.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, document preparation, and other legal tasks. They may work in a variety of settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. This course can help paralegals improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing clear and concise legal documents. The course also covers topics such as legal research, legal writing, and ethics.
Interpreter
Interpreters translate spoken language from one language to another. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and courts. This course can help interpreters improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for communicating accurately and effectively between different languages. The course also covers topics such as interpreting techniques, ethics, and cultural awareness.
Translator
Translators translate written text from one language to another. They may work in a variety of settings, including publishing houses, translation agencies, and businesses. This course can help translators improve their grammar and usage, which is essential for producing accurate and clear translations. The course also covers topics such as translation techniques, ethics, and cultural awareness.

Reading list

We've selected 27 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Tricky English Grammar.
Comprehensive guide to English grammar for intermediate learners. It provides clear explanations of grammar rules, with plenty of practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of English grammar.
This comprehensive grammar of English valuable resource for students and teachers alike. It provides a detailed overview of the structure and usage of the English language, with plenty of examples and exercises.
A comprehensive and authoritative reference grammar of English, providing detailed explanations and examples. Suitable for advanced learners and professionals who need a deep understanding of English grammar.
This handbook of English grammar valuable resource for students and teachers alike. It provides a detailed overview of the structure and usage of the English language, with plenty of examples and exercises.
A comprehensive textbook for advanced learners, providing detailed explanations and exercises on complex grammar points. Particularly useful for those preparing for academic or professional exams.
A comprehensive reference guide for English grammar, providing clear explanations and ample practice exercises. Particularly useful for building a solid foundation in English grammar.
More advanced grammar reference, suitable for students who have already mastered the basics of English grammar. It covers a wide range of topics, from complex sentence structures to idiomatic expressions.
This grammar of English is written by two leading experts in the field. It comprehensive and authoritative reference, suitable for students and teachers alike.
Comprehensive and authoritative reference grammar of English. It is written by leading experts in the field of English grammar, and it provides a wealth of information on all aspects of English grammar.
A classic guide to writing clear and concise English, this book is useful for learners who want to improve their writing skills.
A practical guide to English usage, covering common grammar and usage issues. Provides clear explanations and examples, making it a valuable reference for everyday writing and speaking.
This dictionary of English usage classic work that is still widely used today. It provides clear and concise guidance on the correct usage of words and phrases.
This dictionary of English comprehensive and authoritative reference, suitable for students and teachers alike.
This dictionary of English grammar valuable resource for students and teachers alike. It provides clear and concise definitions of grammatical terms.
Concise and accessible guide to English grammar for intermediate and advanced learners. It provides clear explanations of grammar rules, with plenty of examples and exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of English grammar.
Corpus-based grammar of English. It provides a comprehensive overview of English grammar, based on the analysis of a large corpus of real-world English text.
This classic guide to writing style is essential reading for anyone who wants to improve their English writing skills. It offers clear and concise advice on everything from grammar to punctuation to style.
A four-level grammar course for intermediate to advanced learners. Provides clear explanations, practice exercises, and authentic texts to develop grammar skills.
Corpus-based grammar of English that focuses on the grammar of real-world English text. It provides a comprehensive overview of English grammar, based on the analysis of a large corpus of real-world English text.
Comprehensive guide to English grammar for advanced learners. It provides clear explanations of grammar rules, with plenty of practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of English grammar.
Comprehensive guide to English grammar for advanced learners. It provides clear explanations of grammar rules, with plenty of practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of English grammar.
Comprehensive guide to English grammar for students of English as a second language. It provides clear explanations of grammar rules, with plenty of practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of English grammar.
Functional grammar of English. It provides a comprehensive overview of English grammar, with a focus on the functional uses of grammar in real-world English text.

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