Grammar

Grammar is your tool kit.

With it, you can construct sentences and communicate your exact meaning. You can make the language work for you and make your speaking and writing more interesting and effective.

How to improve your grammar

Remember, it is not impossible. Start with the basics as these are the foundations to build your language progress on. Add to these step by step, a little at a time.

Listen to, and read English, to become more aware of grammar. Use the books and links on this website, and any other resources your tutor gives you.

Ask questions when you need help.

Do not be impatient or unrealistic. You cannot learn everything immediately. If you want to improve your grammar, focus on the mistakes you often make. Are they similar? Focus on solving this problem first.

Look for help online or, if you are on an English language course, ask your tutor. You can also email languagedevelopment@yorksj.ac.uk.

Where to practise using grammar

The following resources will help you improve your grammar. 

All grammar levels

• British Council
• BBC Learning English
• BBC 6 Minute Grammar
• Sentence structure in English: BBC Teach - Skillswise

Basic (Beginner level) grammar

• 'Essential Grammar in Use', Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press, various editions available)
• Essential Grammar in Use print / online bundle
• Study Zone, University of Victoria English Language Centre
• Sentence structure in English: BBC Teach - Skillswise

Pre-Intermediate grammar

• 'Essential Grammar in Use', Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press, various editions available)
• Essential Grammar in Use print / online bundle
• Study Zone, University of Victoria English Language Centre
• English Club - What is a sentence?
• Writing clearly - perfect sentences (PDF, 52.8 kB)
• 'Macmillan English Grammar in Context: Essential' (Oxford: Macmillan, 2008)

Intermediate grammar

• Study Zone, University of Victoria English Language Centre
• Linking words, University of Hull
• Punctuation, Cambridge Dictionary
• Explanations and practice exercises, British Council
• 'English Grammar in Use', Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press, various editions available)
• English Grammar in Use app
• 'Macmillan English Grammar in Context: Intermediate' (Oxford: Macmillan, 2008)

Upper Intermediate and Advanced grammar

• Study Zone, University of Victoria English Language Centre
• 'English Grammar in Use', Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press, various editions available)
• English Grammar in Use app
• 'Macmillan English Grammar in Context: Advanced' (Oxford: Macmillan, 2008)
• 'Advanced Grammar in Use,' Martin Hewings (Cambridge University Press, 2013)