Mastering English Grammar and Sentence Structure

Common Grammatical Corrections

Here are some common grammatical corrections to improve your English:

• We must make the most of it.
• Honestly, it doesn't matter.
• Could you speak more slowly? / Were you able to understand?
• What's the answer? Subtract eight from eight.
• Three hundred students took part in the competition.
• The students will have finished by tomorrow.
• Three will have run out of time.
• My sister isn't very keen on horror movies.
• Peter asked if he had eaten the chocolate.
• Bob hadn't seen her since she had gone by.
• I needed a cup of coffee. / I could have done with a cup of coffee.
• I'm not going to tolerate this. / I'm not capable of putting up with this.
• We went for a walk in spite of the rain.
• I'm sure it will be fine. / It is bound to be fine.
• Could I borrow some money? / Could you lend me some money?
• It's ages since my sister and I argued. / My sister and I have not fallen out for ages.
• We are friends although we have different opinions. / We are friends despite the fact that we have different opinions.
• Has John caught a cold? / Has John come down with a cold?
• I was really bored during the film. / I found the film really boring.
• I think it's time the children went to bed. / The children had better go to bed now.

Advanced Grammatical Corrections

• The problem we came up against was unexpected.
• It was a mistake not to apply for the job. / I wish I had applied for the job.
• Being rich has nothing to do with happiness.
• I can't wait to see you. / I'm looking forward to seeing you.
• The tourist trade has picked up recently.
• Historical buildings ought to be preserved by governments.
• The tennis players haven't finished the match yet.
• What time does your plane land? / Let me know when your plane lands.
• The family always spent their holidays at the seaside. / Holidays used to be spent at the seaside by the family.
• Physical exercise won't do you any harm.
• How does a rock climber differ from a mountaineer? / What is the difference between a rock climber and a mountaineer?
• This new dining room was not as big as the old one.
• It was not a good idea to turn down the offer. / You should not have turned down the offer.
• My teacher suggested that I spend more time practicing. / My teacher advised me to spend more time practicing.
• The film is not as interesting as the book. / The book was much more interesting than the film.
• Will your neighbors look after your plants? / Your neighbors will take care of your plants, won't they?
• Tom, wouldn't be interested in going to the museum, would he? / Tom, how about taking a trip to the museum?
• Miss Jones first started teaching us two years ago. / Miss Jones has been teaching us for two years.
• We are noticing that the cost of living appears to be rising.
• While we were going home, we met an old friend. / We were on our way home when we met an old friend.

Understanding the Causative 'Have'

The causative "have" is used to indicate that someone causes something to be done by someone else. Here are some examples:

1. Yesterday, I had my hair cut.
2. Every Friday, Joe has his car washed.
3. Tomorrow, she is going to have her shower repaired.
4. Each Saturday, we have a pizza delivered to our home.
5. Last year, Bob had his house cleaned by a charwoman.
6. As Phil had a broken arm, he had his texts typed by his secretary.
7. I will have the goods picked up tomorrow in the afternoon.
8. We had our walls redecorated last summer.
9. Whenever Clara is staying at this hotel, she has her bags carried into her room.
10. We had our last party organized by professionals.

More Examples of Causative 'Have'

• We usually have the bedrooms redecorated every two years.
• Sarah isn't making her own wedding dress; she's having it made by a designer.
• Have you ever had anything stolen from your house?
• He didn't repair his bike himself; he had it fixed at the shop.
• Your hair is too long. You need to have it cut.
• I'm not going to cook tonight; I'm going to have food delivered from the restaurant.
• If you can't read that sign, you should have your eyes tested.
• Are they going to paint the house themselves, or are they going to have it painted?

Mastering the Passive Voice

The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action rather than the doer of the action. Here are some examples:

• The words are explained at the bottom of the page.
• We were sent a letter of apology.
• This car will not be stolen because it has an alarm.
• This street has already been closed due to construction.
• A new restaurant will be opened next month.
• He was invited to the party.
• The blue box cannot be seen from here.
• I was given a book for my birthday.
• The dishes have not been washed yet.
• I will not be asked about my opinion.
• Paul will be sent to London next week.
• My brother has just been beaten in the race.
• He was told not to leave the house.
• I was not paid for the work I did.
• Policemen are often asked for directions.
• Their lawn is cut once a week.
• We will be asked to show our ID at the entrance.
• The towels were not used.
• The jewels have not been sold yet.
• They are taught French at school.
• The fire brigade was phoned immediately.
• You will be laughed at if you wear that hat.
• All the fruits were eaten up by the children.
• The email will be answered tomorrow.
• The best cookies are sold in this shop.