Basic English Communicative Grammar and Vocabulary PART - I
In this section, we'll cover the fundamentals of English Grammar and Vocabulary. These
basics are crucial for effective communication in English, both in writing and speaking.
Grammar: Basic English Grammar and Parts of Speech
Basic English Grammar involves understanding the structure of sentences and how words
function within those sentences. Here's a breakdown:
1. Parts of Speech
The parts of speech are the basic building blocks of English grammar. They describe the role a
word plays in a sentence. The eight main parts of speech are:
1. Noun: A person, place, thing, or idea.
Example: dog, city, happiness
2. Pronoun: A word that takes the place of a noun.
Example: he, she, it, they
3. Verb: A word that expresses action or being.
Example: run, eat, is, seem
4. Adjective: A word that describes or modifies a noun.
Example: beautiful, tall, happy
5. Adverb: A word that describes or modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
Example: quickly, very, happily
6. Preposition: A word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and
another word in the sentence.
Example: in, on, at, under
7. Conjunction: A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses.
Example: and, but, because
8. Interjection: A word or phrase that expresses strong emotion or sudden feeling.
Example: wow, ouch, oh
2. Articles and Prepositions
Articles
There are three articles in English: a, an, and the.
Indefinite Articles: a and an are used when talking about something in general, not
specific.
o a is used before words that begin with a consonant sound: a cat, a dog.
o an is used before words that begin with a vowel sound: an apple, an hour.
Definite Article: the is used when referring to something specific.
o Example: the book (specific book you’re talking about), the sun (only one sun in
the sky).
Prepositions
Prepositions show relationships between nouns (or pronouns) and other words in a sentence.
Some common prepositions include:
In, on, at (place/time)
Above, below, under, over (location)
For, to, with (purpose, direction)
Examples:
The cat is on the table.
I will meet you at 5 PM.
She is sitting in the chair.
3. Question Tags
Question tags are short questions at the end of statements. They usually ask for confirmation or
agreement.
If the statement is positive, the question tag is negative.
o Example: She is coming, isn't she?
If the statement is negative, the question tag is positive.
o Example: He isn't here, is he?
Some common question tags:
isn't it, aren't they, don't you, didn't he, etc.
4. One Word Substitutes
One-word substitutes are words used in place of a group of words to make sentences more
concise. Here are some examples:
A person who writes books: Author
A person who studies insects: Entomologist
A place where books are kept: Library
A machine that takes photographs: Camera
A person who repairs cars: Mechanic
5. Strong and Weak Forms of Words
In English, some words have strong and weak forms. This typically applies to auxiliary verbs,
prepositions, and articles, which may be pronounced differently depending on their use in the
sentence.
Examples of Strong and Weak Forms:
Can:
o Weak: /kən/ in “I can go.”
o Strong: /kæn/ in “I can do it.”
Have:
o Weak: /həv/ in “I have done it.”
o Strong: /hæf/ in “I have the book.”
The weak form is used when these words are unstressed, typically in conversational speech. The
strong form is used when the word is stressed or emphasized.
Vocabulary: Introduction to Vocabulary
Vocabulary refers to the set of words used in a language. It includes words that are used in
speaking, writing, and reading. A strong vocabulary is key to effective communication, as it
enables you to express yourself clearly and precisely.
All Types of Vocabulary
Vocabulary can be categorized into different types:
1. Active Vocabulary: Words that you use regularly in speaking and writing.
o Example: happy, book, study
2. Passive Vocabulary: Words that you understand when reading or listening but may not
use in daily speech or writing.
o Example: gargantuan, obscure
3. Formal Vocabulary: Used in official or professional communication.
o Example: commence, terminate, significant
4. Informal Vocabulary: Used in casual conversations and informal contexts.
o Example: kids (children), guy (man), wanna (want to)
5. Academic Vocabulary: Words used in academic settings, especially in research, reports,
and discussions.
o Example: analyze, investigate, hypothesis
6. Technical Vocabulary: Specialized words used in specific fields or professions.
o Example: algorithm (computer science), turbine (engineering)
Exercises on Vocabulary
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate preposition
She arrived ___ the airport.
He walked ___ the park.
The book is ___ the table.
Exercise 2: Identify whether the word is used in a formal or informal context
“I’ll go check that out later” – (Informal/Formal)
“We need to commence the meeting” – (Informal/Formal)
Exercise 3: Choose the correct article
___ dog is barking.
___ apple a day keeps the doctor away.
___ earth revolves around the sun.
Understanding these basic elements of grammar and vocabulary will enhance your
communicative skills, helping you become more proficient in both speaking and writing English.
