Grammar rules: make clear choices in everyday English
Build a basic sentence with a subject and verb, then check agreement, small words such as a and the, and the order of the remaining information.
Everyday listening
Start with short recordings, then work through longer phrases. Listen once for the situation and again for the words.
Sign in to save phrases and report a problem
Hear and listen: what is the difference?
Use hear for receiving or noticing a sound. Use listen, usually listen to, for paying attention to a sound, a person, or a message.
Hear or listen: receiving sound and paying attention
Use hear when you notice or receive a sound. Use listen when you pay attention, usually with to before the person, sound, or thing you are listening to.
Him and his: use object and possessive forms correctly
Use him for a male person as the object of a verb or preposition. Use his to show that something belongs to that person, usually before a noun.
Home or house: what's the difference?
A house is a building for people to live in. Home is the place where a person lives, and it can also mean a feeling of belonging. We usually say go home, not go to home.
How to study English effectively: a learner guide
Choose a short regular study time, work on one clear task, use English in more than one way, and review a few useful words or sentences later in the week.
I or me: choose the subject or object form
Use I as the subject; use me as the object of a verb or preposition. With two names, remove the other name and test the speaker alone.
Imperatives: instructions, requests, and warnings
Use the base verb to make an imperative: Turn left, Read the label, or Please sit down. For a negative imperative, use do not or don't before the base verb: Do not run or Don't forget your key. The subject you is usually omitted because the instruction is for the listener.
Improve your English: a practical learning plan
Choose one small goal, practice English on several days, and use more than one skill. Keep a short note about new words and one thing you can do better next week.
Irregular verbs: a useful past-tense reference and practice method
Learn an irregular verb as a three-part set: the base form, the past simple, and the past participle. Use the past simple for a finished past action, such as We went home. Use the past participle after have, has, or had, such as We have gone home.
Irregular verbs: choose the past form you need
Learn each irregular verb in three forms. Use the past simple for a completed past action, use the past participle after have, has, or had, and use the base form after did.
Its, it's, your, or you're? Choose the right spelling
Use its or your before a noun. Use it's when you can say it is or it has. Use you're when you can say you are.