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English language resources

Advanced English grammar

Some aspects of English grammar can be challenging, even for advanced speakers. This is because they are peculiar. Peculiar means unusual and special. These aspects of English grammar are peculiar because they are different from many other languages and even different from the way English usually works.

Using "they" correctly to refer to gender in English.
Using "they" for one person has a long history in English. This video looks at how to use personal pronouns.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Question tags
How the same words can form a question or statement in English. It all depends on how you use your voice.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Two of us
Describing how many people there are.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Only on Australia
When a sentence starts with a negative form, the main verb is usually expressed as a question. Have a look at how this is used in practice.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Suggest
The word "suggest" isn't used the same way as some other verbs and can be a bit tricky. Here are some examples of how to use it correctly. 


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Reported speech
How do you talk about what someone else has said? 


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

"Until" refers to a situation in the present continuing up to a certain point of time in the future, or a situation starting in the past which continued up to a certain point of time, or which may continue into the future. It may also refer to a time or situation that may not eventuate. It can be a  difficult word to master.
This video looks at how "until" can be used correctly.

 


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Colons and semi-colons

Many people avoid these two forms of punctuation because they feel unsure how to use them correctly. This video show you how you can use them in two clear and simple ways to improve your academic writing.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Apostrophes

The possessive apostrophe in English can be tricky.

This video looks at how to use it, with a special focus on how to apply it with plural nouns.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Gerund (-ing)

One of the most common grammar errors in English is forgetting or misusing the -ing form (gerund). This video shows how you need to use gerund after prepositions and certain verbs and explains the difference between 'stop / remember doing' and 'stop / remember to do'.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Research

Talking about research in your writing in English can be tricky.
Discover how to use terms such as "research", "study", "literature" or "article" correctly in your English academic writing.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

"Hope" or "wish"
Both of these verbs express a sentiment relating to a desire for something to occur or to be different, but using them correctly can be tricky.


Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success

Shifting stress

Some words can be used as nouns or verbs, but need to be stressed differently in each case. This video helps you understand how stress the correct  syllable depending on how the words are used.



Dr Martin McMorrow
Learning Coordinator
Student Success