English grammar is the set of rules that describes how words are formed and combined into sentences in English. Grammar helps us communicate clearly: it tells the listener who did what, when, and how.
Linguists study grammar in two main areas:
- Morphology — how words are built (play, plays, played, player).
- Syntax — how words are arranged into phrases, clauses and sentences.
The Main Parts of English Grammar
1. Parts of Speech
Every word has a job. The eight traditional parts of speech are nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections. Many grammars also treat determiners (a, the, this, some) as a separate class.
2. Sentence Structure
English usually follows subject → verb → object order. See how to structure sentences and what is a clause.
3. Tenses and Aspect
Verb forms show time and whether an action is complete or ongoing. See our guide to the 12 English tenses.
4. Agreement
Verbs must agree with their subjects. See subject-verb agreement.
5. Articles and Determiners
Choosing between a, an, the or no article is one of the hardest areas for learners. See how to use a, an and the.
6. Voice and Mood
Voice shows whether the subject acts or is acted upon (active and passive). Mood shows whether a sentence states a fact, gives a command or expresses a wish.
7. Punctuation
Strictly, punctuation belongs to writing rather than grammar, but it shows grammatical structure on the page. See punctuation rules.
Prescriptive vs Descriptive Grammar
Prescriptive grammar tells you how you should write in formal English (for example, in exams). Descriptive grammar describes how people actually speak and write. Both are useful: learn the standard rules, but understand that spoken English is often more relaxed.
How to Learn English Grammar
- Start with the basics: parts of speech, simple sentences and present tenses.
- Learn one topic at a time and practise it in your own sentences.
- Read widely to see grammar in context.
- Use a good reference book such as English Grammar in Use.
- Review your own common mistakes.
For a full plan, read how to learn English grammar step by step.
