Explores the overlap between the zero and first conditional, showing that the zero conditional can be used for future plans and policies as well as general truths. Explains why choosing between them is often more ambiguous than textbooks suggest.
Corrects the widespread textbook misconception that ‘been to’ always means ‘gone and come back’. Explains that ‘been to’ simply means having visited a place at some point in the past, regardless of current location.
Examines the difference between ‘I’m glad you can come’ and ‘I’m glad you could come’, showing how the choice depends on when the conversation takes place. Also addresses the could vs was/were able to rule.
Explains why both ‘it hasn’t rained for a week’ and ‘it hasn’t been raining for a week’ are grammatically correct, and why negative forms of the present perfect do not always mirror their positive counterparts.
An examination of backshift in reported speech, explaining when it is required and when it is optional. Challenges the common textbook rule that backshift is always necessary.
A curated playlist of grammar livestreams answering learner questions on a wide range of topics including modal verbs, reported speech, relative clauses, the infinitive and gerund, adverbial clauses, tense and aspect, prepositions, collocations, and connected speech.
A colour-coded analysis of Iron Maiden’s 1984 heavy metal adaptation of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, identifying what Steve Harris drew verbatim from Coleridge’s poem, what he borrowed from the 1817 marginal gloss, and what he invented himself.
A complete parallel-text comparison of the 1798 and 1817 versions of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, with the 1817 marginal gloss displayed alongside and changes between versions highlighted throughout.
An exploration of Shakespeare’s Stratford friends and social circle — Richard Quiney, Thomas Greene, Richard Field, and others — and what their lives reveal about the world Shakespeare came from.
An academic study guide examining Shakespeare’s Stratford friends and social circle — Richard Quiney, Thomas Greene, Richard Field, and others — and what their lives reveal about the world Shakespeare came from.