Language? As T.S. Eliot put it, “I gotta use words when I talk to you.” I’ve tried everything else, from bananas to quasars, and I’m bound to say he got it right. We’ve got words, and we’ve got the way the words get put together. And then there’s the way we actually say them when we’re speaking.
I’ve put a few things together here, especially on the way words get put together (aka grammar), and I’m generally quite a good bet if you’re looking for a clear explanation for any particular problems you’re having.
Check out the carousel, and the posts table below it, and, if all else fails, try asking me directly!

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23 April 2026
An Introduction to Transformational Grammar: The Present Simple Tense & Basic Sentence Structure
A full-length introduction to transformational grammar covering basic sentence structure, the present...
23 April 2026
Spotlight on English: Advanced English Grammar
An advanced grammar series covering the present perfect and aspect, modal verbs, reported speech and...
09 June 2026
Have studied or have been studying? Why your textbook may be wrong | ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
Examines a group of verbs (live, work, study, teach, speak) for which the present perfect simple and...
09 June 2026
And or so? Why your student's wrong answer might be right | ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
Uses a classroom quiz question about "and" vs "so" to illustrate how unspecified context leads teachers...
23 April 2026
An Introduction to Transformational Grammar: The Present Simple Tense & Basic Sentence Structure (Video Series)
A video series introducing transformational grammar at beginner to intermediate level, covering basic...
09 June 2026
I'm glad you can come or I'm glad you could come | ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
Examines the difference between 'I'm glad you can come' and 'I'm glad you could come', showing how the...
23 April 2026
English in Context: Basic English Grammar
A grammar series teaching English in context at intermediate level, covering reported speech and backshift,...
09 June 2026
You cannot say may you | or can you? Good and bad language teaching | ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
Uses the example of 'may you' to illustrate good and bad language teaching practice. Explains the correct...
09 June 2026
She answered every question correctly and still failed the test | ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
A listening comprehension exercise in which a student answers every question correctly and still fails...
09 June 2026
Do you always need backshift in reported speech? ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
An examination of backshift in reported speech, explaining when it is required and when it is optional....
