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
Spotlight on English: Advanced English Grammar
An advanced grammar series covering the present perfect and aspect, modal verbs, reported speech and...
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...
09 June 2026
The passive voice: knowing how to make it is not enough | ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
Explains why teaching only how to form the passive voice is insufficient. Introduces the principle that...
23 April 2026
Transformational-Generative Grammar: A Practical Introduction
A digital flipbook providing a practical introduction to transformational-generative grammar, covering...
09 June 2026
It hasn't rained or hasn't been raining for a week | both correct? ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
Explains why both 'it hasn't rained for a week' and 'it hasn't been raining for a week' are grammatically...
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....
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
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
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...
09 June 2026
I'll do what she tells me vs I'll tell you what she'll do | ENGLISH IN CONTEXT
Explains why 'will' appears once in 'I'll do what she tells me' but twice in 'I'll tell you what she'll...
